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Indulge in Malaysian cuisine to understand more about the cultural beauty of this country, why not? Let's pocket some sensational Malaysian specialties!
Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country renowned for its diverse and rich culinary scene. With the diversity of ethnicities and cultures here, Malaysian cuisine perfectly combines elements of Chinese, Indian, and Southeast Asian cuisine. When in Malaysia, you will get to enjoy the country's signature dishes, from street food to high-end restaurant fare.
With its distinctive and delicious dishes, Malaysian cuisine will leave you enchanted and wanting to come back for more. Let's explore Malaysian cuisine to experience a unique part of this country's culture with Klook right below!
Must-Try Malaysian Dishes
1. Nasi Lemak
Nasi Lemak is considered the national dish of Malaysia, a must-try for any visitor. With fragrant coconut rice, spicy sambal sauce, crispy fried egg, and chicken or beef, this dish offers a distinctive taste of Malaysia. Nasi lemak is often served with small dried anchovies, peanuts, cucumber, arranged on a plastic plate or banana leaf for a memorable presentation.
Travelers can find nasi lemak in most eateries, restaurants, and even street stalls. This dish is typically served for breakfast and lunch, although the breakfast portion may be smaller and simpler.
2. Satay
Satay is a traditional Malaysian dish and one of the most popular dishes in the country. Satay is made from pork, beef, or chicken, cut into small pieces and marinated before grilling over charcoal.
This dish is usually served with peanut sauce, sweet and savory, and can be mixed with soy sauce, lime juice, sugar, chili, and spices to create a distinctive flavor. Satay is often served with fresh bread or white rice, and garnished with herbs like onions and cucumbers.
The meat used in Satay is grilled to perfection, not dry, retaining its tenderness and delicious flavor. In addition to meat, Satay can also be made from shrimp, fish, or various vegetables, creating different versions of this dish.
3. Laksa
Once ranked by CNN as one of the world's best dishes and dubbed by Anthony Bourdain as the 'breakfast of the gods,' Laksa certainly holds a prominent place in Malaysia's culinary map. With various versions like Laksa Penang, Laksa Sarawak, and other variations, this dish boasts a distinctive and rich flavor, offering diners a flavorful and satisfying experience.
The most common flavor profile of Laksa combines spicy, sweet, sour, and salty elements, creating a rich and diverse taste. Laksa broth is typically made from coconut milk, soy sauce, dried shrimp, tamarind, chili, and other spices to create a spicy flavor along with a distinctive sweet and sour taste. Other ingredients like vermicelli noodles, shrimp, chicken or pork, bean sprouts, tofu, and herbs add freshness and variety to the dish.
4. Teh Tarik
Teh Tarik is a traditional Malaysian beverage, originating from India and popular not only in Malaysia but also in many other countries around the world. Teh Tarik has a distinctive and unique flavor thanks to the combination of tea and milk, creating a special sweet and smooth taste.
What's special about Teh Tarik is the way it's prepared, it's hand-pulled to create a special frothy milk. Tea is brewed together with condensed milk or fresh milk, then vigorously pulled between two containers, creating a thick layer of frothy milk on the surface of the tea. This frothy milk creates a distinctive flavor, providing a smooth and enjoyable drinking experience for enthusiasts. In addition to its distinctive flavor, Teh Tarik also has health benefits such as stress reduction, memory enhancement, and aid in digestion. Teh Tarik is served hot or cold, depending on individual preferences.
5. Rendang
Rendang is one of Malaysia's traditional dishes and is considered one of the best dishes in the country. Rendang is a dish where meat is cooked in coconut milk, combined with various spices such as chili, onions, garlic, ginger, lime leaves, cinnamon, and salt. It is often cooked for many hours to tenderize the meat and allow the flavors to infuse.
This dish has various versions such as Rendang Daging (with beef), Rendang Ayam (with chicken), and Rendang Kambing (with goat meat). The distinctive flavor of Rendang combines rich, spicy, sweet, and sour tastes, creating a delicious and diverse flavor profile.
Rendang is usually served with white rice or bread, and can be garnished with herbs to enhance the flavor. This dish can be stored for a long time and may even taste better when eaten the next day.
6. Char Kway Teow
Char Kway Teow is a popular street food in Malaysia, made from flat rice noodles stir-fried with eggs, shrimp, cockles, pork fat, vegetables, and spices. One of the specialties of Char Kway Teow is the cooking method, the wok must be very hot to fry the noodles until they are cooked but still soft. Meat, shrimp, and cockles are added to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish. The sauce for this dish is made from soy sauce, sugar, chili paste, black bean sauce, and some other spices, creating a memorable and flavorful taste.
