Foods to Try
Malaysia is famous for its ethnic and multi-cultural food. We’ve listed down some of the top dishes that are a must-try.
Durian
Whether due to its size – the fruit can weigh as much as 7 pounds – or its taste, durian is often referred to by people in Southeast Asia as the king of fruit.
Despite the stench, durian is extremely healthy, even more so than many other fruits. Naturally rich in iron, vitamin C, and potassium, durian improves muscle strength, skin health and even lowers blood pressure.
Once you have tasted the sublime or stinky fruit (totally depends on you), it is an experience you are not likely to forget.
Location: Check out the SS2, Petaling Jaya (PJ) area.
Roti Canai
An Indian-inspired flatbread, roti canai is made with flour, butter and water.
The whole concoction is flattened, folded, oiled and cooked on an oiled skillet, resulting in a sublimely fluffy piece of bread with a crispy exterior.
You can eat this one as a snack on its own or use it to scoop up a side of curry.
Location: All Indian Muslim restaurants or South Indian restaurants.
Nasi Lemak
Some call nasi lemak Malaysia's unofficial national dish. Everyone else calls it delicious. Nasi lemak is basically rice cooked in coconut milk.
It’s traditionally eaten for breakfast but these days people are ordering it any time of day. It is usually served with fried anchovies (ikan bilis), boiled egg, cucumber slices and sambal (a spicy chili-based paste). Vegetarian options are also available.
Location: Veg – Mlaboori (SS2), Bala’s (Bangsar), Nature's Vegetarian Restaurant (Bangsar), Gandhis (Little India). Non Veg – Village Park (Damansara), 223 Nasi Lemak (PJ), Bumbung (PJ)
Char Kway Teow
Char Kway Teow is stir fried ricecake strips and flat rice noodles with prawns, bloody cockles, Chinese lap cheong, eggs, bean sprouts, and chives in a mix of soy sauce. (Vegetarian options and halal options are also available)
A great serving of Char Kuey Teow is flavored not only with the freshest ingredients, but equally important is the elusive charred aroma from stir-frying the noodles over very high heat in a well-seasoned Chinese wok.
Locations: Veg – Blue Boy Vegetarian Food Court (Bukit Bintang, KL), Giant Bowl (Old Klang Road). Non Veg - Robert Char Kuay Teow (Section 17, PJ)
Mee Goreng & Maggi Goreng
This fried instant noodle dish is named after the popular Maggi brand of instant noodles (mee is the Malay word for noodles). It’s a well-loved ‘guilty pleasure’ that can be made with any brand of instant noodles.
The noodles are boiled, and then stir-fried in a wok with vegetables, eggs, soy sauce, and the instant noodle seasoning. It can be jazzed up with meat, seafood, and tofu.
Location: Available in almost all Indian, Indian-Muslims, Malay and even Chinese restaurants. (You can request for a vegetarian option too)
Banana Leaf Rice
As the name suggests, this dish is served on a large banana leaf. Hailing from South India, it revolves around rice, several dishes, pickles, rasam (a sour spiced soup), various curries, and papadam.
It is popular among vegetarians since meat is optional.
Locations: Vishal’s Food and Catering (Little India), Devi’s Corner and Nirwana (Both in Bangsar) (Vegetarian curries and dishes are available).
Chinese Dinner Spread
You’ve not had dinner in Malaysia until you’ve gone to a Chinese restaurant and ordered various dishes to be eaten with plain rice, fried rice or fried noodles.
Over the years, Chinese cuisine has become one of the most preferred kitchens in Malaysia
Locations: Restoran PJ Baru (PJ) (Wide range of dishes available for both Vegetarians and Non-Vegetarians, Restaurant HSBC (Bangsar) (Both Veg and Non Veg)
Appam Balik
This dessert pancake is a popular street food that originates from China’s Fujian province. The batter is made by mixing flour, eggs, sugar, baking soda, water, and coconut milk.
Peanuts and sugar are traditionally sprinkled in before it is folded (either once or twice).
Cendol & Rojak
Cendol is a sweet, layered, iced dessert containing green jellies (made with either rice flour or green bean flour), coconut milk and a sugar syrup known as gulu melaka, or palm sugar.
Rojak, a Malaysian Spicy Fruit Salad with a mix of flavors and textures unlike any other. It is spicy, sweet, salty, tangy, soft, and crunchy. A must try!
Location: Restoran PJ Baru (PJ) (Amazing Veg and Non Veg rojak available here), Cendol can be found at food trucks stationed outside the Section 17 Market (PJ)
Nasi Kandar
Eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper, Nasi Kandar is one of the most beloved dishes all around Malaysia. What makes a good nasi kandar is the fiery curries, soft and fluffy rice and of course poultries.
Penang is not the only place that offers irresistible nasi kandar, there’s a decent array of Nasi Kandar choices in Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur too.
Locations: Veg - MyEfy Vegetarian Cuisine (Puchong), Gandhis (Little India), Non Veg – Nasi Kandar Pelita (Available all over), Nasi Kandar Kayu (PJ)