Local Malaysian Foods Must Try when visiting Malaysia

Local Malaysian Foods Must Try when visiting Malaysia. Malaysia is a great place to visit for its rich cultural heritage, diverse natural beauty, and delicious local cuisine. From the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur to the idyllic islands of Langkawi, there is something for everyone in Malaysia.

The cuisine of Malaysia is a unique blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European influences. For a truly unique experience, be sure to try street food, which is widely available throughout the country. With its stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and delicious food, Malaysia is a great destination for travelers of all ages.

Here are some local Malaysian foods that you must try when visiting Malaysia.

Nasi Lemak

Malaysians love nasi lemak, a fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk, served with fried anchovies, peanuts, boiled eggs, cucumber slices, and a spicy chili paste. To take your taste buds on an exciting journey, try nasi lemak with a side of beef rendang, a spicy beef curry, and sambal, a spicy chili sauce.

If you’re looking for a heartier meal, pair your nasi lemak with fried chicken or fish.

Roti Canai

Malaysians often savor Roti Canai, a popular flatbread dish, as a yummy and simple snack for any time of the day. I recommend trying Roti Canai with a variety of accompaniments such as curry, dhal, sambal, and chutney to make the experience even more delightful.

To make the most of it, I suggest ordering a variety of accompaniments so that you can sample different flavors and textures.

Satay

Any tourist visiting Malaysia should definitely try satay, a popular Malaysian dish consisting of skewered and grilled meat, usually beef, chicken, or lamb, served with a spicy peanut sauce and a side of cucumber and onion salad.

I would suggest starting with the traditional chicken satay, as it is the most popular variety. For those feeling adventurous, beef, lamb, or seafood satay are also available.

Char Kway Teow

Stir-fry flat rice noodles in a wok with garlic, chili, egg, bean sprouts, and Chinese sausage to make the popular Malaysian dish Char Kway Teow. Accompany it with chili sauce and a lime wedge for extra zesty flavor.

If you don’t like spicy food, ask for less chili. Squeeze the lime wedge over the dish to complete the taste and enjoy! You can also add some extra ingredients like prawns, cockles, or chives for more flavor.

Mee Goreng Mamak

When you visit Malaysia, make sure to try Mee Goreng, a popular Malaysian stir-fried noodle dish. It typically includes shrimp, beef, chicken, eggs, and vegetables. Eat it quickly, as the noodles can get soggy if left sitting for too long.

Additionally, mix the ingredients together well before consuming to ensure that all the flavors are blended.

Laksa

Laksa, a spicy noodle soup, is a popular Malaysian dish. It typically consists of rice noodles in a spicy, coconut-based broth and is often topped with shrimp, fish, chicken, eggs, and tofu. To experience the freshest and most authentic versions of the dish, try it at a local restaurant or hawker stall.

If you are not used to spicy food, it is wise to ask for a milder version of Laksa as it can be quite spicy.

Nasi Kandar

Locals and tourists alike enjoy the classic Nasi Kandar dish, which consists of steamed rice served with a variety of curries and side dishes such as fried chicken, beef rendang, fish curry, vegetables, and sambal.

Tourists can get a taste of the local cuisine with this dish and can add fried eggs, peanuts, and onions to enhance the flavor.

Cendol

Cendol, a sweet and refreshing treat made from a combination of coconut milk, pandan leaves, and palm sugar, served with shaved ice, red beans, and other toppings like durian, jackfruit, and grass jelly, is a beloved dessert among Malaysians.

To make it even more delicious, I suggest adding some of these toppings to the cendol for an extra layer of flavor and texture. It’s the perfect snack for hot days!

Durian

Durian, a tropical fruit with a distinct smell and flavor, is widely enjoyed by Malaysians. It has earned the nickname “king of fruits” due to its strong taste and aroma. You can find durian in many forms, such as fresh durian, durian ice cream, durian cake, and durian candy.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can try the raw form of durian. However, it is important to note that durian has a strong smell and taste, so it may not be suitable for everyone.

Teh Tarik

Try Teh Tarik for a unique and tasty beverage that can’t be found in many other countries. It is made by mixing together tea and condensed milk, then pouring it back and forth between two containers until it is frothy.

To get a complete Malaysian experience, have it with some traditional Malaysian snacks such as roti canai or nasi lemak.

Hainan Chicken Rice

Treat yourself to a complete Malaysian meal with Hainan Chicken Rice! This dish comes with steamed chicken, fragrant rice, and a flavorful broth, accompanied by chili sauce, ginger, and dark soy sauce.

To make it, the cook boils the chicken in the broth and then serves it with steamed rice cooked in the same broth. For an even more delicious experience, pair it with cucumber slices and a bowl of soup.

Rojak

The popular Malaysian dish Rojak combines a variety of fruits and vegetables, such as cucumbers, pineapple, jicama, and bean sprouts, to create a sweet and spicy sauce.

This snack or appetizer is sure to delight anyone who tries it with its combination of sweet and spicy flavors. Moreover, it is an excellent way to sample local fruits and vegetables in one dish.

Apam Balik

Malaysians and tourists alike love Apam balik, a popular Malaysian snack made of a thin crepe-like pancake filled with a sweet and crunchy filling. Served hot, it is a favorite snack. To get the most out of this delicious snack, try it with a variety of fillings such as peanuts, corn, and coconut.

To add a bit of sweetness, drizzle some condensed milk or chocolate syrup on top. For an extra crunchy texture, sprinkle some crushed peanuts on top. Savor this delicious snack with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a truly Malaysian experience!

Roti John

Roti John, a street food dish made of a lightly toasted bun filled with minced meat, onions, and egg, is a favorite among Malaysians. It usually comes with chili sauce and mayonnaise.

I would recommend trying Roti John with a side of pickled vegetables or a salad to balance out the flavors. Additionally, I would suggest adding some extra chili sauce or mayonnaise to give it an extra kick.

Asam Laksa

Asam laksa is a spicy and sour fish-based soup popular in Malaysia. It is a specialty of the Peranakan culture, which is a combination of Chinese and Malay influences.

The base of Asam laksa soup is a tamarind-based broth, usually served with thick rice noodles, shredded fish, and a variety of vegetables and herbs. To add flavor, people often garnish it with a chili paste, lime wedges, and fresh herbs. People usually have this dish for breakfast or lunch, and it is a popular street food.