A Popular Malaysian Dish Deemed as Global Iconic Food

Penang is known as the food capital of Malaysia, a food hub both Malaysians and tourists alike. With its irresistible cuisine and variety of choices, it’s no wonder that Lonely Planet ranked Penang as a top-ten city for iconic food in its “1000 Ultimate Experiences.” Penang’s Nasi Goreng came in eighth on the worldwide top ten list.

Nasi goreng is stir-fried rice with chicken or seafood, vegetables, and sweet soy sauce. According to Lonely Planet, tourists “will inevitably find themselves ordering the delightfully simple yet wonderfully tasty nasi goreng.”

Nasi goreng is available throughout Malaysia, but it is “best sampled within the wonderfully crowded hawker centers that dot the island of Penang.”

For those who can’t travel to Malaysia and have a taste of this Penang favorite—don’t worry—have your own go at it following the recipe below.

Nasi Goreng Seafood Ingredients (Serves 4 – 6):

·       2 cups rice, cooked and cooled
·       4 shallots
·       25 grams dried anchovies, cleaned and washed
·       2 cloves garlic
·       2 red chilies
·       2 long beans, cleaned and chopped
·       2 eggs
·       2 tbsp sweet soy sauce
·       Salt to taste
·       1 tbsp oil

Directions:

·       Pound anchovies with shallots, garlic and chilies
·       Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the mixture until fragrant
·       Add long beans, stir-fry over a medium flame until cooked
·       Add in the rice and fry evenly
·       Break in 2 eggs and mix well
·       Season with sweet soy sauce and salt to taste