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Exploring Malaysian cuisine is a must when visiting the country's beautiful destinations. This culinary journey will give you deeper insights into Malaysian culture and lifestyle through its unique flavors and diverse cooking styles. Here is a list of Malaysian snacks for you to try.
Popiah Spring Rolls
When talking about Malaysian snacks, Popiah is a must-mention. This spring roll is made from simple ingredients but creates a rich and enticing flavor that's sure to please.
How is Popiah prepared? Popiah is made from finely chopped radish, vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, bean sprouts, fresh herbs, roasted peanuts, and rice flour to make the wrapper. All ingredients are finely chopped for easy wrapping. The rice flour is turned into thin, smooth, and chewy wrappers.
Popiah spring rolls are made from simple ingredients, yet they offer a rich and captivating flavor.
With its unique combination of fresh ingredients, this dish has become an essential part of Malaysian cuisine and attracts visitors from around the world. This is definitely a Malaysian street snack you cannot miss.
When eating, guests prepare their own Popiah rolls. The ingredients are placed on a thin rice wrapper and then tightly rolled. This process requires skill and precision to ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed and carefully wrapped.
Popiah delivers a wonderful flavor from the combination of fresh ingredients such as raw vegetables, bean sprouts, peanuts, and the unique spices of Malaysia. This dish is refreshing, oil-free, and perfect for hot days. Popiah is often served with various sauces like chili sauce, black sauce, or shrimp paste to enhance its taste and flavor.
Roti Canai
The second must-try item on the list of Malaysian street snacks is Roti Canai (also known as Roti Prata). Roti Canai originated from Indian Murtabak – a flatbread served with curry or stuffed with various ingredients. Murtabak was brought to Malaysia by the Indian community and eventually evolved into Roti Canai – a beloved variation enjoyed across Southeast Asia.
How is Roti Canai made? This bread is made from flour, water, and oil. It is kneaded and cooked on a flat surface with a generous amount of oil. The kneading process creates a soft, smooth texture, while the oil gives the bread a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. Roti Canai is often served with a variety of curries or chutneys. With this Malaysian snack, you can choose from various curry options like daging curry (beef curry), ayam curry (chicken curry), or sayur curry (vegetable curry).
Roti Canai has a pleasant sweetness from the flour and the distinctive aroma of oil. The texture is soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, creating a unique and enjoyable eating experience. With its distinctive flavor and variety in serving styles, Roti Canai is an essential part of Malaysian cuisine and a popular street snack beloved by both locals and tourists.
Ai Kacang (Shaved Ice with Red Beans)
Ai Kacang, also known as 'shaved ice with red beans,' is a unique Malaysian street snack that you should try when visiting this region. Originally made with shaved ice and red beans, Ai Kacang has evolved to include various other ingredients. In addition to red beans and shaved ice, popular ingredients used in this dish include sweet corn, colorful jelly, roasted peanuts, rice flour jelly, and ice cream.
How is Ai Kacang made? First, shaved ice is prepared and placed in a large bowl. Then, other ingredients such as red beans, sweet corn, colorful jelly, and roasted peanuts are added on top of the shaved ice. Some variations of this dish also include rice flour jelly and ice cream.
Ai Kacang is often drizzled with rich coconut milk or syrup, depending on one's preference. This dish offers a sweet, refreshing taste with a delightful combination of various ingredients and cold shaved ice.
Ai Kacang is typically served in large cups or bowls, presented in an appealing, colorful arrangement. Each layer of ingredients adds a unique color, creating a visually stunning and enjoyable experience for both the eyes and the taste buds. With its delicious flavor and variety of ingredients, Ai Kacang is a popular and beloved snack in Malaysia, especially on hot days.
Cendol
The next item on the list of Malaysian street snacks is Cendol. Also known as 'Chè Bánh Lọt,' this dessert is a beloved refreshing treat in Malaysia. Cendol is typically made with shaved ice, coconut milk, palm sugar syrup (gula melaka), and green rice flour jelly strands. These ingredients come together to create the signature sweet and cooling flavor of the dish.
How is Cendol made? First, shaved ice is placed in a large bowl or cup. Next, coconut milk is poured over the ice to create a delicious and sweet flavor. Then, palm sugar syrup is added on top to give the dish its signature taste. Finally, green rice flour jelly strands are added last to provide texture and color variation to the dish.
Cendol has a sweet and refreshing flavor. It is typically served in large cups or bowls, making it a popular choice in street food stalls and cafes in Malaysia. This dessert is the perfect option for a cool and sweet treat during the summer. With its sweet taste, refreshing chill, and diverse textures, Cendol is an intriguing and popular snack in Malaysian cuisine.
