Malaysia is very beautiful country with luxury hotels, snow-white beaches, vibrant nightlife in Kuala Lumpur. Its cuisine is the perfect blend of Chinese, Malay and Indian dishes.
Being in Malasyia make sure to taste TOP 5 traditional dishes and popular snacks we’ve mentioned in this guide.
You can book a food tour in Kuala Lumpur here .
Food prices in Malaysia
The cheapest way to buy food in Malaysia is in small cafes or food courts in shopping centers. If you want to try traditional food in Malaysia, then visit one of the food markets. In such places like markets and small cafes, the cost of dishes is lower than in Thailand.
Prices in cafes and shopping centers in Kuala Lumpur:
- noodles with beef balls and soy sauce – 12 ringgit;
- tom yum soup – 10 ringgit;
- cinnamon bun, rich – 9 ringgit;
- sheep meat kebab – 18 ringgit;
- rice with scrambled eggs and teriyaki chicken – 9 ringgit.
Prices in the markets and cafes in Langkawi:
- rice with shrimp – 12 ringgit;
- chicken skewers – 15 ringgit;
- fried potatoes – 3 ringgits;
- dim sum (Chinese dumplings, 6 pieces) – 5 ringgit;
- fish soup – 15 ringgit.
In total, you can have a hearty and delicious three-course meal for 40 ringgit (8 USD).
Overall, in Langkawi island, food prices are among the highest. On neighboring islands, like Penang, for example, the same dishes will cost for 10-15 percent less.
TOP 5 Malaysia National Food to Try
Malaysian traditional food is a mixture of Chinese, Thai, Indian cuisine. Even though meal might not look like something you get used to, but it’s really very delicious.
Nasi Lemak
This is a hearty and tasty breakfast that consist from rice boiled in coconut milk, fresh cucumbers, boiled eggs, anchovies, beans and (optional) meat. The main ingredient in this meal is spicy sambal sauce. Because of this sauce this dish has unusual, but bright and memorable taste.
Ais Kacang
A local variation of ice cream, but instead of milk, here is regular ice. It is finely chopped, and then poured with toppings (condensed milk, chocolate), corn and rainbow syrups with different flavors are added. Very refreshing on a hot day. Sold in almost all cafes and ice cream stalls. This type of dessert is very famous not only in Malaysia, but also in Singapore.
Tandoori Chicken
This dish came to Malaysia from India. It is a fried chicken that has been marinated in a spicy-sweet marinade for several hours. This way chicken becomes juicy and crispy. The dish is served with sauce and roti canai (freshly baked bread tortilla). You can buy tandoori chicken in markets or cafes located on the beach.
Char Kway Teow Noodles
This meal is a must-try, and the best place to do so is Penang island. The dish is, hearty, but tasty. Rice noodles are fried along with egg, soy, seafood and garlic. It is seasoned with soy sauce and slices of citrus fruits.
Laksa Soup: Malaysian Coconut Curry Soup
This meal is very popular in Southern Asian countries, but it is considered to be traditional Malaysian dish. You can try it in Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia. Each Malaysian region prepares laksa in its own way. It is based on rich fish broth, laksa paste, rice noodles, vegetables and spices.
