Cover Pink Ice Cream (Photo: Getty Images/Jonathan Knowles)

From durian ramen to nasi lemak ice cream, here's a look at some of the most outlandish food creations we've seen

In the culinary world, some complementary ingredients are a match made in heaven, while others are simply recipes for disasters. With an insatiable craving for the latest restaurants and foods to try, Malaysians are not one to shy away from unique culinary creations. In fact, there is somewhat of a welcome for sensationalist dishes that make their way into the mainstream spotlight. 

Read more: 8 of the world’s most extreme and exclusive dining experiences

Whether it’s being inspired by a crowd favourite seasoning like salted egg yolk or paying homage to the national breakfast dish, our local dining landscape has seen its fair share of adventurous dishes, appealing to bold palates. Here are some that have made an impression on us so far.

1. Durian

Distinguished by its pungent scent, spiky shell, and custard-like flesh, the durian’s long-living legacy as Malaysia’s pride in the fruit world has taken over the local culinary scene. The options are limitless, from the fusion of durian ramen to durian bingsu. As the Mooncake Festival approaches, the celebration takes an enchanting twist with the advent of durian mooncakes.

See also: Mid-Autumn festival 2023: The ultimate guide to mooncakes

 

2. Salted Egg

A long-running trend, salted egg yolk dishes are here to stay. The familiar liquid gold salted egg yolk has been a sight on local restaurant menus for a while now. Often devoured by locals in stir-fried dishes as a sauce, the obsession with salted egg yolk has since evolved into appearing in our favourite snacks and pastries.

We’ve tasted the salted egg waffle from Inside Scoop, salted egg yolk crispy fish skins, and even the salted egg cronut from Dotty’s–all worth trying at least once. 

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3. Nasi Lemak

The national dish is now also acting as inspiration for new food creations. While nothing beats a classic nasi lemak to start your day, when you’re looking for something different, look to the nasi lemak burgers at myBurgerLab, nasi lemak cakes, and even nasi lemak ice cream

Read more: Aidan Low of Akâr Dining on nurturing his team and what first sparked his interest in food

4. Pink foods

Not over the Barbie movie? Neither are we. Since the iconic Legally Blonde line “Whoever said orange is the new pink was seriously disturbed” was uttered, pink has become one of the most used colours worldwide. “Barbiecore” craze has taken over the F&B scene by storm, with the light red hue seen infused into ice creams, pink rose flavoured lattes, and even pink cakes. 

See also: 7 restaurants and cafés to explore in Bangsar South

5. Spicy foods

As a community who are spice naturalists, this familiar flavour is incorporated into our everyday lives. However, it is hard to keep up with viral spicy food trends online. Locals would often test their spice tolerance with a series of over-the-top challenges. Some notable ones include the Samyang challenge, ghost pepper challenge, and even a local favourite, Maggi, transformed with its pedas giler seasonings.

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