What to Eat in Malaysia: 25 Must-Try Dishes

What to eat in Malaysia

If there is one thing we quickly discovered during our trip to Malaysia, it is that you should come hungry.
Malaysia is a dream destination for food lovers, but you don’t have to be a serious foodie to enjoy eating your way through the country. Travelling with two kids meant that we all had very different favourites.
Mama’s number one? Nasi lemak. Without a doubt. Give me fragrant coconut rice, a good sambal, crispy anchovies, peanuts and an egg and I’m happy.
Anneloes immediately chose satay as her favourite. Those little skewers of grilled meat with peanut sauce were hard to resist.
Papa went straight for the curries. The richer, spicier and more fragrant, the better.
And then there was Evelijn.
What did she eat in Malaysia? Well… a lot of steamed rice. And then some more steamed rice. 😂
Apparently, you can travel all the way to Malaysia and still decide that a big bowl of plain steamed rice is the best thing on the menu.
And that’s actually one of the things we loved about travelling through Malaysia as a family. There was so much choice that everyone could find something they enjoyed, whether that meant trying something completely new or sticking with a familiar favourite.
Malaysia’s food culture is incredibly diverse, with Malay, Chinese, Indian, Peranakan and other influences coming together. And the food changes noticeably as you travel around the country.
From the hawker stalls of Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown, to the food we discovered during our time in Langkawi, every destination had something different to try.
So, if you’re planning a trip and wondering what to eat in Malaysia, these are 25 dishes and drinks to put on your list.
And yes, I’ve included plenty that are particularly good for families too.

1. Nasi Lemak

Let’s start with my personal favourite.
Nasi lemak is Malaysia’s iconic fragrant coconut rice, traditionally served with sambal, peanuts, crispy anchovies, cucumber and egg. Depending on where you eat it, you might also get fried chicken, rendang, fish or other toppings.
The combination sounds simple, but it works incredibly well. The creamy coconut rice, spicy sambal, salty anchovies and crunchy peanuts give you a little bit of everything in one bite.
And clearly, I wasn’t the only one who thought so. Nasi lemak quickly became my go-to meal whenever I saw it on a menu.
For children, you can simply keep the sambal separate. The coconut rice, egg and cucumber are usually an easy introduction to Malaysian food.
If you’re travelling around Malaysia with kids, don’t feel that everyone has to order the same thing. One of the easiest ways to enjoy Malaysian food as a family is to order several dishes for the table and share.
That way, Mama gets her nasi lemak, Anneloes gets her satay, Papa gets his curry… and Evelijn gets her steamed rice. 😂

2. Roti Canai

Roti canai became one of those dishes we kept coming back to.
It is a flaky, crispy flatbread with a soft and chewy centre, traditionally served with dhal or curry for dipping. The dough is stretched and folded before being cooked on a hot griddle.
There is something about tearing pieces of warm roti and dipping them into curry that makes this especially fun with children.
And you don’t necessarily have to order the spicy version. Plain roti canai with dhal is a great place to start.
You will often find it at mamak restaurants, which are popular places for inexpensive meals and snacks.
Family tip: Order a couple to share rather than one per person. It is much more fun that way.

3. Satay

If your children like grilled meat, put satay near the top of your list.
Small pieces of marinated chicken or beef are threaded onto skewers and grilled over charcoal. They are usually served with peanut sauce, cucumber, onion and pieces of compressed rice.
The smoky smell alone is enough to make you hungry.
For us, satay quickly became Anneloes’ favourite Malaysian food. She could happily have ordered another plate every time we saw it.
Satay is also a great introduction to Malaysian flavours because the meat itself doesn’t have to be spicy. Just be careful with the peanut sauce if anyone in your family has allergies.
Our favourite way to eat it: order a big plate for the table and let everyone choose their own skewers.

