Perlis is a small state located in the northern most part of Malaysia, bordering Thailand. It offers a wide variety of local dishes and traditional snacks that will surely tantalize your taste buds.
Pulut Harum Manis
Harum Manis mango is synonymous with the state of Perlis. The tropical fruit season for Harum Manis is typically between March and June, and its arrival is much anticipated by fruit lovers. Also known as Pulut Harum Manis, the perfect combination of sourness from the mango and the sweetness from the glutinous rice makes this dessert an all-time local favourite.
Ringgi / Emping
Ringgi, or Emping, is a traditional snack food popular among the people of Perlis. The main ingredient is young green grains of the glutinous paddy that are separated from their husks. It is pounded and dried under sun. Ringgi or Emping is served with freshly grated coconut, sugar and salt.
Jeruk Maman
The Maman tree, or its scientific name, “Cleome Gynandra,” is a shrub found in sandy areas and open ground across Perlis. Usually, the young shoots or leaves are made into pickles and eaten with rice.
Preparation for this pickle is very simple: the leaves of Maman are harvested from the branches and cut into small pieces. After which, these leaves are washed with clean water that is mixed with salt and left fermented for at least a day. And finally, it will be mixed with rice water and left fermented again in a pot for three days until it turns orange in colour.
Mentarang Bakar
Mentarang or Angel Wing clams are usually found in the sludge near the sea. Various dishes can be made with Mentarang, one of which is Mentarang Bakar (Grilled Mentarang), where they are often dipped in tamarind sauce.
Laksa Perlis
Laksa is an extremely popular dish among Malaysians. However, different states in Malaysia present their laksa dish differently. The local laksa in Perlis is almost similar to laksa found in other northern states. However, there some ingredients that are distinct in Laksa Perlis. For instance, Selom leaves and Putat leaves are used in Laksa Perlis, which gives a slightly different aroma and taste to the broth. The basic ingredients used in the preparation of the laksa gravy also differs, as the locals in Perlis use either catfish or eel to cook the laksa gravy; while other states usually use mackerel or sardines.
Kuih Dangai
Kuih Dangai is popular traditional food in the north Peninsular Malaysia, especially in Perlis. This wonderful snack is made from glutinous rice flour, grated coconut, sugar, with a dash of salt, all mixed before baking or grilling using a special mold.
Kuih Karas
Kuih Karas is another sweet traditional snack made from rice flour. The texture is rather similar to finely shredded thin webs like rice noodles, but it taste sweet and crunchy. One just needs to mix rice flour with water. Then, place it into a designated mold and fry it in hot oil. Kuih Karas also comes in various shapes from long roll to semi-round or even triangular.
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