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Nine Malaysian dishes, from Sarawak's mi kolok and kek lapis to Penang's nasi kandar and pasembur, are among 69 items recognised as National Heritage 2026. Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Chiew Choon Man announced the list in Putrajaya on 6 November, at the sixth National Heritage Declaration. Even the way Malaysians eat breakfast made the list. (Bernama)
The dishes on the list
- Mi kolok: Sarawak's springy dry noodles, tossed with shallot oil and topped with minced meat
- Kek lapis: the colourful, finely layered cakes Sarawak is famous for
- Nasi kandar: Penang's rice with a flood of mixed curries
- Pasembur: a Penang salad of shredded vegetables and fritters under a sweet, spicy sauce
- Char kue kak: fried radish and rice cake, a favourite at Penang hawker stalls
- Kacang pool: a hearty fava bean stew eaten with bread, best known in Johor
- Apam Johol: a soft steamed cake named after Johol in Negeri Sembilan
- Kuih chang: rice dumplings wrapped in leaves
- Uthappam: a thick South Indian pancake cooked with toppings
"Malaysian Breakfast Culture" is listed in its own right too, alongside festivals such as Tadau Kaamatan and Baba Nyonya wedding customs. (Bernama, The Star)
What the status means
Of the 69 items, 39 have been declared so far and 30 will be gazetted later. Under the National Heritage Act 2005, the Heritage Commissioner screens and researches each item, and the minister makes the final declaration. Chiew called it "the highest form of recognition by the federal government", and said listed items get legal protection, priority in preservation and conservation support. (Bernama, FMT)
The declaration also honoured 11 living heritage figures, including a Kelantan shadow puppeteer, a keringkam embroiderer and a lion dance master. Each receives a certificate and RM20,000. (The Star)
Where to taste the newly listed dishes
Our guide has a few good starting points:
- Mi kolok in Kuching: Mee Kolok Haji Salleh in Satok and Mee Kolok Mohammad Lim at Green Hill both serve beef mee kolok.
- Kek lapis: Kek Lapis Dayang Salhah in Petra Jaya, Kuching.
- Nasi kandar in George Town: Hameediyah Restaurant on Lebuh Campbell, or Nasi Kandar Line Clear on Jalan Penang.
- Char koay kak: Sister Yao’s Char Koay Kak on Lorong Macalister, George Town.
- Kacang pool: Kacang Pool Haji (Selera Johor, Plaza Larkin) at Larkin, Johor Bahru.
Heritage status doesn't change how these dishes taste, but it does mean the recipes and the people who cook them get official backing. That's worth a celebratory plate.
Sources
- National Heritage 2026: 69 Items Recognised, Including Mi Kolok And Kek Lapis — Bernama, 2026-11-06
- Malaysia recognises new heritage items, artisans — The Star, 2026-11-12
- Our national heritage list has grown – here's what's been added — FMT, 2026-11-13