In an age when the term "underrated" gets tossed about with impunity, it may be difficult to take us seriously when we say Malaysian food isn’t getting the global recognition it deserves.
But the fact is, this stuff is good. Damn good.
The sum of many delicious parts, Malaysian cuisine’s influences include Chinese, Indian and Malay.
In some ways it's similar to Indonesian food, with the two nations sharing many of the same dishes. (Warning: debates over dish origins can turn nasty in these parts -- such is the passion of the region's food lovers.)
Regardless, once you’re in Malaysia and eating, you'll quickly dispanse with historical concerns and wonder instead where your next meal is coming from and how you can you get to it sooner.
To help narrow your choices here are 40 of Malaysia's top dishes, in no particular order.
What are your favorite Malaysian dishes? Share your photos and stories in our Malaysian food iReport assignment.