What is Malaysian food? 13 Popular Malaysian dishes to try!
Malaysia has a hugely varied food culture, resulting in the fantastic amalgamation of dishes you might be familiar with. Malaysian food hasn’t received the same worldwide reputation as its neighbours. But, Malaysian dishes are no less rich and tasty.
Many food enthusiasts, including ourselves, have explored Malaysia's vibrant cities like Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, and George Town - to name a few. Each offers a unique eating experience that leaves a lasting impression. The rich flavours and diverse cuisines have transformed Malaysian dishes into staples in our home cooking and favourites when travelling.
Malaysian street food is equally impressive, providing a variety that can’t be beaten. Rich curries, rice and noodle dishes as well as desserts that add the perfect touch of sweetness.
You might be surprised by what Malaysian cuisine has to offer.
→ Shop now: Our handpicked range of Malaysian food products
What Makes Malaysian Food Special?
Malaysia is a vibrant melting pot of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Indonesian traditions, seasoned over centuries by trade with neighbouring nations and colonial Europe. This rich fusion has produced many of the popular Malaysian dishes we celebrate today—and you can recreate their authentic flavours at home with our carefully curated collection of Malaysian products.
This diversity results in flavoursome and different takes on some well-known recipes.
The Multicultural Influences on Malaysian Cuisine
Malaysian cuisine takes the rich traditions of its diverse ethnic groups. The Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Indigenous communities have all contributed their unique flavours and cooking techniques, resulting in a culinary landscape that's both diverse and well-balanced.
From spicy Indian-inspired curries to savoury Chinese stir-fries and aromatic Malay dishes, many meals tell a story of cultural fusion. This blend of influences not only makes Malaysian food incredibly varied but also offers something for every palate.
Quick Guide to Essential Malaysian Ingredients
Curious about cooking these dishes at home? Here are a few pantry staples that bring true Malaysian flavour to your kitchen:
- Belacan (fermented shrimp paste) – the backbone of many sambals and curries.
- Kerisik (toasted coconut) – delivers the nutty depth found in authentic rendang.
- Gula Melaka (palm sugar) – adds gentle caramel notes to savoury sauces and desserts.
- Laksa Paste – a ready-to-use blend of lemongrass, galangal and spices for quick noodle soups.
- Pandan Extract – the “Asian vanilla” that gives pandan cake its signature aroma.
Find all of these ingredients in our online Malaysian pantry and start cooking with confidence.
Popular Malaysian dishes to try
Malaysian food is one of the most flavoursome and interesting foods in Asia. Here are some of our favourites:
#1 Nasi Lemak
A dish that is found literally everywhere in Malaysia, Nasi Lemak is convenient, tasty, and surprisingly easy to recreate at home when you have authentic Malaysian pantry staples on hand. We’ve never had a bad experience ordering—or cooking—this.
Nasi Lemak is a popular breakfast dish consisting of aromatic rice cooked in coconut milk. The dish typically includes sambal (a spicy chilli paste), along with a boiled egg, peanuts, cucumber slices, fried chicken and / or rendang. You’ll sometimes find it wrapped in banana leaves for an authentic touch. And we love the small pan-fried fish that some places add!
This dish is incredibly customisable. You can find it in its simplest form and some more elaborate takes on it.
#2 Beef Rendang
This might be one of Malaysia’s most well-known dishes, and it’s an absolute knock-out! Soft and tender slow-cooked beef in a spicy curry sauce, it’s nothing if not a crowd pleaser.
This Malaysian dish is a dry curry or stew cooked with coconut, offering a unique texture and intense flavour profile. Rendang is traditionally made with Kerisik, a type of toasted coconut butter, instead of the more common coconut milk. Because of this, it has a special flavour profile and is one of our favourite curries.
#3 Mee Goreng
A stir-fried noodle dish that we can’t get enough of, Mee Goreng is a dish you shouldn’t leave Malaysia without trying. The noodles come in many flavours and varieties. We believe mee goreng should be equal parts sweet and salty, with tender meat or seafood to go with it! However, there is no such thing as the best and most authentic-tasting Mee Goreng. This is because flavours can vary so widely depending on region and personal preferences.
You’ll typically find all sorts of veggies added to this one - bean sprouts, onions, carrots, you name it - which adds a lovely crunch to the chewy noodles.
#4 Air Mata Kucing
This is one of the most well-known drinks in Malaysia, made with luo han guo (monk fruits), sweet dried longan, and winter melon. It’s a natural herbal drink that is incredibly refreshing and popular during hot and humid months. Its abundance of fruits gives it a natural sweetness, and it is commonly thought to have cooling properties.
In the markets of Kuala Lumpur, you’ll find that this sugary beverage draws a large crowd.
