Malaysia is home to some very delicious food items born as a result of rich east Asian annd Indian heritage from the colonial era.
This What to Eat in Malaysia thread is specifically to talk about Malay food - the best dishes to try, the must-eat recipies and bizarre foods that others may tell you to avoid (or not even tell you about!). Hopefully, it helps a hungry traveller with some inspiration (and information) to taste some incredible Malaysian specialties.
Some of the best places to try these dishes are the street food markets in Kuala Lumpur, Melaka (Jonker Street), George Town (Chinatown and Little India) and Ipoh among many more cities and towns. You can also find many local foodhouses all over both mainland Malaysia and Borneo Malaysia. While street food is mostly non-vegetarian, there are many vegetarian versions that you can find without difficulty
Here’s a list of the most popular Malaysian foods that I can quickly recollect spotting in the street food shops and the night markets:
Food (some of these are vegetarian friendly or you could ask the chef/cook to exclude all meat, chicken and seafood ingredients):
- Nasi Lemak: Malaysia’s national dish is a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves. It’s traditionally served with sambal (chili paste), ikan bilis (anchovies), peanuts, a hard-boiled egg, and cucumber slices. Nasi Lemak is a true icon of Malaysian cuisine and a must-try for any food lover.
- Satay: These skewered grilled meats are marinated in a blend of spices and herbs, then served with a rich peanut sauce, ketupat (rice cakes), and cucumber relish. Satay is a popular street food and a staple at any Malaysian gathering. There are some shops with vegetarian skewers too - mostly tofu or tempeh.
- Char Kway Teow: This stir-fried noodle dish is a symphony of flavors and textures. Flat rice noodles are wok-tossed with prawns, cockles, Chinese sausage, bean sprouts, eggs, and chives, resulting in a smoky and savory delight.
- Nasi Kerabu: This vibrant blue-colored rice dish hails from the east coast of Malaysia. It’s typically served with fried chicken or fish, salted egg, keropok (fish crackers), ulam (raw herbs), and a variety of sambals.
- Roti Canai: This flaky flatbread is a breakfast staple in Malaysia. It’s often served with dhal (lentil curry) or curry and can be enjoyed sweet or savory.
- Martabak: A fulfilling chapati sandwich sometimes served with spicy gravy on the side. Perfect for a quick snack session while on the move!
- Rendang: This rich and flavorful curry is slow-cooked with meat (usually red meat) in coconut milk and a complex blend of spices. It’s a true labor of love and a must-try for any curry enthusiast.
- Laksa: A spicy noodle soup that comes in various regional variations. Whether you prefer the tangy Assam Laksa or the creamy Curry Laksa, both are bursting with flavor and you will find vegetarian options too.
- Bak Kut Teh: A pork rib soup cooked with herbs and spices. It’s a popular breakfast dish, believed to have medicinal properties.
- Tamil Banana Leaf Meals: Traditional Tamil festive food served on a banana leaf with a number of optional add-ons such as poriyal, fried veggies, meats and seafood. It is similar to the south Indian thali (meals) found in most parts of India, originating from the southern states.
Popular Drinks:
- Teh Tarik: Malaysia’s national drink is a frothy milk tea made by “pulling” the tea between two cups. It’s sweet, creamy, and utterly delicious.
- Cendol: This refreshing dessert is made with shaved ice, coconut milk, pandan-flavored green jelly noodles, red beans, and palm sugar syrup. It’s the perfect way to cool down on a hot day.
- Soy Milk: Mostly found on hot days in the busy alleys of the shopping markets, this is a common drink for locals to get some energy and also have a refreshing cool drink.
Have you had any of these dishes? Which one did you like best? Want to suggest more Malay foods? Share them here as responses/comments on this thread. This will be very helpful to fellow travellers and members of this travel community who are planning a trip to Malaysia.
