Best 10 Malaysian Foods 2025: Top Restaurants And Tips

Must-Try Malaysian Starters & Soups

Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak, regarded as the national dish of Malaysia, is a fabulous dish of Malaysia that is rich in flavour and this dish comprises peanuts, fried anchovies, coconut, boiled eggs and milk-infused rice. You will be served with spicy sambal with this dish and this dish of Nasi Lemak can be easily found at high end restaurants to local street vendors of Malaysia. 

Laksa

Laksa is a spicy noodle dish consisting of noodles, fish, prawns and chicken. This dish is prepared from spicy coconut soup and the main ingredients added to this dish are tamarind, coconut milk, herbs and noodles. However, the dish contains high quality sodium and saturated fat that increases the health risks of hypertension. This spicy coconut gravy gives you a delicious taste to enjoy your meal in Malaysia.

Roti Canai

This dish of Roti Canai is made of condensed milk, flour, and ghee. This is a simple Malaysian food with delicious ingredients providing you a unique flavor. The dish is served with dal and special curry and roti refers to the flour-made chapatis. This dish is cooked over a flat grilling cooking pan with red beans, mushrooms, chocolate, onions, and cheese. Do not forget to taste this delicious roti canai at the prominent Malaysian’s restaurants. 

Must-Try Malaysian Main Courses

The best must-try Malaysian main course dishes you find at Malaysian restaurants include Char Kway Teow, Satay, Rendang, and many more. Check the list of some delicious Malaysian food near me to go through an amazing dining experience. 

Rendang

Rendang is a flavorful and rich dish where you are served with a beef curry mixed with coconut milk and a mix of spices such as lemongrass, turmeric and ginger. The preparation of this dish involves a complex cooking process where meat is slowly cooked with thick coconut with spices such as cardamom and cinnamon added to this dish to give it a unique flavor. This authentic cuisine of Malaysia is served with rice where you find a mix of ingredients such as galangal, ginger, garlic and lemongrass. 

Char Kway Teow

The name of this dish comes from the Chinese words Teochew and Hokkien which refers to stir-fried rice noodles. The main ingredients of this dish are waxed sausage, chinese fish cake, garlic, beansprouts, wheat noodles, yellow soy sauce and cockles. This dish is a good source of protein and fiber that consists of sodium, cholesterol, and saturated fat. Char Kway Teow is cooked in a hot wok with a combination of spicy soy sauces that gives a savory flavor to this dish. 

Satay

This delicious dish of Satay comprises grilled coconut, minced pork pepper, shallots and skewered meat served with soy sauce and Bacem. This dish is served with peanut dipping sauce that you can also find in traditional feasts of the city. Do not forget to taste this delicious must-try Malaysian street food which also offers you a fine dining establishment. Served with delicious peanut sauce, it gives you a brilliant taste and you can find this famous cuisine in the local street markets of Malaysia. 

Must-Try Malaysian Desserts

Cendol

Cendol is a sweet delicious iced dessert that is made of palm sugar syrup, green pandan jelly, coconut milk, and floor jelly. This dish is prepared from pandan juice where firstly, the jelly is cooked with pandan juice. Then the jelly is pressed with ice water which prevents sticking and then finally, it is served with red beans, gula melaka, coconut milk, and creamed corn. It is the most perfect meal to enjoy in the hot weather of Malaysia. 

Roti Bakar

Roti Bakar is a toasted bread which is served with peanut butter, cheese, margarine, and coconut. This toasted bread is served with butter and kaya - Kaya is a sweet coconut jam and you can find this satisfying dessert in all prominent Malaysian cafes. The roti Baker with cheese gives you a rich taste so, do not forget to ask the chef to add additional cheese while you are served with the Roti Baker at the time of your meal.  

Kuih Lapis

Kuih Lapis is one of the best Malaysian dishes that you can find in all prominent restaurants of Malaysia and the colourful layers of this dish is the most attractive feature to attract all dish lovers. The main ingredients of this dish are pandan leaves, sugar and coconut milk. This multi-colored layered snack comprises rice flour, sugar, coconut milk and green-coloured pandan. You can enjoy this attractive snack with hot tea during all special occasions and festivals of Malaysia. 

