Here are some rare and unique traditional Malay dishes that you might not easily find :
1. Kerabu Jantung Pisang : This is a salad made from banana blossoms (the flower of the banana plant). It’s mixed with shredded coconut, dried shrimp, and various herbs and spices for a tangy and refreshing taste.
2. Ulat Mulong : These are sago worms, considered a delicacy in some parts of Malaysia, especially among the indigenous people of Borneo. They are either eaten raw, fried, or grilled.
3. Pucuk Ubi : Young tapioca (cassava) leaves are used in this dish, often served with sambal or cooked in coconut milk. It's not commonly found in mainstream eateries but can be found in rural areas.
4. Tempoyak : A dish made from fermented durian, mixed with chili and other spices. While durian is popular in Malaysia, tempoyak is less commonly eaten due to its strong taste and smell.
5. Pekasam : This is fermented freshwater fish, which is preserved in a mixture of salt, rice, and sometimes palm sugar. It’s then fried or grilled before eating and has a distinct sour taste.
6. Belacan Bunga Kantan : A unique sambal (spicy paste) made with shrimp paste (belacan) and torch ginger flower (bunga kantan), giving it a very distinct and aromatic flavor.
7. Ikan Patin Masak Tempoyak : A rare and regional dish from Pahang, it’s a river catfish (Patin) cooked in a sauce made from fermented durian (tempoyak), giving the dish a rich, creamy, and slightly pungent flavor.
These dishes may not be available everywhere, but they offer a unique insight into the diversity of traditional Malay cuisine!