Apam Balik
A highly popular Malaysian street snack that you should try is Apam Balik. This traditional Malaysian pancake is mainly made from glutinous rice flour and corn flour. Other ingredients used to create this wonderful snack include roasted peanuts, corn, and sugar for the filling.
The pancake is fried in a mini pan, creating an irresistible, delightful aroma
How is Apam Balik made? First, the batter is poured into a round pan and spread into a thin layer. Then, the filling is added on top, and the pancake is folded in half, similar to a rolled omelet. After that, the pancake is grilled until the bottom becomes golden and crispy.
When making Apam Balik, butter is often spread on the pancake's surface to create a rich and delicious layer. Following that, various toppings like cheese, jam, condensed milk, banana, crushed peanuts, and chocolate can be added to the filling or sprinkled on top of the pancake before folding it in half.
Apam Balik has a sweet flavor from the sugar and peanuts, complemented by the rich taste of milk and cheese. With its distinctive flavor and the variety of topping options, Apam Balik is a popular street snack not only in Malaysia but also in many Southeast Asian countries.
6. KUIH KERIA
Kuih Keria is the sixth item on the list of popular Malaysian snacks. It is a unique version of a traditional donut, made with mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes instead of glutinous rice flour, which is typically used in conventional donuts. Kuih Keria has a denser and fuller texture compared to traditional donuts.
How is Kuih Keria made? First, the potatoes or sweet potatoes are mashed and mixed with other ingredients such as sugar and salt to create the dough. This mixture is then shaped into round pieces resembling donuts. The dough is deep-fried in hot oil until the exterior turns golden and crispy. Finally, the cakes are coated in powdered sugar to give them a sweet, crunchy exterior.
Kuih Keria is best enjoyed when it’s still hot, as the outer layer remains crispy and crunchy. When you take a bite, you’ll experience the unique taste of potatoes or sweet potatoes, complemented by the sweetness of the sugar coating. This is a delightful and tasty choice for a snack after a meal.
Kuih Keria is a popular street food and can be found in many local food stalls and eateries throughout Malaysia. This special treat is loved by both locals and visitors alike.
Ondeh Ondeh
Ondeh Ondeh is the seventh item on the list of Malaysian snacks. The outer shell of Ondeh Ondeh is made from glutinous rice flour or sweet potato flour, which gives it a chewy and smooth texture. The filling inside contains gula melaka (palm sugar), creating a sweet and aromatic flavor that is characteristic of this dessert.
How is Ondeh Ondeh made? First, the ingredients for the outer shell are mixed and kneaded to form a smooth and elastic dough. Then, each piece is shaped into a round ball and filled with a bit of gula melaka. The balls are then rolled in shredded coconut to form the outer coating.
The outer layer of Ondeh Ondeh is made from glutinous rice flour or sweet potato flour, giving it a smooth and chewy texture. Ondeh Ondeh is typically enjoyed when it is still warm, as the shredded coconut coating retains its fragrance and chewy consistency. When you bite into it, you’ll experience the sweet flavor of gula melaka combined with the coconut aroma from the outer shell. Not only is this treat delicious, but it also captivates with its attractive and enticing appearance.
Ondeh Ondeh is a traditional and popular street food in Malaysia and can be found in many local food stalls and bakeries. This delightful snack is loved by both locals and tourists alike for its appealing taste and texture.
Kuih Talam
Kuih Talam is the next snack on the list of Malaysian treats. This dessert is similar in appearance and preparation to Vietnam's bánh da lợn. Kuih Talam consists of two layers: the top layer is made from custard with pandan leaves, giving it a distinctive green color, while the bottom layer is made from glutinous rice, which is white in color.
Kuih Talam is a well-known snack in Malaysia, commonly found at local bakeries. This treat has a unique flavor derived from pandan leaves and milk, along with the fragrant scent of glutinous rice. Its texture is a delightful balance of smoothness and chewiness, offering a multi-layered culinary experience.
In some variations, the glutinous rice layer of Kuih Talam may be garnished with mung beans to add an extra touch of flair. However, even without such decoration, the simplicity and appeal of the cake make it irresistible. Kuih Talam is a traditional delicacy that is rich in flavor and deeply cherished by the locals.
Muah Chee
This delightful snack is often sold at local food stalls, markets, or places known for their street food offerings. With its distinctive flavor and unique texture, Muah Chee is a fantastic Malaysian street treat for those who enjoy Southeast Asian cuisine.
Muah Chee is a popular dessert in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. The dish originated from China and has a flavor reminiscent of the Japanese mochi. The main ingredients in Muah Chee are glutinous rice flour, sugar, peanut powder, and toasted sesame seeds.
