Malaysian Risotto with "Wok Hei"

Fried porridge is a strange idea. The truth is as literal as and as strange as its name, you actually fry the porridge. I can't find the definite origin of the idea but, for sure, it is a Malaysian dish. One day I found myself having to explain the dish to someone who never had it before. I just described it as porridge, or congee, but with "wok hei". Then my friend one-upped me with an even more brilliant comparison: fried porridge is just like the risotto. What I like the most about this analogy because it compares against some well-known "ang mo" dish, and since anything remotely "ang mo" instantly becomes chic in Malaysia. So from now on, I would describe fried porridge as Malaysian risotto with "wok hei".

If you think normal porridge is too bland, fried porridge is the right choice for you. There is no lacking of shops selling fried porridge in Malaysia. The most famous one that I know of is the one in Serdang, a town at the border of Kedah and Penang. But if you don't like porridge to begin with, I am not sure if fried porridge could win you over. Personally, I think it is only ok. It is definitely unique and flavorful. But it is just something that I don't normally think of when I fancy some delicious food.