Glossary/Guide for non-Malaysian Readers

South of my border, the natives affectionately call the English they speak "Singlish" - a contraction of Singaporean English, I guess. Using the same formula, would we in Malaysia have to call our form of English Manglish? Urggh...so this then is a guide of some mangled words I might have used.

This is a page that will be updated as and when I use a local colloquialism. If I should miss any, do let me know so I could add it in.

Koay Teow Thng (n) - a hawker food popular in Penang made up of flat white noodles in soup served with fishball and duck meat

Kopitiam (n) - A traditional Chinese coffee shop selling coffee and food, different from a restaurant or a fast food joint, although today there has been an unchecked mushrooming of kopitiams in the fast food franchise mould using imitation antique tables and chairs and offering copycat cuisine. Only good thing is the absolutely free access of high-speed wireless internet for their patrons.

Original Kopitiam

Kopitiam trends

Makan (v) - eat

Mamak Stall (n) - A roadside eatery or stall operated by Indian Muslims who are also called Mamaks selling teh tarik and roti canai

Nasi Lemak (n) - a local cuisine consisting of rice steamed with coconut milk accompanied by beef or chicken rendang, sambal, deep fried anchovies and groundnuts. (see picture)

Roti Canai (n) -a type of flatbread served with curry in Mamak stalls round the clock

Teh Tarik (n) - literally "pulled tea". Sweetened milk tea that is "pulled" before being served frothing.

Teh Tarik Kurang Manis (n) - teh tarik less sweet