Hj. Zulheimy Ma'amor: MALAYSIAN FOODS - WESTERN CUISINE IN MALAYSIA

Continue from: MALAYSIAN FOODS - INDIAN CUISINE

Western cuisine is widely available and enjoyed in Malaysia, both in its traditional form and with local adaptations. While you'll find classic dishes like pasta, fish and chips, and chicken chop in many eateries, some places also offer unique Malaysian-Western fusion dishes, sometimes with a local twist on traditional recipes.

Such popular western cuisine in Malaysia are dishes like burgers, steaks, chicken chop, pasta, spagetthi, fish and chips etc...

There are many hotels, cafe and restaurants in Malaysia offer western-style buffets with a mix of cold and hot dishes, including appetizers, main courses and desserts.

Western food is easily found in Malaysia, from streets food stalls to fine dining restaurants, cafe and 5-star hotels. However, many of this western style food are adapted to local tastes and preferences, sometimes incorporating Malaysian ingredients and flavors, for example like Burger Tomyam, Chicken Chop with Fried Rice, Spaghetti Tomyam etc...

AGLIO OLIO SPAGHETTI

Flavourful pasta with a rich history dating back to the 1950s in Italy. The name Aglio (garlic) and Olio (Oil) refers to garlic and oil, specifically extra virgin olive oil and traditionally made with spaghetti pasta.

Malaysian Aglio Olio typically incorporates local flavors and ingredients, unlike the traditional Italian vendors. Comomon additions include chili flakes or chili paste for heat, seafood like prawns, however, remains similar, with garlic, olive oil and spaghetti. Malaysian versions of Aglio Olio often introduce a unique blend of flavors that are characteristic of Malaysian cuisine.

AGLIO OLIO SPAGHETTI IN MALAYSIA

AGLIO OLIO WITH SALMON

ALVEOLI CAFE, TUANKU MIZAN ARMED FORCES HOSPITAL, WANGSA MAJU, KUALA LUMPUR

Among the Western food served at Alveoli Cafe, a cafe that is my wife and I's favorite every time we have follow-up treatment at the Armed Forces Hospital.

BEEF STEAK

A beef steak is a cut of beef, typically sliced from the fleshy part of the animal and cooked quickly using dry heat like grilling or pan-frying. Steaks are generally cut perpendicular to the muscle fibers, which can make them more tender and juicy. Common examples include ribeye, sirloin, and porterhouse.

Beef steak is one of the western foods that is a favorite among people in Malaysia today.

BEGEDIL

Begedil is a Malaysian term for deep fried potato patty usually eaten alongside other Malaysian curries and this is a family favourite of ours. Some like it with bits of browned mince beef but I prefer mine plain with the exception of chopped cilantro,green onions and fried shallots.

MALAYSIAN CARBONARA

Spaghetti Carbonara is one of Malaysia's most popular pasta dishes, served everywhere from cafes to a roadside stalls and fusion restaurants.

Originated from Italy, its popularity in Malaysia lises in its versatility, combine it with anything to recreate this tasty dish according to local influences.

CHICKEN CHOP

Chicken chop, despite its Western-sounding name, is a beloved Malaysian dish, not a direct import from the West. It's a fusion dish, heavily influenced by Hainanese cooks who adapted Western cooking techniques and flavors to suit local palates during the British colonial era. Think of it as a Malaysian-born comfort food, often found in kopitiams and other eateries, with variations in preparation and presentation.

It's become a staple in Malaysian cuisine, found not only in traditional kopitiams but also in various restaurants and food stalls.

CHICKEN NUGGET

A chicken nugget is a food product consisting of a small piece of deboned chicken meat that is breaded or battered, then deep-fried or baked. Developed in the 1950s by finding a way to make a coating adhere, chicken nuggets have become a very popular fast food restaurant item, and are widely sold frozen for home use.

There are many variations of chicken nuggets in Malaysia such as Tempura Nugget, Tyson's, Ayamas, Ramly Burger and others.

