Negeri Sembilan is the go-to place if you are seeking a traditional culinary experience that delivers great authentic flavours
Located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Negeri Sembilan is about 50km south of Kuala Lumpur. Besides being a great destination to explore the fascinating Minangkabau culture, the state also offers unique Minangkabau-influenced food ranging from spicy, tangy and sweet, particularly those served in Kuala Pilah and Seremban.
Below is a list of dishes & snacks to savour the next time you visit Negeri Sembilan.
1. Masak Lemak Cili Api
Masak Lemak Cili Api is a popular dish in Negeri Sembilan. It has a perfect combination of spicy, sour, salty and sweet. The phrase Masak Lemak Cili Api translates directly to “cook with coconut milk and bird’s eye chilli”. This well-known Minang dish makes an excellent lunch along with a plate of warm rice. Occasionally, the locals would replace chicken or beef with fish and add a few pineapple slices to give the dish a tangy savoury taste. The little hot fiery ‘cili padi’ also adds a spicy kick to the taste buds.
2. Rendang Minang
Rendang Minang
Rendang Minang originated from West Sumatra but was introduced locally by the Minangkabau community. Compared to other types of rendang, Rendang Minang tends to be drier because it is cooked without oil. This dish is primarily made using chicken or beef. Rendang Minang is suitable for various ceremonies and special celebrations.
3. Nasi Ulam
Nasi Ulam
Nasi Ulam translates to “mixed herbs with rice”. Nasi Ulam (ulam rice) is a steamed rice dish fused with various shredded herbs including turmeric leaf, mint leaves, shallots, lemongrass, basil, vegetables, and local spices. Kerisik (pounded roasted coconut) and other spices are added for an extra nutty flavour.
4. Sambal Tempoyak Daun Kayu
Sambal tempoyak daun kayu is not only simple to prepare, but it is one of the most delicious local cuisines. This healthy dish uses a variety of herbs and vegetables such as turmeric leaves, mangun leaves, sweet potato shoots, kaduk leaves, mambul leaves, pumpkin shoots, cengkering shoots, and rambai shoots. All these wonderful herbs are cooked and blended with fermented durian.
5. Wajik
Wajik is a traditional treat made of steamed glutinous rice, palm sugar and coconut milk. It is cut into lovely diamond shapes before serving.
6. Kuih Sopang
Kuih Sopang is made of glutinous rice flour, banana, palm sugar, and grated coconut filling. This sweet dessert can either be steamed or fried, depending on one’s personal preference.
7. Kuih Apam Johol
Apam Johol is a traditional sweetened fluffy rice cake that’s wrapped in rambai leaves to add flavour and fragrance. It is sometimes eaten with rendang, dry sambal or bean porridge.
If you are seeking for a traditional culinary experience that delivers great authentic flavours, Negeri Sembilan is definitely the go-to place. It is not an exaggeration when people say this state is a gourmet paradise for food enthusiasts.