It is quite clear that many people esteem Malay cooking. A lot of posts in this thread proves that. I have a different opinion, and I believed that OP asked for just that - different opinions.
I am really glad that so many of you disagree with my opinion, because I think Malaysia is such a great and diverse country to visit, and for me the food has been the real drawback.
Of course great food can be found. As I said, I have had great Banana Leaf experiences and other good meals too. Indian, Chinese and Thai but mostly in KL and other big cities. One of the best meals I have had was in fact in Kuching, where a tour guide took us to his favourite restaurant outside the city where they served a wonderful curry made on deer.
To OP: As always asking for travel advice, you will get a lot of different opinions about food, people, activities and destinations. And they are often contradicting each other. Everybody form their opinions based on their own experiences. Just go with open eyes and an open mind and I am sure you will have a nice and memorable time in Malaysia.
over-and-out
A Thread about food is always worth reading and all opinions should be respected. Once I had a similar experience as Ratspray, on the Thaiborder the train stopped and the Malay restaurant served me a very badly chopped tasteless chickenwing on rice. I thought I was in for a bad few weeks for my taste buds but that was my first and last bad experience with food in Malaysia.
I have been around India many times too and the quality, specially in the south, is usually good but the best Indian food I have ever had was in Malaysia, in KL, Penang, Kota Kinabalu, it is always great. Also I would like to add that I had 20 Baht dishes in Thailand that were not more than acceptable.
I am a food traveller too, food in Asia is divers and usually great: Pho in Vietnam, nasi campur in Indonesia, curry in India, tom yam in Thailand and in Malaysia I have several "usuals". All these dishes are prepared different in each restaurant and never score less than 7 out of 10.
So as for food, you can't go wrong in south east Asia (as long as you don't go to the Philippines, don't get me started!).
But the OP asked not only about food and I think as you know Thailand already, why not try Malaysia, they are both great places for all kind of travellers: food, culture, people, landscapes, budgetwise or climate, whatever you main interest, travelling in both countries always has enough to offer to any traveller.
Enjoy your trip!
Yet to be mentioned, Malaysia gives a 90day free on arrival visa and Thailand only 30 days.
except it's not a visa. It's just a stamp in your passport that gives you leave to remain for 90 days.
Whoaa #40, you made it to Raju - the holy grail of banana leaf rice! It's THE place to go. Eating a heady mix of explosive curries under shady trees, with bare hands and waiters hollering your orders across the street is a wonderful experience itself.
VITYA in Bricksfield is a good stab too.
As I plan a trip to Thailand and/or Malaysia, it is really interesting to read this debate thread comparing costs and food. But I'm also wondering: Beyond the beaches, bars and restaurants, how do the two nations compare in terms of opportunities for travelers to explore cultural, historic or religious sites, architecture, museums, small village life, etc.? Does anyone have any recommendations for must-see sights, not only in the respective capital cities but also off the beaten path? Any particular hotels or restaurants that you love in either country? Any suggestions for the advantages or disadvantages of traveling by car vs. bus or train? How difficult is it to get by in English (with French as a backup)? Many thanks for any input that seasoned Malaysia or Thailand travelers might offer.
Hi,
I'm from India planning a honeymoon trip in first week of Feb, 2009 and split for choice between Thailand (2 days Pattaya2 days Kosamui+2 days Bangkok+1or2days in Phuket) & Malaysia (2days in KL+3days at Langkawi+1 night at Genting ighlanda trip to penang island).
Also, which of them offer underwater walk too?
Please suggest which is preferred honeymoon destination and has better value for money - (parameters like food/lodging/shopping/weather/beauty/people behavior/comfort for foreign tourists)
Thanks & Regards,
Gurpreet Singh
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