If you are passionate about food and particularly Asian cuisine, you have come to the right place. Malaysia is a nation obsessed with food and is proud of its diverse cuisine. Some might even say that Kuala Lumpur is the food capital of the world. And, with a delicious combination of traditional Malay, Chinese and Indian dishes I’d have to agree. My mouth is watering, just thinking about it.
What do Malaysians eat for breakfast?
Nasi Lemak is the national dish and, is the most popular Malaysian breakfast food. It is a combination of fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk with a pandan leaf, which is commonly used in Malaysian cooking.
Stir-fry noodles and dim sums are other favorites but of course, you can always have toast and tea.
Lunch and Dinner
This is when you can experience the best of Malaysia’s delectable cuisine. Whether you visit one of the traditional restaurants or choose to sample from the street carts, your taste buds will never be the same.
Lunch is usually between 13:00 and 14:00, and dinner is usually from 18:00 to 21:00 hours. But, you will never be hungry as restaurants and street food hawkers are always there to serve you.
Popular Malaysian Dishes
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Nasi Lemak, the coconut milk rice.
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Mee Goreng Mamak is an Indian dish of noodles with either chicken, beef, or prawns, eggs and vegetables, and chili. Superb.
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Rendang is a Malaysian dish consisting of slow stewing meats in a coconut sauce with plenty of spices.
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Laksa, a Malaysian staple is a delectable spicy noodle soup that is well-known around the globe.
- Murtabak, is a mouthwatering pan-fried bread stuffed with mince meat and of course, lots of spices. Very filling but very delicious.
There are so many more dishes for you to taste that lunch and dinner times may become your obsession.
Desserts
Generally speaking, most Malaysians do not eat dessert after their meal. They do, however, snack on sweet treats and there are some interesting dishes to satisfy your sweet tooth.
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Kuih Keria is a deep-fried donut made from sweet potatoes.
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Bubur Cha Cha is a pudding-style dessert made from sweet potato, sago, yams, coconut milk, bananas, and black-eyed peas.
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Kuih Serimuka looks like coconut ice but is a layer of rice topped with a green coconut milk custard flavored with pandan leaves.
Quite different to what we might call a dessert but certainly an adventure to test these and many more sweet treats.
Best Areas for Street Food
Street food carts are a normal part of life in Kuala Lumpur. While street food is available throughout the day, many of these spots come alive in the evening when they light lanterns and the steam and aromas are wafting through the air. The sounds, smells, and sights contribute to this gastronomical experience.
- Jalan Alor is a street where you can dine on Chinese-style barbecued meats
- Bukit Bintang for more Chinese street food and a taste of Pakistan.
- Tapak Urban Street Dining is a popular group of food trucks offering many different cuisines
- Taman Connaught is a mile-long bustling night market where you can find a selection of Malaysian, Chinese, and Thai culinary delights.
To enjoy Kuala Lumpur, immerse yourself in the exhilarating and vivid food scene. Be adventurous and be prepared to taste all the tantalizing dishes this city has to offer.