CHICKEN WING

Malaysian chicken wings are known for their bold, savory, and often spicy flavors, stemming from a unique blend of spices and cooking methods. Commonly, they are marinated in a mixture of ingredients like lemongrass, garlic, ginger, chili, and various spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. The wings are then either deep-fried, grilled, or baked, often resulting in crispy skin and flavorful meat.

DOWN MEMORY LANE : DELIFRANCE

Délifrance is a French bakery and cafe chain that has operated in Malaysia since 1990, with a presence in various locations including Klang Valley, Seremban, and Johor. It offers a range of authentic French pastries, signature sandwiches, hot meals, and freshly brewed coffee. While it experienced a period of closure in 2016, it relaunched in Malaysia in 2020 with an outlet in Publika Shopping Gallery.

DUNKIN DONUTS IN MALAYSIA

Dunkin', formerly known as Dunkin' Donuts, has been a presence in Malaysia since 1987, with its first outlet in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. The brand is operated by Golden Donuts Sdn. Bhd., the master franchisee in Malaysia. There are over 80 outlets across Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, and they are committed to delivering fresh, quality products and excellent customer service. Dunkin' in Malaysia has also embraced a beverage-led focus, with a cafe-style approach and innovative offerings like the Iced Salted Caramel Latte. They are also expanding their reach through food delivery and e-commerce platforms like GrabFood, Foodpanda, and Shopee.

Photo: My favourite Dunkin Donuts Outlet at AEON Big Wangsa Maju, KL

FISH AND CHIPS

Malaysian Fish and Chips is a popular dish, blending the classic British recipe with local preferences. It generally features crispy, golden-brown fried fish fillets, often served with a side of fries (chips), and a variety of condiments like tartar sauce. Some restaurants in Malaysia offer unique twists, like different batter flavors or types of fish.

FRENCH TOAST - MALAYSIAN STYLE

A dish of sliced bread soaked in beaten eggs and often milk or cream, then pan-fried. In fact, French toast was invented long before France even existed, The first known recorded recipe for French toast comes fromRome around 300 A.D.

GLORIA JEAN CAFE

The Master Franchise Rights for Gloria Jean's Coffees Malaysia was aquired by Malaysia International Franchise Sdn Bhd (MyFranchise), in November 2006. It also owns the Master Franchise Rights for Malaysia and Brunei. Gloria Jean's Coffees was founded in 1979 in the United States of America.

MACARONI

In Malaysia, macaroni is a popular pasta shape used in both Western-influenced and local Malaysian cuisine. It's often stir-fried with Asian-inspired flavors, creating a dish called "Macaroni Goreng" or Stir-Fried Macaroni. It can also be used in baked dishes or as a component in soups.

Macaroni Goreng is a popular dish at Pasar Malam (night markets) and food stalls in Malaysia.

PANCAKE

Western Pancake Malaysian Style. Pancake in Malaysia in knows as Lempeng, often enjoyed for breakfast or tea time. Can be enjoyed with various additions like shredded coconut or mashed bananas. Popular toppings and pairings include sambal tumis, fish curry, coconut sticky rice or dried fish.

WESTERN PANCAKE

MALAYSIAN PANCAKE @ LEMPENG

MALAYSIAN PIZZA

Malaysian pizza is characterized by its fusion of traditional Italian flavors with local Malaysian ingredients and preferences. This often results in unique and creative toppings, with popular examples including durian pizza (both Musang King and D24 varieties) and pizzas featuring local favorites like rendang or sambal. Malaysian pizza also incorporates Western-inspired flavors and caters to diverse dietary needs.

In essence, Malaysian pizza is a vibrant reflection of the country's culinary diversity, blending familiar Italian flavors with unique local ingredients and preferences. Many Malaysian enjoy pizza through delivery services, making it a convenient meal option.

ROTI JOHN

Roti John is a popular Malaysian street food, often described as an omelette sandwich or open-faced burger. It is similar with French baguette, made with a sliced baguette-style bread, filled with a mixture of minced meat (often mutton or beef), onions, and beaten eggs, then fried on a griddle. Sauces like mayonnaise and chili sauce are typically added, along with optional toppings like lettuce and cheese.

