Craving a taste of the exotic! Malaysian street foods are renowned for their vibrant culinary scene, which blends Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences into delicious dishes. Join us as we explore the best places to find these mouthwatering dishes, from the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur to the charming corners of Penang. Malaysia has everything, whether you crave spicy noodles or savory satay. So, grab your chopsticks and get ready to indulge in a flavorful journey like no other!
Roti Canai
Roti Canai, a true star among Malaysia’s famous foods, is an Indian-inspired flatbread that has become a part of Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage. Renowned for its soft, flaky texture and mouthwatering taste, Roti Canai translates to ‘flying bread,’ a fitting name in Malay, considering its lightness and versatility. The crispy, tender layers pair perfectly with savory dal curry, plain, sweet with sugar, or flavorful chicken or fish curry. Roti Canai can also be paired with indulgent toppings like condensed milk, bananas, or chocolate cream.
- Shops to Eat:
- Mansion Tea Stall: 24 hours
- Raju’s Restaurant: 7 am – 8 pm
- Kurry House Restaurant: 7 am – 9 pm
- Price: Starts from INR 48.7 per plate
Nasi Lemak
Nasi Lemak, a Malaysian favorite, is a dish that speaks of tradition and flavor. This iconic meal, originating in 1909, is a staple breakfast, boasting fragrant rice cooked in creamy coconut milk. Pair it with fried fish, kangkung, and stir-fried sambal for an authentic experience. Among Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant street food scene, Nasi Lemak Tanglin shines bright, serving this classic dish since 1948. Located at Kompleks Makan Tanglin, it offers a delightful array of meats, curries, and vegetables, elevating your Nasi Lemak adventure. Experience the best Malaysian street food at Nasi Lemak Tanglin in KL city.
- Shops to Eat:
- Kompleks Makan Tanglin: 7 am – 1 pm
- Village Park Restaurant: 6:30 am – 7:30 pm
- Nasi Lemak Goreng Chef Fauzey, Jalan Sentosa: 6:30 am – 10 pm
- Nasi Lemak Peel Road, Jalan Peel, Maluri: 11 am – 8 pm
- Price: It starts from INR 48 per plate; the cost may vary depending on the curries, eggs, and sambal add-ons, as well as the type of restaurant.
Char Kway Teow
Char Kway Teow is a tantalizing Malaysian street food that showcases the region’s diverse culinary heritage. Originally from China, this dish has evolved into a Malaysian favorite, especially in Penang. Char Kway Teow is a famous food street in Penang made with flat rice noodles, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, chili paste, garlic, bean sprouts, blood cockles, prawns, Chinese chives, egg, and pork lard; it’s a flavorful medley of textures and tastes. Char Kway Teow’s origins lie with the Teochew community, who brought their culinary traditions to Malaysia.
- Shops to Eat:
- Char Kuey Teow @ Yong Kee (Jalan Imbi): 7 am – 2:30 pm
- Mie Cord Char Koay Teow: 5 pm – 1 am
- Brickfields Char Kuey Teow: 11:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Kedai Kopi Yuyi: 7 am – 3 pm
- Robert Char Kuey Teow: 9 am – 3 pm.
- Price: It starts at 122 pp, but the cost may vary depending on the add-ons, like prawns or pork lard, and the type of restaurant.
Hokkien Mee
Hokkien Mee, a delightful Malaysian street food staple in Kuala Lumpur, blends culture and flavor. Originating from the Fujian province in China, it found its true identity in the bustling streets of Malaysia. Created by Ong Kim Lian, a Fujian migrant, this dish became a staple in Kuala Lumpur around 1905. Unlike its Penang version, Kuala Lumpur’s Hokkien Mee skips prawns but is packed with squid, thick yellow noodles, and a flavorful seafood broth. This street food showcases the country’s culinary creativity and multicultural heritage in Malaysia.
