What to eat in Malaysia: 27+ Must-eat food & must try dishes in Malaysia

October 10, 2025

What to eat in Malaysia? What are the must-try Malaysian delicacies? Let us tell you about the list of 27+ specialties, most popular, best dishes, must try food in Malaysia (food must try in Malaysia, must try dishes in Malaysia, must eat food in Malaysia) that are enough to satisfy every diner.

Penang cuisine | What to eat in Malaysia: 27+ Specialties & must try food in Malaysia

Malaysia is famous for its diverse and rich cuisine. With ethnic and cultural diversity, Malaysian cuisine is a perfect combination of Chinese, Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine. Coming to Malaysia, you will enjoy many typical dishes, from street specialties to fine dishes of high-class restaurants. Let’s explore Malaysian cuisine to experience a unique part of this country’s culture!

Nasi Lemak – Famous Malaysian Coconut Rice

nasi lemak kuala lumpur must eat food, must eat food in kl, must eat food in kuala lumpur, must eat in kl, must eat in kuala lumpur4 — Nasi Lemak, the national dish of Malaysia and also very popular in Singapore. | must try dishes in Malaysia

Nasi Lemak is one of the dishes considered the “national soul” of Malaysia that any tourist coming here should try once. With delicious coconut rice, spicy sambal sauce, crispy fried egg and chicken or beef, this dish brings diners a typical taste of Malaysia. Nasi lemak is often eaten with small dried fish, peanuts, cucumbers, served on a plastic plate or banana leaf to create an extremely impressive and memorable image.

Visitors can find nasi lemak in most eateries, restaurants, even sidewalk stalls. This dish is often served for breakfast and lunch, however, the breakfast portion will be smaller and have fewer ingredients.

Must try dishes in Malaysia: Satay – Famous Malaysian Grilled Skewers

Satay is a traditional Malaysian dish and one of the most popular dishes in this country. Satay is made from pork, beef or chicken, shredded into small pieces and marinated with spices before being grilled over charcoal.

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This dish is usually served with peanut sauce, which is sweet and fatty, and can be mixed with soy sauce, lime juice, sugar, chili and spices to create a unique flavor. Satay is usually served with fresh bread or white rice, and is garnished with herbs such as onions and cucumbers. In addition to meat, Satay can also be made from shrimp, fish or vegetables, creating different versions of this dish.

Laksa – Spicy Coconut Noodle Soup

Once ranked by CNN as one of the world’s most delicious dishes, and also called “breakfast of the gods” by Anthony Bourdain, laksa certainly occupies an important place in the culinary map of Malaysia. With different versions such as Laksa Penang, Laksa Sarawak and other variations, this dish has a distinctive and rich flavor, giving diners a rich and satisfying experience.

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The most common flavor of Laksa is a combination of spicy, sweet, sour and salty, creating a rich and diverse flavor. Laksa broth is usually made from coconut milk, soy sauce, dried shrimp, tamarind, chili and other spices to create a spicy flavor along with a characteristic sweet and sour taste. Other ingredients such as noodles, shrimp, chicken or pork, sesban, tofu and herbs add to the freshness and variety of the dish.

Teh Tarik – Delicious Malaysian Milk Tea

Teh tarik man making tea in malaysia — A Teh Tarik man making tea in Malaysia | must try dishes in Malaysia

Teh Tarik is a traditional Malaysian drink, originating from India and is popular not only in Malaysia but also in many other countries around the world. Teh Tarik has a unique and distinctive flavor thanks to the combination of tea and milk, creating a special sweet taste.

The special thing about Teh Tarik is the way the tea is made, it is brewed by hand to create a special milk foam. The tea is mixed with condensed milk or fresh milk, then hand-whipped between two pans, creating a thick layer of milk foam on the surface of the tea. This milk foam creates a special flavor, giving the drinker a smooth and easy-to-drink feeling.

teh_tarik_malaysia — | must try dishes in Malaysia

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In addition to its distinctive flavor, Teh Tarik also has health benefits such as helping to reduce stress, enhance memory and aid digestion. Teh Tarik is served hot or cold, depending on individual preferences.

Must eat food in Malaysia: Rendang – Famous Malaysian Stewed Meat Specialty

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Rendang is one of the most famous traditional dishes in Malaysia. Rendang is a dish of meat cooked in coconut milk, with a combination of many spices such as chili, onion, garlic, ginger, lime leaves, cinnamon leaves and salt. It is usually cooked for many hours so that the meat becomes tender and the spices are absorbed.

