12 DELICIOUS DISHES FOR IFTAR - A MALAYSIAN'S DIARY

Malaysia boasts a rich culinary tradition, and during the month of Ramadan, a variety of delicious dishes are prepared for iftar (the meal to break the fast) and suhoor (pre-dawn meal). Here are some popular Malaysian Ramadan dishes:

1. Bubur Lambuk

This is a traditional rice porridge made with a mixture of meat, spices, and various herbs. It's often distributed at mosques during Ramadan.

2. Nasi Lemak

Although it's a popular dish year-round, nasi lemak is commonly enjoyed during Ramadan. It consists of fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk, served with anchovies, peanuts, boiled eggs, cucumber, and spicy sambal (chili paste).

3. Lontong

Comprising compressed rice cakes served with a coconut-based soup, lontong is a hearty dish commonly enjoyed during Ramadan. It may include ingredients like vegetables, tofu, and boiled eggs.

4. Satay

Grilled skewers of marinated meat, usually served with a delicious peanut sauce, satay is a favorite during Ramadan. Chicken and beef satay are especially popular.

5. Murtabak

This is a stuffed and folded pancake filled with minced meat (often beef or chicken), onions, and a blend of spices. It's typically served with a side of curry sauce.

6. Ayam Percik

Grilled or roasted chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and coconut milk, ayam percik is a mouthwatering dish commonly enjoyed during Ramadan.

7. Roti Jala

Also known as "net bread," roti jala is a type of lacy pancake. The batter is poured in a circular motion onto a hot griddle, creating a beautiful net-like pattern. It is usually served with curries.

8. Ketupat

These are rice cakes wrapped in woven palm leaves. Ketupat is a common accompaniment to various dishes, particularly during Ramadan.

9. Serunding

Serunding is a spiced meat floss, often made with beef or chicken. It's usually served as a condiment or a side dish to be eaten with rice or bread.

10. Bubur Pulut Hitam

A sweet and comforting dessert, bubur pulut hitam is made with black glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and sweetened with palm sugar. It's often topped with coconut cream.

11. Daging Rendang

Rendang is a flavorful and aromatic coconut beef stew, slow-cooked with a blend of spices until the meat is tender and infused with rich flavors.

12. Acar

This is a pickled vegetable dish, providing a refreshing and tangy contrast to the richness of other Ramadan dishes.

These dishes reflect the diverse cultural influences in Malaysia, creating a vibrant and delicious array of options for breaking the fast during Ramadan.