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VIDEO Stacey Wilkins takes a taste tour of Malaysian food in New York. Windows Media 28K 80K     INTERACTIVE Roti Canai   TRY IT YOURSELF: Recipes: Coconut Rice (Nasi Lemak) Malaysian Satay Green Olive and Ruby Grapefruit Salad

November 9, 1999
Web posted at: 5:14 p.m. EST (2214 GMT)

NEW YORK (CNN) -- The island of Manhattan is a long way from the island of Penang. But a family of Malaysian immigrants is bringing New Yorkers a taste of the famous island beach resort in a new restaurant in the heart of trendy Soho.

"I think this is a very good place to start for anything, because New Yorkers are into new things, and they always like to try something different," says Voon Chew of Penang restaurant.

Malaysian cuisine gets its unique flavor from the multiethnic mix of native Malay, Indian and Chinese cooking styles.

Roti Canai is a big hit. The Indian-style crispy pancakes are served with curry dipping sauce. Chinese-style stir fry dishes Buah Mango Chicken and Nasi Goreng Nenas (pineapple fried rice with egg) are also popular. A Malay favorite is Sotong Goreng, deep-fried squid covered in a light batter.

Café Asean in Greenwich Village has received citywide acclaim for its Malaysian food -- except for its desserts.

"It doesn't matter how popular Malaysian food is, one thing I can't seem to get people to eat is Malay desserts," says Café Asean's Simpson Wong. "I don't know why, but I think American people, when they think of desserts, they think of chocolate and vanilla, and there is none of that here."

Café Asean's sweets include Yuck-ohh Potato Pudding with Mango Garnish and Black Sticky Rice Pudding with Fresh Bananas.

Main courses are a different story. Patrons seem ready to try just about anything at this cafe owned by a restaurateur from Kuala Lumpur -- even if they don't always know what they're eating.