This dish has many different versions such as Rendang Daging (with beef), Rendang Ayam (with chicken) and Rendang Kambing (with goat meat). The typical flavor of Rendang is a combination of rich, spicy, sweet and sour flavors, creating a delicious and diverse taste.

Char Kway Teow – Special Malaysian Fried Noodles

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Char Kway Teow, the “divine” fried noodles of Malaysia, will make you “fall in love” from the first bite! The chewy flat noodles, mixed with eggs, shrimp, minced pork, pork, herbs and spices, create a flavor feast on the fire.

The secret to a delicious Char Kway Teow dish lies in the frying technique on a hot pan. The noodles must be cooked to perfection, both soft and chewy, soaked in a rich sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, chili sauce, black bean sauce and secret spices. Meat, shrimp and pork sausage are added to enhance the flavor and grandeur of the dish.

Bak Kut Teh – Irresistible Delicious Pork Rib Tea

Bak Kut Teh kuala lumpur — | must try dishes in Malaysia

Bak Kut Teh, the “divine” soup of Malaysia and Singapore, will make you “addicted” from the first try! The tender pork ribs, soaked in a rich broth, are simmered with spices such as five-spice powder, garlic, cloves, star anise and ginger.

The sweetness of the broth, the slight spiciness of the pepper, the moderate saltiness, all blend together, bringing a complete culinary experience. Bak Kut Teh is usually served with white rice, tofu and fried fried dough sticks. Let’s enjoy this delicious Malaysian dish!

Malaysian Specialty Durian – Musang King

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If you are a “hardcore fan” of durian, then Musang King – the “durian king” of Malaysia, is the one for you. With a characteristic green outer shell, inside are golden durian segments, fatty, fragrant, enough to captivate all food lovers. Musang King is usually harvested in the summer, you can enjoy it directly or “upgrade” with desserts such as durian ice cream, durian dessert…

Malaysian Style Char Siu Noodles

Are you ready to discover a Malaysian street food that will make your taste buds “explode”? Char Siu Noodles is a popular and beloved dish throughout the streets of Malaysia. With its rich, attractive flavor and affordable price, this dish has become an indispensable part of the local culinary culture.

The highlight of Mi Xa Xiu is the pieces of char siu marinated with rich spices and grilled to perfection. The char siu melts in your mouth, imbued with the distinctive flavor of five-spice powder, honey and other spices.

Murtabak Stuffed Pancakes in Malaysia

Murtabak must eat in malaysia (1) — “Delicious version” – Malaysian sandwich. | must try dishes in Malaysia

Murtabak, a fried bread stuffed with minced meat and onions, dipped in a spicy sauce, is a “super-sized” dish only for those who are really hungry.

A perfect murtabak must have a lot of minced meat, so you can feel the deliciousness from the first bite. The crispy crust, rich meat filling, and a little bit of sourness and spiciness of the sauce will make your taste buds “explode”. Murtabak is a popular dish in many Southeast Asian countries, each with its own variations. In Malaysia, murtabak is often served with curry or pickles.

Sweet and Sour Steamed Crab, Malay Style

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Sweet and sour steamed crab, also known as “Ketam Masak Sos Thai” (Thai sauce crab), is a typical Malaysian seafood dish, a perfect combination of the natural sweetness of crab, the sourness of tamarind sauce and the mild spiciness of chili. Sweet and sour steamed crab, Malay style is usually eaten hot, with white rice or bread. The sweet and sour taste of tamarind sauce combined with the natural sweetness of crab meat creates a harmonious flavor, stimulating the taste buds.

Nasi Kerabu Rice – Beautiful Blue Pea Flower Coconut Rice

Nasi Kerabu, also known as “herb mixed rice”, is a famous traditional dish of Malaysia, especially in the Eastern states such as Kelantan and Terengganu. This dish is not only attractive because of the unique blue color of the rice but also because of the delicate combination of herbs, vegetables, spices and protein.

This color is created from the blue pea flower (bunga telang), a flower that has the ability to create natural color and bring many health benefits. In addition to blue color, rice can also be cooked with turmeric to create yellow color or without adding color to keep the natural white color.

Curry Mee – Malaysian Specialty Curry Laksa

Malaysian Curry Mee, also known as Laksa curry in some regions, is a noodle dish with bold flavors and colors typical of Malaysian cuisine. This dish is famous for its unique combination of spicy curry broth, soft noodles and a variety of toppings.