The name "Roti John" is somewhat of a mystery, with some attributing it to a British person during Colonial era who first requested this type of sandwich.

ROTI SARDIN

Roti sardin is a popular Malaysian dish, consisting of a flatbread (often roti canai or similar) filled with a mixture of canned sardines, onions, chilies, and sometimes egg. It's typically pan-fried and enjoyed as a breakfast or all-day snack, often served with ketchup, curry, or sambal.

Roti Sardin can also be found as a sandwich, with the sardine mixture placed between bread slices and then fried. It is a popular Malaysian Street Food, reflecting the country's diverse culinary influences.

SALMON STEAK

In Malaysia, "salmon steak" typically refers to a cut of salmon that includes the bone and skin, offering a rich flavor and tender texture. It's a popular choice for various cooking methods like grilling, pan-searing, and baking. Salmon is known for being a nutritious fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamin D.

MALAYSIAN SPAGHETTI

Malaysian spaghetti typically refers to spaghetti dishes adapted to local tastes, often incorporating Malaysian flavors and ingredients. While spaghetti is a popular pasta worldwide, Malaysian versions often feature unique sauces and toppings that reflect the country's diverse culinary landscape. These dishes can range from classic Italian-inspired recipes with a Malaysian twist, like Spaghetti Bolognese with curry paste, to more creative fusion dishes such as spaghetti with a creamy Tom Yum sauce or Laksa Johor with spaghetti instead of rice noodles.

Spagetthi is readily available in Malaysia, making it a convenient and affordable meal option.

HOMEMADE SPAGHETTI

STATION KOPITIAM @ AEON BIG WANGSA MAJU, K.L

Station Kopitiam is a restaurant located in Aeon Big Wangsa Maju, offering a variety of Malaysian cuisine, including their popular Mee Bandung. They also offer other dishes like Braised Yee Mee and Ikan Pari Set. Station Kopitiam is often associated with Mr. Teppanyaki, suggesting a possible partnership or shared location. They also participate in promotions with GrabFood and FoodPanda.

MUSHROOM SOUP

Malaysian mushroom soup is a popular and comforting dish, known for its creamy, savory flavor and often features a variety of mushrooms like shiitake, button, and portobello. It's a versatile dish, enjoyed on its own or as a base for other meals like pasta and pies. Many variations exist, from simple recipes to more elaborate preparations with herbs and spices.

Mushroom Soup can be found in Restaurants, especially cafes and those serving Western or fusion cuisine, Supermarkets and online retailers.

TOAST AND HALF BOILED EGGS

Malaysian half-boiled eggs, often served with kaya toast, are a popular breakfast dish with British roots. The eggs are cooked until the whites are soft and the yolk is runny, then dipped in soy sauce and pepper (or salt and pepper). The toast is typically spread with butter and kaya (coconut jam).

This breakfast combination is a staple in Malaysian kopitiam (coffee shops) and is a popular choice for both locals and tourists.

MALAYSIAN WESTERN LUNCH SET

A Malaysian Western lunch set typically combines elements of both Western and Malaysian cuisine, offering dishes like chicken chop with rice and vegetables, or pasta with a local twist. These sets often include a main course with a protein, a starchy side, and some vegetables, sometimes with soup or salad as an appetizer and dessert to finish.

Some of the main courses of Western set you can find in Malaysia are Chicken Chop with Rice and vegetables, Pasta with a Malaysian twist, Fish Fillet with Lemon Butter Sauce, Grilled lamb or Beef with Black Pepper Sauce etc.

Many cafes and restaurants in Malaysia offer a mix of Western and Malaysian dishes on their menus.

ZUS COFFEE

ZUS Coffee is a Malaysian coffee chain known for making specialty coffee affordable and accessible. Founded in 2019, it has grown rapidly to become one of Malaysia's largest coffee chains, known for its tech-driven approach, innovative menu, and focus on local flavors.