- Shops to Eat:
- Imbi Road Fatt Kee Hokkien Mee: 5 pm – 12 am
- Mun Wah Hokkien Mee: 4:30 pm – 11 pm
- Kedai Kopi Dan Makanan Ming Hoe Hokkien Mee: 9 am – 3 pm, 5 pm – 10 pm
- 888 Hokkien Mee: 3 pm – 9:30 pm
- Bridge Street Prawn Noodle: 7 am – 2:30 pm
- Price: Starts from INR 174 pp
Ikan Bakar
Ikan Bakar, or “burnt roasted fish,” is Malaysia’s most famous Malay food. A fish, marinated and wrapped in banana leaf, then grilled over a charcoal fire until it’s infused with smoky goodness. And the best part? The special sambal sauce adds a spicy kick to every bite. It’s no wonder Ikan Bakar is a hit across Malaysia! This dish has a rich history, originating from Portuguese traders who brought their spices and cooking techniques to the region in the 1600s. Today, it’s made with various types of fish like stingray, tilapia, skate, snapper, or sea bass, each adding its unique flavor to this flavorful dish.
- Shops to Eat:
- Mat Teh Ikan Bakar: 11 am – 4 pm
- Sambal Hijau Restaurant: 8 am – 10:30 pm
- Ikan Bakar Seri Melaka: 11 am – 4:30 pm
- Price: Starts from INR 348.5 pp
Lok Lok
Lok Lok is a must-try on any Malaysian street food list. This interactive dish involves skewered items like seafood, meats, and vegetables you dip into boiling water to cook. It’s like a mini steamboat where you get to be the chef! The name “Lok Lok” comes from the Malay word dip, which perfectly describes the fun of this dish. You’ll find Lok Lok stalls by the roadside or at hawker centers, offering a variety of skewers for you to choose from. It’s not just a meal; it’s a whole experience of mixing and matching flavors.
- Shops to Eat:
- Lok Lok Street, Jalan Kenari, Bandar Puchong Jaya: 12 am – 12 pm, 7 pm – 12 am
- Good Taste Delight Lok Lok Food Truck: 6 pm – 3:30 am
- Lok Lok King on Wheels: 8:30 am – 1:30 pm
- Medan Selera Padang Brown: 11:30 am – 11:30 pm
- Price: Starts from INR 17 pp – INR 69 pp
Asam Laksa
Assam Laksa, known as the king of Malaysian food, is a must-try dish that embodies the vibrant flavors of Malaysia. Penang, a famous food street with a delicacy, features a fish-based soup with rice noodles, vegetables, and often wolf herring or chub mackerel. The name “asam” in Assam Laksa comes from “tamarind,” which gives the dish it’s signature spicy and tangy flavor. Imagine slurping up noodles in a rich, flavorful broth infused with the perfect balance of spices and the freshness of vegetables. Assam Laksa represents the heart and soul of Malaysian cuisine, offering a unique culinary experience.
- Shops to Eat:
- Asam Laksa Petaling Street: 12 pm – 7:30 pm
- Makan Kitchen: 6:30 am – 10 pm
- Price: Starts from INR 87 pp
Otak-Otak
Otak-otak, a Malaysian snack, traces its roots back to Palembang, Indonesia. This delightful dish contains groundfish, shallots, coconut milk, tapioca starch, lemongrass, and spices wrapped in banana leaves. These ingredients are mixed and rolled into a patty, then expertly steamed or grilled, resulting in a flavorful treat bursting with Southeast Asian flavors. This dish is a testament to the region’s rich culinary heritage, offering a taste of Indonesia’s coastal flavors with a Malaysian twist.
- Shops to Eat:
- Otak Otak Viral Melaka: 4 pm – 10 pm
- Otak Otak Chengi Boi: 7 am – 4 pm
- Price: Start from INR 58 pp
Satay
Satay is a skewer of tender, spice-marinated meat. It consists of a small piece of chicken, beef, or lamb lovingly threaded onto sticks and grilled over open charcoal fires. A mouthwatering aroma wafts through the Malaysian food street, tempting passersby with its savory goodness.
Satay’s roots trace back to Javanese street vendors in Indonesia. They adapted Indian kebabs, brought in by Muslim traders, into this now-iconic dish. Today, Satay is a testament to Malaysia’s rich cultural fusion and culinary creativity.