Char Kway Teow is served hot, with additional condiments such as chili sauce, soy sauce with fresh chili, or herbs to enhance the flavor. This dish is commonly sold at street food stalls and is an essential part of Malaysian street food. If you visit Malaysia, be sure to try Char Kway Teow and experience the rich and diverse flavors of this street food!
7. Bak Kut Teh
Bak Kut Teh is a traditional dish of Malaysia and Singapore, and is considered one of the most delicious and popular dishes in both countries. Bak Kut Teh is a herbal soup made from pork ribs, broth, and spices such as five-spice powder, garlic, cinnamon, star anise, and ginger.
The distinctive flavor of Bak Kut Teh combines sweetness, slight spiciness, saltiness, and richness. The pork ribs are cooked until tender and infused with the spices in the broth, creating a delicious and enticing flavor. Bak Kut Teh is often served with white rice, tofu, and crispy fried dough sticks. This dish is sold at many eateries and restaurants nationwide, especially in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru.
8. Musang King - Malaysia's Specialty Durian
Musang King durian from Malaysia is known as one of the best and most popular durians in the world. With its greenish outer shell and creamy white flesh, Malaysia's durian has a sweet, aromatic, and creamy taste, with an irresistible distinctive flavor. This is one of Malaysia's specialty fruits that every traveler should try at least once.
Malaysian durians are typically harvested in the summer and processed immediately to preserve their fresh flavor. They can be eaten as is or used to make desserts such as durian ice cream, durian sweet soup, and many other dishes.
9. Char Siu Noodle
Toast & Roast in the suburb of Petaling Jaya tops the list when it comes to the best char siu noodles in Kuala Lumpur. Char siu, or BBQ pork, is a favorite dish for most people. The pork slices are marinated with a special recipe, resulting in a rich flavor, tender and juicy meat that melts in the mouth. Diners at Toast & Roast often enjoy Hakka noodles with a plate of char siu. Plain Hakka noodles come with minced pork and crispy fried shallots on top, paired with succulent char siu slices, it's definitely an unforgettable gastronomic experience for travelers. To get here, simply type 'Toast & Roast' on Google Maps and then enjoy your journey.
Pro tip for #teamKlook: Eating char siu with steamed buns is also a fantastic combination.
Toast & Roast
- Address: 20, Jalan SS 2/72, Seksyen 19, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
10. Stuffed Murtabak
Murtabak is a type of stuffed pancake or pan-fried bread commonly found in the Arabian Peninsula and Southeast Asia. It's a staple item at mamaks (Indian-Muslim eateries) in Malaysia. Finding murtabak is easy as it's available almost everywhere, especially around the bustling Chow Kit market area. Chow Kit market is also a hub for many delicious Malaysian delicacies, along with a variety of items such as souvenirs, clothing, footwear, CDs, DVDs, and handwoven fabrics. All at reasonable prices.
11. Sweet and Sour Steamed Crab
If you're a seafood enthusiast, Fatty Crab is definitely a paradise for you. Located in the heart of Petaling Jaya, it's one of the legendary dining spots in Kuala Lumpur. The reason is quite simple. Fatty Crab serves everything from fresh fish, crabs, prawns to various shellfish at very affordable prices. A must-try dish at Fatty Crab is the sweet and sour steamed crab, served with crispy fried buns. This is a favorite dish among both locals and foreign tourists.
12. Nasi Kerabu Rice
Nasi Kerabu is a visually appealing rice dish with unique blue hues, cooked with butterfly pea flower extract. It's garnished with the golden brown of fried chicken, the white of coconut and boiled eggs, served with spicy fermented fish sauce Budu, pickled vegetables, or fresh salad.
13. Spicy Coconut Curry Mee
Curry Mee, also known as curry laksa, is a type of noodles or rice vermicelli cooked in spicy coconut broth. The ingredients include chicken, tofu, shrimp, cockles, and fish. Curry mee is served with fresh mint leaves.
14. Grilled Rib Rack Rusuk Panggang
Bijan Bar & Restaurant, a restaurant cum bar, specializes in authentic Malay cuisine. Its decor seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. Bijan is enveloped by lush greenery and Kampung-style ambiance. Don't forget to try their famous Malaysian dish here: Rusuk Panggang - grilled rib rack served with salad. What could be better than savoring juicy grilled meat along with pandan-flavored cendol for dessert and indulging in sweet chocolate afterward?
From Bijan to the Petronas Twin Towers, it's only a 15-minute walk. So why not head up to the observation deck of the tower to enjoy a panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur before relishing a fantastic dinner?
Bijan Bar & Restaurant
- Address: No.3, Jalan Ceylon, Bukit Ceylon, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
15. Chukka Lamb Curry
Chettinad-style curry - a favorite of Indians - is an exciting dining choice. For those who crave novelty, try the Chukka lamb curry. This specialty dish boasts a rich red color from dried chilies, offering an indescribable but harmonious blend of flavors with the robustness of lamb.
