Makan Pagi in KL

I love breakfasts! Well I generally love food but there’s something about “breakfasts” that literally stretches my smile into a mile. I love making them and I especially love having them while I’m still in my pajamas. Whenever I travel, LOCAL FOOD is always the top priority. So obviously, when we were in Malaysia I had to start my day with an authentic makan pagi (bahasa for breakfast).

On our first morning, we found a quaint Indian “carinderia” looking restaurant near our hotel. I already knew what to order: Roti Canai (pronounced "chanai," not "kanai") and Teh Tarik! This is a traditional breakfast set in Malaysia. Roti Canai is a type of flatbread. It’s like a local pancake actually, only thinner, lighter, fluffier and maybe a little “greasier”. Since it’s basically an Indian recipe, it had to be cooked (fried) in ghee (animal fat). This is usually served with Teh Tarik (pulled tea with condensed milk) and Dhal (curry). Of course you have to eat it with your hands. Pull pieces of the fluffy dough and soak them in the curry sauce for some finger-lickin’ yummy ending.

The next morning, we set off early for Genting Highlands. We decided to get some breakfast at KL Sentral. We found this quaint kopitiam (how Malaysians/Singaporeans call their traditional coffee shop) on the 2^nd level. Ever since getting my fill at Toastbox here in Manila, I’ve always wanted to try the REAL kaya toast & kopi breakfast set. A classic kopitiam breakfast would include a toasted roti benggali (Indian white bread) served with homemade kaya (a rich jam made with coconut milk and eggs), and their locally brewed coffee or kopi tarik, which is sweeter than what we’re used to because of the condensed milk.

So when you're in KL, "makan" like Malaysians and try these traditional breakfast sets. Better if you can really go to small, family-owned kopitiams in the neighborhood. But fret not 'cos you can easily get these breakfast fares everywhere, especially in the mall. So go "makan" your heart out!

The best thing about breakfasts is that they can be enjoyed the whole day! So who ever said you have to be a morning person to get these goodies? Some people MAY NOT agree that breakfast is the most important meal of the day (the carb-conscious crowd, you know) but I always believe that breakfast is the LOVELIEST meal of the day. I’ll tell you more about beautiful breakfasts next time… For now, let me fix myself a milk tea. Selamat makan!