4. Char Kway Teow

If you visit Georgetown, this is one dish you absolutely need to try.
Char kway teow consists of wide, flat rice noodles stir-fried over very high heat with ingredients such as prawns, egg, bean sprouts and chives. The intense heat creates the smoky flavour known as wok hei.
Penang is particularly famous for its version.
This is exactly why we recommend combining food experiences with your sightseeing when planning your Georgetown trip. You don’t need to search for fancy restaurants here. Some of the most memorable food experiences come from simple hawker stalls.
Traditional versions can contain pork or pork fat, although halal versions are also available, so it is worth checking when ordering.

5. Assam Laksa

Malaysia doesn’t have just one type of laksa.
And if you’re in Penang, you should try assam laksa.
Unlike creamy curry laksa, Penang assam laksa has a sour, spicy fish-based broth made with ingredients such as tamarind, chillies and herbs. It is served with thick rice noodles and often topped with cucumber, pineapple and onion.
It is quite different from the noodle soups many European travellers are used to, which makes it one of those dishes you should try at least once.
The flavour can be quite strong, so this might be one for adventurous eaters rather than younger children.

6. Curry Laksa

If assam laksa isn’t your thing, try curry laksa instead.
This version has a rich, aromatic coconut-based broth combined with noodles, tofu, seafood, chicken or other toppings.
Curry laksa is generally creamy, spicy and packed with flavour.
There are regional variations, so don’t assume every bowl of laksa will taste the same.
And that’s one of the fun things about travelling around Malaysia: ordering a dish you’ve already tried somewhere else and discovering that it tastes completely different.

7. Sarawak Laksa

If your Malaysia trip takes you to Borneo, add Sarawak laksa to your list.
The Sarawak version has its own distinctive spice paste and a rich broth, often served with noodles, chicken, prawns and egg.
It is a good reminder that Malaysia’s food culture extends far beyond the peninsula.
We didn’t travel to Sarawak on this trip, but if you’re planning a longer Malaysia adventure, this is definitely one to look out for.

8. Nasi Kandar

Nasi kandar is strongly associated with Penang.
At its simplest, it is rice served with a selection of curries and side dishes. You can choose meat, fish, seafood, vegetables or a combination of them, with the curries poured over the rice.
The fun part is watching the server build your plate.
And this is probably the dish that would make Papa happiest. If there are several curries to choose from, he is in his element.
Nasi kandar also works well for families because everyone can choose different toppings and share dishes.

9. Hainanese Chicken Rice

Looking for something a little more familiar?
Try Hainanese chicken rice.
Steamed, poached or roasted chicken is served with fragrant rice and usually accompanied by chilli sauce, ginger and soy sauce.
It is relatively simple compared with some Malaysian dishes, which makes it a good option for children who aren’t ready to embrace spicy food every day.
And of course, if your child happens to prefer plain rice, you already know what happens next.
“Evelijn, would you like some chicken?”
“No, thank you. Just rice.” 😂

10. Rendang

Rendang is a slow-cooked meat dish traditionally made with beef or chicken and a mixture of spices and coconut milk.
Unlike a curry with lots of sauce, rendang is cooked down until the sauce becomes thick and clings to the meat.
It is rich, fragrant and can be spicy, although the level of heat varies.
Serve it with rice and you’ve got a very satisfying Malaysian meal.
This is definitely one for the curry lovers in the family.

11. Mee Goreng

Mee goreng literally means fried noodles and is one of those dishes you’ll see everywhere.
Yellow noodles are stir-fried with vegetables, egg and usually meat or seafood, together with a combination of sauces and spices.
For families, this is another easy one.
If your child likes noodles, chances are they will find something familiar in mee goreng even if the flavours are slightly different.

12. Hokkien Mee

Hokkien mee is another noodle dish, but don’t assume it will taste the same as mee goreng.
Depending on the region, the name can refer to different preparations. In Malaysia, you will find versions made with thick noodles and a rich, savoury sauce, sometimes with prawns, meat and vegetables.
It is another great dish to try when you’re exploring Malaysia’s hawker food culture.

13. Nasi Kerabu

One of the most visually interesting Malaysian dishes is nasi kerabu.
The rice has a distinctive blue colour, traditionally created using butterfly pea flowers. It is served with fresh herbs, vegetables and a choice of protein such as grilled chicken or fish.
If you have children with you, this is one of those dishes that immediately gets their attention.
“Why is the rice blue?” is probably going to be the first question.
And honestly, that’s half the fun.

