Malaysia

Top 10 Must-Try Malaysian Dishes: From Nasi Lemak to Char Kway Teow

26 June, 2025

Malaysia is a food lover’s paradise as it is a confluence of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures. If you’re visiting the country, trying the best Malaysian foods in local shops is an absolute must. At the top of the list is Nasi Lemak, the national dish made with coconut rice, sambal, peanuts, boiled egg, and anchovies, making it fragrant, spicy, and deeply satisfying.

Char Kway Teow is another local favorite, which is stir-fried flat rice noodles tossed with prawns, egg, Chinese sausage, and bean sprouts, typically cooked over high heat to achieve the smoky “wok hei” flavor.

You must also not miss Roti Canai, a flaky flatbread often served with dhal or curry, and Laksa, a spicy noodle soup with many regional versions. Satay skewers grilled over charcoal are great for a quick snack, while Hainanese Chicken Rice makes up for a perfect and simple dinner.

For something authentic and wholesome, try Beef Rendang, a slow-cooked, spiced coconut curry, one of the best Malaysian foods. Mee Goreng, Nasi Kandar, and Cendol (a sweet dessert) are also among the top ten must-haves.

Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak is often called Malaysia’s national dish for all the right reasons. This fragrant meal is rice cooked in coconut milk, served with spicy sambal, crispy anchovies, roasted peanuts, a boiled egg, and cucumber slices. It’s a beautiful mix of creamy, spicy, and crunchy textures. While traditionally eaten for breakfast, you will find locals enjoying it at any time of the day. You’ll find versions with fried chicken, rendang, or squid too.

Where to eat: Nasi Lemak Tanglin in Bukit Damansara; Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur,

Assam Laksa

Assam Laksa is one of the best Malaysian foods that is a pack and punch of bold, tangy flavors. Originating from Penang, this noodle soup is made with mackerel-based broth, tamarind, lemongrass, and chili, giving it a distinct sour and spicy kick. It’s served with thick rice noodles, cucumber, onions, mint, and a dollop of shrimp paste on top. If you love strong, complex flavors, Assam Laksa will easily become one of your favorites in Malaysia.

Where to eat: Ayer Itam Penang Assam Laksa, Penang Island

Curry Mee

Curry Mee is a rich, spicy noodle soup with coconut milk, curry spices, and a mix of yellow noodles and vermicelli. It’s usually topped with tofu puffs, cockles, bean sprouts, and sometimes chicken or shrimp. The broth is creamy, aromatic, and full of flavour complexes. Found in hawker stalls, this popular Malaysian food is perfect for spice lovers looking to experience local flavors in a single bowl.

Where to eat: Air Itam Market, Penang

Roti Canai

Roti Canai is one of Malaysia’s most beloved comfort foods. This flaky, buttery flatbread is crispy on the outside and soft inside, which makes it perfect for tearing and dipping into dhal, chicken curry, or spicy sambal. Influenced by Indian cuisine, it’s commonly eaten for breakfast by the locals and tourists. You’ll find it on street stalls across the country, often flipped and twirled by skilled vendors.

Where to eat: Mansion Tea Stall near Masjid Jamek, Kuala Lumpur

Satay

Satay: Satay is one of the popular Malaysian foods sold at every night market and local stalls across the country. These skewers of marinated meat, usually chicken or beef, are grilled over charcoal for a smoky, slightly charred flavor. They’re served with a thick, nutty peanut sauce, cucumber slices, and rice cakes (ketupat). The burst of sweet, spicy, and savory makes every bite irresistible.

Where to eat: Restoran Sate Kajang Hj Samuri, Satay Station, Willy Satay

Hokkien Mee

Originating from Chinese communities, this noodle dish comes in two popular versions, first Penang’s Hokkien Mee, a spicy prawn noodle soup, and Kuala Lumpur’s version. The latter is stir-fried thick noodles in dark soy sauce with pork, squid, and crispy lard. The rich umami taste and wok hei make it a crowd favorite. It’s bold, heavy, and worth every slurp when in Malaysia.

