If you have ever tasted Malaysian food, then you know that its wonderful flavors are inimitable. The country’s culinary tradition was mainly influenced by neighbouring Asian countries as well as Indian cooking. If you want to recreate authentic Malaysian dishes at home, then you need authentic Malaysian spices and herbs.
Do you want to make your own NasiLemak? This national dish of Malaysiagets much of its flavor from bay leaf and chili, which are among the basic Malaysian spices used in this type of cooking. You need top quality chili and bay leaf if you want to create authentic NasiLemak. It’s a good idea to buy your spices from trusted manufacturers that operate straight out of Malaysia.
Aside from chili and bay leaf, mintis another important ingredient in Malaysian cooking. They are freshly aromatic, adding that cool kick to your dishes. Don’t forget to stock up on basil as well as dill, both of which have anti-flatulent properties. They are great not only for flavor but also for your digestion.
Another important Malaysian spice is sharp and earthy cumin, which is found in almost all Indian-Malaysian dishes. It is a good complement for warm and slightly bitter oregano and sweet cinnamon. Of course, your Malaysian spice rack won’t be complete without poppy seeds that add texture, and mace which is used for fish and meat preservation.
If you don’t know how to make your own Malaysian spice mix, don’t worry—you can always buy pre-mixed spices. You can use them to make curry, meat dishes, fillings, and soups. The classic Malaysian spice mix is made of a combination of parsley, marjoram, basil, sage, thyme, and oregano.
Here’s a tip when using Malaysian spices: Buy them from a manufacturer that is based in Malaysia if you want 100% authentic flavors. Western spice mixes don’t quite give the distinct taste and aroma. You can’t go wrong with proudly Malaysian-made spices.