It’s always nice to have a bowl of something hot, hearty and nutritious to eat when it’s pouring outside. Plus, with all the downpours we’ve been having here in Malaysia (when is it never the rainy season these days?), we’re confident that the one thing that will always hit the spot for any Malaysian is a hot ‘teh tarik’ or ‘pulled’ sweet milk tea. 

A steaming cup of teh tarik is the perfect start, but it doesn’t stop there. Rainy days in Malaysia call for foods that warm the belly, soothe the soul, and remind us of home.That being said, we’re on a quest to list some of Malaysia’s best loved local dishes and even desserts you should definitely try if you haven’t yet, on a cold, rainy day.

Let’s get into a few timeless favourites.

1. Bubur Ayam – The Ultimate Comfort Bowl
   Simple yet satisfying, bubur ayam (chicken congee) is a go-to when the weather turns gloomy. Soft rice porridge, tender shredded chicken, crispy fried shallots, and a dash of soy sauce—it’s comfort in a bowl. Add sliced spring onions, a drizzle of sesame oil, or even a half-boiled egg for extra indulgence. The best part? Bubur is easy to make in big batches and reheats perfectly for seconds.
2. Mee Kari – A Fiery Hug in a Bowl
   On days when the rain won’t let up, a bowl of mee kari (curry noodles) is like a hug from the inside out. Rich, spicy, and fragrant with coconut milk, this dish is loaded with tofu puffs, cockles, shredded chicken, and hard-boiled eggs. The heat from the curry broth chases away the chill, making it the ideal rainy-day staple.
3. Sup Tulang – Rich, Hearty Goodness
   If you’re craving something bold and meaty, sup tulang (beef bone soup) is unbeatable. The long-simmered broth is deeply flavorful, packed with spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cardamom. It’s usually served with fluffy white rice, but on rainy nights, dunking crusty bread into the soup feels just right.
4. Goreng Pisang & Kuih Muih – Sweet Treats for a Drizzly Afternoon
   Sometimes comfort food comes in the form of a crispy snack. Nothing beats biting into hot, golden goreng pisang (banana fritters) when it’s pouring outside. Pair that with traditional kuih like seri muka or onde-onde, and you’ve got yourself the perfect teatime spread.

And of course, every dish shines brighter when paired with a hot drink. Beyond teh tarik, locals swear by kopi O, Milo, or even ginger tea for that warming kick.

Easy Rainy Day Recipes with Plowman
To make it easier, here’s a simple grocery checklist for your rainy-day cooking:

1. Bubur Ayam (Chicken Congee)
   Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice 
• 6 cups water or chicken stock 
• 200g chicken breast/thigh 
• 2 tbsp soy sauce 
• 1 tsp sesame oil 
• Fried shallots, spring onions, and white pepper for garnish 

Method:

1. Rinse rice and simmer with water/stock until soft and porridge-like (about 40 mins). 
2. Boil chicken separately, shred, and add to the porridge. 
3. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and pepper. 
4. Top with fried shallots and spring onions. 

2. Mee Kari (Curry Noodles)
   Ingredients:

• 200g yellow noodles 
• 2 tbsp curry paste 
• 400ml coconut milk 
• 400ml chicken stock 
• 200g shredded chicken 
• Tofu puffs, boiled eggs, bean sprouts 

Method:

1. Heat oil in a pot, sauté curry paste until fragrant. 
2. Add stock and coconut milk, simmer 10 mins. 
3. Blanch noodles, place in a bowl with toppings. 
4. Pour curry broth over, serve hot. 

3. Sup Tulang (Beef Bone Soup)
   Ingredients:

• 500g beef bones (with some meat) 
• 1 onion, sliced 
• 3 garlic cloves, smashed 
• 1 cinnamon stick, 2 star anise, 3 cardamom pods 
• 1 tsp black pepper 
• Salt to taste 
• 2 litres water 

Method:

1. Blanch beef bones in boiling water for 5 mins, then drain. 
2. In a pot, sauté onion, garlic, and spices until fragrant. 
3. Add bones, water, and simmer for 2–3 hours. 
4. Season with salt and pepper, serve with rice or bread. 

4. Goreng Pisang (Banana Fritters)
   Ingredients:

• 6 ripe bananas (pisang raja or pisang awak works best) 
• 1 cup flour 
• 2 tbsp rice flour (for extra crisp) 
• 1 tbsp sugar 
• ½ tsp salt 
• ½ cup water (adjust for batter consistency) 
• Oil for deep frying 

Method:

1. Mix flour, rice flour, sugar, salt, and water into a smooth batter. 
2. Slice bananas lengthwise, dip into batter. 
3. Deep fry until golden brown and crispy. 
4. Best enjoyed hot with teh tarik!

Stocking your pantry with fresh, quality ingredients from Plowman means you’ll always be ready to whip up comfort food when the skies turn grey. Think of us as your rainy-day companion—bringing the market to your doorstep so you can stay cozy indoors.