About Malaysian Food

Introducing Malaysian food

Ning's 100 images of 2011

A flavour of heritage cuisine

"Hello! Apa kabar! If you're visiting Ning, you're very welcome and I really hope you enjoy my team & I's cooking. Malaysian food is so amazing, that I want to share you a little from my book..."

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Introducing Malaysian food...

Extracts from our cookbook, Malaysian Food, available at Ning at the exclusive price of £10 (limited period only).

©2010 Norman Musa & Andy Spracklen. All rights reserved.

Malaysian food, the unsung cuisine at the heart of South East Asia, is in fact rich in flavour and diversity. If you’re passionate about food, you will not be able to help yourself becoming passionate about Malaysian food.

Like its nation, Malaysian cuisine reflects the intricate tapestry of culture, heritage, geography and trade that fuses the culinary traditions and flavours of Asian, Arabian and European cooking. Covering a full spectrum of cuisine from Portuguese, Arab and Indian to Chinese, Thai and Indonesian, Malaysian food is a fascinating journey of all that is ‘truly Asia’ in one nation.

Unlike many modern Western lifestyles, food remains at the very heart of Malaysian society and family life. Big cook-up banquets for family gatherings, eating out daily at friendly local hawker stalls and roadside restaurants, or cooking for 2,000 wedding guests are all part of the cultural scene. What’s more eating is a 24/7 activity, and it’s certainly not unheard of eating out at 2am, with the whole family in tow.

Although the big supermarket chains, including that British one with the red and blue logo, now have a presence in many towns and cities, thankfully the vibrancy of traditional street life remains alive in many areas like Penang and it is here that you experience the authentic vibe and taste of Malaysian cooking.

Much of the food cycle is relatively sustainable, with a vibrant informal economy of small producers and fresh regional produce. Again, diversity is strong in the wonderful array of fruits and vegetables that generate a vivid kaleidoscope of colour in the village markets and on the city streets.

Like many other South East Asian countries, traditional Malaysian food culture is a full-on sensory experience.

To be continued... more extracts soon, or if you can't wait then buy Chef Norman's book today!

A little fact about Malaysia for you...

Did you know that Malaysia has the world's only rotating monarchy? The sultans of 9 states with hereditary rights to be royal ruler, are elected every 5 years! Each coronation is a perfect excuse for a day off for feasting!

Chopsticks, knife and fork, or what?

At Ning we lay our tables with knife and fork as most of our guests tell us they are comfortable with that.

However, if you prefer a spoon and fork - like many Malaysians prefer - or chopsticks - like Chinese Malaysians often use, then just ask one of our waiting staff.

If you're really brave, feel free to eat with your hands like Malay and Indian Malaysians do at home and food stalls!

Love cooking?

To experience more of Malaysian food, then why not book yourself or a loved one on Norman's exclusive masterclasses?

All-new line-up for 2012 has only 75 places!

Need help with ingredients or gifts?

Did you know? We now have an in-restaurant shop as well as our online shop where you can buy all your Malaysian essentials, and purchase Ning gift vouchers and other gift ideas.

Our friendly staff will always do their best to help if you have any questions!