Discover 10 unique and delicious Malaysian souvenirs, from traditional foods to beautiful handicrafts, perfect for souvenirs.
Malaysia, a country rich in culture and natural beauty, offers not only amazing tourist destinations but also a variety of unique souvenirs that can be used as keepsakes or gifts for family and friends.
From sweet snacks to traditional crafts, there are many options that can bring a little taste and art of Malaysia to your home. Here are 10 unique Malaysian souvenirs that you must bring home.
1. Sarawak Layer Cake
Although layer cake is no longer foreign to Indonesian people, Sarawak Layer Cake has unique characteristics that distinguish it from the ones we usually encounter. This layered cake is one of the culinary icons of Sarawak, Malaysia.
It tastes similar to lapis legit, but its intricate layers and bright colors make this cake very visually appealing.
Making Sarawak Layer Cake requires precision and patience, making it more than just a snack, but a work of culinary art. Don’t miss the chance to taste it while in Malaysia or take it home as a souvenir.
2. Tau Sar Piah
One of the legendary souvenirs from Malaysia is Tau Sar Piah, a traditional pastry made of crispy skin with a sweet and savory green bean paste filling.
The name “tau sar” comes from the word “bean paste,” which describes the filling. This cake has a crispy outer texture and soft green bean filling, creating a perfect combination of flavors.
Usually, Tau Sar Piah is a favorite snack for tourists visiting Malaysia, and is often brought home as a souvenir for loved ones.
3. Malaysian Chocolate
Chocolate in Malaysia has its own unique character, and this is of course thanks to the local cocoa beans used in the making process.
One of the famous chocolate brands in Malaysia is Beryl’s, which produces various chocolate variants, ranging from white chocolate, dark chocolate, to milk chocolate.
Malaysian chocolate is famous for its deeper taste and smooth texture, making it the perfect choice for souvenirs.
Not only chocolate bars, there are also many other processed chocolate products that you can find in Malaysia, such as praline chocolate or chocolate with a mixture of nuts.
4. Kapit Cake
Kuih Kapit is a traditional Malaysian cake that is often served at festivals or celebrations. The shape is similar to the semprong cake in Indonesia, but Kuih Kapit has a thin and crispy triangular shape.
This cake is made from a mixture of eggs, flour, coconut milk, and granulated sugar, which is baked until crispy. Usually, Kuih Kapit is filled with mung bean paste or brown sugar, giving it a delicious sweet taste.
This cake is very popular among Malaysians and can be found in traditional markets and souvenir shops.
5. Milo Cube
Milo is an instant chocolate drink that is very popular in Asia, and Malaysia is no exception. One of Milo’s latest innovations is Milo Cube, which is Milo chocolate that is compacted into small cubes.
This snack can be eaten directly like candy, or can also be used to make hot or cold chocolate drinks by mixing it with water.
Milo Cube in Malaysia is famous for having a thicker and slightly bitter chocolate taste, making it a favorite of many people, especially Milo lovers.
6. Malaysian Dodol
Dodol is a Southeast Asian sweet cake made from glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, and palm sugar. In Malaysia, dodol has a slightly different taste from the Indonesian version, but still has a chewy texture and a distinctive sweet taste.
Malaysian dodol is often wrapped in banana leaves, which adds a distinctive aroma to the cake. This sweet snack is perfect to bring home as a souvenir, especially for those who love traditional sweet foods.
7. Pua Kumbu
Pua Kumbu is a very typical traditional cloth from Malaysia, especially from the Dayak tribe in Sarawak. This cloth is woven by hand using techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Pua Kumbu is decorated with very unique patterns and colors, often containing deep cultural meaning. This cloth is commonly used in various traditional ceremonies and is highly valued for its beauty.
As a souvenir, Pua Kumbu is the perfect choice for those who want to take home Malaysian art and culture.
8. Roti Jala
Roti Jala is a traditional Malay dish made from flour, eggs, and coconut milk, then cooked by baking until it forms thin nets. Roti Jala is usually eaten with curry sauce or peanut sauce, providing a combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors.
Roti Jala is suitable as a souvenir because it is easy to serve and tastes good. You can take home Roti Jala in dry form or ready to serve.
9. Karipap
Karipap is a typical Malaysian food that is similar to pastel, but with the difference that the skin is thicker and layered, because it uses puff pastry. Karipap has various filling variants, but the most common ones are potato and chicken curry.
The crispy texture of karipap skin and the savory curry filling make this food very popular, both as a snack and as a main dish. Karipap is the right choice if you are looking for savory souvenirs from Malaysia.
10. Rich Spread
Kaya Spread is a traditional Malaysian spread made from a mixture of coconut milk, eggs, sugar, and pandan leaves. The name “kaya” in Malay means “rich” or “full,” referring to the smooth, creamy, and flavorful texture of the spread.
Kaya Spread is often used as a spread on toast, commonly known as “kaya toast” in Malaysia. It is a popular breakfast spread in Malaysia, and bringing kaya spread home is a great way to experience a little bit of the traditional Malaysian breakfast.
Malaysia does have many interesting and unique souvenirs, ranging from sweet traditional foods to savory foods, as well as beautiful handicrafts. Each item has its own uniqueness that reflects Malaysian culture and tradition.
For those of you who are planning to visit this country, make sure to bring home some of these Typical Malaysian Food items as souvenirs for yourself or as gifts for those closest to you.
From Sarawak Layer Cake to Kaya Spread, every Malaysian souvenir has a rich taste and unforgettable memories.