1. Nasi Lemak
Malaysia's national dish, Nasi Lemak consists of fragrant coconut rice served with sambal (spicy chili paste), boiled eggs, fried anchovies, peanuts, and cucumber. It can also be accompanied by chicken, beef rendang, or sambal sotong (spicy squid).
2. Char Kway Teow
This popular Penang street food is a stir-fried flat rice noodle dish made with shrimp, cockles, Chinese sausage, eggs, and bean sprouts, all cooked in a smoky soy sauce mix. The rich flavors and wok-fried aroma make it a beloved staple.
3. Laksa
A spicy, tangy noodle soup with a variety of regional variations, Laksa typically consists of rice noodles in a spicy coconut-based broth or tamarind soup. Popular versions include Asam Laksa from Penang, with a sour fish broth, and Curry Laksa with coconut milk.
4. Roti Canai
A popular breakfast item, Roti Canai is a flaky, crispy flatbread served with dhal (lentil curry) or a side of curry sauce. This Indian-inspired dish is a staple at local mamak stalls and can be enjoyed with sweet or savory toppings.
5. Satay
Satay is skewered, marinated meat—often chicken, beef, or lamb—grilled over charcoal and served with a rich peanut sauce, rice cakes (ketupat), and cucumber. Its smoky flavor and tangy, spicy peanut sauce make it a favorite street food snack.
6. Hainanese Chicken Rice
A simple yet flavorful dish, Hainanese Chicken Rice features poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken stock, accompanied by garlic-chili sauce and ginger paste. It’s a staple of Malaysian Chinese cuisine, popular in cities like Kuala Lumpur.
7. Nasi Kandar
Originating from Penang, Nasi Kandar is a Malaysian Indian dish consisting of steamed rice served with a variety of curries and side dishes like fried chicken, beef, okra, and boiled eggs. The curries are ladled over the rice for a flavorful mix.
8. Rendang
Rendang is a slow-cooked dry curry, typically made with beef, simmered in coconut milk, and flavored with lemongrass, garlic, ginger, and spices. Originating from the Minangkabau people of Indonesia, it’s commonly found in Malaysia during festive occasions.
9. Mee Goreng Mamak
A flavorful stir-fried noodle dish, Mee Goreng Mamak is a blend of yellow noodles cooked with egg, tofu, prawns, potatoes, and sambal sauce. This Indian-Muslim dish is often found at mamak stalls and is known for its sweet, spicy, and tangy taste.
10. Cendol
Cendol is a popular iced dessert made with green rice flour jelly, coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and shaved ice. It’s a refreshing treat, especially in the tropical heat, and often includes red beans or glutinous rice for added texture.