Discover the unique flavors of Malaysia’s diverse regions and vibrant culture
through its local foods! Explore the best local food in Malaysia, from highly
rated street food to some of the most renowned traditional dishes. Get ready
to experience a tantalizing journey featuring unique flavors you won’t find
anywhere else!
Whether you're a foodie or just want a taste of authentic Malaysian cuisine,
this guide will help you find the perfect dish to tantalize your tastebuds!
Take your taste buds on an unforgettable culinary adventure — try all 20
famous local foods in Malaysia and savor their delectable flavors! From fiery
curries to sweet desserts, you won’t be disappointed.
- Nasi Lemak
- Char Kway Teow
- Satay
- Bak Kut Teh (Non-Halal)
- Mee Goreng
- Roti Canai
- Laksa / Asam Laksa
- Curry Puff
- Hainanese Chicken Rice
- Durian
- Rojak
- Poh Piah
- Apam Balik
- Cendol
- Otak-Otak
- Satay Celup/Lok Lok
- Mamak Rojak
- Pisang Goreng
- Keropok Lekor
- Ais Kacang
1) Nasi Lemak - a rice dish cooked in coconut milk and served with various side dishes such as fried anchovies, peanuts, egg, and cucumber.
2) Char Kway Teow - a stir-fried rice noodle dish with shrimp, eggs, beansprouts, and chives.
3) Satay - grilled meat skewers, usually chicken or beef, served with peanut sauce.
4) Bak Kut Teh - a pork rib soup that is slow-cooked with a variety of spices.
5) Mee Goreng - a stir-fried noodle dish with vegetables and meat, seasoned
6) Roti Canai - a type of flatbread that is often served with a variety of dipping sauces.
7) Laksa / Asam Laksa - a sour and spicy noodle soup that is made with a rich, flavorful broth and served with shrimp, tofu, and other ingredients. Asam Laksa is made with a tamarind-based broth and served with a variety of ingredients like fish, pineapple, and chili paste.
Laksa Kedah
Asam Laksa Penang
8) Curry Puff - a pastry filled with curry and vegetables, often served as a snack or a light meal.
9) Hainanese Chicken Rice - a dish of tender, flavorful chicken served over fragrant rice and garnished with cucumber, cilantro, and chili sauce.
10) Durian - a tropical fruit that is famous for its strong, pungent aroma and creamy, sweet flesh.
These are some of the most popular and delicious foods in Malaysia, and there are many more regional specialties and street foods that are also worth trying.
Famous Street Food In Malaysia
Malaysia is known for its vibrant street food scene, and there are many
street food dishes that are definitely worth trying. Here are some of the
most popular and delicious street food options in Malaysia:
11) Rojak - a mixed fruit and vegetable salad tossed in a spicy, sweet, and sour sauce.
12) Poh Piah - a spring roll filled with steamed turnips, carrots, mushrooms, and other ingredients, often served with a sweet chili sauce.
Fried Popia
Wet Popiah (Malaysia spring roll)
13) Apam Balik - a type of fluffy, crepe-like snack filled with ingredients like peanuts, sugar, and corn.
14) Cendol - a sweet dessert drink made with coconut milk, shaved ice, and green rice flour noodles.
15) Otak-Otak - a grilled fish cake made with a mixture of fish, spices, and coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaves.
16) Satay Celup/Lok Lok (steamboat cucuk) - a dish of raw or semi-cooked ingredients, like seafood and vegetables, that are skewered and cooked in a spicy and flavorful peanut sauce.
17) Mamak Rojak - a snack made with deep-fried flour fritters, noodles, and vegetables, tossed in a spicy sauce.
18) Pisang Goreng - Pisang Goreng is simple to make and only requires four ingredients: mashed bananas, all-purpose flour, eggs, and baking powder. Hence, it is a mainstay food sold at most Malaysian food stalls.
19) Keropok Lekor - The state of Terengganu is home to the original Keropok Lekor. It is a dish of groundfish, commonly bream (Ikan Kerisi) or round scad (Ikan Selayang), mixed with sago flour and seasoning and shaped into sausages. It is traditionally served hot with a chili dipping sauce, otherwise known as sambal.
20) Ais Kacang - means 'iced beans' is just shaved ice and red beans. Nowadays, the cold dessert comes with all sorts, such as red syrup or Gula Melaka, corn, cendol, grass jelly, agar-agar, peanuts, etc.
These are just a few examples of the many delicious street food options in
Malaysia, and there are many more regional specialties and street food
dishes that are also worth trying. Start your gastronomic journey now and
discover all the fantastic flavors Malaysia has to offer!