No vacation is complete without trying the local dishes, don’t you agree? If you plan to visit Peranakan in Malaysia, let’s find out the best Peranakan food you can try!

Have you ever attempted a taste that was both familiar and surprising? Look no further than Peranakan cuisine, a unique fusion of Chinese and Malay flavours that will tantalise your taste buds! Consider delicate chicken simmered in a nutty, spicy sauce including a secret ingredient: fermented black beans.

Or imagine noodles swimming in a colourful coconut curry brimming with herbs and prawns. That's the allure of Peranakan food: a culinary journey where East meets Southeast, resulting in both comforting and strangely delectable meals. So, dump the usual foods and explore the world of Peranakan cuisine!

Get ready to tantalise your taste buds with these five incredible Peranakan food:

Imagine tender chicken pieces bathed in a thick, earthy gravy, infused with the pungent aroma of fermented black beans. This iconic Peranakan dish is a sensory explosion, the richness of the chicken contrasting beautifully with the sharp, salty bite of the beans. Each bite is a journey through history, showcasing the Peranakan adaptation of Chinese braising techniques with local ingredients.

This iconic Peranakan food is a symphony of textures and flavours. It features silky rice noodles bathed in a creamy coconut curry broth fragrant with lemongrass, galangal, and turmeric. Thanks to the addition of shrimp paste and dried shrimp, each spoonful bursts with umami, while a sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a refreshing touch.

These little parcels of delight are a testament to Peranakan ingenuity. Tender fish mousse, infused with fragrant spices like turmeric and chilli, is steamed in banana leaf packets, creating a delicate and flavorful dish. The banana leaf imparts a subtle earthy aroma, while the grilled exterior adds a smoky char. Otak-otak is best enjoyed with a squeeze of lime and fiery sambal, offering flavour in every bite.

This rich and flavorful beef stew is a Peranakan classic. Succulent chunks of beef are slow-cooked in a fragrant blend of spices, coconut milk, and chillies, resulting in a tender and deeply satisfying dish. The complex interplay of spices, from cinnamon and cloves to ginger and turmeric, creates a unique aromatic profile that lingers on the palate.

No Peranakan food is complete without a delectable dessert, and kuih salat is a true gem. This vibrant green rice cake is steamed and then topped with a generous mix of grated coconut, fresh herbs, and tiny dried shrimp. The sweetness of the coconut contrasts beautifully with the savoury shrimp and the earthy rice cake, creating a unique and addictive flavour combination.

This fiery dish is a testament to Peranakan love for bold flavours. Tender chicken pieces simmer in a thick, creamy curry packed with fragrant spices like turmeric, chilies, and lemongrass. The addition of coconut milk creates a smooth and flavorful base, while the abundance of chilli leaves a lingering tingle on the tongue.

This tangy and fiery dish celebrates the Peranakan mastery of balancing contrasting flavours. Fresh fish like snapper or sea bass is cooked in a vibrant stew made with tamarind, chillies, ginger, and turmeric. The result is a symphony of contrasting notes – the sharp sourness of the tamarind, the fiery heat of the chillies, and the earthy warmth of the spices.

This dish is a delightful showcase of Peranakan simplicity and sophistication. Fresh, succulent prawns are bathed in a light coconut milk broth infused with lemongrass, galangal, and chilli padi. The lime juice adds a zesty finish, creating a dish that is both creamy and refreshing. Udang Lemak Cili Api is best enjoyed with steamed rice and a squeeze of lime, highlighting the delicate flavours of the prawns and the fragrant broth.

This dish is a rich and savoury treat for pork lovers. Tender pork belly is slow-braised in a dark, flavorful sauce made with fermented soy sauce, palm sugar, garlic, and spices. The pork becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, absorbing the complex flavours of the sauce. Babi Pongteh is traditionally served with steamed rice and pickled vegetables.

This vibrant and festive dessert is a Peranakan masterpiece. Delicate layers of sponge cake, each infused with a different flavour like pandan, rosewater, and coconut, are stacked and steamed to create a stunning visual treat. The result is a light, fluffy cake with a complex interplay of flavours and textures. Kuih Lapis Sarawak is traditionally served for special occasions and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with its beauty and deliciousness.

With your taste senses twitching and your curiosity piqued, it is time to arrange your own Malaysian journey! Immerse yourself in the lively Peranakan culture, visit crowded street markets, and discover hidden gems within heritage shophouses. Open Traveloka right now and let's book your flight ticket from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to enjoy a bite of this Peranakan food. Good appetite, or, as the Peranakans say, selamat makan!