15 Best Food Cities in Malaysia for Food Lovers

Malaysia is a food destination, with cities known for their food. This guide covers the 15 best food cities in Malaysia.

1. Penang

Penang is known as the food capital of Malaysia, with a range of dishes. See our best food in Penang guide.

What to try: Char kway teow, Penang laksa, nasi kandar Best for: Street food, heritage food Atmosphere: Busy, food-focused

2. Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia, with a range of food. See our best food places in Kuala Lumpur guide.

What to try: Nasi lemak, satay, roti canai Best for: All food Atmosphere: City, diverse

3. Melaka

Melaka is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its food. See our best food in Melaka guide.

What to try: Asam pedas, cendol, chicken rice balls Best for: Heritage food, desserts Atmosphere: Historic, food-focused

4. Ipoh, Perak

Ipoh is a city in Perak, known for its food. See our best food in Ipoh guide.

What to try: Bean sprouts chicken, Ipoh white coffee Best for: Heritage food, coffee Atmosphere: Local, food-focused

5. Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru is a city in southern Malaysia, with food. See our best food in Johor guide.

What to try: Johor laksa, kacang phool Best for: Local food Atmosphere: City, local

6. Kuching, Sarawak

Kuching is the capital of Sarawak, with food. See our best food places in Kuching guide.

What to try: Sarawak laksa, kolo mee, midin Best for: Sarawak food Atmosphere: City, local

7. Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah, with food. See our best food in Sabah guide.

What to try: Hinava, seafood Best for: Sabah food, seafood Atmosphere: City, coastal

8. Seremban, Negeri Sembilan

Seremban is the capital of Negeri Sembilan, with food. See our best food in Negeri Sembilan guide.

What to try: Seremban beef noodles, baked crabs Best for: Local food Atmosphere: Local, town

9. Kuantan, Pahang

Kuantan is the capital of Pahang, with food. See our best food in Cameron Highlands guide.

What to try: Seafood, local dishes Best for: Seafood Atmosphere: City, coastal

10. Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Kota Bharu is the capital of Kelantan, with food. See our best food in Kelantan guide.

What to try: Nasi kerabu, kuih Best for: Kelantan food Atmosphere: Local, cultural

11. Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu

Kuala Terengganu is the capital of Terengganu, with food. See our best food in Terengganu guide.

What to try: Nasi dagang, keropok lekor Best for: Terengganu food Atmosphere: Local, coastal

12. Miri, Sarawak

Miri is a city in northern Sarawak, with food. See our best food in Sarawak guide.

What to try: Sarawak food, seafood Best for: Sarawak food Atmosphere: City, local

13. Alor Setar, Kedah

Alor Setar is the capital of Kedah, with food. See our best food in Langkawi guide.

What to try: Local dishes Best for: Local food Atmosphere: Local, town

14. Kangar, Perlis

Kangar is the capital of Perlis, with food. See our best food in Perlis guide.

What to try: Local dishes Best for: Local food Atmosphere: Local, town

15. Sibu, Sarawak

Sibu is a town in central Sarawak, with food. See our best food in Sarawak guide.

What to try: Kampua mee, local dishes Best for: Foochow food Atmosphere: Local, town

Practical Tips

• Spice level: Malaysian food can be spicy. Ask about the spice level if you are sensitive to chilli.
• Halal: Most Malay restaurants in Malaysia are halal. Chinese restaurants may serve pork.
• Timing: Some dishes are only available at certain times. Ask locally for the best time to try specific dishes.
• Hygiene: Choose busy stalls and restaurants — they usually have a high turnover of food.
• Cash: Bring cash — some stalls may not accept cards.
• Getting around: A car is useful for food trips. See our car rental Malaysia guide.

FAQ

What are the best food cities in Malaysia?

The best food cities include Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Ipoh. See our best food cities in Malaysia guide.

What is the food capital of Malaysia?

Penang is often considered the food capital of Malaysia. See our best food in Penang guide.

Where can I try Malaysian food?

Malaysian food is available at food stalls, markets and restaurants. See our best food cities in Malaysia guide.

Conclusion

Malaysia has a range of food cities, from Penang to Kota Kinabalu. For more ideas, see our best Malaysian food, places to visit in Malaysia and Malaysia travel bucket list guides.