Where to eat: Mun Wah Hokkien Mee, Restoran San Ching San Hokkien Mee, Peng Yuan Hokkien Mee

Chee Cheong Fun

Chee Cheong Fun is a must-try popular Malaysian food, especially if you love soft, silky food textures. These steamed rice noodle rolls are typically served with a sweet soy sauce, sesame seeds, and sometimes chili or hoisin sauce. In some regions, they’re stuffed with prawns or barbecued pork. Originally a Cantonese dish, it has become a Malaysian favorite, especially as a breakfast or snack option.

Where to eat: Penang Chee Cheong Fun in Taiping, Liew Kee (Ah Lek) Chee Cheong Fun in Teluk Intan, Ah Fook Chee Cheong Fun in Cheras and ICC Pudu,

Otak Otak

Otak Otak is a must-try Malaysian dish, especially if you love seafood. It’s a spiced fish paste, usually made from mackerel and mixed with coconut milk, chili, and herbs. It is then wrapped in banana leaves and grilled or steamed, resulting in a smoky, fragrant, and slightly spicy dish with a soft, mousse-like texture. You’ll often find it at street stalls or night markets in places like Penang and Johor.

Where to eat: Muar, Johor

Rendang

Rendang is a rich, flavorful Malaysian street food that’s an absolute must-try. Originally from the Minangkabau people of Indonesia, it’s been fully embraced by Malay people, especially during festivals. Made by slow-cooking beef in coconut milk and a mix of spices like lemongrass, galangal, and chili, rendang becomes tender, aromatic, and deeply spiced. It’s not your typical curry; it’s thicker, drier, and packed with flavor.

Where to eat: Madam Kwan's, Hij Maimunah, Village Park Restaurant

Char Koay Teow

This iconic Malaysian street food features flat rice noodles stir-fried over high heat with prawns, egg, Chinese sausage, bean sprouts, and garlic chives in a savory soy-based sauce. Cooked traditionally in pork fat for extra richness, it’s smoky, spicy, and incredibly satisfying. Originating from Penang, it’s loved for its “wok hei” or charred aroma. If you’re a noodle lover, this dish will win your heart.

Where to eat: Lorong Selamat Char Koay Teow, Ah Leng Char Koay Teow, Siam Road Charcoal Char Koay Teow

FAQs

1. What is the most famous Malaysian dish?

Ans: The most famous Malaysian dish is Nasi Lemak. It’s a fragrant coconut milk rice served with spicy sambal, fried anchovies, boiled egg, peanuts, and cucumber. It’s loved by both locals and tourists for breakfast or lunch.

2. What is Malaysia's national food?

Ans: Malaysia’s national food is Nasi Lemak. It’s a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk, served with spicy sambal, boiled egg, crispy anchovies, peanuts, and cucumber. It’s commonly eaten for breakfast but loved at any time of the day.

3. Which are some of the best restaurants in Malaysia to try authentic Malaysian food?

Ans: Some of the best places to try authentic food to be included in every Malaysia package are Village Park Restaurant (Petaling Jaya), Hameediyah (Penang), Madam Kwan’s (Kuala Lumpur), Nasi Kandar Line Clear (Penang), and Restoran Rebung by Chef Ismail (Kuala Lumpur).

4. Which are some of the best restaurants in Malaysia for Indian food?

Ans: Some of the best restaurants in Malaysia for Indian food include Betel Leaf (Kuala Lumpur), Nadodi (Kuala Lumpur), Sri Nirwana Maju (Bangsar), Passage Thru India (Kuala Lumpur), and Kayra (Bangsar) for delicious South and North Indian flavors.

5. What are the best Malaysian street foods to try?

Ans: Some of the best Malaysian street foods to try are Char Koay Teow, Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai, Satay, Laksa, and Apam Balik. They’re delicious, affordable, and packed with bold flavors you won’t want to miss when in Malaysia.