Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Telegram for the latest stories and breaking news.
Here’s a list of foods that you’ve probably never known the official spelling for in Bahasa Melayu (BM):
These spellings are legitimate according to the Dewan Bahasa and Pustaka (DBP).
1. Kuetiau
Image via Fried Chillies
Many were left conflicted last year when finding out that flat rice noodles are actually spelled as ‘kuetiau’ in BM, not ‘koay teow’, ‘kuay teow’, or ‘kuew tiaw’.
2. Mihun/bihun
Image via MyResepi
No, it’s not ‘mi hoon’ or ‘mee hoon’.
3. Nasi himpit
Image via Cookidoo
Most of us know these steamed rice cubes as ‘nasi impit’, but we did not know they’re officially called ‘nasi himpit’.
4. Serondeng
Image via Mykmu.net
We were also convinced that meat floss was definitely spelt ‘serunding’ in BM!
5. Bergedel
Image via cookpad
These delicious potato-stuffed balls are actually called ‘bergedel’, not ‘bergedil’.
6. Popia
Image via Masakan Malaysia Pedas
There is no ‘h’ in ‘popia’. Only stir-fried turnips and other goodness.
7. Bubur caca
Image via Malaysian Chinese Kitchen
Take note that this dessert is not spelt ‘bubur cha cha’, guys.
8. Putu mayang
Image via What To Cook Today
It is also known as putu mayam or idiyappam in English or Tamil.
9. Tose
Image via New Straits Times
DBP recently pointed out that the formal spelling for thosai in BM is ‘tose’.
10. Martabak
Image via Lifestyle Asia Hong Kong
11. Capati
Image via Foursquare
It’s ‘capati’. Remember this formal spelling if you ever need to answer an exam paper.
12. Roti perata
Image via Daniel Food Diary
This all-time favourite order is formally spelt as ‘roti perata’, and not ‘roti prata’ as we think it is.
13. Tanduri
Image via TripAdvisor
14. Nasi beriani
Image via Garrett Ziegler/Wikipedia
15. Susyi
Image via Healthline
We bet you did not know that there was a different spelling for sushi in BM!
16. Wafel
Image via Freepik
As with many borrowed words from English, waffles are spelt ‘wafel’ in our national language.
17. Sandwic
Image via SBS TV
18. Kroisan
Image via Freepik
The spelling of French and Italian foods in BM can also get really different from what we expect. Take note!
19. Lasagne
Image via Malaysia Most Wanted
20. Spageti
Image via Freepik
21. Bifstik
Image via Freepik
‘Bifstik’ sounds like a really cute word compared to beefsteak in English!
22. Kopi O beng
Image via WordPress
Interestingly, this was the only kopitiam drink order that was in the dictionary.