Muah Chee is a well-loved dessert in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore
How is Muah Chee made? First, glutinous rice flour is steamed, then kneaded and worked into a smooth dough. The dough is then cut into small pieces and coated with a mixture of peanut powder, sugar, and toasted sesame seeds, forming a flavorful outer layer.
The cake has a golden hue, a chewy texture from the glutinous rice flour, and a sweet, rich flavor from the sugar and peanuts. This treat is durable and is often bought by tourists as a gift for friends and family back home.
Bánh Kek Batik
The tenth entry in the list of Malaysian snacks is Kek Batik, a popular dessert in Malaysia. It's believed to be a version of the tiffin cake, featuring a rich mix of ingredients native to the country. Kek Batik is made from Marie biscuits, chewy candies (often condensed milk candies), and sometimes includes soft candy or pandan leaves (in the case of Kek Batik Lumut).
How is Kek Batik made? First, the Marie biscuits are crushed or crumbled into a fine powder. Then, the biscuits are mixed with chewy candies, creating a sticky and moldable mixture. The mixture is chilled until it hardens, giving it a cake-like texture.
Kek Batik can also include soft candies or pandan leaves to create variations like Kek Batik Lumut. The pandan leaves not only enhance the flavor and provide a natural color, but also add a beautiful, natural appearance to the cake.
Kek Batik is typically cut into square or rectangular pieces before being served. The cake boasts a delightful flavor from the biscuits, chewy candies, and other ingredients. It is often enjoyed alongside tea or coffee, enhancing its taste. Kek Batik is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert, commonly featured during special occasions or given as a gift.
Bánh Tang Yuan
A notable entry in the list of Malaysian snacks is Tang Yuan, also known as glutinous rice balls. This traditional treat originates from China. Tang Yuan is made from glutinous rice dough shaped into small balls, which are then cooked in a sweet ginger syrup. The rice balls are typically filled with black sesame paste, ground peanuts, and sprinkled with white sesame seeds on top.
Tang Yuan is usually enjoyed while still hot. Each rice ball is round, symbolizing unity, completeness, and togetherness. This dish is typically served during festive occasions, representing harmony and happiness within the family.
Tang Yuan is a traditional dish highly favored in the culinary cultures of China and many other Asian countries. This dessert is commonly found in local shops, markets, or street food stalls, especially during festive seasons and holidays.
Bánh Kuih Lapis
Kuih Lapis, also known as rainbow cake, is a classic and longstanding Malaysian snack. The term Kuih Lapis literally translates to 'layered cake,' consisting of two or more layers of steamed rice flour cake with alternating colors, similar to Vietnam's bánh da lợn.
Each layer of the cake is made from rice flour, coconut milk, tapioca flour, sugar, and salt. The colors of the cake are often derived from natural ingredients such as pandan leaves (which create a vibrant green color) and various vegetables and fruits.
How is Kuih Lapis made? First, each type of flour is mixed with coconut milk, sugar, and salt to create the batter for each layer of the cake. Then, each layer is steamed in a rectangular or round mold until fully cooked. Once each layer is ready, it is stacked on top of the previous one to form the layered structure.
Kuih Lapis is cut into square pieces
This Malaysian snack is typically cut into square or rectangular pieces before serving. Each piece has a chewy, sticky texture with a mild sweetness from the sugar and coconut milk. The varied colors of the layers create a visually appealing and attractive appearance.
Kuih Lapis is a traditional treat commonly found in Malaysian street food culture. It is often sold in local shops, markets, or street food districts. With its vibrant appearance and diverse flavors, Kuih Lapis is a popular choice during holidays, parties, and other special occasions.
Pisang Goreng (Fried Banana)
The next item on the list of Malaysian snacks is Pisang Goreng. In fact, this dish is quite popular among the people of Vietnam, where it is often referred to as fried bananas. Pisang Goreng is made from ripe bananas, coated in a batter of egg white or rice flour, then deep-fried to create a crispy and enticing outer layer. Though simple in ingredients, it makes for a delicious treat.
How is Pisang Goreng prepared? First, ripe bananas are cut into small pieces or halved. Then, they are dipped into the batter and fried in hot oil until the coating turns golden and crispy. This process results in a crunchy outer layer that locks in the natural sweetness of the banana inside.
Enjoying this Malaysian snack while it's still hot is an incredible experience. As you bite into it, you’ll taste the natural sweetness of the banana paired with the crispy batter coating. In Malaysia, this dish is often served with dipping sauces such as shrimp paste, tamarind sauce, or a sweet coconut milk syrup to enhance its flavor.
Pisang Goreng is incredibly popular in Malaysia and can be found at almost any market or street food stall. With its distinctive flavor and the perfect combination of the sweetness of bananas and the crispiness of the batter coating, Pisang Goreng makes an excellent choice for a snack or a delicious dessert.
