Why Beef Rendang deserves more attention
Beef Rendang rarely gets the international recognition it deserves. The fragrant and aromatic complexity is genuine, not simple, and the technique involved in using belacan shrimp paste correctly takes real skill.
Penang is considered the food capital of Malaysia and rivals Singapore for hawker excellence. I encountered it first in a Baba Nyonya Peranakan restaurant and that context helped me understand it properly. Milo is the natural accompaniment and the combination makes the case for the dish. If you haven't explored this cuisine seriously, Beef Rendang is the dish to start with.
Beef Rendang