The word bandung in its name is derived from the literal meaning of the word in the
Malay language, which means "mixture", "combined", "coupled", "doubles" or "pairs",[4] as is illustrated in several Malay words like
Sirap bandung (rose syrup beverage mixed with condensed milk) and Rumah berbandung (
semi-detached or
duplex house).[5] Meanwhile the
district of Muar is commonly and widely known to be the origin place of Mee Bandung.[2][6][7][8]
Mee bandung is a cuisine that was originally cooked with yellow
noodles coupled with
egg in addition to a thick broth-gravy made of a combination of dried shrimps, onion, spices,
shrimp paste and chilies.[9] Then the dish was upgraded by adding prawn, meat, fish cakes and vegetables.[3][10] Special variants were then created with the additional ingredient of
giant freshwater prawn,
lobster or even cattle's
thighbone, which is fondly dubbed as Gear Box.[3][11]
It has since became a much-loved dish that is available throughout
Malaysia including neighbouring
Singapore,[12][13] although the original and authentic version served in
Muar district is still considered the best.[2][14][15][16] It was even reported to be a favourite of the Johor's
Sultan Ibrahim Ismail, former Singapore's President
S R Nathan and international celebrity chef-cum-restaurateur
Chef Wan.[17]
Mee bandung must not be mistaken as a dish linked to or originating from
Bandung,
Indonesia, because they are not related at all despite similarity in the names.[4][5][18]