Nasi Kerabu
This is the dish that gym-goers fantasize about. Protein, fiber, and a healthy dose of blue-colored carbs? Yes, please, and thank you. The Kelantanese cuisine is prepared with herb-infused rice, boiled salted egg, fried fish or chicken, and assorted vegetables on the side. It’s yummy without the tummy.
Ikan Bakar
You don’t know grilled fish until you’ve had Malaysian grilled fish. Marinated with turmeric, ginger, galangal, chili, garlic, fresh lime, and belacan (shrimp paste), this dish will make you ditch those bland, creamed fish fillets and move to Malaysia for real.
Rojak
Rojak isn’t just local slang for “hodgepodge.” It also refers to the hodgepodge of pineapple, cucumber, green mango, cucumber, jicama, and — depending on where you are in the country — cuttlefish, deep-fried tofu, or Chinese-style fritters. This healthy cocktail is typically tossed with a sweet shrimp paste with ground peanuts.
Capati
Alternately spelled “chapati,” this roti (bread) of Indian origin is typically eaten with calorie-laden curries, but you can always “health” it up by filling it with chicken kebab (for the protein) or eating it with plain yogurt. It’s delish either way.
Soft-boiled eggs
If you’ve never gone to a kopitiam (coffee shop) and ordered this before, it’s time you did. The soft-boiled eggs typically come in their shells, and you’ll have to crack them open and eat with soy sauce and white pepper. It’s (affordable) protein in a cup.
Pengat
Occasionally confused with bubur cha cha (another sweet dessert), this Nyonya dessert is made with sweet potatoes steeped and boiled in coconut milk, sugar, and pandan leaves. Banana and yam slices may be added, too. If you’re going for healthy starches, this is it.
Nasi Ulam
This flavorful herb rice salad will make you forget you’re on a diet. Featuring turmeric rice tossed with kaffir lime leaves, shallots, basil, mint, lemongrass, wild betel leaves, and shredded coconut, this dish is all about variety without calories. Add a touch of sambal (spicy shrimp paste) and you’ll be faithful to your diet — and this nasi (rice).