Regional Malay cuisine and festive specialities
Dishes from Perlis incorporate elements of Thai cooking, such as the use of tamarind, an example being ikan bakar air asam (barbequed fish in tamarind sauce).
Regional Malay cooking styles are traditionally distinctive, and although contemporary cooking reflects a fusion of elements from other sources, many of the traditional dishes have retained their original characteristics and flavours. Each state has its culinary specialities although the more popular dishes are usually found in other parts of the country as well. Food for special occasions, such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri and weddings, conforms to traditional norms.