Beluran is a small town in the Malaysian state of Sabah, located on the eastern coast of Borneo island. It is situated approximately 150 kilometers from the state capital, Kota Kinabalu, and has a population of around 22,000 people. The town is surrounded by lush green forests, beautiful waterfalls, and rivers, which make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The people of Beluran are predominantly Malays, with a small population of Chinese and indigenous groups. The majority of the people here are Muslims, and thus halal food is widely available. The town is known for its diverse culinary traditions, and local dishes are influenced by Malay, Chinese, and indigenous cuisines. The food in Beluran is generally spicy, flavorful, and rich in herbs and spices.
One of the most popular dishes in Beluran is Nasi Lemak, a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and served with a variety of accompaniments. The rice is usually cooked with pandan leaves, giving it a unique aroma and flavor. It is typically served with spicy sambal, fried anchovies, boiled egg, cucumber slices, and peanuts. Other popular rice dishes include Nasi Ayam, which is rice served with chicken cooked in a rich broth, and Nasi Goreng, a fried rice dish cooked with vegetables, meat, and spices.
Another popular dish in Beluran is Laksa, a spicy noodle soup made with fish broth, coconut milk, and a variety of spices. The noodles used in this dish are usually rice noodles, and the soup is served with prawns, fish cakes, bean sprouts, and sliced onions. The spiciness of the soup can be adjusted according to personal preference.
Seafood is also popular in Beluran, given its location near the coast. One of the popular seafood dishes in the town is Sambal Udang, which is prawns cooked in a spicy chili sauce with onions, garlic, and belacan, a fermented shrimp paste. Other seafood dishes include grilled fish served with sambal sauce and steamed crabs cooked in garlic and ginger.
For snacks, Beluran has a variety of options, including Pisang Goreng, which is deep-fried banana fritters, and Kuih Bahulu, a small sponge cake usually flavored with vanilla or pandan. Another popular snack is Keropok, a crispy deep-fried cracker made from fish or shrimp.
As for drinks, Teh Tarik, a type of milk tea, is a popular beverage in Beluran. It is made by pulling the tea back and forth between two containers to create a frothy, creamy texture. Other popular drinks include Sirap Bandung, a sweet rose syrup mixed with evaporated milk and served with ice, and Teh O Ais Limau, which is iced tea with a squeeze of lime juice.
In terms of the dining culture in Beluran, people typically enjoy their meals in small roadside stalls, coffee shops, or food courts. There are also a few restaurants that serve traditional Malaysian cuisine. Meals are often taken in a communal style, with large plates of food shared among friends and family. Breakfast is usually a simple affair, with Nasi Lemak or Roti Canai being the most common options. Lunch and dinner are more substantial, and dishes are usually served with rice. Meal times in Beluran are generally flexible, and people often snack throughout the day.