Mee curry broth is the soul of the dish, made from a blend of many spices such as curry powder, chili, lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, along with rich coconut milk. This combination creates a rich, spicy but still harmonious and easy-to-eat flavor. Mee is also known as curry laksa, which is a type of noodles or rice vermicelli cooked in spicy coconut soup. The ingredients of the dish include: chicken, tofu, shrimp, pig’s blood and fish. Curry mee is eaten with fresh mint leaves.

Rusuk Panggang Grilled Ribs

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If you come to Malaysia and haven’t tried Rusuk Panggang, it’s like you’ve never set foot in this country’s culinary paradise! Rusuk Panggang Grilled Ribs is a famous street food with a rich, seductive flavor that makes anyone fall in love with it from the first bite. The ribs are marinated with a mixture of spices including garlic, shallots, lemongrass, chili, fish sauce, sugar and other secret spices. The perfect combination of these ingredients creates a rich, spicy and aromatic flavor. What could be better than enjoying juicy grilled meat with pandan cendol and sweet chocolate for dessert?

Chukka Lamb – Indian Specialty in Malaysia

If you are a fan of Indian cuisine and are looking for a spicy, rich dish in Malaysia, then Chukka Lamb is the perfect choice for you!

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Chukka Lamb is a traditional dish of the South Indian region, made from tender lamb, combined with typical spices such as dried chili, ginger, garlic, onion, tomato and herbs such as coriander, curry leaves.

Not only delicious, Chukka Lamb is also a nutritious dish, rich in protein, iron and B vitamins. Lamb is also said to have a warming effect on the body, very good for health in cold weather days.

Wagyu Beef Dumplings

You may be skeptical about the combination of Asian and South American flavors. However, Michelin-starred restaurant Nobu Kuala Lumpur shows that they can absolutely create the perfect combination of flavors. Besides the eye-catching raw fish tacos, umani chicken wings or octopus tiradito are also options that “explode the taste buds”. The must-try Malaysian delicacy when coming to Nobu is Wagyu dumplings with spicy Ponzu dipping sauce.

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Address: L4A-05, Level 4A, Shoppes At Four Seasons Place, 145, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Dim Sum – Malaysian Style Dim Sum

Experience-Kuala-Lumpur_food-and-drink_Jalan-Alor_food-street_dim-sum_oyster-omelet_durian — Malaysian dimsum | must eat food in malaysia

Yong Tau Foo – Malaysian Version of Bitter Melon and Chili

Dim Sum, also known as “Diem Sam” in Vietnamese, is a typical culinary culture of the Chinese. In Malaysia, Dim Sum has become an indispensable part of people’s culinary life, from light breakfasts to family reunions.

With a large Chinese community living in Malaysia, Dim Sum in this country is considered “standard” with reasonable prices. Dim Sum is often eaten with hot tea, creating a light, elegant and flavorful meal.

Yong Tau Foo – Malaysian Version of Bitter Melon and Chili

Yong Tau Foo, a dish that is extremely “confusing” with all kinds of stuffing, is a representative of Malaysian cuisine. This dish originated from China, was introduced to Malaysia and quickly became a favorite dish of the Chinese here.

Tofu, vegetables, fish cakes, meatballs… are all “transformed” with a rich shrimp and meat filling, then fried or boiled until cooked. But wait, don’t be too dazzled by this maze of stuffing, because you still have to choose between the following two ways to enjoy it:

Dry Yong Tau Foo: “Delicious” all kinds of crispy fried ingredients, dipped in rich black bean sauce.
Yong Tau Foo Soup: Enjoy the dish in a sweet and clear broth, accompanied by noodles or vermicelli.

Whichever style you choose, Yong Tau Foo will bring you a culinary experience that will make you “fall in love” with no way out!

Lok Lok Malaysia

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Lok Lok, the “legendary” street food of Malaysia, especially in Penang, will fascinate you with its diversity and uniqueness. A Lok Lok stall with hundreds of colorful skewers, from meat, seafood to vegetables, can make every diner feel “hungry”.

You will be able to dip these skewers into the boiling hot pot yourself, freely choose between spicy or non-spicy hot pot depending on your preference. Once cooked, dip the skewers in special sauces such as peanut sauce, mayonnaise, chili sauce… to “enhance” the flavor.

Kuih Muih – Malaysia’s Favorite Sweet

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From bustling markets to simple street food stalls, Kuih Muih is always present in all shapes, colors and flavors. From fragrant sticky rice cakes, delicious chewy tapioca cakes, to soft steamed cakes, crispy baked cakes… each type of cake has its own flavor, making you unable to stop at just one bite.