Where to Find Authentic Malaysian Food

Street Food Markets Malaysia

Just head to the south east market of Malaysia to find the best foods in Malaysia and you can find the delicious food items in Malaysia at affordable prices. Malaysia’s famous markets are Melaka’s Jonker Street and Kuala Lumpur’s Petaling Street that offer you a memorable dining experience. Here, all types of dishes are available for you from Cendol to  Nasi Lemak in the diligent food stalls of this city. 

Hawker Centers in Malaysia

While exploring what to eat in Malaysia, Hawker Centers is a must visit where you find delicious, authentic and affordable meals such as, Laksa, Roti Canai, Char Kway Teow and more in the food courts of Malaysia. At Hawker food court centre, you can find all varieties of authentic Malaysian cuisine at affordable prices. Here, at Hawker Centers, you can try the most delicious dishes at a specific destination! 

Restaurants in Malaysia

If you are into getting a more formal dining experience, just head to some top restaurants of Malaysia and best Malaysian restaurants in Kuala Lumpur such as Beta KL, Nipah, Nook and Bijan where you find a perfect blend of modern and traditional Malaysian dishes. Some of the prominent restaurants among them include Akar Dining, Aliyaa, Fuego, Kayra, Back Alley Pasta,  Beta KL, Darren Chin’s Bref and Chocha Foodstore. These restaurants are the perfect destinations where you can experience the finest Malaysian cuisine. If you are heading to langkawi, to dine at the best malaysian restaurants in langkawi, Pia's The Padi, Rimba, Nam Restaurant, Cactus Restaurant, Spice Market Restaurant, Casa Del’s La Sal, Arts Cafe Langkawi and Arts Cafe Langkawi should be on the top of your langkawi’s visit list. If you are thinking about where to eat in Kuala Lumpur, it is a must to explore local favorites like Nasi Lemak in Village Park Restaurant of Kuala Lumpur and Char Kway Teow at Langkawi’s Penang Street which features street art and street food of Malaysia. 

Tips for Enjoying Malaysian Food

The important tips to be considered while enjoying these delicious foods in Malaysia are: 

1. Be adventurous: The food of Malaysia is full of bold flavours so do not be afraid to try new things such as exotic fruits and spicy sambal. 

2. Try National dish: While trying the national dish of Malaysia, make sure you respect all the local cuisine customs of the state so that you can connect with the local people of Malaysia such as, make use of Pandan leaves while having the national dish, Nasi lemak.

3. Follow General Etiquettes: While having your meal, follow all general etiquettes such as wash your hands before having your meal and use your right hand while having your food. Talk less while you are having your meals in the restaurants of Malaysia. 

4. Hydrated: The dishes of Malaysia are spicy in taste so it is recommended to keep yourself hydrated while having a spicy cuisine. 

Conclusion

Throughout Malaysia, different ethnic communities have contributed to the development of a rich culinary culture. Whether you are indulging in Malaysia’s national dish such as Nasi Lemak or finishing off with a delicious Cendol dessert, Malaysia offers you a delightful dining experience. Also, make sure to check all top Malaysian restaurants, hawker centers and local markets at this destination to experience the taste of energetic Malaysian foods. For a better trip, you should also check the Malaysia Tour Packages as there are amazing offers and discounts available to visitors. Visit this prominent food paradise and try top ten Malaysian dishes to have the most memorable culinary experience!

FAQ’s 

What is Malaysia's famous national dish?

The national dish of Malaysia which is Nasi Lemak, is the most popular Malaysian dish where you are served with anchovies, egg, coconut rice dish and sambal.

What is the most famous national drink of Malaysia?

Teh Tarik is the most famous Malaysian drink which is a sweet milk tea served in Malaysia. 

How much is street food in Malaysia in 2025?

The street food of Malaysia is offered within a price range between RM20–RM30 (5–8 USD) 

Is it cheap to dine out in Malaysia?

Yes, dining in Malaysia is not that expensive and you can find street foods in Malaysian restaurants at affordable prices thus, it is feasible to dine in Malaysia. 

How much does a meal cost in Malaysia in 2025?

If you are having your meal at Malaysia’s local eatery, its price range from RM15–RM30 or about 3.75–7.5 USD, If you are having your meal at Kuala Lumpur’s inexpensive restaurant, the price may range between RM12–RM30 and for a two-people’s three-course meal, you can be charged between RM80–RM300 per meal. The prices may change with time so keep checking the official websites of the restaurants.