Top Six Delish Malaysian Delicacies

A particular region's range of delicacies is an exquisite way to discover a part of its glorious culture. That's primarily why I LOVE shopping for these types whenever we are blessed enough to travel. I've heard that Kuala Lumpur has some of the best delicacies in Southeast Asia, and after having tasted the following, I have to agree.

Here are 6 delicacies I've chosen and bought from Oloiya by Syarikat Kiew Brothers, a popular distributor of Malaysian delicacies. I understand that they have lots of branches in the region. Still, I've been to only two-the, the one at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and the other one tucked away along the famed Jalan Alor streets, which sold all of these delicacies for around 2 RM or PHP 28 less. 

Anyway, let me share some great-tasting treats I bought that rainy December 2011 at Pavilion KL.

               Malaysian Delicacies from Oloiya at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

1.  Shat Kek Ma (RM 6.80 or PHP 95.30)

                          Four big pieces of Shat Kek Ma were found in a box.

Made of flour, wheat molasses, sugar, cooking oil, and eggs, this tasty snack is made by Pun Chun Restaurant, located in Perak, Malaysia. Still, it is widely distributed by Syarikat Kiew Brothers. Honestly, I was intimidated by the relatively thick portion, but the snack's soft nature won me over instantly. It tasted like banana chips broken down and put together in several layers to produce some crispness but softness at the edge. Although it might not be the healthiest snack there is but Shat Kek Ma was so delish I couldn't stop at just one piece. In fact, I ate the whole box in one sitting, considering its enormous size! Well, it's okay to indulge once in a while.

2. Dodol ( RM 9.50 or PHP 133.20)

Malaysian Dodol comes in various flavors, but I chose only two: Coconut and Durian. This toffee-like delicacy is delightful but beautifully incorporates its featured flavor to the core. You see, Dodol is a bit al dente than our native yema but softer than our caramel candies. I loved both flavors, but most of my family members enjoyed the coconut variant more since they weren't fond of durian.

3. Hakka Dried Beef (RM 18.48 or PHP 259.10)

Three packs weighing a total of 132 grams

                                             

                                            An extensive strip of Hakka Dried Beef

                                            Cooked Hakka Dried Beef

What can I say but just amazing things about this delicacy? Its smoky barbecue flavor and soft sweet meat have won my family's hearts. And the fact that I can eat it either with rice or without (as a snack), even cooked or fresh from the package, is a testament to its versatility.

4.  Kerepek Perisa Ikan Bilis or Anchovy Cracker (RM 7 or PHP 98.20)

Made of anchovy (dilis), salt, sugar, starch, and chili powder, Kerepek Perisa Ikan Bilis is a crunchy, sweet, spicy snack best enjoyed with a refreshingly cool drink on the side. 

5.  Tau Sau Peah or Tambun Biscuit (RM 12 or PHP 168.30)

One package offers 28 pieces.

When I first saw it and later on tasted this popular snack from Penang, I thought that it resembled our native delicacy called hopia in some way. But Tau Sau Peah is much smaller and crispier since it's a baked biscuit. It has a semi-sweet filling that reminded me of our hopiang monggo since it is also made from green beans. It's a refreshing twist to our own hopia, which I find amusing and comforting.

6. Heong Peah or Sesame Biscuit (RM 8.30 or PHP 116.40)

Manufactured in the little town of  Teluk Intan in Perak, Malaysia, I consider this snack to be a tastier and a much sweeter and zestier sibling to Tau Sau Peah, perhaps because of the addition of sesame and small onions, which I both adore. This variant reminds me of my favorite hopiang baby, made from Kundol or winter melon. Like in Tau Sau Peah, you need a platito or a saucer when you eat it to catch those crumbs falling off from the flaky biscuit. 

Where to Buy These Delicacies in Kuala Lumpur?

 

Oloiya by Syarikat Kiew Brothers

Lot No.1.12.00 Level 1

Pavilion KL 

168 Jalan Bukit Bintang

55100 Kuala Lumpur

Business Hours: 10 AM -10 PM (Mon- Sun)

Syarikat Kiew Brothers

63 Jalan Alor

Off Jalan Bukit Bintang

50200 Kuala Lumpur

Business Hours: 10 AM -10 PM (Mon- Sun)