#5 Apam Balik
Apam balik is a crispy and fluffy pancake. It is filled with a sweet filling of roasted peanuts, creamed sweet corn, sugar, and butter. It’s a delicious dessert that reminds us a lot of Korean Hotteok crossed with a more traditional pancake.
It’s a great snack that’s well worth the stop at a Malaysian street vendor, or you can even make them at home - it’s easy!
#6 Malaysian Chicken Curry
From Malaysian curry to beef rendang, Malaysia has some of the best curries in the world (in our opinion, anyway). There are a few types of Malaysian chicken curries: kari ayam, gulai ayam, and devil chicken curry. But it’s kari ayam curry that holds the top spot on our list.
Soft pieces of chicken and an assortment of aromatic flavours make up kari ayam. It has quickly become our go-to curry. Luckily, it’s easy to make at home.
#7 Nasi Kandar
Originally from Penang, Nasi Kandar is now loved throughout Malaysia. It’s essentially a pile of steamed rice, accompanied by various types of curries and gravies. And an assortment of sides to enjoy!
The dish itself is influenced by Indian cuisine, with pilau or biryani. It is usually quite spicy and is often accompanied by a variety of side dishes such as okra, fried chicken or hard-boiled eggs.
The word “kandar” reflects the dish's origins. It refers to the bamboo pole used to carry large containers of the dish by Northern Indian vendors in Malaysia.
#8 Ayam Masak Merah
Literally translated as “chicken cooked red”, ayam masak merah is a delicious tomato-based chicken dish. Malaysia’s holy trinity of spices - cinnamon, star anise, cloves and cardamom - makes up the dish. It’s rich in flavour and delicious.
Despite its deep red sauce, ayam masak merah is actually quite a mild dish, by Malaysia’s standards - although this can vary depending on the recipe. The chicken is traditionally cooked bone-in and skin-on for the juiciest flavour. If you’re a boneless chicken kind of person, then they have a version for you, too.
#9 Laksa
Famous in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, laksa is an absolute must-try dish. We love the rich flavour of this spicy and fragrant soup, which is just the right amount of sour. This thick noodle soup dish is often served with shrimp, chicken or vegetables.
Laksa has many regional variants, which makes it a very diverse dish. Its coconut base gives it a lovely colour and adds some sweetness to the dish’s kick. We particularly love Penang Asam Laksa, which is tamarind-based and sour.
#10 Satay
We’ve all heard of satay - and, unsurprisingly, Malaysia does a delectable version of this beloved dish. You’ll be able to find satay from most Malaysian street vendors, and it makes for a delicious and convenient snack midday. Or even round two after dinner.
#11 Roti Canai
Roti canai can be found in many countries throughout Southeast Asia and India. And its presence in Malaysian cuisine cannot be denied. A buttery and crispy Indian bread with flaky layers, it’s an excellent substitute for the crowned naan bread.
Paired with any of the previously mentioned Malaysian curries, roti canai is the perfect accompaniment.
#12 Pandan Cake
From the outside, pandan cake looks like any other chiffon cake. But, when you slice through to its moist interior, it shocks with a luminous shade of green.
This lime green comes from the extract of pandan leaves, which, when mixed with sugar, eggs, and flour makes a delicious and fluffy dessert. It’s lovely paired with a nice cup of black tea.
Pandan is sometimes referred to as "Asian vanilla" due to its common use in Southeast Asian desserts.
#13 Pisang Goreng
A beloved Malaysian snack, Pisang Goreng, or banana fritters, is bananas coated in batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they are a popular street food enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Often eaten as a midday snack or dessert, Pisang Goreng showcases the simplicity and delight of Malaysian cuisine. They're especially delightful when paired with a cup of hot tea or coffee. If you are feeling really decadent, eat together with vanilla or coconut ice cream.
Final Word
Give Malaysian cuisine a try.
If you’re a foodie who's lucky enough to visit Malaysia, you’re in for a treat. And if not, then absolutely try to make some of these dishes yourself. With the right ingredients and a passion for discovery, many of these dishes are simpler to prepare than you might think. Start your Malaysian adventure today - your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you!
If you want to try out some great Malaysian recipes, we recommend checking out this great recipe site, which gets you cooking like the locals in no time.
→ Shop now: Our handpicked range of Malaysian food products
FAQs About Malaysian Food
Is Malaysian food very spicy?
Many dishes use chillies, but spice levels vary. Classics like ayam masak merah are milder, while sambal-laden meals pack more heat. Adjusting chilli paste lets you tailor each recipe to your taste.
Can I cook these dishes if I’m new to Asian cuisine?
Absolutely. Start with pantry-friendly favourites such as Kari Ayam or Mee Goreng. Our product pages include simple cooking tips to guide beginners.
Where can I buy authentic Malaysian ingredients in the UK?
All the essentials—belacan, laksa paste, pandan extract and more—are available for next-day delivery in our online Malaysian supermarket.
