Famous Malaysian Snacks by Calories
Malaysia, a Southeast Asian country known for its rich culinary heritage, offers a plethora of snacks that cater to all taste buds. From sweet to savory, these snacks are not just delicious but provide an insight into the country’s cultural mosaic. However, for those watching their caloric intake or just curious about the nutritional content of these delights, here’s a handy guide.
Below, we present a comparison of famous Malaysian snacks based on their average calorie count.
| Snack | Average Calories (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Nasi lemak | 644 kcal |
| Roti canai | 302 kcal |
| Teh tarik | 83 kcal (250 ml) |
| Curry puff (Karipap) | 130 kcal |
| Satay (Chicken) | 42 kcal (per stick) |
| Kuih talam | 150 kcal |
| Kuih lapis | 57 kcal (per layer) |
| Apam balik (thin crust) | 220 kcal |
| Pisang goreng | 197 kcal (per piece) |
| Ondeh-ondeh | 50 kcal (per piece) |
Breakdown:
- Nasi lemak: Often dubbed Malaysia’s national dish, it’s a rice dish cooked in coconut milk, accompanied by a spicy sambal, crispy anchovies, toasted peanuts, boiled egg, and fresh cucumber. Its caloric content largely comes from the rich coconut milk and the sides that accompany the rice.
- Roti canai: A type of flatbread that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s usually paired with dhal (lentil soup) or other types of curry.
- Teh tarik: Malaysia’s national beverage, it’s a strong tea with condensed milk, known for the “pulling” method during its preparation, which gives it a rich frothy top.
- Curry puff (Karipap): A small pie filled with spicy curried fillings, commonly chicken or potato.
- Satay: Grilled skewered meat served with peanut sauce, rice cakes, and a small serving of a cubed rice. The caloric content can vary based on the meat used.
- Kuih talam: A two-layered dessert with a sweet coconut custard layer on top and a salty layer made from green pea flour at the bottom.
- Kuih lapis: A colorful layered sticky rice cake, its calorie count is per layer since it’s often enjoyed layer by layer.
- Apam balik: A pancake-like snack filled with a mixture of sugar, peanuts, and sweetcorn. The thin crust version is crispy, but there’s also a thicker, fluffier version.
- Pisang goreng: Deep-fried banana fritters, a perfect blend of crispy batter and sweet banana.
- Ondeh-ondeh: Sweet rice cake balls filled with palm sugar and coated in grated coconut. When bitten into, the palm sugar melts in the mouth.
Conclusion:
Malaysian snacks are diverse and offer a burst of flavors. While some might be calorie-dense, they are rich in tradition, history, and taste. As with any food, the key is moderation. Whether you’re enjoying these snacks on a trip to Malaysia or in the comfort of your home, savor every bite and the rich culture they represent.