14. Nasi Briyani

Malaysia’s multicultural food scene means you’ll also find plenty of excellent Indian-influenced dishes.
Nasi briyani is fragrant basmati rice cooked with spices and served with meat, curry and often a refreshing salad or yoghurt-based side.
It is filling, aromatic and perfect if you are really hungry after a morning of sightseeing.
And if Papa is nearby, there is a very good chance the curry will disappear first.

15. Banana Leaf Rice

If you want a proper Indian-Malaysian food experience, try banana leaf rice.
Instead of a plate, your meal is served on a banana leaf with rice, vegetables, dhal, curries, chutneys and sometimes meat or fish.
Traditionally, it is eaten with your hands.
Yes, it can get messy.
Yes, children will probably love that.
And no, you don’t need to be an expert at eating with your hands before you try it.

16. Murtabak

Murtabak is essentially a stuffed flatbread.
The dough is filled with ingredients such as minced meat, egg, onion and spices before being cooked until crisp and golden.
Think of it as somewhere between a savoury pancake, stuffed flatbread and omelette.
It makes a great snack to share, particularly if you’re exploring a night market.

17. Kaya Toast

Not everything needs to be spicy or adventurous.
Kaya toast is one of the easiest Malaysian foods to introduce to children.
Slices of toast are spread with kaya, a sweet coconut-and-egg jam, often together with butter.
It is commonly eaten for breakfast or as a snack, often with coffee or tea.
If your kids are anything like ours, this might disappear very quickly.

18. Teh Tarik

Technically, this one is a drink rather than a dish, but you should absolutely try it.
Teh tarik means “pulled tea” and gets its name from the way the tea is poured repeatedly between containers, creating a frothy drink while cooling it down.
It is made with tea and milk, usually condensed or evaporated milk.
Watching someone make it is part of the experience.
Just remember that it is sweet and contains caffeine, so perhaps not the best choice for the kids right before bedtime.

19. Cendol

After walking around Malaysia in the heat, a bowl of cendol is exactly what you want.
Cendol combines shaved ice, coconut milk, palm sugar and the distinctive green jelly-like cendol noodles.
It is sweet, cold and refreshing.
And if you are exploring Georgetown, make sure you leave room for dessert.

20. Ais Kacang / ABC

Another brilliant Malaysian dessert is ais kacang, also known as ABC.
It starts with shaved ice and can be topped with things such as red beans, peanuts, corn, fruit, syrup and condensed milk.
It looks a little chaotic when it arrives at the table.
But that’s part of the fun.
Let the kids choose their favourite toppings and dig in before the whole thing melts.

21. Pisang Goreng

Sometimes the simplest snacks are the ones you end up ordering again and again.
Pisang goreng is simply banana that has been battered and fried.
Crispy on the outside, warm and soft inside, it makes an excellent afternoon snack.
You’ll often find fried snacks like this at food stalls and markets, and they’re particularly handy when everyone suddenly announces they’re hungry again.
Which, if you’re travelling with children, will probably happen approximately five minutes after lunch.

22. Roti Tissue

If regular roti canai isn’t impressive enough, wait until you see roti tissue.
This is a much thinner and crispier version of roti, often served in a tall, almost tower-like shape and finished with sugar or condensed milk.
It’s more of a sweet snack than a meal, but it is also a lot of fun to order.
And yes, the kids will probably want to take a photo before anyone is allowed to eat it.

23. Mee Rebus

Mee rebus is a noodle dish served with a thick, slightly sweet and spicy gravy made from a mixture of spices and other ingredients, sometimes including peanuts.
It is comforting, filling and quite different from the dry fried noodles you will find elsewhere.
If you are travelling for a while in Malaysia, this is a good example of why it’s worth looking beyond the obvious “top five” dishes.

24. Ayam Percik

Ayam percik is grilled or roasted chicken that has been marinated with spices and coconut milk and served with a rich sauce.
It is smoky, fragrant and packed with flavour.
For children, you can simply choose pieces without much sauce if they prefer milder food.