- Shops to Eat:
- Raja Satay 1900: 12 pm – 12 am
- Satay Station: 4 pm – 11 pm
- New Lane Street Food stalls: 4 pm – 11 pm
- Price: Starts from INR 58 pp
Cendol
Cendol is a popular street food desert in Kuala Lumpur. It is a delightful dessert with a rich history blending Southeast Asian influences. This sweet treat features green rice flour jelly, coconut milk, palm sugar, and shaved ice, creating a refreshing and indulgent combination. Often adorned with seasonal fruits, Cendol offers a burst of flavors and textures in every bite. Its popularity in Kuala Lumpur and Melaka is perfect for cooling down in the Malaysian heat.
- Shops to Eat:
- Khan Cendol Stand (The famous Melawati Cendol): 12 pm – 6:30 pm
- Cendol Station Santan Sawit: 11:30 am – 6 pm
- Penang Road Famous Teochew Cendol: 10 am – 9:30 pm
- Nyonya Cendol Melaka: 9 am – 6 pm
- Price: Starts from INR 104 pp
Fried Bee Hoon
Fried Bee Hoon, Malaysia’s famous street food, can be found across the country and is often enjoyed for breakfast. Bee Hoon is rice vermicelli stir-fried with egg and bean sprouts. What makes it special is the unique blend of spices and sauces. It tastes even better when paired with sambal or chili. Complement it with curry, meat, vegetables, and eggs for a satisfying meal.
- Shops to Eat:
- Limapulo: Baba Can Cook: 11:30 am – 3 pm, (Thursday – Saturday): 5:30 pm – 9 pm.
- Ginger Restaurant: 10 am – 10 pm
- Setapak Teochew Restaurant: 7:45 am – 4 pm
- Restaurant Ah Kaw: 12 pm – 3 pm, 6 pm – 10 pm
- Price: Starts from INR 174.5 pp
Apam Balik
Apam Balik, a delicious Malay snack and dessert, traces its origins to Fujian cuisine but has evolved into various forms across Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. It is believed that this has originated in Indonesia as Martabak Manis, Apam Balik has become a beloved treat in Malaysia, often found at night markets or Pasar Malam. This popular street food, Appam Balik or Kuih Apam Balik, is a pancake with a crispy exterior and a fluffy inside, typically filled with various sweet or savory fillings.
- Shops to Eat:
- Apam Balik Jalil – Century Street Food Court: 5 pm – 12:30 am
- Swee Kong Coffee Shop: 5:30 am – 1 pm
- Petaling Street Apek’s Apam: 11 am – 6 pm
- Price: Starts from INR 52 pp
Yong Tau Foo
Yong tau foo, a dish deeply rooted in Hakka Chinese cuisine, showcases a fascinating history. Originating from the Hakkas who migrated to Southern China, adapting to new ingredients due to the unavailability of wheat flour, they ingeniously began using tofu instead. It can be enjoyed with a sauce or as a soup, making it a choice across Malaysian street food in Kuala Lumpur. This led to the practice of filling tofu with various stuffings, known as “Nyong” in Hakka, hence the name “Yong Tau Foo.” Today, this dish features tofu filled with ground meat or fish paste alongside various vegetables and mushrooms.
- Shops to Eat:
- Yong Tau Foo Station: 5 pm – 10 pm
- Madras Lane Yong Tau Foo: 10 am – 2 pm
- Ipoh Road Hakka Yong Tau Fu Taman Danau Kota: 10 am – 9 pm
- Price: Starts from INR 26 pp
Ais Kacang
Ais kacang, or ABC (Air Batu Campur), originated from the Peranakan community in Malacca, Malaysia. Initially, it was made with shaved ice and red bean paste, but it has evolved to include a variety of ingredients. This delightful Malacca street food dessert is perfect for hot days, with its refreshing mix of shaved ice and sweet toppings. Enjoyed in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore, Ais kacang is a delicious dessert that showcases the region’s rich culinary heritage.
- Shops to Eat:
- Gerai Minum Weng Kee: 8:30 am – 5 pm
- Penang Road Famous Ice Kacang Cendol: 11:30 am – 6 pm
- Jonker 88: 9:30 am – 6 pm
- Price: Starts from INR 87 pp
Chee Cheong Fun
Chee Cheong Fun is rooted in southern China and is known as ‘chang fen.’ This dish was made in Malaysia in the 19th century, brought by Chinese immigrants from Guangdong. The name ‘chee cheong fun’ comes from Cantonese, where ‘chee cheong’ means ‘pig intestine’ and ‘fun’ means ‘noodle.’ Despite its name, there are no pig intestines in this dish. Chee Cheong Fun is a Malaysian street food that features thick rice noodles bathed in a savory shrimp sauce with a hint of chili. This comforting dish is perfect for breakfast or a satisfying midday snack on the bustling streets of Malaysia.
