Total population | |
---|---|
155,492 8.9% Penang's population in 2020 [1] (census) | |
Regions with significant populations | |
Penang | |
George Town : Batu Ferringhi, Gelugor, Balik Pulau, Ayer Itam [2] | |
Seberang Perai : Kepala Batas, Nibong Tebal, Perai, Simpang Ampat [2] | |
Languages | |
Tamil (Malaysian Tamil) majority/dominant, Penang Hokkien (secondary lingua franca or interlanguage with the Penangite Chinese community), [3] Penang Malay and English (Tanglish and Manglish) Other Indian languages: Gujarati, Telugu, Punjabi, Malayalam | |
Religion | |
Hinduism (predominantly), Christianity, Sikhism, Islam, Buddhism, Baháʼí Faith, Jainism | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Other Malaysian Indians, Chitty, Chindian, Malaysian Gujaratis, Malaysian Tamils, Malaysian Malayalis, Telugu Malaysians |
Penangite Indians (Tamil : பினாங்கு இந்தியர்கள்; Malay : Kaum India di Pulau Pinang), also known as Chulias, are Malaysian Indians that live primarily in the state of Penang, Malaysia. Most are the descendants from those who migrated from India during the British colonisation of Malaya. However, historical sources prove that the ancient Indians arrived in Penang during the Chola dynasty. Penangite Indians forms a large percentage of the state's professional community such as business, law and medicine as well as politics, it can be proven by the appointment of Dr. P. Ramasamy as deputy chief minister of Penang. It made him the first Malaysian of Indian origin to hold the post of deputy chief minister in any state of Malaysia. [4] In addition, first Tamil Vernacular School in Malaysia was established in Penang. [5] [6]
Already in the 1790s, Francis Light mentions Chulias (that is, people from the Coromandel Coast of India) as shopkeepers and farm labourers in Penang. Light estimated that about two thousand men came to work in this manner each year. however, in contrast to the Chinese, these labourers did not create a permanent settlement in Penang. They would, rather, work long enough to save money and then return to their families in south India. This group of migrants comprised the ‘Adi Dravidas,’ a group of impoverished labourers originating in the hinterlands of the Tamil country and Andhra Desa who, facing insufficient work in their homeland, went abroad for survival.
The Malabars, also known as Malabaris, who were predominantly Muslims were brought in to Penang as convict labourers. They were known to build the roads and government buildings in Penang. The migration of the Malabaris to Penang led to the existence of places such as Kampung Kaka and Kampung Malabar in Penang.
Another class of Indian migrants was a class of people hailing from the Kaveri delta areas (from the Sivaganga district of Madras) known as ‘Nattukottai Chettiars’ who were by occupation money-lenders. Their presence in Penang and elsewhere where plantations sprang up aided merchants, miners, and planters, as these Chettiars were advancing required working capital in the absence of any effective banks. Light also encouraged migration by the Chettiar community as part of his plan to create a cash economy on Penang.
Unlike the Tamil migrants, Telugu migrants from the northern Coromandel Coast came to Penang as families. For this reason, many did not leave when their work terms expired, but rather continued working on plantations or as merchants. Over 1,500,000 south Indians who worked in Malayan plantations, more than three-fourths returned to India, nearly all of them Tamil. Later migrants include Gujaratis (mostly Jains with Muslims and Parsees, with pockets of Hindus), Punjabis (mostly Sikh with significant Hindu minorities), Malayalees, Bengalis, Sindhis as well as Marwaris and Ceylonese Tamils.
As a result of the occupation of Malaysia, the Japanese killed about 150,000+ Indian Tamils of Malaysia and Burma in Burma within a period of time after arriving for slave labour work of constructing the Myanmar rail. [7]
Beginning with Light, Penang boasted a tradition of religious and ethnic tolerance. All races could practice their respective religious faith and social stability in a multi-racial society was thus achieved.
