Malaysia is a food lover’s paradise. With a unique blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Indigenous influences, each dish tells a story of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, these 10 iconic dishes are a must-try to experience the full spectrum of Malaysian cuisine.
Here’s a guide to what they are and where you can find them, and great places to taste these famous dishes!
1. Nasi Lemak
Widely considered Malaysia’s national dish, nasi lemak is a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and served with sambal (chili paste), crispy anchovies, peanuts, boiled egg, and cucumber. It’s often paired with fried chicken, beef rendang, or sambal sotong (spicy squid).
Where to Try It:
- Village Park Restaurant, Petaling Jaya (Selangor) – Famous for its crispy fried chicken and consistently rated as one of the best places for nasi lemak.
- Nasi Lemak Wanjo, Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur – A local favorite in Kampung Baru for decades, serving a classic version with sambal that packs a punch.
- Nasi Lemak Tanglin, Perdana Botanical Garden, Kuala Lumpur – An institution in KL that has been serving nasi lemak since the 1940s.
2. Char Kway Teow
A Penang specialty, char kway teow is a smoky, stir-fried noodle dish made with flat rice noodles, prawns, cockles, Chinese sausage, and eggs, fried with garlic, chives, and bean sprouts over high heat to achieve the iconic “wok hei” (charred flavor).
Where to Try It:
- Siam Road Char Koay Teow, George Town (Penang) – Famous for its intense wok hei, this roadside stall frequently draws long lines of both locals and tourists. Each bite packs a punch of rich, smoky flavor with succulent prawns and crunchy sprouts.
- Tiger Char Koay Teow, Kafe Ping Hooi, George Town (Penang) – Another top contender in Penang, known for its generous portions of prawns and the perfect combination of savory and slightly sweet flavors.
- Robert Char Kway Teow, Damansara Kim (Selangor) – A well-loved spot in the Klang Valley for locals craving authentic Penang-style char kway teow.
3. Roti Canai
Roti canai is a flaky, crispy flatbread, usually served with dhal (lentil curry) or a side of chicken or beef curry. It’s a breakfast staple but is eaten throughout the day at “mamak” stalls across Malaysia.
Where to Try It:
Transfer Road Roti Canai
- Transfer Road Roti Canai, George Town (Penang) – This humble stall is known for its crispy roti paired with tender beef or chicken curry, making it a must-try spot in Penang.
- Roti Canai Gemas Road, Johor Bahru (Johor) – Famous for its large and fluffy roti canai, often served with a side of tender lamb curry.
- Valentine Roti, Kuala Lumpur – A famous spot for crispy roti canai and various accompanying dishes, including rich dhal and flavorful curries.
4. Satay
Satay is Malaysia’s beloved grilled meat skewer dish, typically made with marinated chicken, beef, or lamb, served with a flavorful peanut sauce, rice cakes, and cucumber slices.
Where to Try It:
@st3p8(instagram) , Sate Kajang Haji Samuri
- Sate Kajang Haji Samuri, Kajang (Selangor) – Kajang is known as the satay capital of Malaysia, and Haji Samuri is a legendary spot with tender, juicy satay and rich peanut sauce.
- Restoran Sate Zainah Ismail, Kampung Datuk Keramat, Kuala Lumpur – This hidden gem in KL serves up delicious, perfectly charred satay skewers.
- Satay Sri Melaka, Kota Bharu (Kelantan) – A popular spot in Kelantan for flavorful and well-marinated satay with a slightly sweeter sauce.
5. Laksa (asam laksa)
Malaysia is home to various versions of laksa, a spicy noodle soup. The most famous are Assam Laksa from Penang, which has a sour, tamarind-based broth with fish, and Curry Laksa from Kuala Lumpur, which features a rich, creamy coconut broth with chicken, tofu, and shrimp.
Where to Try It:
Penang Road Famous Laksa
- Penang Road Famous Laksa, George Town (Penang) – Known for their tangy, flavorful Assam Laksa, this stall is often considered one of the best places to experience this dish. Now moved to No 5,Lebuh Keng Kwee
- Air Itam Laksa, Penang – Located near the Kek Lok Si Temple, this spot is a local favorite for Penang Assam Laksa.
- Limapulo: Baba Can Cook, Kuala Lumpur – This trendy spot is popular for its delicious Nyonya-style laksa, blending flavors from both Penang and KL.
