Learning a new language can be a thrilling adventure, and when it comes to Malay, one of the essential topics you’ll need to get familiar with is food and drink. Understanding how to talk about food and beverages can enhance your travel experience, help you understand the culture better, and even allow you to make new friends. In this article, we’ll explore the basic vocabulary related to food and drink in Malay, complete with definitions and example sentences to help solidify your understanding.

Basic Vocabulary for Food

Makanan – Food
Makanan refers to anything that is consumed as food.
Saya suka makan makanan tradisional Malaysia.

Nasi – Rice
Nasi is a staple in Malay cuisine, often served with various dishes.
Nenek saya memasak nasi setiap hari.

Roti – Bread
Roti is another commonly consumed food item in Malaysia.
Saya suka makan roti dengan mentega.

Sayur – Vegetable
Sayur refers to vegetables, which are an essential part of a balanced diet.
Ibu saya selalu membeli sayur segar dari pasar.

Buah – Fruit
Buah refers to fruits, which are often enjoyed as snacks or desserts.
Saya suka makan buah epal dan pisang.

Daging – Meat
Daging is a term for meat in general, be it chicken, beef, or lamb.
Ayah saya suka makan daging kambing.

Ikan – Fish
Ikan is a common protein source in Malay cuisine, especially in coastal areas.
Kakak saya pandai memasak ikan bakar.

Telur – Egg
Telur is an incredibly versatile food item used in various dishes.
Saya makan telur goreng untuk sarapan.

Sup – Soup
Sup refers to any kind of soup, a common starter or main dish.
Dia suka makan sup ayam pada hari sejuk.

Goreng – Fried
Goreng is a method of cooking, meaning fried.
Nasi goreng adalah hidangan kegemaran saya.

Basic Vocabulary for Drinks

Minuman – Drink
Minuman refers to any kind of drink or beverage.
Saya perlu minuman sejuk selepas bersenam.

Air – Water
Air is the most essential drink for life.
Setiap orang perlu minum air secukupnya.

Teh – Tea
Teh is a popular beverage in Malaysia, often enjoyed with meals.
Saya suka minum teh tarik pada waktu petang.

Kopi – Coffee
Kopi is a beloved drink for many, providing a caffeine boost.
Dia selalu minum kopi pada waktu pagi.

Jus – Juice
Jus is a refreshing drink made from fruits.
Adik saya suka minum jus oren.

Susu – Milk
Susu is commonly consumed for its nutritional benefits.
Anak kecil itu minum susu setiap malam.

Sirap – Syrup
Sirap is often used to make sweet beverages.
Saya suka minum sirap bandung pada musim panas.

Bir – Beer
Bir is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grains.
Dia memesan bir di restoran itu.

Wain – Wine
Wain is an alcoholic drink made from fermented grapes.
Mereka minum wain semasa makan malam.

Koktel – Cocktail
Koktel is a mixed drink, usually containing alcohol.
Dia memesan koktel buah di bar.

Common Phrases Related to Food and Drink

Selera – Appetite
Selera refers to one’s desire to eat.
Dia mempunyai selera makan yang besar.

Menu – Menu
Menu is a list of food and drink items available at a restaurant.
Saya melihat menu sebelum membuat pesanan.

Pesanan – Order
Pesanan is what you request at a restaurant.
Saya membuat pesanan untuk nasi lemak.

Hidangan – Dish
Hidangan refers to a specific food item served as part of a meal.
Laksa adalah hidangan kegemaran saya.

Restoran – Restaurant
Restoran is a place where meals are served to customers.
Kami makan malam di restoran itu malam tadi.

Resipi – Recipe
Resipi is a set of instructions for preparing a particular dish.
Saya mencari resipi untuk kek coklat.

Ramuan – Ingredient
Ramuan refers to the components used to make a dish.
Setiap ramuan dalam hidangan ini adalah segar.

Berbuka puasa – Break fast
Berbuka puasa refers to eating after a period of fasting, commonly during Ramadan.
Kami pergi ke masjid untuk berbuka puasa.

Makan tengah hari – Lunch
Makan tengah hari is the meal eaten in the middle of the day.
Dia makan makan tengah hari di pejabat.

Makan malam – Dinner
Makan malam is the evening meal.
Kami merancang untuk makan makan malam di luar malam ini.

Common Food and Drink Items in Malay Cuisine

Nasi lemak – Coconut Milk Rice
Nasi lemak is a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk, served with various accompaniments.
Saya suka makan nasi lemak dengan ayam goreng.

Rendang – Spicy Meat Stew
Rendang is a slow-cooked dry curry dish, usually made with beef or chicken.
Rendang daging adalah hidangan istimewa pada Hari Raya.

Satay – Skewered Meat
Satay is grilled meat served on skewers, often accompanied by peanut sauce.
Saya memesan satay ayam di gerai itu.

Roti canai – Indian Flatbread
Roti canai is a type of flatbread served with curry or dhal.
Kami makan roti canai dengan kari kambing.

Teh tarik – Pulled Tea
Teh tarik is a popular Malaysian tea, known for its frothy top.
Teh tarik adalah minuman kegemaran saya di kedai mamak.

Cendol – Iced Sweet Dessert
Cendol is a dessert made with shaved ice, coconut milk, and green jelly noodles.
Dia makan cendol untuk pencuci mulut.

Air batu campur (ABC) – Shaved Ice Dessert
Air batu campur is a popular dessert made with shaved ice and various toppings.
Saya suka air batu campur pada hari panas.

Kari laksa – Curry Noodle Soup
Kari laksa is a spicy noodle soup made with curry and coconut milk.
Kami makan kari laksa di restoran itu.

Nasi goreng – Fried Rice
Nasi goreng is a fried rice dish often mixed with vegetables, meat, or seafood.
Nasi goreng kampung adalah kegemaran saya.

Roti jala – Net Bread
Roti jala is a lacy crepe-like bread usually served with curry.
Kami makan roti jala dengan kari ayam.

Useful Sentences for Ordering Food and Drink

Saya mahu – I want
Saya mahu is a phrase you can use to express your desire for something.
Saya mahu teh tarik dan roti canai.

Bolehkah saya dapatkan – Can I get
Bolehkah saya dapatkan is a polite way to ask for something.
Bolehkah saya dapatkan menu, tolong?

Ada apa – What do you have
Ada apa is used to inquire about available options.
Ada apa untuk makan malam hari ini?

Berapa harganya – How much is it
Berapa harganya is used to ask for the price of something.
Berapa harganya nasi lemak ini?

Ini sedap – This is delicious
Ini sedap is a compliment for the food you are enjoying.
Ini sedap, terima kasih chef!

Saya kenyang – I am full
Saya kenyang is used to indicate that you have eaten enough.
Saya kenyang, terima kasih.

Tolong tambah – Please add more
Tolong tambah is used when you want more of something.
Tolong tambah nasi goreng.

Tiada – None
Tiada is used to indicate the absence of something.
Maaf, tiada jus oren hari ini.

Pedas – Spicy
Pedas describes food with a strong, hot flavor.
Saya suka makanan yang pedas.

Kurang manis – Less sweet
Kurang manis is used to request a drink with less sugar.
Boleh buat teh tarik kurang manis?

Learning these basic vocabulary words and phrases will help you navigate the delicious world of Malay cuisine with ease. Whether you are dining in a restaurant, eating at a food stall, or cooking at home, these terms will come in handy. Enjoy your culinary journey through Malaysia, and don’t forget to practice these words and phrases as often as you can!