1. The traditional culinary style has been greatly influenced by the long-ago traders from neighboring countries. Malay food is often described as spicy and flavorful...

2. Malay Food typically uses a lot of coconut milk, chillies and belacan. An example of a very hot but delicious chillie paste is known as Sambal Belacan which is like a prawn paste pounded with chillies and mixed with lime juice. This spicy mixture is usually a sure accompaniment of any type of meal. Malay type curries are light and mild, often flavoured with tumeric or spice mixture (korma) giving a refreshing difference to other chill curries.

3. Satay - The Satay is probably one of the most popular Malay dishes Beef Rendang (Malay Spiced Coconut Beef) - This spicy dish is a specialty that is served during Ramzan and Eid and the Malay New Year. Sambal Udang (Spicy Prawns) - Prawns or shrimps are cooked with belachan and garlic, chillies, tomatoes and tamarind paste. Ayam Masak Merah (Red-Cooked Chicken) - Chicken pieces are pan fried a golden brown and cooked in a spicy tomato sauce.

4. Nasi lemak is a dish that is commonly sold in Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore. In fact, it has been called the unofficial national dish of Malaysia. There is a similar dish in Indonesia called nasi uduk.

5. One of the most unique Malay dishes is the "roti jala" (lacy pancakes), which sometimes replaces the staple rice. Roti jala is an ideal accompaniment to any dish with lots of rich gravy and is often served during special occasions. It is made from a mixture of plain flour and eggs, with a pinch of turmeric powder and butter. Desserts are a must for any Malay meal. Easily available at most local restaurants and roadside stalls, Malay desserts are invariably very sweet and include ingredients such as coconut milk, palm sugar, and flour.

6. For dessert, fruits are seldom served and are instead replaced by cakes. Generally, Malay desserts and cakes are very rich in coconut milk and are great for those with a sweet tooth.

7. They are also prohibited from consuming the flesh of predatory animals and birds (ducks), rodents, reptiles, worms, amphibians (frogs) and the flesh of dead animals. Muslims can only eat meat that is halal. Halal is a way of slaughtering according to the Islamic rites.

8. Traditional Malay food makes use of tantalizing herbs such as lemon grass, daun kemangi (basil), nutmeg, bunga kantan(ginger buds) and pandan leaves. Dried spices such as star anise, fenugreek, coriander, cumin and fennel are frequently used to flavor Malayan dishes. Some of the unique spices used in Malaysian food lend different colors to rice. Fresh chili paste, onions and garlic find themselves in most Malaysian dishes. Fresh coconut milk is also an integral part. Typical Malayan gravy has fresh and dried ingredients ground into a paste called rempah. This is sautéed in oil to bring out the aroma. Coconut milk is used to add a creamy richness. Though soups are not usually a must-have in a Malay meal, the Sup Kambing (mutton soup) is a regional delicacy.

9. Jolene Lee (o8) Eloise Lee (12) Grace Soh (21)