[MIX RICE] Malaysia's Affordable Side Dish Packed with Vegetables

Hello, this is Ayaobasan 👵🏻 This weekend marks the arrival of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. The interiors of shopping centers are beautifully adorned with intricate art created using rice grains. Since Malaysia is a country where three major ethnic groups coexist, there are grand celebrations held three times a year. This is one of the greatest joys of relocating to Malaysia.

I really want my son to experience various cultures 😊

Today, I’ll be introducing a local favorite: the hawker-style “mix rice” stall, commonly known as Mix Rice.

It’s packed with veggies, budget-friendly, and having a mixed rice shop nearby is incredibly convenient. It saves time and money.

The staff member on the left is the one who serves the rice. They’ll ask whether you’d like to dine in or take it away. If you’re eating in, they’ll serve the rice onto a plate for you. For takeout, they’ll pack it into a plastic container. The size of these takeout containers varies quite a bit from shop to shop, and I’d say the one at this place is on the larger side.

What should I eat? Still browsing options.

I’ve never actually counted them, but you can find anywhere from 30 to 40 different side dishes lined up. For mixed rice shops that stay open into the evening, the dishes are typically replenished around 4 PM. If you head there around that time, you’ll enjoy the widest selection and plenty of hot, freshly prepared options. Be aware, though, that some dishes may run out if you visit later in the evening.

There’s so much to choose from—meat, vegetables, fish, and more—that I’m always torn!

These shops are run by Chinese-Malaysians and cater to a Chinese-Malaysian clientele, so pork is on the menu. Mixed rice is also hugely popular among Japanese expats in Malaysia! 😊

If you dine in, water and tea are complimentary and refillable.

The soup, which also includes Chinese herbal remedies with a chicken base, is all-you-can-drink. You can also take it home! To go, simply place a plastic bag under the pink plastic container in the center of the photo, fill it with soup, and tightly tie the bag’s handles. It’s packed just like those familiar plastic bags you get for Tetere!

I usually pick two or three side dishes. According to my husband, that’s the rule when you order mixed rice—going for four or more types tends to get pricey. For items like fish, which are priced individually, the cost can vary, so be sure to ask the staff for the price.

This time, I bought two packs for takeaway!

This amount cost under RM20, I’m sure. Since grocery shopping in Malaysia can be quite a hassle, having a mix rice stall nearby is incredibly convenient.

Let me introduce you to another shop! 😊

Until next time! 👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