The main language spoken by Indians in Penang is Malaysian Tamil dialect of Tamil language in addition to the country's official and national language Malaysian (English is also widely spoken and understood). Besides Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati as well as Malayalam and Punjabi are also spoken by small ethnic Telugu, Gujarati, Malayalam and Punjabi communities of Indians. Ethnic Jawi Peranakan, a Muslim creole ethnic group of mixed Indian, Malay and Arab ancestry with predominantly Indian origin mostly use Malay as their first language in addition to English. Another distinct group of Indian Muslims known as Mamak use the Penang Malay (Pelat Utara) variant as their first and daily language. Historically, Penang Hokkien was referred to as a lingua franca of Penang before the rise in the use of Mandarin and English. [8] Penang Hokkien is still used by some members of the Penangite Indian community particularly street vendors. [9]
Little India in the city of George Town is a well-known Indian enclave in Malaysia. It Covers an area around Lebuh Queen, Lebuh Chulia and Market Street. Its location at the centre of Penang Heritage Zone and nearby Penang's main finance centre, Beach Street makes it one of the most famous and notable shopping spot in Penang among local and international tourists.
The Indian community in Penang has made significant cultural contributions, especially in the areas of cuisine, festivals, and religious practices. Penang is known for its diverse food culture, and Indian dishes, particularly those of Tamil and Malayalee origin, are widely enjoyed. Festivals like Deepavali, Thaipusam, and Pongal are celebrated with enthusiasm, contributing to the multicultural tapestry of Penang.
Indian cuisine in Penang is a phenomenon in Malaysian cuisine.Dishes like Nasi Kandar and Roti Canai are not only the most popular dishes in Penang, but throughout Malaysia.Penang, Malaysia, is renowned for its diverse and flavorful culinary scene, and the Indian food in Penang is no exception. Influenced by the rich heritage of the Indian community, particularly from Tamil Nadu (mainly Chettinad cuisine) and other regions of the Indian subcontinent, Penang's Indian cuisine offers a delightful array of dishes. Here are some key elements of Penang's Indian food:
One of the biggest festivals in Penang is a Hindu religious festival called Thaipusam. Thaipusam is dedicated to the lord Murugan. Deepavali, better known as the 'Festival of Lights', is another major Hindu festival celebrated by all Hindus. Tamils celebrate the harvest festival of Pongal, which is usually held 13 to 16 January. Similar celebrations, known as Makar Sankranti is celebrated by most other Indian communities and Punjabis called them as Lohri. While Indian Christians celebrate Christmas Day and Good Friday. Indian Muslims, Jawi Peranakans and Mamaks celebrates Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha along with the country's other Muslim groups like their ethnic Malay counterparts.
Theppa Thiruvizha or floating chariot festival is considered as one of the most important festival in Penang after Thaipusam. The annual festival is hosted by Sri Singamuga Kaliamman Temple at Teluk Bahang. [10] [11]
A celebration to thank the goddess, Sri Singamuga Kaliamman, for her good grace and to beseech her to continue providing devotees with protection and prosperity, Theppa Thiruvizha only takes place during Masi Magam, the 11th month1 in the Tamil calendar. It is a day when temple idols are taken out for a ceremonial bath. Thousands travel from all over Malaysia to take part in the festivities.
The day begins with morning prayers; the devotees who attend bring milk as an offering to the goddess. In the afternoon, the floating chariot is carefully pushed into the sea by temple president Sadha Sivam, the youth club members and other temple members. Later, after evening prayers, the idol of the goddess is carried to the chariot
The first known Tamil magazine called Thangai Nesan was published in 1876. Two other magazines Ulaka Nesan and Hindu Nesan were published in 1887 and 1888 respectively. We also know that in 1887 a book entitled Sathiya Vedha Sarithira Saaram (The Essence of the Bible) by Palavendhiram Rayappan was published here. In 1890, Pathaanandha Maalai (A garland of Praise) was published by Mohamed Sultan Maraikkayar. (A list of early books provided.) Many of these books and magazines were produced by Indian immigrants and much of the literary output was in the form of poetry and some of the notable poets of recent times were Swami Ramadasar, Panaikkulam M. Abdul Majid and N.Karim. This tradition continues today with home-grown writers and poets. In the early fifties Tamil Murasu, a Singapore Tamil daily, began a student supplement called Maanavar Manimandra Malar (Supplement for Students Bell Club). This served as a training ground for budding writers in Tamil. The Thamilar Thirunaal (Tamils Festival, also sponsored by this daily, provided motivation and training for writers with its various literary competitions.
