Malaysian Chinese Food

Chinese merhants and traders have long ago been linked to the Malayan Penisula in the South China Sea.The natural port of Malacca was a strategic trading post and a vital link to other traders from far across the globe.In order to establish trade and diplomatic ties,the ruling Chinese Emperor ordered a royal entourage to escort Princess Hang Li Po to marry sultan Malacca.This historic junture marked the first Chinese settlers in the port town of Malacca on the Malayan Penisular.Many of these early settlers intermarried  and integrated with local Malays,forming  a new community called Peranakan.

The Chinese brought with them not only their skills, culture, languages and customs but also the various provincial styles of Chinese cuisines. Chinese cuisine in Malaysia is mainly Cantonese, Hokkien, Hainanese, Teochew and Hakka styles of cooking. Chinese cuisine is generally milder compared to Malay or Indian fare. But thanks to the influence from this multiethnic country, Chinese cuisine in Malaysia, has taken on a spicier touch, often reinventing classic Chinese dishes. Many Chinese dishes are unique in Malaysia and not found in China. Chilies are used frequently to bestow fiery hotness to many of it's dishes such as the famous Chilli Crab- also known as Singapore Chili Crab in Singapore

 

Example of Malaysian Chinese Food

• Hainan Chicken Rice : originating from Hainan in China, this dish is ubiquitous, one of the most popular everyday meal. Chicken is slow poached whole, allowed to cool to room temperature and cut up into bite-sized pieces. Rice is then cooked with the flavorful chicken broth. Cucumbers, scallions and cilantro garnishes the chicken. A small side of the chicken broth is usually served as well. And always - a must-have dipping sauce made of red chilies, garlic, ginger and lime juice completes the meal.

• Yong Tau Foo: Tofu stuffed with Fish Mousse - Tau Foo means tofu or soy bean cakes in Chinese dialect. Deep fried tofu cakes and vegetables - bitter gourd, whole red chilies, zucchini - are stuffed with a fish mousse or pate, then steamed or boiled and served with a dipping sauce.

 

  

• Clay Pot Rice : This one-pot rice meal has a smoky exotic aroma, best baked with a sweet Chinese sausage called Lap Cheong. The crispy part of the rice at the bottom of the clay pot is savored. Clay Pot Rice can now be found with a variety of meats or seafood, from beef to ostrich. Many restaurants also have clay pot 'dishes' on their menus - Clay pot Mee (noodles), Clay pot Tofu (soy bean cake), Clay pot Fish, Clay pot Soup which food cooked in clay pots are not only flavorful, but retain the most nutrition as well.