16. Wagyu Beef Dumplings
You might doubt the fusion of Asian and South American flavors. However, the Michelin-starred restaurant - Nobu Kuala Lumpur - proves that they can create perfect flavor combinations. Alongside eye-catching dishes like raw fish tacos, umami chicken wings, or octopus tiradito, the must-try Malaysian dish at Nobu is the Wagyu beef dumplings with spicy Ponzu sauce.
Nobu Kuala Lumpur
- Address: L4A-05, Level 4A, Shoppes At Four Seasons Place, 145, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
What Malaysian Specialty Chocolate Should You Buy as Gifts?
17. Malaysian Chocolate
Malaysia is known for its special and diverse chocolate production, offering a variety of unique and enticing flavors.
If you're looking to buy Malaysian specialty chocolates as gifts, here are some of the most sought-after options:
- Malaysian Kit Kat - Malaysian Kit Kat chocolates are produced with unique flavors such as dark chocolate, coconut, coffee, and durian chocolate. These special Malaysian Kit Kat chocolates feature the delicious and distinctive taste of these flavors, making them a wonderful gift for friends and family.
- Beryl's Chocolate - Beryl's Chocolate & Confectionery Sdn. Bhd. is a renowned chocolate manufacturer in Malaysia, producing special chocolates like truffles, milk chocolate, hazelnut chocolate, and many other varieties. Beryl's chocolates are of high quality and beautifully packaged, making them perfect for gifting.
- Fidani Chocolate - Fidani Chocolate is a special Malaysian chocolate manufacturer, offering handmade chocolates with unique flavors such as dark chocolate with hazelnuts, milk chocolate with caramel, and many other varieties.
- Simply Chocolate - Simply Chocolate is a special Malaysian chocolate brand, offering a variety of diverse and unique chocolates like truffles, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and many other varieties.
- Fazer Chocolate - Fazer Chocolate is a famous chocolate brand in Malaysia, offering special chocolates produced by combining unique flavors.
18. BOH Tea
BOH Tea is a renowned tea brand from Malaysia, made from fresh tea leaves and packaged in various flavors. It's a wonderful gift for tea enthusiasts and lovers of Malaysian specialties.
Here are some options of BOH Tea to buy as gifts from Malaysia:
- BOH Cameronian Tea - a special tea variety from BOH Tea, made from tea leaves grown in the Cameron Highlands region of Malaysia. BOH Cameronian Tea has a rich and flavorful taste, making it an excellent choice for tea lovers.
- BOH Seri Songket Tea - a black tea blended with traditional spices like ginger, cinnamon, pepper, and lime leaves. BOH Seri Songket Tea has a unique and delicious flavor, perfect for black tea enthusiasts.
- BOH 3-in-1 Tea - a convenient tea product from BOH Tea, blended with black tea, milk, and sugar, packaged in tea bags, convenient for traveling or gifting.
- BOH Kuding Tea - a tea made from Kuding leaves, believed to have cooling, detoxifying, weight loss, and health benefits. BOH Kuding Tea has a unique and distinctive flavor of Kuding leaves, ideal for those who love weight loss and health teas.
- BOH Gula Melaka Tea - a tea blended with Gula Melaka, a traditional sugar of Malaysia. BOH Gula Melaka Tea has a sweet and aromatic flavor of Gula Melaka sugar, perfect for those who love sweet tea.
19. Kuih Cakes
Kuih Cakes are traditional cakes from Malaysia, made from simple ingredients like rice flour, sugar, coconut milk, and various aromatic leaves. They make excellent gifts for friends and family, with many special varieties to choose from.
Here are some special types of Malaysian Kuih:
- Kuih Lapis - a type of Kuih made by stacking layers of different colored cakes. Kuih Lapis has a delicious flavor and is packaged in beautiful gift boxes.
- Kuih Bahulu - a light and crispy type of Kuih made from flour, sugar, and eggs. Kuih Bahulu has a sweet flavor and makes a wonderful gift for special occasions like Lunar New Year or festivals.
- Kuih Dadar - a type of Kuih made from rice flour, sugar, and coconut milk, with a filling of coconut and sugar. Kuih Dadar has a sweet and fragrant flavor of coconut milk and coconut.
- Kuih Keria - a type of Kuih made from sweet potatoes, with a filling of sugar and flour. Kuih Keria has a light sweetness and delicious flavor of sweet potatoes, packaged in attractive packaging.
- Kuih Bingka Ubi - a type of Kuih made from cassava, with a filling of sugar and coconut milk. Kuih Bingka Ubi has a light sweetness and delicious flavor of cassava and coconut milk.