Following these examples, several- associations were formed in Penang to promote and nourish Tamil writing. Among them were the Tamil Youth Bell Club, Valluvar Debating Society, Bharathi Debating Society, the Senthamizh Kala Nilayam and North Malaya Tamil Writers Association.
Poetry can be said to be the most. prolific of the literary output. (A list of significant poets and poetry provided.) Following this is the significant production of short stories. The Penang-based writers’ list is long, but among them are Murugaiyan, Dato P. Shanmugam, A. Kadir, CT. Ramasamy, Anthony Muthu, S. Anbanantham, M. Sultan, etc. (List provided.)
Significant contribution from Penang to Malaysian Tamil literature includes writings of K. Sonaimuthu with several of his biographies and essays, and R. Karthigesu with his novels. While writers like Karthigesu and Seeni Naina Mohamed came into Penang from other states, Penang has also lost some of its illustrious writers like M. Asan Gani, M. Sultan and Karaikizhaar to other states.
A current list of writers is appended. Almost all the writers in our list belong to an older generation and it is a thing of great concern that writers from the younger generation are scarce.
The first Tamil vernacular schools in Malaya (now Malaysia) was set up in Penang under the Labour Code. In 2014, the Penang government brought a motion to open the first Tamil vernacular secondary school in Malaysia at Penang. But for political reasons this proposal was rejected by the central government. [12]
Indian Malaysians also form the bulk of English teachers in Penang. Law and medicine has traditionally been a preferred career option by Indian families although younger Indians now venturing into other fields such as engineering, finance and entrepreneurship
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♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Jawi ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Alma ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Juru ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Malakoff ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Mayfield ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Prye ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ramakrishna ♦ SJK (Tamil) Sungai Ara ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Valdor ♦ SJK (Tamil) Sungai Bakap ♦ SJK (Tamil) Azad ♦ SJK (Tamil) Bayan Lepas ♦ SJK (Tamil) Bukit Mertajam ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Byram ♦ SJK (Tamil) Nibong Tebal ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Changkat ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Sempah ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Krian ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Transkrian ♦ SJK (Tamil) Permatang Tinggi ♦ SJK (Tamil) Palaniandy ♦ SJK (Tamil) Mak Mandin ♦ SJK (Tamil) Perai ♦ SJK (Tamil) Jalan Sungai ♦ SJK (Tamil) Tasik Permai ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Batu Kawan ♦ SJK(Tamil) Perak Sangeetha Sabah, Ipoh ♦ SJK (Tamil) Kerajaan, Jalan Sungai Pari, Ipoh ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Yam Seng, Semanggol ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Changkat Salak, Salak Utara ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Selaba, Teluk Intan ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Jendarata 1, Teluk Intan ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Jendarata 2 ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Jendarata 3 ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Getah Taiping ♦ SJK (Tamil) Pangkor ♦ SJK (Tamil) Taman Desa Pinji ♦ SJK (Tamil) Kampung Tun Sambanthan, Ayer Tawar ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Ayer Tawar ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Cluny ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Banopdane ♦ SJK (Tamil) Kampung Baru Matang ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Sogomana ♦ SJK (Tamil) Kampong Colombia, Ayer Tawar ♦ SJK (Tamil) Flemington ♦ SJK (Tamil) Bandar Behrang ♦ SJK (Tamil) Batak Rabit ♦ SJK (Tamil) Jebong Lama ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Kota Bahroe ♦ SJK (Tamil) Methodist Malim Nawar ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Gapis ♦ SJK (Tamil) Nova Scotia 2 ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ayer Tawar ♦ SJK (Tamil) Tapah ♦ SJK (Tamil) Khir Johari ♦ SJK (Tamil) Tun Sambanthan ♦ SJK (Tamil) Bharathy ♦ SJK (Tamil) Sungkai ♦ SJK (Tamil) Slim River ♦ SJK (Tamil) Slim Village ♦ SJK (Tamil) Tan Sri Dato' Manickavasagam ♦ SJK (Tamil) Tong Wah ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Bidor Tahan ♦ SJK (Tamil) Bikam ♦ SJK (Tamil) Sungai Kruit ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Sunkai ♦ SJK (Tamil) Trolak ♦ SJK (Tamil) Kelapa Bali ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Behrang River ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Katoyang ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Cashwood ♦ SJK (Tamil) Maha Ganesa Viddyasalai ♦ SJK (Tamil) Chettiars ♦ SJK (Tamil) Pengkalan Baru ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Huntly ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Walbrook ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Sungai Wangi 2 ♦ SJK (Tamil) Mukim Pundut ♦ SJK (Tamil) Kampung Kayan ♦ SJK (Tamil) Beruas ♦ SJK (Tamil) Tanjong Rambutan ♦ SJK (Tamil) St. Philomena Convent ♦ SJK (Tamil) Perak Sangeetha Sabah ♦ SJK (Tamil) Kampung Simee ♦ SJK (Tamil) Gunong Rapat ♦ SJK (Tamil) Menglembu ♦ SJK (Tamil) Cangkat ♦ SJK (Tamil) Tronoh ♦ SJK (Tamil) Gopeng ♦ SJK (Tamil) Methodist, Buntong Ipoh ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Chemor ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Changkat Kiding ♦ SJK (Tamil) Klebang ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Strathisla ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Kinta Vally ♦ SJK (Tamil) Mambang Diawan ♦ SJK (Tamil) Kampar ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Kampar ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Selinsing ♦ SJK (Tamil) Kuala Kurau ♦ SJK (Tamil) Simpang Lima ♦ SJK (Tamil) Bagan Serai ♦ SJK (Tamil) Saint Mary's ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Sungai Bogak ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Gula ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Chersonese ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Jin Seng ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Soon Lee ♦ SJK (Tamil) Arumugam Pillai ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Kelumpong ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Gedong ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Sungai Biong ♦ SJK (Tamil) Mahathma Gandi Kalasalai ♦ SJK (Tamil) Gandhi Memorial ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Kati ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Gapis ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Perak River Valley ♦ SJK (Tamil) Enggor ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Elphil ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Sungai Reyla ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Dovenby ♦ SJK (Tamil) Thiruvalluvar ♦ SJK (Tamil) Sithambaram Pillay ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Sussex ♦ SJK (Tamil) Netesa Pillay ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Sungai Timah ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Sabrang ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Nova Scotia 1 ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Rubana 1 ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Teluk Buloh ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Jendarata Bahagian Alpha Bernam ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Flemington ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Teluk Bharu ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Kuala Bernam ♦ SJK (Tamil) Bagan Datoh ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Strathmashie ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang New Coconut ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Ulu Bernam 2 ♦ SJK (Tamil) ladang Sungai Samak ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Kamatchy ♦ SJK (Tamil) Kamunting ♦ SJK (Tamil) YMHA ♦ SJK (Tamil) St Teresa's Convent ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ulu Sepetang ♦ SJK (Tamil) Selama ♦ SJK (Tamil) Pondok Tanjung ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Holyrood ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Malaya ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Sin Wah ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Lauderdale ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Matang ♦ SJK (Tamil) Kampong Baru ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Allagar ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Temerloh ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Stoughton ♦ SJK (Tamil) Pengkalan Hulu ♦ SJK (Tamil) Gerik ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Kota Lima ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Glenealy ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Serapoh ♦ SJK (Tamil) Ladang Buloh Akar |
Malaysian cuisine consists of cooking traditions and practices found in Malaysia, and reflects the multi-ethnic makeup of its population. The vast majority of Malaysia's population can roughly be divided among three major ethnic groups: Malays, Chinese and Indians. The remainder consists of the indigenous peoples of Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia, the Orang Asli of Peninsular Malaysia, the Peranakan and Eurasian creole communities, as well as a significant number of foreign workers and expatriates.
