Eating out in Malaysia is an experience of its own. The warm, sweet, and spicy curries accompany 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 have to miss the rich, hearty meals while in Malaysia. Read on to find our top picks.
1. Laksa
Laksha has been recognized as the second most popular dish globally by Lonely Planet and outranks the buffalo wings, fish, and chips in Britain and the steak tartare from Paris. While there are many versions of laksa 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 and spicy, sweet and sour, 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 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 delicious and sticky favorite amongst tourists and localities.
3. Nasi Lemak
Nasi lemak is fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk, pandan leaf and served with an assortment of accompaniments, including hard-boiled eggs, the quintessential sambal, peanuts, slices of cucumber, ikan bills, and much more. This popular dish has several 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 in the Malaysian coasts for farmers who wanted 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 a dry and a wet version 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 when in Malaysia.
Beware! You might feel the urge to drop by, again and again, to get your cravings for Malay food satiated.
