Sarawak, the largest state in Malaysia, is a culinary paradise that offers a diverse range of flavours and delicacies.
The rich cultural heritage of Sarawak is reflected in its unique and mouth-watering dishes. Here are the top ten dishes you must try when visiting Sarawak:
- Sarawak Laksa: This iconic dish consists of vermicelli rice noodles cooked in a shrimp-based broth made from sambal belacan, sour tamarind, garlic, galangal, lemongrass, and thickened with coconut milk. It is served with bean sprouts, prawns, omelette strips, and shredded chicken.
- Kolo Mee: A simple yet flavourful noodle dish, Kolo Mee consists of yellow egg noodles tossed in a light sauce and served with slices of barbecued pork, chicken cutlets, or minced meat. It is available in two flavours – plain or seasoned with red sauce.
- Midin: This crispy wild jungle fern is typically stir-fried with garlic and/or belacan with chili. Anchovies and salted fish may also be added to the dish, which can be found in most coffee shops that sell nasi campur.
- Kueh Chap: A bowl of wide, flat rice noodles cooked in a herby broth consisting of pork meat, skin, internal organs, deep-fried tau pok, and hard-boiled egg quarters/halves.
- Ayam Pansuh (Manok Pansoh): An Iban dish where chicken pieces, lemongrass, and tapioca leaves are stuffed into bamboo and cooked over an open fire. This cooking method seals in the flavour, resulting in juicy and tender chicken with gravy perfumed by lemongrass and bamboo.
- Manok Kacangma: A Chinese dish consisting of chicken cooked with a kacangma-based broth. The herb, also known as motherwort, is believed to ease the effects of menstruation in women. Rice wine may also be added for a more delicate taste.
- Tomato Koay Teow: Rice noodles served in a tomato sauce-based gravy with vegetables, chicken, and seafood. It is also available with crispy noodles and bihun.
- Terung Dayak: A round yellow fruit typically used in sour dishes such as assam sour fish and miscellaneous sour soups.
- Dabai: A seasonal fruit with black skin and yellow flesh. Soak it in warm salt water for 10 to 15 minutes to get a soft, date-like snack.
- Umai: A traditional Melanau dish consisting of sliced raw fish mixed with onions, chilies, vinegar, salt, and lime juice. It is a refreshing and tangy dish that highlights the freshness of the fish.
Each dish tells a story of tradition and innovation, making Sarawak a must-visit destination for food lovers. Whether you’re a fan of spicy, savoury, or tangy flavours, Sarawak has something to offer for every palate.
So, the next time you find yourself in this beautiful state, be sure to indulge and experience the true essence of Sarawak’s culinary delights.