Malaysian Food: 12 Traditional Dishes to Eat

Want to know more about Malaysian food and cuisine? The Malaysian cuisine reflects the country’s diversity. Chinese, Indian, and Southeast Asian flavors represent the Malaysian cuisine – a great mix of ingredients, techniques, and flavors.

It’s no secret that locals are proud of their food since everything is so delicious. Typical Malaysian food has some of the best flavor combinations in the world. From the street food in George Town to Indian food and muslim food along the western coast – Malaysia offers some of the most delicious dishes I’ve ever tasted.

Here are 12 traditional dishes from Malaysia that you can taste for a local experience:

Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak is considered to be Malaysia’s national dish and is one of the most popular dishes to eat in the country.

The most common version of Nasi Lemak is rice cooked in coconut milk topped with spicy sambal/chili sauce, served with a boiled egg and wrapped in banana leaves. Delicious!

Hokkien Mee

One of the dishes that are inspired by the Chinese cuisine is Hokkien Mee. This dish consists of fried noodles in various flavors.

There are different versions of this dish, such as Hokkien Mee Hae (shrimp noodles), and my personal favorite called Hokkien Char Mee (fried noodles in dark soy sauce).

When it comes to Malaysian food, it’s a must to taste this dish!

Nasi Goreng

Nasi Goreng is one of the most classic dishes to eat in Malaysia. It’s made of fried rice with vegetables, garlic, and soy sauce. It’s a simple but delicious dish.

Some people eat Nasi Goreng with chicken or with shrimp, but it’s just as good without the meat.

Apam Balik

Apam Balik is a snack that originally comes from Sri Lanka, but is just as popular in Malaysia. It’s sold at almost every street market around of the country.

It’s almost like a crepe, but much more thick, doughy, and crispy. It’s filled with everything from peanuts to corn, but can also be eaten plain or together with a sweet santana sauce.

These are found at most “pasar malams” (local food markets), and are perfect as a snack on the go!

Char Kuay Teow

No wonder why I love Malaysia so much, they are just as passionate about food as I am!

If there’s one dish that you have to taste while you’re in the country, it’s Char Kuay Teow. This is Malaysia’s version of Pad Thai and is made of fried rice noodles, shrimps, bean sprouts, chives, and egg.

Nasi Champur

Nasi Champur is a traditional Indonesian dish that’s common to eat in Malaysia as well. It’s made with white rice and small portions of meat, vegetables, peanuts, eggs, and fried prawn chips.

Depending on where you buy your Nasi Champur it can be served with different kinds of side dishes.

Ikan Bakar

Ikan Bakar is a fish and seafood dish that’s common to eat at local food markets in Malaysia.

First you choose your fish/seafood, then it’s marinated it in a spicy and sour sauce before it’s wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over charcoal. It’s served with a delicious sauce made from chilies, garlic, and lime.

Roti Canai

Roti Canai is a simple Indian dish that’s served for breakfast, but also as a snack. It’s a fluffy Indian bread that’s fried and served together with a curry.

This dish can also be eaten as a dessert, together with banana and condensed milk. It’s heavenly good!

Satay

Satay is a popular dish from Indonesia, but is just as popular in Malaysia. Satay is grilled meat on skewers (chicken, beef, or pork), often served with a delicious peanut sauce.

It’s a classic dish to eat in Malaysia, so make sure to add it to your Malaysian food bucket list!

Laksa

Laksa is a popular spicy noodle soup with Chinese and Malaysian influences.

It’s made in different ways with slightly different ingredients depending on where you taste it. Some make it with fish and some with prawns.

Cendawan goreng

Cendawan goreng is a dish made of deep-fried mushrooms. It’s typically prepared with a barbecue and chili seasoning, which gives it that special kick.

It’s eaten as a snack or appetizer at restaurants.

Rendang

Rendang is a Malaysian food that’s made of coconut milk, spices, and meat (chicken, lamb, or beef). It’s slowly cooked to absorb all the spices.

It’s a common dish that can be found all over Malaysia. It’s especially popular to eat during local festivals.

More about Malaysian food

Malaysia is a multi-cultural country, and that is something reflecting its cuisine.With strong influences from both China, India, Singapore, and Indonesia, the Malaysian cuisine has become what it is today – a collision of interesting ingredients and flavors.

In the Malaysian cuisine common ingredients include; coconut cream and oil, dried chillies, tamarind, lemongrass, dried noodles, jasmin rice, and spices such as cinnamon, star anise, green cardamom, and cloves.

What’s the national dish of Malaysia?

Nasi Lemak is the national dish of Malaysia.

What is a typical meal in Malaysia?

A traditional Malaysian meal often consists of rice served with chicken or spicy meat, and curries.

Malaysian desserts

• Ais kacang
• Goreng pisang
• Ais Batu Campur
• Kuih Lapis
• Ondeh Ondeh
• Cendol
• Pandan Cake
• Kek Lapis Sarawak
• Nyonya Kuih
• Tau Fu Fa
• Apam Balik
• Bubur cha cha
• Pulut hitam
• Kuih dadar
• Sago gula melaka

Malaysian drinks

• Teh Tarik
• Kit Chai Ping
• Nutmeg Juice
• Teh C Peng
• Air Mata Kuching
• Leng Chee Kang
• Pak-Ko-Pi
• Air Kelapa Bakar
• Barley Juice
• Air Bandung Juice

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Do you have more questions about Malaysian food and cuisine? Leave a comment below!