Assam Laksa – Malaysia’s Specialty Noodles

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Assam Laksa is Malaysia’s national noodle dish, voted by CNN as one of the 50 most delicious dishes in the world. Large, round, delicious noodles blend in a rich, sour and spicy mackerel broth, fragrant with lemongrass, chili, galangal and tamarind.

Add a little herbs, pineapple, onions and sliced chili, you will have a bowl of “standard” Malaysian Assam Laksa. With a passionate sour and spicy flavor, Assam Laksa will make you remember it forever.

Mee Rojak – The Essence of Indian Cuisine in Malaysia

At first glance, Mee Rojak may seem like a simple dish with yellow noodles, fresh vegetables and crushed roasted peanuts. But don’t let the appearance fool you! The special thing about this dish lies in its signature sauce, made from sour tamarind, palm sugar, chili and dried shrimp, creating a sweet, sour and spicy flavor that blends perfectly with the other ingredients.

If you have the opportunity to visit Penang, don’t forget to try Mee Rojak Penang – a special version of this dish. With tamarind sauce cooked with sweet potatoes and peanuts, Mee Rojak Penang has a richer, creamier taste, making you remember it forever.

Ayam Percik – Grilled Chicken with Percik Sauce

The popularity of KFC in Malaysia (and across Asia) may surprise many people, but if you have ever tried ayam percik, you will understand why. This famous grilled chicken dish, with its irresistible rich flavor, can completely “dethrone” any fried chicken dish.

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Ayam percik is made from fresh chicken pieces, carefully marinated with a mixture of typical Malaysian spices, then grilled over hot coals until golden brown and fragrant. The highlight of the dish lies in the spicy percik sauce, made from chili, garlic, ginger and coconut milk, creating a “memorable” flavor. This ayam percik is often served with white rice, nasi lemak or roti canai.

Popia Basah – Delicious Malaysian Spring Rolls

Roti jala, also known as net bread, is a creative and unique Malaysian dish. Its name comes from the net-like shape created by drawing zigzag lines with flour on a large pan.

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If you are looking for a refreshing dish that is still full of flavor, popia basah is the perfect choice. Unlike Vietnamese spring rolls that usually have lettuce, popia basah is made from thin rice paper, wrapped with ingredients such as boiled radish, fried onions, bean sprouts, dried shrimp and crushed roasted peanuts. All are rolled up neatly and dipped in peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce.

Popia basah is commonly sold in markets, roadside stalls or local restaurants. This is a popular snack loved by both Malaysians and international tourists.

Roti Jala – A Unique Malaysian Food

The net bread is usually folded like a crepe and served with chicken curry. This is a popular dish at any time of the day, from breakfast, lunch to dinner. The soft texture of the bread combined with the spicy taste of the curry creates a harmonious and attractive flavor.

Sambal Udang – Specialty Prawns in Rich Sambal Sauce

Sambal udang is a signature dish of the Peranakan community, descendants of Chinese immigrants from the 15th-16th centuries. The Peranakans, also known as Baba Nyonya or Straits Chinese, are predominantly ethnic Chinese from the Fujian province of China.

They settled along the coast of Malaysia, mainly in Penang and Melaka, as well as parts of Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia. Today, they are renowned for their unique and rich cuisine.

Sambal udang is a popular Peranakan dish, with prawns as the main ingredient. Fresh prawns are “swimming” in a spicy sambal sauce, made from chilies, dried prawns and tamarind. You must try this wonderful Peranakan dish!

Lemang – Famous Delicious Bamboo Rice of Malaysia

At first glance, lemang looks like Vietnamese bamboo rice, but this Malaysian dish has a unique, “strange yet familiar” flavor. Lemang is made from sticky rice cooked with coconut milk in bamboo tubes, creating a sticky, fragrant, fatty taste, completely different from regular white rice.

To make lemang, people have to line the bamboo tubes with banana leaves, then pour in sticky rice mixed with coconut milk, and then grill over a low fire until cooked. This process requires meticulousness and patience, but the result is a delicious, attractive dish.

Lemang is often eaten with savory dishes such as rendang (spicy beef stew), curry or serunding (dried meat). This is a popular dish during festivals and special days in Malaysia.

If you are wondering what to eat in Malaysia and what to buy as gifts for your relatives and friends in Vietnam, Klook hopes that the suggestions above can help you. Hopefully you will have a great food tour and a memorable trip!

Have you enjoyed all the delicious Malaysian specialties?

street_food_penang_best_things_to_do_when_traveling_to_penang_malaysia2 — Penang street food

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