Ikan bakar is a beloved Indonesian grilled fish dish, known for its smoky aroma, bold spices, and savory-sweet glaze. The name ikan bakar literally means “grilled fish” in Indonesian and Malay (ikan = fish, bakar = grilled or roasted), and it refers more to the cooking technique than to a specific recipe.

Found across Indonesia, Malaysia, and coastal Southeast Asia, ikan bakar varies by region, but always features fresh, whole fish marinated with spices and aromatics, then grilled over charcoal for deep, rich flavor. The fish—often snapper, mackerel, gourami, or catfish—is typically marinated in a mixture of shallots, garlic, turmeric, coriander, tamarind, chilies, and kecap manis (sweet soy sauce). 

Kari ikan is a delicious fish curry originating from Malaysia. It is typically made with a combination of fish that is cut into pieces, coconut milk, and a variety of spices such as fenugreek, cumin, curry leaves, chili peppers, mustard seeds, tamarind, ginger, turmeric, coriander, and lemongrass.

The spices used in kari ikan often vary as the dish is very popular and can be found throughout the country, in most restaurants and households. Traditionally, kari ikan is served with fluffy rice on the side.

Keropok lekor is a Malaysian snack and a specialty of the Terengganu region. In order to prepare it, ground fish such as herring, ikan tamban, ikan kerisi, or ikan selayang are combined with sago flour, and the combination is formed into long, sausage-like shapes which are then boiled for several hours, although these fish sausages can also be fried.

There are many stalls in the region where keropok lekor can be bought, and it is traditionally served hot with a spicy chili dipping sauce.