The Smell of Kuala Lumpur

A friend of mine asked me what smell Kuala Lumpur brings to mind. It took me a second to answer as I never really took the time to think about distinct smells to describe a place. Now I think I know. Kuala Lumpur is the smell of food. The aromatic ingredients and spices that linger in the air as you pass by hawker stalls. Chinese clay pot rice, Nasi Kandar, Satay, Mamak, Lok Lok, Nasi Lemak, and yes, even durian. The beauty of Malaysia is how the multicultural history of each district is translated into a variety of flavors and smells. It is a story in and of itself.

More than anything, it’s what these aromas conjure physically. The watering of my mouth, the rumble in my stomach, and my taste bud’s fleeting memories of the last time I took a bite. What makes eating in Malaysia the most fun, is watching old uncles and aunties preparing the meals. With deft hands that speak to the amount of years they’ve spent pouring over each dish.

Honestly, once you eat food in Malaysia there’s no going back.