Eating out in Malaysia is an experience of its own. The warm, sweet, and spicy curries with perfectly cooked proteins are a moment to savor. While several sites offer a wide array of articles, blog posts, and tour guides to explore the culinary heritage via Malaysia holidays and tour packages, we have collated these must-try items so that you do not miss the rich, hearty meals in Malaysia. Read on to find our top picks.
1. Laksa
Lonely Planet has recognized Laksha as the second most popular dish globally, outranking the buffalo wings, fish, and chips in Britain and the steak tartare from Paris. While many versions of laksa are available all over Malaysia, the laksa curry or soup is predominantly rice vermicelli or rice noodles in a spicy soup along with some protein, largely prawn, pork, fish, or some other seafood. The spicy soup is available in a wide variety, including sour, sweet, sweet spi,cy, sweet and tart, and so much more. We rest our case here. A bowl of laksa in Kuala Lumpur or Penang is a must when you are in Malaysia next.
2. Char Kuey Teow
Chow Kuey Teow is a rice noodle dish originating in Penang and is a well-celebrated street food served all across the country by small hawkers. The chew kuey Teow includes prawn, egg, cockles, pork lard, and bean sprouts. The fresh spring onions and soya sauce render a rich, dark, characteristic sweet, salty, and spicy flavor. The charred flavor of the Chinese sausage, a rare but delicious component over the wok, makes it the delightful and sticky favorite amongst tourists and localities.
3. Nasi Lemak
Nasi lemak is fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf and served with various accompaniments, including hard-boiled eggs, the quintessential sambal, peanuts, slices of cucumber, ikan bills, and much more. This dish is popular in Thailand, Singapore, and some parts of the Philippines. What makes the Malaysian version so popular is their spin and the true roots of the dish originating on the Malaysian coasts for farmers who want a hearty meal.
4. Wonton Noodle
Wonton Noodles are a popular delicacy in Malaysia with thinly sliced egg noodles with Chinese kale, kai lan, sliced roasted meat (pork or beef), and wonton dumplings stuffed with minced pork or prawn. This is available in both dry and wet versions throughout Malaysia. While the dry version consists of the noodles tossed in dark soya sauce, the wet version of wonton noodles is soaked in beef or chicken stock. It is wholesome, packs a punch of flavor, and the authentic local ingredients make it a must-try item in Malaysia.
Beware! You might feel the urge to drop by repeatedly to satisfy your cravings for Malay food.
