Malaysian Winter Market in NYC

What better way to promote Malaysian food than by organizing a Malaysian food event in New York City's iconic Bryant Park? Big cities are perfect platforms to showcase Malaysian food to a multitude of people. The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) is a governmental body in charge of this promotional effort and I am pleased to know that the Malaysian government is taking effort to promote Malaysian food in the United States.

As I was going through my twitter feed, something caught my eye that read: "The Malaysian Winter Market at Bryant Park’s Fountain Terrace". As I proceeded to find out more about this Malaysian food event, I realized that the event will be held in New York City less than a week from today.

Watch the video below and you'll know that New Yorkers aren't all that unfamiliar with Malaysian food after all!

Malaysian Food Dictionary

Roti Jala (Roe-Tee Jah-Luh): This teatime favorite literally means 'Net Bread' due to its net-like appearance. The crêpe's batter is mixture of plain flour, eggs, butter, coconut milk and a dash of turmeric for color. It is then cooked on a hot greased griddle, folded or rolled and served with chicken curry on the side! Delicious!

Roti Jala (Malaysian Net Crêpe)

For updates on Malaysian food happenings in NYC make sure to follow @MalaysiaKitchen on Twitter!!!!

-That Malaysian Boy-

MOM'S FOOD: TO DIE FOR

The one thing I do not like about being half way across the globe from home is the fact that I can't have the luxury of eating a home-cooked meal. I am sure many of you crave for your mom's cooked-to-perfection pork roast or that made-with-love beef casserole from time to time, right?

That was certainly the case for me these past couple of days as I looked through pictures from home. I would kill die for a serving of mom's 'Devil Curry' or 'Pork Ambilla Curry' right now. It is only natural to crave for food that I grew up eating at home - Malaysian Portuguese Eurasian Food.

Within the pluralists cultures of Malaysia, Eurasians (also referred to as the Kristangs, pronounced 'Kris-tongues') form a minority group in Malaysia. Malaysian Eurasians are are mainly descendants of the Portuguese settlers who came to Malacca (a state in the southern part of West Malaysia) during the European occupation in 1511. These settlers married local women and created this unique community of mix-raced people. Even after generations of inter-marriages and the assimilation into the local Malay culture, the Eurasians have managed to preserve their culture and traditions till today. Many Eurasians in Malacca, like my grandmother and mother, take pride in their distinct culinary tradition.

Moving away from the mini-history lesson...

I am going to introduce you to a few Malaysian Eurasian dishes that are sure to whet your appetite. These dishes also happen to be my favorite ones!

Portuguese Debal Curry a.k.a 'Devil Curry'
This is a hot and fiery dish is made with mustard seeds, turmeric, vinegar, candle nuts and lots of fresh red chilies blended in a thick paste and -hence its name- and cooked with smoked pork or chicken and potatoes. It is usually served with hot rice or bread. This dish is heavenly for some but hellishly fiery for the feeble tummies out there.

Eurasian Beef Semur (Beef Suh-Moore)
Feeble tummies out there will love this hearty and peppery beef stew.  The beef is first marinated with  pepper, vinegar, ginger and garlic then it is cooked with potatoes and carrots to perfection.

Ambilla Curry (Ahm-bee-luh -curry)
This dish , affectionately known as 'Rain-Rain Curry' in my household, is usually cooked with beef and long beans. Other variations include cooking it with pork, luncheon meat and eggplant. Tamarind juice also is added to give this dish that appetizing sour tang.

Restaurants that serve Eurasian food in Malaysia aren't common, let alone in the United States. However, the best of this unique cuisine can be found in households that maintain this culinary tradition. I have definitely tried my hand at cooking Beef Semur just to satisfy my cravings and it turned out pretty damn good, I might add. I realized that looking at pictures of food and blogging about it also does not help my food craving in any way!

More deliciously Malaysian food to come!

-That Malaysian Boy-

SELAMAT DATANG!

pronounced {SUH-LAH-MAHT DAH-TONGUE}

As the title suggests in my native language - "WELCOME!"

Kuala Lumpur's City Skyline

MALAYSIA, a country you may have heard of but have never actually had an idea of where it is located or what it is about. Having been born and bred in the capital city, Kuala Lumpur, I am no stranger to its land, people, culture and FOOD.

Land
Geographically,  Malaysia is almost as diverse as its culture because it is home to prehistoric rainforests and countless animal and plant species. Malaysia is located right above the equator in South East Asia and is separated into two parts by the South China Sea. The Western Peninsula is where its capital city, Kuala Lumpur, is located.

People & Culture
With a population of 29 million, Malaysia prides itself for being both culturally and ethnically diverse. The main ethnic groups include the Malays, Chinese and Indians, along with other indigenous groups. Malaysians are known for being very hospitable to their guests.

Food
Malaysia is undoubtedly one of the top food destinations in the world to satisfy any culinary yearning. Its food is an eclectic amalgamation of flavors influenced by Malay, Chinese, Indian, Eurasian and even Western food. Any Malaysian or anyone who has traveled to Malaysia will rave about their Malaysian food experience.

"World's 50 Most Delicious Foods 2012" - CNN
"The World's Top 10 Cities for Street Food 2012" - Forbes
"The Best Countries For Food" - Lonely Planet

These are just a few mouth-watering Malaysian dishes...

'Bak Kut Teh' (Bah-Koot-Tay)
Literally translated as "Meat Bone Tea" where pork ribs are simmered in a concoction of Chinese herbs with Goji berries.

'Banana Leaf Rice'
Heavily influenced by Southern Indian food, this meal is a favorite among Malaysians during lunch time. Fried marinated chicken, lentil and chicken curry along with rice are served on a banana leaf. Preferably consumed by hand. 

'Nasi Lemak' (Nah-See Luh-Mahk)
A popular dish to start a typical Malaysian's day. It is rice cooked with coconut milk and served with chili paste, hard boiled eggs, cucumbers, peanuts and anchovies. Occasionally, it is served with chicken curry on the side.

It is no surprise that Malaysian food has found its way into American tastebuds. In my personal travels, I have encountered numerous authentic restaurants in New York City, Chicago, Minneapolis as well as Miami! This blog will bring your taste buds on a tantalizing (albeit virtual) journey as we explore Malaysian cuisine and its presence in the United States.

Watch this space for more to come!

-That Malaysian Boy-