7 Best Foods to Try in Malaysia

Malaysian cuisine is a hidden gem that deserves global recognition. Influenced by Chinese, Indian, and Malay flavors, the seven best foods in Malaysia are a delightful fusion of tastes and spices.

Here are seven of the best foods to try in Malaysia, each offering a unique culinary experience.

1. Mee Goreng Mamak

Mee Goreng Mamak is a popular Indian Muslim dish that will tantalize your taste buds. This dish combines yellow noodles, beef or chicken, shrimp, soy sauce, veggies, eggs, and a hint of chili for an irresistible flavor. While you may attempt to replicate it at home, the authentic taste can only be found at the Malaysian hawker stalls.

2. Apam Balik

No Malaysian food adventure is complete without trying Apam Balik. This sweet treat is a combination of a pancake and an omelet. It is stuffed with a generous amount of sugar, peanuts, and occasionally corn. The recipe for Apam Balik is constantly evolving, making it an exciting dish to explore.

3. Nasi Kerabu

Nasi Kerabu is a Kelantanese dish that will captivate both your eyes and taste buds. The blue rice, colored with crushed telang flowers, is topped with bean sprouts and fried coconut. To add a spicy kick, the dish is drenched in budu, a fermented fish sauce. This flavorful dish is traditionally enjoyed by eating with your hands.

4. Ayam Percik

Ayam Percik is a Malaysian stall food that rivals the popularity of KFC in the region. It features barbecued chicken slathered in a spicy sauce made from chili, garlic, ginger, and coconut milk. With the perfect amount of percik sauce, this dish offers a delightful explosion of flavors that will leave you wanting more.

5. Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak is often considered Malaysia’s unofficial national dish. It is made by cooking rice in coconut milk, resulting in a fragrant and flavorful base. The accompaniments vary across Malaysia and can include hard-boiled egg, peanuts, vegetables, curry (lamb, chicken, or beef), seafood, and sambal (a chili-based sauce). Originally a breakfast dish, Nasi Lemak is now enjoyed at any time of the day.

6. Roti John

Roti John is a sandwich that has become a beloved Malaysian street food. The filling consists of grilled minced meat and egg, sandwiched between slim bread. It is then smothered in a combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, barbecue, and chili sauce. The flavors blend perfectly, creating a satisfying and indulgent meal.

7. Rendang (Beef, Chicken, or Lamb)

Rendang is a slow-cooked dish that Malaysians love, especially during festive seasons. Often mistaken as a curry, Rendang is actually a chunky cauldron of coconut milk and spices. The meat is simmered until the liquid evaporates, allowing it to absorb all the rich flavors. Rendang can be made with beef, chicken, or lamb, and it is a true Malaysian culinary masterpiece.

Malaysia offers a diverse range of delicious foods that are a fusion of different cultures. From the spicy Mee Goreng Mamak to the flavorful Rendang, each dish tells a story and provides a unique culinary experience.

So, when you visit Malaysia, make sure to try these seven best foods and embark on a gastronomic adventure like no other.

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