25. Malaysian White Coffee

And finally, something for the coffee lovers.
Malaysian white coffee is particularly associated with Ipoh. It is traditionally made using coffee beans roasted with margarine and served with condensed milk, giving it a smooth, sweet flavour.
If you are travelling through Malaysia and happen to stop in Ipoh, add it to your food list.
It also makes a nice excuse for a coffee break between sightseeing stops.

What Malaysian Food Should You Try With Kids?

Travelling around Malaysia with children doesn’t mean you have to stick to Western food.
In fact, we found that Malaysian food is surprisingly easy to navigate as a family once you know what to order.
Some of our easiest options would be:

• Roti canai – great for sharing
• Chicken rice – simple and familiar
• Nasi lemak without sambal – fragrant coconut rice with egg and cucumber
• Satay – grilled meat on skewers
• Mee goreng – familiar fried noodles
• Kaya toast – easy breakfast or snack
• Pisang goreng – sweet afternoon treat
• Cendol or ABC – perfect for cooling down
• Steamed rice – apparently the most important dish of all if you’re Evelijn

And don’t be afraid to ask for “no spicy” or to have sambal served separately.
The kids can start with something familiar while you try something new.

Where Should You Try Malaysian Food?

One of the things we loved about travelling through Malaysia was that food wasn’t something we had to plan separately from our itinerary.
In Kuala Lumpur, you’ll find an incredible mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian food, from hawker centres and food courts to local restaurants. It is a great place to start discovering Malaysian cuisine, particularly if this is your first visit.
In Georgetown, food is almost an attraction in itself. This is where we would make time for char kway teow, assam laksa, nasi kandar and cendol.
If you’re planning your time in the city, our Kuala Lumpur guide and Georgetown guide can help you combine the food stops with the sights rather than spending your entire day looking for your next meal.
The Cameron Highlands are a completely different experience. After exploring the tea plantations and cooler mountain scenery, it is lovely to slow down and enjoy a warm meal or afternoon tea.
And then there is Langkawi.
After a day at the beach, island hopping or exploring with the kids, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to try Malaysian dishes alongside more familiar international food. If you’re planning your own family trip, our guide to Langkawi with kids is a good place to start because food is just one part of what makes the island such an easy family destination.
Even in Taman Negara, where the jungle is the main attraction, food becomes part of the experience of staying in such a different environment.
This is one of the reasons we loved travelling around Malaysia: every destination felt slightly different, and the food changed with it.

How Much Does Food Cost in Malaysia?

One of the pleasant surprises for us was how affordable it can be to eat in Malaysia.
Hawker stalls, food courts and local restaurants can offer very inexpensive meals, while prices obviously increase at resorts and more upscale restaurants.
If you’re planning your family holiday and wondering how much Malaysia costs, food is one of the areas where you can keep your daily budget relatively flexible.
You can have a quick local breakfast, grab noodles or rice for lunch and then spend more on dinner without necessarily blowing your budget.
For a realistic picture of what a Malaysia trip can cost, have a look at our How Much Does Malaysia Cost? guide. We break down the different parts of a family trip rather than just giving you a generic daily budget.

Planning a Malaysia Trip?

Food was just one part of what made our Malaysia adventure so memorable.
If you’re putting together your own trip, start with our Malaysia Travel Guide, where we’ve brought together the practical information you need before you go.
Then take a look at our Malaysia Itinerary to see how we combined different parts of the country into one family trip.
From the busy streets of Kuala Lumpur, to the cooler Cameron Highlands, the jungle of Taman Negara, the food and heritage of Georgetown and finally the beaches of Langkawi, Malaysia gives you an incredible mix of experiences without having to choose between adventure and relaxation.
And somewhere along the way, make sure you stop for another plate of nasi lemak, a few extra satay skewers or a bowl of curry.
Because 25 dishes might sound like a lot, but once you’re actually in Malaysia, you’ll probably realise that you haven’t even scratched the surface.
And if Evelijn is travelling with you, just make sure there’s enough steamed rice. 😉
Selamat makan!