September 7, 2025 | 06:18 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Thanks to the blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Minangkabau, and Dayak Iban cultures, the culinary scene in Malaysia is rich. With so many kinds of food, visitors to the country are often confused about what to try.
Some Malaysian dishes are similar to Indonesian dishes due to their shared cultural roots. Examples include laksa, cendol, nasi lemak, and satay, which are also considered Indonesian foods. So, what foods should be tried when there? Check out the list recommended by Travel and Leisure as follows.
1. Nasi Lemak
Consisting of a bowl of coconut milk rice, sweet and spicy sambal, fried chicken pieces, cucumber, and peanuts, this dish, similar to nasi uduk, has become the culinary icon of the neighboring country. Nasi Lemak can be found everywhere and at all times, as it can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Recommended nasi lemak includes Village Park in Uptown and Restoran Tanglin in Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur. Nasi Lemak Bumbung in Sea Park could also be an option.
2. Laksa
A bowl of noodles in spicy coconut milk broth comes in many variations, including curry laksa, laksa Johor, Nyonya laksa, and Penang's sour asam laksa. The essence of this dish lies in the laksa broth, which takes hours to boil. One of the recommendations is Mie Kari Madras Lane in Kuala Lumpur.
3. Char Kuey Teow
Another popular noodle dish is char kuey teow, flat rice noodles stir-fried with prawns, eggs, and cockles. Brought by the Chinese laborers, this dish has now become one of Malaysia's staple foods. For an authentic experience, try Swee Kong Coffee Shop in Penang. Another option is Robert's in Section 17, Lembah Klang.
4. Nasi Kandar
Essentially, nasi kandar is a dish of mixed rice with gravy. This dish is a combination of nasi lemak and nasi ayam (chicken rice), with thick curry and other sauces poured all over the rice. This dish can be found in mamak stalls throughout the country, but the recommendation is Pelita.
5. Bak Kut Teh
The Chinese brought this dish to Malaysia. The flavorful pork bone soup originated from Klang; it is cooked with rich herbal flavor, along with tender pork pieces and other organs. It is served with oiled rice, vegetables, salty soy sauce, pounded garlic, and abundant bird's eye chilies. For those who want to try it, it is recommended that they go to Teluk Pulai in Klang.
6. Roti Canai
Roti canai, or Indian flatbread, is one of the popular breakfast choices at mamak stalls. This dish pairs well with dahl sauce and sambal. Recommended places to enjoy roti canai include Kanna Curry House in Petaling Jaya.
7. Nasi Ayam Ipoh
Chicken rice is a daily staple for Malaysians who seek a balanced meal containing carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables. A recommended place is Nasi Ayam Nam Heong in Kuala Lumpur.
8. Kaya Butter Toast
Rich toast and half-boiled eggs paired with strong black coffee are a must-try Malaysian breakfast experience. For the best taste, visit Oriental Kopi or Yut Kee Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur.
9. Burger Ramly
Ramly burgers are usually found at food trucks in the city. What sets Ramly burgers apart from regular burgers is that the patty, made from chicken, beef, or even rabbit, is seasoned when grilled and wrapped in a thin omelet. Finally, it is served between two buns, sliced cabbage, and a variety of sambal, mayonnaise, and barbecue sauces. For recommendations, Brader John in Uptown, Petaling Jaya can be tried.
10. Nyonya Kuih
Kuih is a small, bite-sized traditional snack that can be in the form of cookies, dumplings, or sweet pastries. This dish is similar to Indonesian traditional snacks. There are hundreds of types, ranging from the popular pink and white layered cake to the iconic green palm sugar onde-onde. The most delicious kuih can be found from the old women who usually go around. If you have trouble finding it, come to Aroma Nyonya in Lucky Garden.
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