Malay cuisine is the traditional food of the ethnic Malays of Southeast Asia, residing in modern-day Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Southern Thailand and the Philippines as well as Cocos Islands, Christmas Island, Sri Lanka and South Africa.
Sri Lankan cuisine is known for its particular combinations of herbs, spices, fish, vegetables, rices, and fruits. The cuisine is highly centered around many varieties of rice, as well as coconut which is a ubiquitous plant throughout the country. Seafood also plays a significant role in the cuisine, be it fresh fish or preserved fish. As a country that was a hub in the historic oceanic silk road, contact with foreign traders brought new food items and cultural influences in addition to the local traditions of the country's ethnic groups, all of which have helped shape Sri Lankan cuisine. Influences from Indian, Indonesian and Dutch cuisines are most evident with Sri Lankan cuisine sharing close ties to other neighbouring South and Southeast Asian cuisines.
Nasi kandar is a popular northern Malaysian dish from Penang, originally introduced by Tamil Muslim traders from India. The meal consists of steamed rice combined with an array of distinct curries, side dishes, and gravies. The selection of curries consists of various blends of vegetables, seafood or meat.
Singaporean cuisine is derived from several ethnic groups in Singapore and has developed through centuries of political, economic, and social changes in the cosmopolitan city-state.
Motabbaq is a stuffed pancake or pan-fried bread which is commonly found in the Arabian Peninsula, the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, notably in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Southern Thailand. Depending on the location, the name and ingredients can significantly vary. The name mutabbaq in Arabic means "folded". It is a popular street food in Yemen, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore.
South Asian cuisine, includes the traditional cuisines from the modern-day South Asian republics of Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, also sometimes including the kingdom of Bhutan and the emirate of Afghanistan. Also sometimes known as Desi cuisine, it has been influenced by and also has influenced other Asian cuisines beyond the Indian subcontinent.
Penang cuisine is the cuisine of the multicultural society of Penang, Malaysia. Most of these cuisine are sold at road-side stalls, known as "hawker food" and colloquially as "muckan carts". Local Penangites typically find these hawker fares cheaper and easier to eat out at due to the ubiquitousness of the hawker stalls and that they are open for much of the day and night. Penang island. On February 22, 2013, Penang was ranked by CNN Travel as one of the top ten street food cities in Asia. Penang has also been voted by Lonely Planet as the top culinary destination in 2014.
Goat curry, curried goat, or curry goat is a curry dish prepared with goat meat, originating from the Indian subcontinent. The dish is a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine, Caribbean cuisine, and the cuisine of the Indian subcontinent. In the Caribbean and Southeast Asia, the dish was brought to the region by the Indian diaspora, and has subsequently influenced the respective local cuisines. This dish has also spread throughout the Indo-Caribbean diaspora in North America and Europe.
Indian Singaporean cuisine refers to food and beverages produced and consumed in Singapore that are derived, wholly or in part, from South Asian culinary traditions. The great variety of Singapore food includes Indian food, which tends to be Tamil cuisine and especially local Tamil Muslim cuisine, although North Indian food has become more visible recently. Indian dishes have become modified to different degrees, after years of contact with other Singapore cultures, and in response to locally available ingredients as well as changing local tastes. The local forms of Indian food may be seen as localised or even regional variations of Indian food, or in some cases, a form of hybrid Indian-Singaporean cuisine. Popular 'Indian' dishes and elements of Indian cuisine include:
Malaysian Indians or Indo-Malaysians are Malaysian citizens of Indian or South Asian ancestry. Most are descendants of those who migrated from India to British Malaya from the mid-19th to the mid-20th centuries. Most Malaysian Indians are ethnic Tamils; smaller groups include the Malayalees, Telugus and Punjabis. Malaysian Indians form the fifth-largest community of Overseas Indians in the world. In Malaysia, they represent the third-largest group, constituting 7% of the Malaysian population, after the Bumiputera and the Chinese. They are usually referred to simply as "Indians" in English, Orang India in Malay, "Yin du ren" in Chinese.
