Malaysia calls out to you with its wide-open spaces, inviting you to explore its diverse landscapes. From the lively city of Kuala Lumpur to the lush rainforests of Borneo, the country not only offers different geographical features but also a fascinating array of delicious food to eat in Malaysia.
Trying the local food is a great way to get to know a foreign country. The food traditions of a place tell us a lot about its culture, with each area having its special culinary heritage shaped by history and local ingredients. Malaysia, in particular, is known for its fascinating food culture. With diverse communities from India, Indonesia, China, and other places, Malaysia’s food culture has been greatly influenced by these different traditions coming together.
The food to eat in Malaysia combines traditional practices with creative ideas. When you visit the country, you’ll be amazed by the variety of flavors and delicious smells, whether you’re enjoying street food or hearty meals. If you’re looking for recommendations on must-try Malaysian dishes, you’re in the right spot. Explore this complete guide to find out about the best food Malaysia has to offer. Let’s start this food adventure together.
- Nasi Lemak
Nasi lemak, a much-loved and treasured food enjoyed by Malaysians, is often considered Malaysia’s national dish. When you visit the country, it’s a must-try delight. Nasi lemak comes in different versions and has many variations, but its core is the same: rice cooked with the creamy goodness of coconut milk and served with a spicy sambal chili sauce.
In its basic form, this famous Malaysian dish is a packet of rice with sambal sauce on top, served with a boiled egg and wrapped in a fragrant banana leaf. If you want a fancier version, there are intricate variations that include a variety of delicious Malaysian curries and chili sauces that you can pour generously over the coconut-flavored rice.
- Ikan Bakar
In Bahasa Malaysia, the word “ikan” means fish, and “bakar” refers to grilling. So, ikan bakar is the delightful process of grilling fish—an easy idea that will amaze your taste buds. To prepare ikan bakar, the fish is deliciously coated with a spicy chili paste and then expertly grilled over charcoal, on top of banana leaves placed above an open flame. The juicy fish is then enjoyed with a hot plate of rice, sometimes accompanied by vegetable dishes and curries on the side. To enhance the flavors, it is customary to dip each delicious bite into kecap manis, creating a fantastic blend of tastes that represents one of Malaysia’s most remarkable culinary experiences.
- Mee Goreng Mamak
Brought by Indian Muslims, this delicious dish called mee goreng mamak is a delightful blend of different things. It includes yellow egg noodles, soft beef or chicken, juicy shrimp, a mix of vegetables like potato, choy sum, and bean sprouts, and eggs, all seasoned with a touch of soy sauce. This meal is perfect for quick and convenient eating, and you can find it proudly offered by many street food vendors.
While mee goreng mamak does include some chili to add a mild spiciness, it is relatively less spicy compared to other hot Malaysian dishes. The name of the dish itself accurately describes its nature, with “mee” meaning noodles in Malay and “goreng” translating to fried. As all the ingredients are skillfully mixed in a wok and stir-fried together, the delightful aroma fills the air, creating a mouthwatering feeling. If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, you can look for the tofu mee goreng mamak option, which replaces the chicken or beef elements and offers an equally delightful culinary experience.
- Keropok Lekor
Originating from the Terengganu region, let me introduce you to Keropok Lekor—a unique and special treat to eat in Malaysia. Picture a fish cracker or fish stick made from a special mixture of sago flour and fish, lightly seasoned with a bit of salt and a touch of sugar. It has a slightly grayish color and a distinct smell of the ocean. While its description may not immediately grab your attention, I assure you that Keropok Lekor is delicious. It stands out from other fish crackers like the steamed Keropok rebus or the thinner and crunchier Keropok keeping because of its longer and chewier texture.
To fully enjoy the taste, savor Keropok Lekor while it’s still hot from frying, and enjoy it with a delicious chili sauce. Get ready for a flavorful experience that surpasses your first impressions and reveals the delightful qualities of this beloved Malaysian snack.
As mentioned earlier, Indian food has a big influence on Malaysia’s diverse food scene, and one popular local tradition is called banana leaf dining. In Malaysia’s banana leaf restaurants, the food is largely influenced by South Indian customs. When you sit down, your plate is a banana leaf, and soon after, a helpful waiter brings you a generous serving of aromatic rice along with a variety of delicious vegetarian curries.
While banana leaf dining usually focuses on vegetarian food, it’s also common to have the choice of ordering meat dishes as additional sides to go along with the vegetable curries, if you want. One of the special things about banana leaf dining is the way you eat in Malaysia—there’s no need for utensils as you enjoy the meal with your fingers, immersing yourself in the experience of tasting the food, and savoring the connection between the textures and flavors of the different dishes to eat in Malaysia.
- Roti Canai
The word “roti” can mean different types of bread that are fried, depending on where you are. In Malaysia, “roti canai” is a delicious treat made of thin dough that is fried in a lot of oil. It’s served with a tasty sauce for dipping called curry. To make roti canai, the dough is stretched, slapped on a counter, and folded into a small square shape before being fried in hot oil. This technique creates many layers that are crispy and flaky, which makes it tempting. To enjoy this tasty food, you simply break off small pieces of the bread and dip them into the flavorful curry sauce. It’s a perfect combination of flavors with each bite.
- Murtabak
Murtabak is a tasty combination of an omelet and a pancake. The outer part is made of a special dough using ghee, flour, water, and oil, and it’s cooked in a pan. After it’s cooked, it’s filled with a delicious mix of ingredients like eggs, chicken, beef, garlic, and onion, giving it a rich and satisfying taste. The murtabak is then cut into triangle-shaped pieces, like pizza slices, making it a great choice for a quick and flavorful lunch or a late-night snack when you’re on the go.
This dish called mutabbaq comes from Arabia and it has a spicy taste that matches its deliciousness. But if you don’t like spicy flavors, it might be better to avoid trying this special dish.
