50 Best Malaysian Foods You Must Try

Malaysian food is diverse, with Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous dishes. This guide covers the 50 best Malaysian foods to try.

Rice Dishes

1. Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak is a traditional Malaysian dish, made with coconut rice, sambal, peanuts, anchovies and egg. It is a popular breakfast dish. See our best food cities in Malaysia guide.

2. Nasi Goreng

Nasi Goreng is a fried rice dish, popular in Malaysia. It is a popular dish. See our best food cities in Malaysia guide.

3. Nasi Kerabu

Nasi Kerabu is a rice dish from Kelantan, with blue rice and herbs. See our best food in Kelantan guide.

4. Nasi Dagang

Nasi Dagang is a rice dish from Terengganu, with fish curry. See our best food in Terengganu guide.

5. Nasi Kandar

Nasi Kandar is a rice dish from Penang, with curry. See our best food places in George Town guide.

6. Nasi Ayam

Nasi Ayam is a chicken rice dish, popular in Malaysia. It is a popular dish.

7. Lemang

Lemang is a glutinous rice dish, cooked in bamboo. It is a popular dish, especially during festivals.

Noodles

8. Laksa

Laksa is a noodle dish, with regional variations. Penang laksa, Sarawak laksa and Johor laksa are popular variations. See our best food in Penang and best food in Sarawak guides.

9. Char Kway Teow

Char Kway Teow is a noodle dish, popular in Penang. See our best food in Penang guide.

10. Hokkien Mee

Hokkien Mee is a noodle dish, with regional variations. See our best food cities in Malaysia guide.

11. Wantan Mee

Wantan Mee is a noodle dish, popular in Malaysia.

12. Sarawak Laksa

Sarawak Laksa is a noodle dish from Sarawak. See our best food in Sarawak guide.

13. Kolo Mee

Kolo Mee is a noodle dish from Sarawak. See our best food in Sarawak guide.

14. Kampua Mee

Kampua Mee is a noodle dish from Sibu, Sarawak. See our best food in Sarawak guide.

15. Curry Mee

Curry Mee is a noodle dish, popular in Malaysia.

Soups

16. Bak Kut Teh

Bak Kut Teh is a soup dish, with pork and herbs. It is a popular dish in Malaysia.

17. Sup Kambing

Sup Kambing is a mutton soup, popular in Malaysia.

18. Asam Pedas

Asam Pedas is a sour and spicy fish dish, popular in Melaka. See our best food in Melaka guide.

Street Food

19. Satay

Satay is a popular dish, made with grilled meat on skewers, served with a peanut sauce. It is a popular dish in Malaysia.

20. Roti Canai

Roti Canai is a popular Malaysian flatbread, served with curry. It is a popular breakfast dish.

21. Murtabak

Murtabak is a stuffed pancake, popular in Malaysia.

22. Apam Balik

Apam Balik is a peanut pancake, popular in Malaysia.

23. Keropok Lekor

Keropok Lekor is a fish snack, popular in Terengganu. See our best food in Terengganu guide.

24. Cendol

Cendol is a cold dessert, made with coconut milk, green jelly and palm sugar. It is a popular dessert.

25. Ais Kacang

Ais Kacang is a cold dessert, made with shaved ice, beans, jelly and syrup. It is a popular dessert.

Seafood

26. Butter Prawns

Butter prawns are a popular seafood dish in Malaysia.

27. Steamed Fish

Steamed fish is a popular dish in Malaysia, usually served with a soy-based sauce.

28. Grilled Fish

Grilled fish is a popular dish in Malaysia, usually served with a spicy sauce.

29. Chili Crab

Chili crab is a popular seafood dish in Malaysia.

30. Sambal Squid

Sambal squid is a popular seafood dish in Malaysia.

Snacks

31. Kuih

Kuih are traditional Malaysian snacks, with a range of varieties.

32. Kek Lapis

Kek Lapis is a layered cake, popular in Sarawak. See our best food in Sarawak guide.

33. Pisang Goreng

Pisang Goreng is a banana fritter, popular in Malaysia.

34. Karipap

Karipap is a curry puff, popular in Malaysia.

35. Popia

Popia is a spring roll, popular in Malaysia.

Desserts

36. Cendol

Cendol is a cold dessert. See our best food cities in Malaysia guide.

37. Ais Kacang

Ais Kacang is a cold dessert.

38. Pengat

Pengat is a traditional dessert, made with bananas and coconut milk.

39. Kuih Lapis

Kuih Lapis is a layered snack, popular in Malaysia.

40. Seri Muka

Seri Muka is a traditional dessert, made with glutinous rice and pandan custard.

Regional Dishes

41. Penang Laksa

Penang Laksa is a noodle dish from Penang. See our best food in Penang guide.

42. Melaka Cendol

Melaka Cendol is a cendol from Melaka. See our best food in Melaka guide.

43. Ipoh Bean Sprouts Chicken

Ipoh Bean Sprouts Chicken is a dish from Ipoh. See our best food in Ipoh guide.

44. Sarawak Laksa

Sarawak Laksa is a noodle dish from Sarawak. See our best food in Sarawak guide.

45. Sabah Hinava

Hinava is a traditional dish from Sabah, made with raw fish, lime and chilli. See our best food in Sabah guide.

46. Kelantan Nasi Kerabu

Nasi Kerabu is a rice dish from Kelantan. See our best food in Kelantan guide.

47. Terengganu Nasi Dagang

Nasi Dagang is a rice dish from Terengganu. See our best food in Terengganu guide.

48. Johor Laksa

Johor Laksa is a noodle dish from Johor. See our best food in Johor guide.

49. Pahang Food

Pahang has local food. See our best food in Cameron Highlands guide.

50. Kuala Lumpur Food

Kuala Lumpur has a range of food. See our best food places in Kuala Lumpur guide.

Regional Variations

Many Malaysian dishes have regional variations. For example, laksa has variations in Penang, Sarawak, Johor and other states. The flavour, ingredients and preparation can vary by region. Do not assume that one variation is the only version.

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.

FAQ

What food is Malaysia famous for?

Malaysia is famous for nasi lemak, laksa, satay and char kway teow. See our best food cities in Malaysia 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.

Is Malaysian food spicy?

Malaysian food can be spicy. Ask about the spice level if you are sensitive to chilli. See our best Malaysian food guide.

Conclusion

Malaysian food is diverse, with Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous dishes. For more ideas, see our best food cities in Malaysia, places to visit in Malaysia and Malaysia travel bucket list guides.