- Shops to Eat:
- Home Café Seow Fong Lye: 7:30 am – 3 pm
- Yooi Kee Chee Cheong Fun & Porridge: 6:30 am – 3 pm
- Price: Starts from INR 80 pp
Mee Goreng
Malaysia’s street food scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, and Mee Goreng stands out as one of the country’s best offerings. This dish, meaning “fried noodles” in Malay, is a delicious blend of Indian, Chinese, and Indonesian influences. It’s believed to have been created by Indian Muslim immigrants who put their spin on Chinese chow mein, making it a true melting pot of cultures. The dish features stir-fried egg noodles with vegetables, tofu, shrimp, chicken, or beef, all seasoned with a mix of soy sauce, chili paste, garlic, ginger, and lime juice.
- Shops to Eat:
- Saleem Mee Goreng: 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Famous Fried Rice (Ray Power Corner): 2 pm – 12 am
- Penang Famous Edgecumbe Road Mee Goreng: 10 am – 5:30 pm
- Price: Starts from INR 873.5 pp
Chilli pan mee
Chilli Pan Mee is a favorite among Malaysian street food enthusiasts in Kuala Lumpur. This spicy noodle dish, originating from the Chinese community, has a unique and flavorful taste that has captured the hearts of many. Created in 1985 by Tan Kok Hong, who ran a roadside noodle stall in Chow Kit, Chilli Pan Mee is a variation of the traditional pan mee. It features egg noodles with minced pork and crispy, deep-fried anchovies, giving it a delightful crunch.
- Shops to Eat:
- Uncle Kin’s Chili Pan Mee: 10:30 am – 8 pm
- Chilli Pan Mee: 7 am – 6 pm
- Maple Panmee Restaurant: 8 am – 4 pm
- Price: Starts from INR 87 pp
Wonton Mee
Wonton Mee originated from Guangzhou but is now beloved across Asia. It’s a famous street food with a unique twist in Malaysia. This delightful meal centers around egg noodles and wontons served in various styles. The Malaysian version features thin egg noodles, known as “Wonton Mee,” served with Chinese barbecued pork, pickled green chilies, vegetables, and meat dumplings in a flavorful sou whether you’re exploring Malaysian cuisine or simply craving a comforting bowl of noodles.
- Shops to Eat:
- Restoran Koon Kee Wan Tan Mee: 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
- Weng Kei Wantan Mee: 7:30 am – 3 pm
- Yit Foh Wan Tan Mee Restaurant: 7 am – 1 am
- Price: Starts from INR 157 pp
Claypot Chicken Rice
Clay pot chicken rice is the best Malaysian street food in KL. It is a delightful dish cooked in a clay pot. Originating from Chinese tradition, it’s widely enjoyed in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. At hawker stalls across Malaysia, this dish is a must-try. The rice is cooked first in the clay pot, giving it a unique flavor and texture. Then, succulent chicken pieces, flavorful mushrooms, and savory Chinese sausages are added, infusing the rice with their delicious juices. It is a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for a taste of authentic Malaysian cuisine.
- Shops to Eat:
- Restoran Claypot Chicken Rice: 3 pm – 9:30 pm
- Hong Kee Claypot Chicken: 5 pm – 11:30 pm
- Famous Claypot chicken rice: 9 am – 5 pm
- Price: Starts from INR 279 pp
Conclusion
Malaysian street food has a particular place in everyone’s hearts. For those who like discovering diverse cultures via food, the lively blend of flavors and influences from Malay, Chinese, and Indian cuisines creates a gourmet experience. Each meal tells a narrative, not just about its beginnings but also about the individuals who learned it through generations. From the busy streets of Kuala Lumpur to the picturesque nooks of Penang, every mouthful is an adventure. Malaysian street foods are more than simply filling your stomach; dive into the rich tastes and traditions.
So, Book your Malaysia trip with Dimaak Tours, grab your chopsticks and get ready to indulge in a flavorful journey!