Malaysia is a country that celebrates food like no other. With its mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, the country boasts some of the most diverse and exciting dishes in Southeast Asia. From bustling street stalls to refined fine dining restaurants, there’s something for every taste and budget. Here’s a guide to some must-try dishes and where to get your hands on them.
Nasi Lemak: Malaysia’s National Dish
Nasi Lemak is undoubtedly Malaysia’s most iconic dish. It’s traditionally served with coconut rice, crispy anchovies, peanuts, boiled eggs, cucumber slices, and a spicy sambal. Variations often include fried chicken, prawn, or beef rendang. The sweet-spicy sambal is what defines this meal—you’ll find that no two sambals taste the same across different regions.
Where to eat: Nasi Lemak is everywhere. Try it at Village Park Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur, known for consistently nailing this dish.
Roti Canai: The Fluffy Delight
This crispy, buttery flatbread is a favorite among locals. Roti Canai is often served with dhal (lentil curry) and other curries for dipping. It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside—a dish you can easily eat for breakfast or a light lunch.
Where to eat: Visit the famous Kayu Nasi Kandar in Penang if you want seriously good Roti Canai.
Char Kway Teow: Wok-Fried Noodles
This dish is all about smoky, savory noodles, fried with prawns, eggs, and Chinese sausages. The wok hei (roughly translated as “breath of the wok”) flavors the dish with a unique smokiness, making it an absolute must-try. It’s one of the most popular dishes in Penang.
Where to eat: Sister’s Char Kway Teow in Penang is legendary for their wok skills and perfectly executed plate of noodles.
Satay: Malaysia’s Take on Grilled Meat Skewers
Satay is Malaysia’s version of skewered and grilled meat. The meat—usually chicken or beef—is marinated, grilled over charcoal, and served with a peanut sauce for dipping. It tends to be slightly sweeter than Indonesian satay, with a slightly smoky flavor that comes from the grilling process.
Where to eat: For some of the best, head to Sate Kajang Haji Samuri in Selangor. This spot is a local favorite.
Assam Laksa: A Sour & Spicy Noodle Soup
Assam Laksa is a noodle dish with a tamarind-base broth, giving it a sour and spicy kick. It’s filled with mackerel, shredded cucumber, pineapples, onions, and mint leaves. The combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors will wake up your taste buds. This dish is most famous in Penang.
Where to eat: For a bowl of the best Assam Laksa, visit Air Itam Market Laksa in Penang. It’s been there for years and continues to draw crowds daily.
Hainanese Chicken Rice: Herb-Infused Simplicity
A simple yet flavorful dish, Hainanese chicken rice consists of poached chicken, served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken stock. The dish is accompanied by a trio of sauces: ginger paste, chili sauce, and sweet dark soy sauce. It’s one of the most famous dishes in Malaysia, hailing originally from Chinese Hainanese communities.
Where to eat: Restoran Nasi Ayam Chee Meng in Kuala Lumpur has been serving up some of the best chicken rice for decades.
Rendang: Slow-Cooked Perfection
Rendang is a slow-cooked dry curry, typically made with beef or chicken. The meat is cooked with coconut milk and spices until it reaches an incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. What makes rendang stand out is the deep, slow-building flavor. While it hails from neighboring Indonesia, Malaysians have embraced this dish as their own.
Where to eat: Try Restoran Rebung Chef Ismail in Kuala Lumpur for exemplary rendang that’s both flavorful and perfectly cooked.
Teh Tarik: The “Pulled” Milk Tea
Teh Tarik is Malaysia’s national drink. It’s a frothy milk tea that’s poured back and forth between two containers to create a thick foam. This “pulling” technique not only cools the drink down but makes it smoother in texture. It’s perfect as a pick-me-up after a heavy meal.
Where to drink: Kedai Kopi Keng Nam in Ipoh serves a mean cup of Teh Tarik.
Cendol: A Cooling Sweet Treat
Cendol is a must-try if you’ve got a sweet tooth! This vibrant dessert features shaved ice, coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and pandan-flavored green jelly. You’ll find it on many streets and dessert stalls, especially in hot and humid days when nothing beats this refreshing treat.
Where to eat: A famous spot for Cendol is Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul in Georgetown.
Ikan Bakar: Grilled Fish Malaysian-Style
Ikan Bakar refers to grilled fish, typically marinated in a blend of spices and wrapped in banana leaves, then grilled over hot coals. The marinade usually includes ingredients like turmeric, ginger, garlic, and chili. The result? A smoky, savory, and slightly spicy fish that’s perfect with some rice and sambal.
Where to eat: Visit Jalan Bellamy in Kuala Lumpur where multiple stalls showcase some of the best Ikan Bakar in town.
Banana Leaf Rice: A Feast on a Banana Leaf
This meal is served on a banana leaf instead of a plate, with rice at the center surrounded by various curries, pickles, papadum, and vegetables. Originally from South India, the Malaysians have embraced it and you’ll find variations across the country. Vegetarians rejoice as this meal is typically loaded with tons of veggie sides!
Where to eat: An Indian restaurant staple in Kuala Lumpur is Sri Nirwana Maju. Their banana leaf set is very well-loved by locals.
Where to Find the Best Street Food
Much of the best food in Malaysia can be found on the streets. You’ll want to scope out hawker stalls, food courts, and night markets.
For street food in Kuala Lumpur, try Jalan Alor. This street comes alive every evening and is packed with vendors selling everything from stir-fried noodles to grilled seafood.
In Penang, head to Gurney Drive Hawker Centre. It’s considered the holy grail of street food with stalls selling Penang’s best specialties.
Fine Dining Options
Though street food gets much of the attention, Malaysia has some great fine dining spots that showcase modern takes on local cuisine.
If you’re in the mood for something upscale, visit Dewakan in Kuala Lumpur. They serve contemporary Malaysian food using fresh, local ingredients.
Meanwhile, if you’re in Penang, check out Kebaya Dining Room. It’s elegant, sophisticated, and perfect for a special dining experience.
Wrapping Up
There’s simply no shortage of incredible food to try in Malaysia. From street stalls to high-end restaurants, the country is a food lover’s paradise. Whether you’re into spicy curries or sweet treats, there’s something for everyone.
Leave a reply