Malaysia is a country defined by its flavors. Tucked between Thailand and Singapore, this Southeast Asian gem is a melting pot of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Indigenous culinary traditions. From sizzling hawker stalls and bustling night markets to humble cafés and heritage eateries, Malaysia invites you to eat adventurously — and often.
If you're wondering what to eat in Malaysia, start with this curated list of essential dishes that reflect the country's vibrant street food scene, time-honored recipes and deep-rooted food obsession.
1. Nasi Lemak
Considered Malaysia’s national dish, nasi lemak is a fragrant coconut milk rice plate traditionally served with sambal (spicy chili paste), fried anchovies, peanuts, a hard-boiled egg and cucumber. Rich, comforting and perfectly balanced, it’s a popular breakfast choice that’s delicious any time of day.
2. Char Kway Teow
This stir-fried noodle dish is the street food legend of Penang. Flat rice noodles are wok-tossed with shrimp, Chinese sausage, bean sprouts, eggs and chives in a rich soy sauce mixture. The best versions come with a hint of smokiness from high-heat cooking known locally as “wok hei.”
3. Roti Canai
A flaky, buttery flatbread with Indian roots, roti canai is best enjoyed fresh off the griddle, served with curry dipping sauce. It’s crispy on the outside and soft within — perfect for breakfast or a late-night snack.
4. Laksa
Malaysia boasts many types of laksa, but Penang’s asam laksa is especially famous. This tangy, spicy fish-based noodle soup is made with mackerel, tamarind, lemongrass and chili and is topped with mint and onion. It’s complex, bold and unforgettable.
5. Hainanese Chicken Rice
A dish of Chinese origin that’s beloved throughout Malaysia, Hainanese chicken rice features poached or roasted chicken served with fragrant garlic rice, chili sauce and soy-based dipping sauce. It’s simple, satisfying and widely available at hawker stalls.
6. Satay
Comprised of marinated meat skewers grilled over charcoal and served with a rich peanut sauce, satay is a crowd-pleaser found at night markets across the country. Choose from chicken, beef or lamb, often accompanied by cucumber, rice cakes and onions.
7. Penang Hokkien Mee
This local Penang favorite combines egg noodles and rice vermicelli in a rich prawn-based broth, topped with shrimp, pork slices, boiled eggs and crunchy shallots. Its spicy, seafood-forward flavor makes it one of the best dishes in Malaysia.
8. Nasi Kandar
Originating in Penang, nasi kandar is a plate of steamed rice served with a selection of flavorful Indian-Muslim curries and side dishes. Expect spicy gravies, fried chicken, okra and sometimes a fried egg — all generously layered and mixed for a flavor explosion.
9. Beef Rendang
Slow-cooked to perfection, beef rendang is a dry curry made with coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal and chilies. Originally from Indonesia but widely loved in Malaysia, it’s tender, rich and deeply spiced — perfect alongside rice.
10. Mee Goreng Mamak
This Indian-Muslim noodle dish is a wok-fried delight, blending yellow noodles with eggs, tofu, shrimp, potato and tomato-based spicy sauce. It’s sweet, spicy, tangy and found across mamak stalls throughout Malaysia.
11. Popiah
Think of popiah as a fresh Malaysian spring roll. Thin crêpes are filled with a mixture of shredded turnip, carrot, tofu and sometimes pork or shrimp, topped with sweet bean sauce and chili. They’re light, crunchy and full of flavor.
12. Otak-Otak
This unique dish consists of fish paste blended with herbs and spices, wrapped in banana leaves and grilled to a soft, mousse-like texture. Slightly spicy and smoky, it’s a favorite snack on the go.
13. Cendol
A sweet way to beat the Malaysian heat, cendol is a dessert made with shaved ice, pandan jelly noodles, red beans, coconut milk and palm sugar syrup. It’s cool, creamy and absolutely refreshing.
14. Apam Balik
This crispy, folded pancake is filled with crushed peanuts, corn and sugar and cooked until golden brown. Often sold at night markets, apam balik is a nostalgic treat that balances crunch with gooey sweetness.
15. Kuih
Kuih refers to a variety of colorful, bite-sized Malaysian snacks or desserts made from glutinous rice, coconut milk and pandan. Often layered or steamed, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.
Discover Food Excursions in Penang, Malaysia
Explore one of Malaysia’s culinary capitals with immersive excursions designed for curious eaters and street food lovers alike.
- Taste of Penang
- Step into Penang's food obsession on a tour that gives you a caffeinated kick at a popular purveyor of coffee and teas, hits the streets with the eclectic vendors of street foods and flies through the local food court scene at a legendary hawker center.
- Straits and Oriental Museum & Food Paradise
- Combine an exploration of beautiful ancient shipwrecked ceramics at a notable new Malaysian museum with the best of contemporary street cuisine in a city that, by its own admission, is somewhat obsessed with food.
What To Eat in Malaysia?
If you're wondering what to eat in Malaysia, start with must-try dishes like nasi lemak, char kway teow, asam laksa, beef rendang and roti canai. Whether you're diving into the best food in Penang or discovering hidden favorites at a roadside stall, every bite tells a story of cultural fusion and culinary pride. These best dishes in Malaysia are more than meals — they’re an invitation to taste the soul of a country.
