Top 8 Malaysian Vegetarian Dishes
Welcome to the wonderful world of Malaysian vegetarian dishes! Malaysia is known for its delicious, flavorful cuisine that caters to all dietary needs. Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian or have just recently decided to switch up your diet, there are plenty of amazing Malaysian dishes for you to try.
From crowd-pleasing classics like Mee Rebus and Congee to unique snacks like Pulut Panggang, here you’ll find a variety of delicious vegetarian dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds! So let’s dive in and explore the delectable world of Malaysian vegetarian cuisine.
1. Vegetarian Mee Goreng
Do you know what’s my absolute favorite vegetarian Malaysian dish? It’s Mee Goreng! This delicious vegetarian dish’s name means “fried noodles” and has won over my taste buds ever since I tried it for the first time during my travels in Malaysia. This dish originated from the Indonesian Mie Goreng, which was brought over to Malaysia and adapted to local tastes.
Now Mee Goreng is a traditional Malaysian staple, and this vegetarian version of the dish is packed with flavor and nutrition. The dish is made with stir-fried Chinese egg noodles and includes an assortment of vegetables such as potatoes, bean sprouts, spring onions, white cabbage, and garlic. The sauce is a blend of ketchup, soy sauce, and sweet chili sauce, making it a perfect combination of tangy and sweet.
This is a great dish to enjoy for lunch or dinner, and it’s sure to please all vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. So next time you’re in Malaysia, don’t forget to try delicious Vegetarian Mee Goreng! You won’t regret it!
2. Popiah
I recently had the pleasure of trying Popiah, a traditional Malaysian dish that has quickly become one of my favorites! The name “Popiah” actually comes from the Hokkien dialect, which means “thin flatbread/cake.”
Originating in Malaysia, Popiah is a savory spring roll filled with a medley of vegetables and other ingredients. These tasty rolls are vegetarian, making them a popular choice for those who prefer meat-free dining options. The filling usually consists of jicama, bean sprouts, garlic, carrots, and lettuce, but can also include ingredients such as fried tofu, cucumber, and cilantro.
To make Popiah, you first need to make the crepe-like wrapper, which is made of a mixture of flour and water. After that, you need to assemble the filling inside the wrapper and roll it up.
What I love about Popiah is that it’s a dish that you can personalize to your liking, making it a fun and creative dish to make with friends and family.
3. Vegetarian Nasi Lemak
I remember the first time I tried Nasi Lemak in Malaysia, it was love at first bite. This dish is a staple in Malaysian cuisine and has been named their national dish for good reason.
The dish originated in Malaysia and has since spread throughout Southeast Asia, and it’s not hard to see why. The base of Nasi Lemak is fragrant rice, which is cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves, giving it an irresistible aroma.
The vegetarian version of this dish includes ingredients like peanuts, cucumber, and hard-boiled egg, all served with a spicy vegan sambal sauce (this short video explains how to make it). But for all the vegans out there, fear not! Nasi Lemak can be easily made vegan by just leaving out the egg.
This dish is not just delicious but is also full of interesting cultural history and is a true representation of Malaysian identity.
4. Vegetarian Thali
I am always looking for new vegetarian dishes to try, and one of my latest discoveries is the Vegetarian Thali. This delicious dish typically consists of rice, vegetables, lentils, chutneys, and pickles, and is traditionally served on a stainless steel platter with small bowls. I love the variety of flavors in this dish, especially with the addition of spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander.
One interesting fact about the Vegetarian Thali is that it is often associated with Hindu cuisine, as it is typically served at large family gatherings, weddings, and religious festivals. Additionally, the Thali has a long history dating back to ancient India, where it was believed to have been a common meal among royalty and nobility.
Vegetarian Thali is a delicious and nutritious dish that I highly recommend trying, whether you’re a vegetarian or not!
5. Apam Balik
So, have you ever had Apam Balik before? It’s a popular snack in Malaysia, and it’s absolutely delicious! This sweet treat has a crispy outside with a soft, fluffy inside that’s packed with tasty fillings.
“Apam” means pancake and “balik” means flipped over. The name can be traced back to the way the dessert is made — poured onto a hot griddle, cooked until crispy, flipped over, and filled with delicious toppings such as sweet corn, roasted peanuts, and creamy butter sugar. But did you know that there’s a vegan version too? Instead of using eggs, they use substitutes like baking powder or baking soda, so everyone can enjoy it!
Apam Balik has become popular in other Southeast Asian countries, so if you’re ever in the region, definitely give it a try. Your taste buds will thank you for it!
6. Congee
Ooh, let me tell you about Congee! I had the pleasure of trying this delicious Malaysian dish during my travels and it instantly became one of my favorites.
Congee, known as porridge or bubur in Malaysia, is essentially a rice porridge that’s typically enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack. The history behind this dish is quite fascinating—it’s often served during famines as a way to stretch the short supply of rice to feed more people. Furthermore, it is considered to be food therapy for sick people and also infants due to its therapeutic value and has been enjoyed in Malaysian culture for centuries.
One of the things that makes Congee so tasty is the combination of ingredients used to make it. Traditional ingredients include rice, water, and chicken broth, but there are also vegetarian versions that use vegetable broth instead. And the best part? You can add your favorite toppings to make it your own. Some popular toppings include soy sauce, chili oil, fried onions, sliced scallions, and even salted duck eggs.
Trust me, if you’re ever in Malaysia, do yourself a favor and try some Congee!
7. Pulut Panggang
I have to say that one of my favorite local dishes is Pulut Panggang. This delightful snack is a traditional Malaysian delicacy made from a mixture of glutinous rice and coconut, it’s then wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over an open flame until it’s fragrant and smoky.
Having been around for over a century, it’s no wonder this dish has become a staple at Malaysian markets and street food vendors.
One interesting fact about Pulut Panggang is that it’s often served during special celebrations such as weddings or religious festivals, and it’s said that the dish symbolizes unity and harmony. If you’re ever in Malaysia, I highly recommend giving this dish a try, it’s a true taste of Malaysian culture!
8. Mee Rebus
When in Malaysia, one of my go-to dishes is definitely Mee Rebus. This vegetarian noodle dish is a staple in Malaysian cuisine, and it’s easy to see why.
The name literally translates to “boiled noodles” and it’s made with yellow egg noodles that are cooked in a thick gravy made from sweet potatoes, peanuts, and a variety of spices. The gravy is what really sets Mee Rebus apart from other noodle dishes, with its rich, sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. It’s typically topped with crispy fried onions, a hard-boiled egg, fried tofu, and bean sprouts for some added texture.
Mee Rebus is said to have originated from Java, Indonesia, and was brought over to the people of Malaysia by Indonesian immigrants. But regardless of its origin, Mee Rebus has definitely become a beloved Malaysian dish that’s a must-try if you’re visiting.
Wrapping It Up
Malaysian vegetarian dishes offer a wide variety of flavors and textures that appeal to everyone’s taste buds. From the light and fluffy Apam Balik to the rich and savory Mee Rebus, these dishes are a must-try if you’re ever in Malaysia.
Whether you’re looking for something sweet or savory, there’s definitely something for everyone to enjoy. Not only are these dishes delicious they also provide a true taste of Malaysia and its culture. So the next time you find yourself in Malaysia, make sure to sample some of these amazing vegetarian dishes!
Selamat menjamu selera!