20. Malaysian White Coffee
Malaysian white coffee is a distinctive coffee variety, known for its rich and flavorful taste. It's called 'white' because this coffee is roasted without adding spices and brown sugar, giving it a characteristic white color. Malaysian white coffee can be purchased as a gift for your loved ones.
Malaysian white coffee has a rich, balanced, and flavorful taste. Its flavor is characterized by roasting the coffee without adding spices and brown sugar, resulting in the distinctive white flavor. Additionally, some Malaysian white coffee producers also use carefully selected coffee beans to produce high-quality white coffee.
If you love coffee, especially rich and flavorful coffee, Malaysian white coffee will be a wonderful gift for you. It's also an interesting choice to experience with your loved ones.
21. Cashew Nuts
Malaysian cashew nuts make an excellent choice for bringing back as gifts for your loved ones and friends. Malaysia is one of the world's top producers of cashew nuts, with the nuts grown in the highlands of the country.
Malaysian cashew nuts have a distinctive flavor, crispiness, and delicious aroma. They can be eaten on their own or used in various dishes such as salads, desserts, or snacks. Cashew nuts also have many health benefits, containing plenty of nutrients and antioxidants.
If you're looking for a special gift from Malaysia to bring back as a souvenir, Malaysian cashew nuts would be an excellent choice. They can be packaged in beautiful gift bags or boxes, conveying your appreciation and showing your care for your loved ones and friends.
What to Eat in Malaysia? Here Are Some Reputable Dining Spots in Malaysia
1. Atmosphere 360 Revolving Restaurant
Atmosphere 360 Revolving Restaurant specializes in serving Asian and international cuisines. The dishes are prepared from fresh ingredients and cooked by professional chefs. The restaurant's famous dishes include grilled meats, seafood, sushi, and traditional Malaysian dishes such as nasi lemak and laksa.
Atmosphere 360 Revolving Restaurant is one of the renowned restaurants in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. This restaurant has a special location on the 52nd floor of the Kuala Lumpur Tower, allowing you to enjoy a 360-degree view of the city while indulging in delicious meals.
- Address: TH02, Menara Kuala Lumpur, 2, Jalan Puncak, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
- Opening hours: 12 PM - 10 PM.
2. The Dark - Kuala Lumpur
Dining in the Dark Kuala Lumpur offers a unique culinary experience where all dining activities take place in complete darkness. Guests will be guided by staff and enjoy exquisite dishes from the chef in a lightless environment.
With Dining in the Dark Kuala Lumpur, you'll experience dining in a whole new way, focusing on enjoying the flavors and aromas of the dishes more intensely. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to converse and connect with those around you better.
The restaurant offers various culinary packages for you to choose from, including signature packages of Malaysia, Asia, and international cuisines. All dishes are prepared from fresh ingredients and cooked by professional chefs. Additionally, the restaurant also provides dishes suitable for special dietary needs such as vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free options.
- Address: 50A, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
- Opening hours: 6 PM - 11 PM.
3. The Yard
The Yard is a restaurant located on the ground floor of Intermark Mall, a premium shopping and entertainment center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Yard restaurant stands out with its luxurious space, modern and unique decor, along with distinctive flavors of food and beverages.
The restaurant also offers a rich and delicious beverage menu that will surely quench your thirst quickly after shopping around the Intermark mall shopping center. The space of The Yard restaurant is beautifully designed with a cozy and relaxing atmosphere for customers to enjoy their meals.
- Address: Kampung Datuk Keramat, 55000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
- Opening hours: 9 AM - 9 PM
4. Daisy And Peony Florist Cafe
The cafe Daisy And Peony Florist Cafe stands out with its exquisitely decorated space, vintage and cozy style, along with beautiful fresh flower bouquets and plants.
At Daisy and Peony Florist Cafe, you can enjoy a tranquil and relaxing space while indulging in beverages and light snacks such as sandwiches, pastries, ice cream, and juices. The cafe also offers breakfast and lunch menus with a variety of delicious options.
Additionally, Daisy and Peony Florist Cafe also provide flower design services and sell fresh flowers for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, or festive holidays.
- Address: 19-3, Jalan Puteri 2/1, Bandar Puteri, 47100 Puchong, Selangor
- Opening hours: 11 AM - 6 PM.
Additionally, you can explore some other delicious dining spots like Nook at Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral or Gong Cha Malaysia to enjoy tasty meals after hours of delightful entertainment.
If you're wondering what to eat in Malaysia and what to buy as gifts for your loved ones, friends in Vietnam, Klook hopes that the above suggestions can help you. To ensure a smooth trip, don't forget to pay attention to important tips about Malaysia travel policies and Malaysia travel experiences, as well as authentic Malaysia travel destinations. We hope that #teamKlook will have a splendid food tour and a memorable trip!
Have you savored all the delicious Malaysian dishes yet?
