Malay Food-Malays' eating habits

There are different interesting facts about food and Malays’ eating habits. The first thing is that Malay food is rice-based so the most part of their dishes are rice-based. Oppositely to Western food which is high in protein, Malay food is rich in carbohydrates

Because of their religion, most of Malays are Muslims, so they don’t eat pork but some fish, chicken, beef and mutton. Malays are fans of hot and spicy, and sweet tasting foods. So Malays looks like Indians in their eating habits because they also like to eat spicy food. Malays don’t have appetizers or desserts during their meal. Malays love to eat all the tropical fruits as papayas, star fruits, bananas or mangoes. But the most popular here is the durian. It has a pungent smell but it is known as the king of fruits in Malaysia. Even if nowadays they use forks and spoons, Malays normally use their hand to eat.

It is customary among Malaysians to allow the head of the home and the older adults to start eating first before the younger ones do so. And it is also Malaysian courtesy to verbally acknowledge and invite the older adults to eat before you start eating yourself. Malays have often a small pot of water on the table to rinse their hands before to eat with it.

Mealtimes in Malaysia are not just for filling the stomachs but a time of family bonding. Sadly however, this traditional practice is becoming more and more diluted especially among the younger urban generation of Malaysians whose fast-paced lifestyles make it difficult to have family meals together. Nevertheless, most Malaysians try to have proper family sit-down meals at least once a week on weekends.