by What’s the famous food of Tamparuli town? To foreigners, it’s Tamparuli Fried Noodle (Malay: Mee Goreng Tamparuli). But if you’re craving some old-school flavours that capture the nostalgic charm of this historical town, Pecal will take you back to grandma’s time.
Pecal consists of rice noodles served with a mix of boiled and cut vegetables like pucuk ubi (cassava leaves), nangka (jackfruit), yardlong beans, and cucumber. It’s topped with a generous pour of rich, nutty peanut sauce (sambal kacang) and wrapped in banana leaves. It’s a halal dish.
This classic treat blends the crisp freshness of vegetables with the rich, sweet aroma of peanut sauce. The portions are quite small, so you might need two or more to feel satisfied.
Originally from Indonesia, Pecal is a Javanese dish that has been widely embraced by the local people of Tamparuli, Tuaran, and Kota Belud. No one knows its exact history, but I know my parents enjoyed it regularly for breakfast over 60 years ago.
You can buy Pecal at the market or tamu in these towns. Sold for only RM2.00 each, you’ll want to get there early because they sell out fast! Do note that peanut sauce is prone to turning rancid in warm temperatures, so it’s best eaten before noon.
Photos taken in Tamparuli, Sabah, Malaysia Borneo
Very interesting I will try that next time in Sabah
You will like it 🙂
My mother’s auntie used to sell them at the tuaran pasar and tamu. I was born in berungis but grew up in tuaran
Awesome! Do you have any other traditional food to recommend in Tuaran? 🙂