Malaysian curry is a dish that has been around for centuries but is still surprising people with its complexity. It’s a unique blend of the many different types of culinary influences to have come into Malaysia through trade routes and conquests. It might be difficult to find the authentic taste of Malaysian curry because it differs from region to region or even family to family. However, there are some universal aspects that are present in every type of Malaysian curry. One example is the flavor base – which often includes lemongrass, garlic, shallots, ginger, and chilies. Read on to learn more about this delicious dish!
The Origin of Malaysian Curry
The history of Malaysian curry is rooted in the country’s multiculturalism. The British brought their own curry recipes to the region, which were then modified by Indian cooks to fit local tastes. Different regions of Malaysia have tweaked this recipe for their own tastes, so now there are many different types of Malaysian curry dishes. For example, you’ll find that eastern styles of Malaysian curry are much milder than traditional curries you might find in Penang, where they use a lot more spices to create a bold flavor.
This diversification includes influences from other Asian countries, as well as countries in Europe and beyond, and this is all thanks to trade routes, invasions, and other cultural exchanges that have occurred over the last few centuries. In modern Malaysia, the largest population groups include Malays, Chinese, and Indians, each of which has its own rich and vibrant culinary culture. This only adds more variety to the curries you can try.
Other Southeast Asian Curries
Curries are popular across Asia, with loads of different varieties to offer in each of the regions you visit. It can be very surprising to see how unique each of the curries you find around the world can be, especially when you decide to visit countries like Malaysia.
Malaysian curry flavors are closest to Indonesian curries. Malaysian curry is often found with a fiery yellow-orange hue, this type of curry is usually made from strong spices like cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon, along with fresh ingredients like coconut milk, shallots, and garlic. Meanwhile, Thai curries tend to be cooked for less time than Malaysian ones, using a blend of herbs and spices that make them thick and hearty. The ingredients such as meat and fish available in different curries around Southeast Asia also influence the flavor.
As you can see, Malaysian curries have a long and rich history that is always adapting and changing. It doesn’t matter where you go in this part of the world, you can always find a unique and interesting curry to enjoy, and we hope that you give Malaysian curry a chance for your next takeaway or special meal.
FAQs
Malaysian curry, on the other hand, is richer and creamier, with a thicker sauce often made with coconut milk, spices like cinnamon and cardamom, and sometimes ingredients like tamarind or belacan (shrimp paste).
What makes Malaysian curry different? ›
Malaysian curry, on the other hand, is richer and creamier, with a thicker sauce often made with coconut milk, spices like cinnamon and cardamom, and sometimes ingredients like tamarind or belacan (shrimp paste).
Which is the tastiest curry in the world? ›
No surprise then that the TasteAtlas guide has listed the 10 best curries in the world.
- 01 ⸻ 10. Panang curry. (c) shutterstock.
- 02 ⸻ 10. Malai kofta. (c) shutterstock.
- 03 ⸻ 10. Japanese karī (c) shutterstock.
- 04 ⸻ 10. Khao Soy soup. ...
- 05 ⸻ 10. Shahi paneer. ...
- 06 ⸻ 10. Butter chicken. ...
- 07 ⸻ 10. Green curry. ...
- 08 ⸻ 10. Massaman curry.
Malaysian curry pastes are also made from a mixture of herbs and spices, but they're a bit more intense and spicier than some of the Thai curry pastes. The dominant flavors are turmeric, galangal, and lemongrass. Malaysian curry pastes are great for dishes that need a little extra heat with a balanced blend of spices.
What makes curry taste authentic? ›
A curry mix has a warm, robust spicy taste as a result of combining roasted and grounded coriander seeds, turmeric, cumin and chili peppers. Other spices commonly found within the blend are fenugreek, clove, mustard, black pepper, nutmeg or ginger.
What is the difference between Indian and Malay curry? ›
The Malay is a fine powder consistency, while the Madras has a coarser texture where you can see the curry leaves. The Madras has a gentle warm heat with really nice notes of ginger and coriander; while the Malay has almost a smokey flavor due to the clove & galangal working together.
How do you thicken Malaysian curry? ›
Mix cornstarch, tapioca starch, or arrowroot with cold water or a cup of liquid from the curry sauce to make a slurry. Add this at the end of the cooking process—the sauce should thicken as soon as it returns to a boil.
What is the weakest curry? ›
Originating in Northern India and Pakistan, the Korma is traditionally made up of yoghurt, coconut milk and almonds, making it one of the mildest curries available. The thick, creamy sauce has a sweet tang to it from the coconut and almonds, and is most commonly made with chicken and served with rice.
What is the best curry to get from an Indian? ›
10 Best mild Indian curries
- Classic butter chicken.
- Chicken korma.
- Creamy tofu curry with homemade roti.
- Paneer makhani.
- Malai kofta with spicy gravy.
- Punjabi cauliflower with potatoes (aloo gobi)
- Khichdi.
- Squash & cabbage sabzi.
Curry is a dish shared across numerous world cuisines. In Malaysia where I'm from, we have our own version that is incessantly aromatic and flavorful, consisting of a fragrant curry sauce with strong coconut flavors and a generous dose of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric and lemongrass.
Panang Curry tastes like a more intense version of Thai Red Curry. While it has similar ingredients, Panang curry is a bit stronger, richer, sweeter and thicker than Red Curry, as well as slightly nutty thanks to the addition of ground peanuts in the paste. The curry paste is a quick 30 second stick blender blitz!
Is panang curry good? ›
Panang curry is rich and creamy, spicy yet balanced, with underlying notes of peanut and coconut. I make my panang curry with lots of bell peppers and carrots, and optional tofu for extra protein. It's a perfectly satisfying weeknight meal for cold days.
What is the secret to authentic curry? ›
Tips for the Perfect Curry
- Use fresh spices. For the best results, always try to use fresh spices. ...
- Give the spices a toast. ...
- Wrap up your whole spices. ...
- Blitz your tomatoes. ...
- Onions are the key. ...
- Don't overcook your chicken. ...
- Keep your garlic and ginger fresh. ...
- Add exciting toppings.
The actual sweetness and creaminess of such curries meanwhile, usually comes from fried onions and either cashews and/or dairy products. Instead of (or in addition to) onion, ground coconut may be used. White poppy seeds and/or watermelon seeds are also used in some creamy sauces.
How to make curry taste like restaurant? ›
Simple suggestions for restaurant good quality curries:
- Fry your onions till they are golden brown.
- Fry your spices but don't burn them. ...
- Use good quality spices. ...
- Seasoning. ...
- Use fatty yoghurt (greek style works) in curries to make them richer. ...
- Patience. ...
- Use a neutral vegetable oil. ...
- Experiment.
Malaysian cuisine is a delicious blend of Chinese, Indian, Thai, and Malay flavours, with a hint of European influence. From the aromatic spices of Indian curries to the creamy coconut milk of Thai dishes, Malaysian food is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
What is a substitute for Malaysian curry paste? ›
Other Thai / Malaysian curry pastes such as, yellow curry, laksa or Massaman also work well as substitutes. Indian curry pastes including madras, korma and vindaloo can also be used. Just watch out as the intensity. Start with less than the recipe calls for and taste and add as needed.
How is Panang curry different? ›
Usually, the Panang curry also includes a bunch of various vegetables. While very similar to red curry, Penang is usually seasoned to be less spicy than red curry and has the added ingredient of peanuts that gives it a sweeter flavor.