6. Hainanese Chicken Rice
This dish consists of tender poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, paired with a side of ginger, garlic, and chili sauces. Though originally from Hainan, China, it has become a staple in Malaysian cuisine.
Where to Try It:
@チカ (Google images) , Nam Heong Chicken Rice
- Nam Heong Chicken Rice, Jalan Sultan (Kuala Lumpur) – A famous spot in Ipoh known for its flavorful, juicy chicken and rich, fragrant rice. (2023 & 2024 Michelin bib gourmand)
- Loke Yun Ampang, Ampang (Selangor) – A longstanding family-run restaurant known for its authentic Hainanese chicken rice.
- Restoran Ong Kee, Ipoh (Perak) – Another popular chicken rice joint in Ipoh, offering flavorful chicken and rich broth-infused rice.
7. Beef Rendang
Rendang is a slow-cooked, dry curry made with beef simmered in coconut milk and spices. The meat becomes incredibly tender and absorbs the rich, aromatic flavors of lemongrass, galangal, and other spices.
Where to Try It:
@kuku bisu (Google Images), Bijan Bar & Restaurant
@buena vista (Google Images), Bijan Bar & Restaurant
- Bijan Bar & Restaurant, Kuala Lumpur – An upscale restaurant offering an exceptional version of beef rendang, perfect for those seeking a more refined dining experience.
- Rebung by Chef Ismail, Kuala Lumpur – A popular spot offering a traditional Malay buffet with an outstanding beef rendang, prepared with authentic spices and slow-cooked to perfection.
- Serai Restaurant, various location – Known for its modern take on Malaysian classics, Serai serves a tender and flavorful beef rendang that balances rich spices with a touch of sweetness.
8. Mee Goreng Mamak
A flavorful stir-fried noodle dish, mee goreng mamak blends Malay and Indian flavors. Made with yellow noodles, tofu, eggs, prawns, and sambal, it’s a spicy and savory delight found at most “mamak” stalls across Malaysia.
Where to Try It:
@amirsharzi (Instagram), Mee Goreng Hameed Pata Sotong Special
@joannaramdzan (instagram) , Mee Goreng Hameed Pata
- Mee Goreng Hameed Pata, George Town (Penang) – Famous for its flavorful mee goreng with cuttlefish, potatoes, and an intense, tangy sauce.
- Mamu Penang Famous Mee Goreng, Seapark, Petaling Jaya – Known for its authentic Penang-style mee goreng, packed with flavor and topped with crispy fried shallots.
- Mahbub Restaurant, Bangsar (Kuala Lumpur) – A favorite among KL locals, their mee goreng mamak is a must-try for its perfect balance of spice and sweetness.
9. Nasi Kandar
A Penang specialty, nasi kandar features steamed rice served with a variety of curries and side dishes like fried chicken, prawns, okra, and eggs. The mix of curries is what makes the dish so flavorful and unique.
Where to Try It:
- Line Clear Nasi Kandar, George Town (Penang) – A 24-hour joint and a Penang institution known for its rich, flavorful curries.
- Nasi Kandar Kampung Melayu, Air Itam (Penang) – A lesser-known gem in Penang with delicious curries and a loyal local following.
- Nasi Kandar Pelita, Multiple Locations – One of the most famous nasi kandar chains in Malaysia, known for its wide selection of curries.
10. Cendol
A perfect dessert for Malaysia’s tropical climate, cendol is made with shaved ice, coconut milk, palm sugar syrup (gula Melaka), and green rice flour jelly. It’s refreshing and sweet, often with the addition of red beans or glutinous rice.
Where to Try It:
- Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul, George Town (Penang) – The go-to place for traditional cendol, famous for its creamy coconut milk and gula Melaka.
- Jonker 88, Melaka – A tourist favorite for cendol, often served with a variety of toppings, including durian for the adventurous.
- Cendol Kampung Hulu, Melaka – Located by the riverside in Melaka, this stall serves up cendol with a variety of toppings, from classic red bean to corn and durian.
Final Thoughts
These 10 dishes are essential for anyone looking to explore the rich and diverse culinary landscape of Malaysia. From the smoky goodness of char kway teow to the comforting flavors of nasi lemak, Malaysia’s food scene offers something for every palate. Be sure to explore both the well-established legends and the recent favorites popping up across the country.
Selamat Makan! (Enjoy your meal!)
