Essential Malaysian dishes to learn while on holiday

by Nazlina
(Penang Malaysia)

I am Nazlina. I run a traditional cooking class at Tropical Spice Garden in Penang. For the last six months since starting this project, I get students from all over the world who come to learn cooking Malaysian food with me.

Invariably I got asked these questions:
1. Where are the best Malay restaurants in Penang?
2. What are the must-eat food to try out?
3. Where can they buy spices in Penang?

Answers:
1.A proper Malay restaurants is not really available in George Town. A few available ones are small and not upmarket. My suggestion is always, go to a local night market (not the touristy one like the one at Batu Ferringhi) and buy small bits of food here and there to taste them. Another trick is to go to the morning wet market where there will be hawkers. Else, go outside George Town like at Sungai Dua, Tanjung Tokong and Bayan Baru where there are a few big stalls which sell fabulous Malay lunch.

2. I say you must try nasi lemak and sambal ikan bilis. Beef rendang and
laksa

3. Go to Little India in George Town. You will be overwhelmed by the sight and sound of the place.

There you have it, an insider tip about Malaysian food. Enjoy!