Malaysian Indian cuisine, or the cooking of the ethnic Indian communities in Malaysia, consists of adaptations of authentic dishes from India, as well as original creations inspired by the diverse food culture of Malaysia. Because the vast majority of Malaysia's Indian community are of South Indian descent, and are mostly ethnic Tamils who are descendants of immigrants from a historical region which consists of the modern Indian state of Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka's Northern Province, much of Malaysian Indian cuisine is predominantly South Indian inspired in character and taste. A typical Malaysian Indian dish is likely to be redolent with curry leaves, whole and powdered spice, and contains fresh coconut in various forms. Ghee is still widely used for cooking, although vegetable oils and refined palm oils are now commonplace in home kitchens. Before a meal it is customary to wash hands as cutlery is often not used while eating, with the exception of a serving spoon for each respective dish.
Roti jala, roti kirai or roti renjis is a popular Malay and Minangkabau tea time snack served with curry dishes which can be found in Malaysia,Indonesia and Singapore. This is a very traditional Malay dish that is usually homemade and served at events such as weddings and festivals. It is usually eaten in sets of three to four pieces with curries, especially chicken curry, as a substitute to rice.
Roti canai, or roti prata, also known as roti chanai and roti cane, is an Indian flatbread dish found in several countries in Southeast Asia, especially Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. It is usually served with dal or other types of curry but can also be cooked in a range of sweet or savoury variations made with different ingredients, such as meat, eggs, or cheese.
Mamak stalls are indoor and open-air food establishments particularly found in Southeast Asia, especially in Malaysia and Singapore, where the cuisines served are typically those derived from Indian Muslim and Pakistani cuisines, unique to the region.
Penangite Chinese are ethnic Chinese Malaysians of full or partial Chinese ancestry who either hail from or live within the State of Penang. As of 2020, 45% of Penang's population belonged to the Chinese ethnic group, making ethnic Chinese the largest ethnic community within the state.
Acehnese cuisine is the cuisine of the Acehnese people of Aceh in Sumatra, Indonesia. This cuisine is popular and widely known in Indonesia. Arab, Persian, and Indian traders influenced food culture in Aceh although flavours have substantially changed their original forms. The spices combined in Acehnese cuisine are commonly found in Indian and Arab cuisine, such as ginger, pepper, coriander, cumin, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and fennel.
Indian Indonesian cuisine is characterized by the mixture of Indian cuisine with local Indonesian-style. This cuisine consists of adaptations of authentic dishes from India, as well as original creations inspired by the diverse food culture of Indonesia. Indian influence can be observed in Indonesia as early as the 4th century. Following the spread of Islam to Indonesia and trading, Muslim Indian as well as Arab influences made their way into Indonesian cuisine. Examples include Indian biryani, murtabak, curry and paratha that influenced Acehnese, Minangkabau, Malay, Palembangese, Betawi and Javanese cuisine.
Malaysian Malayalees, also known as Malayalee Malaysians, are people of Malayali descent who were born in or immigrated to Malaysia from the Malayalam speaking regions of Kerala. They are the second largest Indian ethnic group, making up approximately 15% of the Malaysian Indian population. The bulk of Malaysian Malayali migration began during the British Raj, when the British facilitated the migration of Indian workers to work in plantations, but unlike the majority Tamils, the vast majority of the Malayalis were recruited as supervisors in the oil palm estates that followed the kangani system, and some were into trading and small businesses with a significant proportion of them running groceries or restaurants. Over 90% of the Malayalee population in Malaysia are Malaysian citizens.
Penang is a diverse multiethnic and multicultural society. Residents of the state are colloquially known as Penangites or "Penang-lang". Traditionally regarded as a Chinese-majority state, the Bumiputera population, which includes ethnic Malays, has reached parity with that of the Chinese in recent years.