Kek Lapis Sarawak
Kek Lapis Sarawak is one of the defining symbols of Malaysian culinary culture, particularly in the Sarawak region. With its multi-layered texture and vibrant colors, Kek Lapis Sarawak is not only a delightful dessert but also a unique piece of culinary art. This cake is an essential part of major festivals and special celebrations.
Kuih Lapis, also known as the rainbow cake
This traditional Malaysian snack is made from dozens of thin, smooth layers of caramel, each carefully baked one at a time. Every layer of the cake is blended with a variety of ingredients such as flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and natural flavors like vanilla, coffee, chocolate, or fruit. The process of baking each caramel layer is meticulous to ensure that each layer is evenly baked without drying out. From the outside, Kek Lapis Sarawak impresses with its vivid and colorful layers of bright red, refreshing green, and gentle yellow hues.
The multi-colored layers of this cake make a striking impression on diners
Kek Lapis Sarawak is not just a delicious dessert but also an essential part of significant festivals and celebrations. It is more than just a typical snack; it holds deep cultural values, symbolizing wealth, luck, and happiness for the people of Malaysia, especially in the Sarawak region.
15. Tau Sar Piah
Bubur Pulut Hitam can easily be found at roadside stalls
Known as "Peang-style green bean cake", Tau Sar Piah is a popular Malaysian sweet made with a savory-sweet green bean filling. What makes Tau Sar Piah special is the toasted sesame seeds sprinkled on top of the cake. The rich, nutty flavor of the sesame adds a unique touch to the cake's taste, making it a particularly enticing treat.
16. Bubur Pulut Hitam
Bubur Pulut Hitam is the next snack on the list of Malaysian treats. This dessert porridge is common in both Indonesia and Malaysia. It is made from black glutinous rice (pulut hitam), coconut milk, pandan leaves, and palm sugar. Bubur Pulut Hitam, also known as black sticky rice pudding, has a distinct and delightful flavor that sets it apart.
Bubur Pulut Hitam is typically served as a dessert after a meal but can be enjoyed at any time throughout the day. With its unique flavor and easy preparation method, this dish has become an essential part of Malaysian and Indonesian cuisine. Bubur Pulut Hitam is sure to satisfy the taste buds and offer a comforting experience to anyone who enjoys it.
17. Kuih Loyang
Another iconic snack in the list of Malaysian treats is Kuih Loyang. This dish is similar in shape and preparation to the Vietnamese honeycomb cake. Kuih Loyang is a traditional Malaysian snack known for its thin and crispy texture. It symbolizes family unity and is often prepared during festive seasons, especially during Chinese New Year.
Honeycomb cakes are made from ingredients such as eggs, coconut milk, rice flour, and sugar. The first step in making this snack is to heat a brass mold, then pour oil into the mold, dip it into the batter, and bake until the cake turns golden and crisp.
The name "Kuih Loyang" is derived from the use of a brass mold to make the cake. Although it is unclear how this dish made its way to Malaysia, some speculate that it may have been influenced by European cuisine, particularly from the Netherlands. This could be a testament to the diversity and richness of Malaysian cuisine, where culinary elements from various cultures have blended together to create unique dishes.
18. Kuih Tepung Pelita
Kuih Tepung Pelita is one of the traditional snacks in Malaysia
If you're a fan of the Thai dessert Khanom Tako, you might enjoy the Malaysian version called Kuih Tepung Pelita. This is a two-layered dessert traditionally served in small folded banana leaf containers. The name "Tepung Pelita" translates to "flour lamp", which comes from the shape of the traditional oil lamp that resembles the green banana leaf container used for this dessert.
19. Kuih Bahulu
Kuih Bahulu is a delightful egg-based cake, perfect for afternoon tea or any traditional festive occasion in Malaysia. This cake is particularly popular during Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr) and the Lunar New Year celebrations.
Much like the French madeleine, Kuih Bahulu does not include any butter in its recipe, making it less rich and more enjoyable. This makes it an ideal choice for tea time and an essential part of Malaysian cuisine during special occasions. It also marks the final snack in our list of Malaysian treats.
These small, spongy and slightly sweet cakes are made from just three basic ingredients: eggs, all-purpose flour, and sugar. They come in various shapes and sizes, but the most common form is the small flower-shaped cakes baked in molds. Since these cakes have a long shelf life, they make for a perfect gift to bring home after a trip.
Here are the most popular Malaysian snacks. When visiting Malaysia, you should not miss the opportunity to try the country's distinctive street food. These street snacks are not only a highlight of the local cuisine but also a unique cultural experience that every visitor should enjoy. Don’t hesitate to call 028 3827 0404 for quick and excellent support from Mytour!
