Malaysia has become a hot spot for holiday makers and regional shoppers to fly in for the December holidays and then fly out for the new year and it while not a traditionally Christian country, Malaysians love to join in with the festivities and send off the year with a festive holiday season.
So Albaloo is going to give you the run down on what you may find on a traditional Malaysian Christmas menu.
- BOLO REI – A type of cake
Is baked from a soft white dough with raisins, various nuts and crystallized fruit added in to make it festive. It also includes a dried fava bean, and tradition dictates that whoever finds the fava has to pay for the Bolo-rei next year. A small prize (usually a small metal toy) was also included within the cake.
- DEVIL’S CURRY – A Eurasian tradition
Obviously this is going to be a spice mouthful, but you will definitely want seconds. It is a very spicy red curry flavored with candlenuts, galangal and vinegar from the Eurasian Kristang (Cristão) culinary tradition in Malacca, Malaysia. It is traditionally served a day or two after special occasions, one such being Christmas.
- ROASTED TURKEY – A western tradition
Crossing over from the western traditions of Turkey at Christmas and Thanksgiving, Malaysians put their own spin on a Roasted Turkey that you will have to try. Adding a truly Asian spice to the Turkey, it is definitely something to be experienced.
- FRUIT CAKE – A European addition
This is an addition that the Malaysian people have lovingly accepted in to their Christmas cuisine with all its traditional goodness.
- SANTA CANDY CANES – Cos’ its Christmas
Something for the kids, or even the bigger kids – no one would say no to a cheeky candy cane now would you
There you have it, the best of the Western the European all brought together to make a quintessential Malaysian Christmas menu!
Merry Christmas!