Nasi lemak

This has to be the best loved Malay dish of all time; it’s considered the national dish of the country and although traditionally served for breakfast, you’ll find it available at any time of the day. There are tons of variations but essential to nasi lemak is the heap of fragrant coconut and pandan-scented rice, a large spoonful of sambal ikan bilis, toasted peanuts, a hard-boiled egg and slices or chunks of cucumber. From there, you might get a serve of curry, rendang or fried chicken on the side – there are endless possibilities, depending on the vendor.