Ikan bakar is a beloved Indonesian grilled fish dish, known for its smoky aroma, bold spices, and savory-sweet glaze. The name ikan bakar literally means “grilled fish” in Indonesian and Malay (ikan = fish, bakar = grilled or roasted), and it refers more to the cooking technique than to a specific recipe. Found across Indonesia, Malaysia, and coastal Southeast Asia, ikan bakar varies by region, but always features fresh, whole fish marinated with spices and aromatics, then grilled over charcoal for deep, rich flavor. The fish—often snapper, mackerel, gourami, or catfish—is typically marinated in a mixture of shallots, garlic, turmeric, coriander, tamarind, chilies, and kecap manis (sweet soy sauce). In some regions, especially Java, the use of kecap manis creates a sweet, caramelized glaze, while in others, such as Minangkabau (West Sumatra) or Bali, the marinade is more spicy, tangy, and aromatic, often without any soy sauce. During grilling, the fish is frequently basted with the remaining marinade or a mixture of oil and spices, keeping the flesh moist and enhancing the smokiness. It’s traditionally served with steamed rice, sambal (spicy chili sauce), and lalapan (fresh vegetables) like cucumber, basil, and cabbage. Some versions are wrapped in banana leaves before grilling to infuse the fish with an earthy aroma and protect it from direct heat.
Masak lemak is a vibrant yellow Malaysian curry with a supposed origin in Negeri Sembilan. The dish can be prepared with various proteins such as chicken (ayam), fish (ikan), daging (beef), or seafood, but the base is always the same – a creamy, incredibly flavorful, and spicy combination of turmeric, coconut milk, and various other herbs and spices. The dish is also known as masak lemak cili api (padi), in which the last two words refer to the use of chilies in the dish. Masak lemak is enjoyed throughout Malaysia and it is usually served accompanied by sambal, rice, and raw vegetables (ulam).
Kari ikan is a delicious fish curry originating from Malaysia. It is typically made with a combination of fish that is cut into pieces, coconut milk, and a variety of spices such as fenugreek, cumin, curry leaves, chili peppers, mustard seeds, tamarind, ginger, turmeric, coriander, and lemongrass. The spices used in kari ikan often vary as the dish is very popular and can be found throughout the country, in most restaurants and households. Traditionally, kari ikan is served with fluffy rice on the side.
Keropok lekor is a Malaysian snack and a specialty of the Terengganu region. In order to prepare it, ground fish such as herring, ikan tamban, ikan kerisi, or ikan selayang are combined with sago flour, and the combination is formed into long, sausage-like shapes which are then boiled for several hours, although these fish sausages can also be fried. There are many stalls in the region where keropok lekor can be bought, and it is traditionally served hot with a spicy chili dipping sauce.
Sotong kangkung or jiu hu eng chai is a traditional hawker dish originating from Malaysia. Apart from the two main ingredients, sotong (cuttlefish) and kangkung (water spinach), the dish is usually made with ingredients such as peanuts, sesame seeds, lime juice, and a sauce consisting of shrimp sauce, hoisin sauce, plum sauce, chili powder, sugar, and water. The water spinach and the cuttlefish are blanched in water. The water spinach is served on a plate, topped with the cuttlefish, and the sauce is then poured over the two. The dish is sprinkled with ground peanuts and toasted sesame seeds, while a squeeze of lime juice on top is all that’s necessary to finish the dish. It’s recommended to serve the dish immediately as the water spinach will turn black if left unattended for a long period of time.
The main characteristic of this popular Malaysian dish is the combination of tamarind juice and chili paste, giving the dish its signature sour and spicy flavors. Even though it appears in numerous varieties throughout the country, it is traditionally prepared with okra, tomatoes, fish, and various seasonings, all cooked in a zesty, rich broth. Asam pedas is usually enjoyed as the main course, commonly served accompanied by rice.
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For the “Top 6 Malaysian Seafood Dishes” list until June 15, 2026, 174 ratings were recorded, of which 107 were recognized by the system as legitimate.
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