A ‘Taste’ of Sarawak: Cuisines, ‘Open House’ and Ramadan Bazaar

Sarawak is home to 27 ethnic groups, each with its own distinct language, culture and lifestyle - indeed, Sarawak offers a potpourri of experiences, from ethnic cuisines to quaint cultural-related practices, to travelers across the world.

Be ready for a gastronomical and cultural adventure!

ETHNIC CUISINES

Sarawakians living away from home are known to have one habit - they always bring 'kolo mee' and'laksa' from their hometown. They do not mind the hassle of bringing the food items across the seas as the yearning for the Sarawak food conquers all.

'Kolo mee' and 'laksa' are the typical breakfast food enjoyed by the locals. Sold in almost all coffee shops, your visit to Sarawak would not be complete without sampling these food.

'Kolo mee', a popular Chinese cuisine, looks like the thinner version of Maggi noodle, but more springy.

The main ingredients are usually barbequed meat slices, minced meat, some vegetables and topped with spring onions.

'Laksa' is a unique dish of rice vermicelli in a fragrant shrimp-based soup thickened with coconut milk, and topped with juicy prawns, tender chicken slices, bean sprouts and julienned omellette.

It is normally served with a squeeze of lime and a generous dollop of fiery 'sambal belacan', a shrimp-based paste, on the side. It is a cuisine resulting from a merger of the Chinese and Malay elements.

For those who are curious about the Sarawak native fare, the 'Manok Pansuh', 'Umai' and 'Nasi Goreng Dabai' are must-tries. 'Manok Pansuh', an Iban cuisine, is chicken cooked in bamboo, with tapioca leaves, traditional herbs and spices.

'Umai', on the other hand, is akin to 'sashimi', with raw fish slices marinated with ginger juice and lime, and served with 'sago' pellets. This dish is of the Melanau origin.

'Nasi Goreng Dabai' is fried rice which uses 'dabai' as part of its ingredients. 'Dabai' is a local fruit which is in the olive family and is black in colour on the outside, with dark purple flesh on the inside. 'Nasi Goreng Dabai' is commonly served with fried egg and crackers.

Another popular favourite is 'midin' - it is a jungle fern, much sought after for its crisp texture and great taste. 'Midin' is usually served in two equally delicious ways - fried with either garlic or 'belacan' (a shrimp-based paste).

OPEN HOUSE/'RUMAH TERBUKA'

Malaysia has a number of festivals and celebrations, some of which are celebrated as public holidays, either nationwide or specific to a few States. Most of these festivals are either religious or cultural in origin, and are swathed in traditions and rituals. The common festivals celebrated in Sarawak are the Hari Raya Puasa (Muslim community), Chinese New Year (Chinese community), Hari Raya Aidiladha (Muslim community), Christmas (Christian community) and Hari Gawai (Dayak community). However, in all these festivals, the 'open house' experience is definitely a must to savour!


'Open house' or locally known as 'Rumah Terbuka', is a unique Malaysian concept  during which families, friends and even strangers would visit the homes of those celebrating the festivals, to wish them well and enjoy the feast prepared by their hosts. Food and drinks will be in abundance during the 'open house' and merrymaking is the order of the day!

RAMADAN BAZAAR

During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan or the fasting month, the 'Ramadan Bazaar' is a common sight in Sarawakian cities or towns. From freshly baked cakes and cookies and popular local delicacies for breaking fast, to festive apparel, the bazaars are not only popular among the Muslim community, but among other communities as well. The bazaars, which normally start around 4pm, are definitely a must-visit!

Visitors have the opportunity to sample delicacies such as 'karipap' (local curry puffs), 'satay' (grilled meat skewers), 'ayam penyek' (savoury fried chicken), 'murtabak' (Indian delicacy), 'roti jon' (local version of long hot dog), 'kebab poket' (smaller version of kebabs), 'ikan bakar' (grilled fish), 'bubur pedas' (a porridge-like dish cooked with a specially prepared paste which includes spices, turmeric, lemon grass, chillies and many more), 'ayam panggang' (grilled chicken), and other mouth-watering delicacies.