In Kuala Lumpur, apart from skyscrapers and traditional mosques, churches and Buddha temples. The metropolis is a melting pot of Nations. And this cultural diversity is also reflected in the food.
Koala what? Some asked, when I told that I’m moving from Berlin to Kuala Lumpur. The capital of Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures. And that’s also a culinary impact. Jalan Alor is the “food court” of the Asian metropolis, hauling me to my new colleagues on the first evening. With the darkness, the hustle begins to Bustle. There are still 30 degrees, it smells of Curry, grilled meat and other Goodies. The mass pushes us from one state to the next. It is the start of my culinary adventure. Our table is full with Seafood, chicken skewers and plenty of rice. I opt for a green Curry that drives me, in addition to the sweat on the forehead. It is spicy, but delicious. Whether Thai, Chinese, or Indian – this street in the district of Bukit Bintang is a cross-section of the kitchen, which you can find here on every corner. Kuala Lumpur – or, in short, KL is constantly eaten. Six small meals a day are quite common.
A piece of China right in the middle of Kuala Lumpur
China Town is a popular area with tourists and Locals
A few days later I explore the city and I make my way to China Town. Petaling street was the center of the former Chinese business district. Today, there are here in addition to fake watches and designer hand bags, one thing: probably the best Chinese food in the city. Red paper lanterns dangle above the street. There are a number of food stalls under the open sky, and small Restaurants, there is part here for decades. Fried rice, noodles, wonton, meat skewers as far as the eye can see. A Chinese work colleague has recommended to me the Kim Lian Kee Restaurant. The there are already for more than 100 years, and the noodles there are fantastic. I order me a Serving. From the rickety table, I watch as an old man vegetables pivots in a Wok. Located in Kuala Lumpur, I feel, than the great wall of China was just around the corner. A little later my food comes freshly prepared and really tasty.
The food is good and cheap
Only a few kilometers away you can immerse yourself in a completely different culinary world: Little India. In the bustling district of Brickfields, one can find colorful textile shops and jewelry shops, lots of small Restaurants, where Dhal, Curry and many other Indian dishes are served on banana leaves. Together with a water melon Shake, I pay the equivalent of € 3.80.
The temple of pleasure
I am planning a trip to the famous Pertonas Towers. A local neighbor gives me a tip on the way. Instead of eating in one of the huge Malls there, I should prefer to make a trip to the Buddhist temple around the corner. The Dharma Realm Guan Yin Sagely monastery operates, namely, a public canteen. I should be there early, as of 13 PM was mostly grazed everything. The temple is really beautiful and the associated canteen of culinary heaven on earth – especially for vegetarians and Vegans like me. The Display is full with different vegetables. Here, the Tofu tastes even: nice and spicy and not so flabby as I am from Germany used.
The Malaysian national dish Nasi Lemak
Nasi Lemak is the national dish in Malaysia is
The national dish of the peoples of the many mobile food stalls of the city as well as in good Restaurants. The rice dish is cooked with coconut milk and Pandan leaves with cucumbers, roasted peanuts, Egg, dried anchovies, and spicy chili sauce served. For on-the-go, there is the tidbit in banana leaf. Most of the Locals eat Nasi Lemak for Breakfast.
The forbidden fruit
The Durian is often called the stinky fruit
There’s nothing like food, there are actually all in agreement. Except when it comes to Durian. You either hate or you love Durian. I am one of the Latter. The fruit is also known as smelly fruit. In Hotels and public buildings there is often an Anti-Durian-shield. The smell is reminiscent of a mix of onions, cheese and who-knows-what. That’s why people meet here at small stands under the open sky, to enjoy your Durian. Everyone gets plastic gloves, before the adventure begins. Also the taste is, especially for Europeans, to get used to. The Durian comes from Malaysia and is a Local delicacy. On the island of Borneo, part of Malaysia, I trip on a weekend, that a woman to feel flattered when you invite a man out on a Date with a Durian. In Germany it would be probably over with the love of my life.
There is something for every taste
The Batu Caves house several Hindu temples
Something mass-market it is, when it comes to sweets. I make a trip to the Batu Caves. A huge Golden Statue and a lot of colorful stairs lead to a cave in which people are praying and tourists shoot photos. The 272 steps going to give me the Rest. But after this ordeal, you can treat yourself to a few of the colorful candies and many biscuits at one of the stalls in front of the temple. A seller makes to me on his cookies, made with chickpea flour, and nuts carefully. He pushes me in the Hand. With a huge plastic container full of biscuits I’m going home. Added: long the large pack has not kept.
At the booths around the Batu Caves, there are plenty of sweet temptations
After my first few months in Kuala Lumpur is clear to me why my new apartment is like many others here, no stove. Eating out with friends. And at each corner of the Malaysian metropolis, there is another culinary delight, which shows how diverse this city is. KL is probably not only for Kuala Lumpur but also for culinary passion. Well then: Good appetite – or “menikmati makanan anda”.