Otak-otak is made of grilled fish paste which is blended together with a variety of spices such as lemongrass, chillies and turmeric. The fish cake has a good amount of spices and is grilled wrapped in coconut leaf or banana leaf. This gives a natural fragrance to the dish as it cooks. One can smell its aroma miles away when it is being grilled. While there are many varieties of otak-otak throughout Southeast Asia in sunny Malaysia, Indonesia or Singapore, is a much loved dish by the locals. For this otak-otak recipe is resembles those found in Muar, Johor. Originating from the Malay word ’otak‘ which means brain, the name is based on the soft texture of the dish. Don't let that stop you from trying the dish if you have not done so. Ask any locals, this dish will always be on top of the list when it comes to must-try food around the region. In Indonesia, the fish cake is usually beige in colour as there is no addition of chillies or turmeric unlike those found in Singapore or Malaysia. It is sometimes known as otah too.