In Malaysia, we’re never ever in shortage of good food and good-looking food just as well. Being foodies, it is not uncommon for us to travel a distance just to sample unique meals. Blue food is not something you would usually see at a restaurant because there aren’t many natural food or ingredients which can turn our meals and drinks into a shade of blue.
The blue pea flower however, is commonly used in the likes of nasi kerabu and pulut tai tai, which are both much-loved local delicacies. Here are 9 types of stunning blue-hued dishes, and where you can get them in Malaysia!
1. Blue Tea @ Terracota Café
The blue tea at Terracota is not due to food colouring. It is blue due to the fact that it has been steeped with the blue pea flower. Those who have never incorporated the flower into their food would certainly find this drink unique. It might look like it has been mixed with blue paint but the mild-tasting drink is in fact free from any chemicals. It is certainly a refreshing drink to have after a hearty meal, as it helps to cleanse the palate.
Hours: 10am-12am, daily
Address: P-1-15, Tropicana Avenue, Petaling Jaya
Website: Terracota Café
Tel: 012-616 0270
2. Blue Soft Serve @ Milkcow
Milkcow recently introduced their selection of blue soft serves and its Tiffany Blue shade has got throngs of people lining up just to try some. It is nicknamed Blue Sea due to the fact that it has been sprinkled with some sea salt. The interesting mix between sweet and salty makes the soft serve an interesting dessert to sample. The ice cream cone version of the Blue Sea dessert is sprinkled with some popping candy to give it an extra pop of flavour too.
Hours: 10am-10pm, daily
Address: LG-K23, Lower Ground Floor, The Gardens Mall
Website: Milkcow
Tel: 03-7726 7370
3. Blue Nasi Kerabu @ Chawan
As Malaysians, we would have tried the delicious nasi kerabu at least once in our life. The dish is popular in the east coast states such as Kelantan and Terengganu. It is often paired with egg, chicken and crackers and it is a flavourful dish mostly served in Malay restaurants. The nasi kerabu gets its blue colour from the blue pea flower as well.
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 8am-1am, Friday-Sunday: 8am-2am
Address: 69, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2287 5507
4. Blue Onde Onde Dessert @ Kebaya Dining Room
The Kebaya Dining Room is an authentic eatery which still preserves the Nyonya feel. It is in fact the dining room/eating place for guests of the Seven Terraces Hotel in Penang. In order to eat here, one must first reserve with the restaurant. While Kebaya Dining Room serves many main dishes such as otak otak and pai tee, the dessert here is a definite must-try. The homemade glutinous ‘onde onde’ balls are stuffed with coconut and gula melaka. The blue onde onde is then served with some coconut broth.
Hours: 6pm-10pm, daily
Address: Stewart Lane, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Website: Kebaya Dining Room
Tel: 04-264 2333
5. Blue Lagoon Cocktail @ Village Bar
Blue lagoon cocktails are refreshing and have a tropical vibe to it. The blue lagoon cocktail comprises of blue curaçao, vodka, lemon juice and lemonade. The blue fizzy drink is not your ordinary shot of alcohol and it’s a fun drink to have. It is a staple drink on watering hole menus everywhere and the Village Bar at Starhill Gallery is just one of the spots where you can have this drink.
Hours: 12pm-1am, daily
Address: Starhill Gallery, 181, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2782 3852
6. Blue Pulut Tai Tai @ A’Han Nyonya Kuih
This Malaysian kuih is made blue with the incorporation of blue pea flower in the mix. It is often served with kaya and the sticky dessert is a tea time staple for most Malaysians. It is generally inexpensive and many would often have the kuih alongside other local desserts such as pink kuih and ang ku kuih. It is also the perfect dish to have with a cup of kopi o’ as it balances out the bitterness of the coffee.
Address: Jalan 21/22, Sea Park, 46300 Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7874 4169
7. Blue Macarons @ Komugi Bakery
Macarons are known to come in a variety of colours and the curaçao macaron at this bakery is one that you would probably have more than one of. Komugi Bakery’s version of this macaron has a Tiffany Blue shade and the bite-sized dessert is one of Komugi’s bestsellers for a very valid reason. Biting into this dessert, the macaron melts in your mouth and it is sweet treat to have. Besides macarons, Komugi also has plenty of other bread and cake offerings.
Address: LG 078, Lower Ground Mid Valley Megamall
Website: Komugi Bakery
8. Blue Velvet Cupcakes @ Bisou
Bisou Bake Shop has been in the business for the past 10 years and they have a variety of dessert offerings in their Bangsar Village outlet. The types of desserts that you can find here includes cupcakes, cakes and cookies. The Blue Velvet Cupcake is a unique take on the usual Red Velvet Cupcake and it is the perfect dessert to have for birthdays and parties.
Hours: 10am-10pm, daily
Address: 1 Jalan Telawi Satu, Bangsar Village F-30 1st Floor (opposite Rakuzen), Kuala Lumpur
Website: Bisou
Tel: 03-2166 5525
9. Blue Cotton Candy @ Lepaq Lepaq Café
The cotton candy dessert at this café is known as the Lepaq Lepaq signature rainbow dessert. It is tinged with red and blue colours, but the blue certainly stands out, making it look like an adorable cloud dessert. The whimsical dish is served alongside some piping hot chocolate which gradually melts the cotton candy and adds a tinge of sweetness to the drink.
Hours: Monday-Friday: 10am-11pm, Saturday-Sunday: 9am-11pm
Address: Lot 687, Jalan Ceylon Sekyen 57, Kuala Lumpur
Website: Lepaq Lepaq Café
Tel: 03-2022 2293
10. Blue Nyonya Dumpling @ 60 EastWest Rendezvous
Nyonya dumplings are a Malaccan staple dish and it is dyed with blue pea flowers, giving it a striking shade of blue. It is filled with meat and mushrooms and can be considered a meal on its own. Most would call the store up in advance to place an order prior to picking them up. The dumplings itself is good for several days and can be reheated for later consumption.
Hours: 9.30am-5.30pm, daily
Address: 60, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Malacca
Tel: 016-634 6283
Feature Image Credit: Bisou, Burpple, @zxchin89, Terracota Cafe
