Food & Drink

If there's one thing that will make your taste buds sing in Malaysia, it's the incredible diversity of its cuisine. Malaysia's food scene is like a gastronomic adventure that takes you on a rollercoaster of flavours, from fiery spices to sweet delights. Whether you're a foodie seeking new taste sensations or just a hungry traveller in search of a satisfying meal, Malaysia's diverse cuisine will captivate your palate and leave you craving for more. So, grab your chopsticks and get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Malaysia!

What is Malaysia's traditional cuisine?

Malaysian food is a symphony of spices and aromas, with cuisine traditionally influenced by its geographical location associated with the spice trade. Rice and coconut milk are liberally used in many traditional dishes. During festivals, it's not uncommon to see big groups of friends, families and neighbours communally cooking a big pot of beef rendang. Feel the heat when you enjoy this dish featuring coconut milk and beef, along with lemongrass, garlic, turmeric, ginger, and chiles slowly cooked to perfection.

Try ikan bakar, using banana leaves to wrap marinated seafood, typically fish, and grill it over charcoal. Dive into a plate of nasi lemak, where fragrant rice infused with coconut milk is served with spicy sambal, peanuts, and anchovies. Also try laksa, a spicy noodle soup topped with chicken, prawns or fish that varies from region to region. When enjoying a traditional Malaysian meal and the spice gets too hot to handle, cool off with a refreshing cendol, a dessert made from shaved ice, coconut milk, and sweet palm sugar.

Street food is the heart and soul of Malaysian cuisine. Wander through bustling night markets where the air is filled with the sizzle of satay skewers and the tempting aroma of char kway teow, a stir-fried noodle dish. Don't leave without trying roti canai, a flaky, crispy pancake like flatbread that pairs perfectly with a side of dhal (lentil curry).

What is the dining etiquette in Malaysia?

If you’ve been invited to a dinner, wait for the host of the meal to seat you. If it is a formal dinner, elders and honoured guests will be seated first. Show respect and wait for everyone to be served before you begin eating.

For Malay meals, they traditionally use their right hand for eating and passing food. Dishes are often served all at once and placed in the middle. Diners can help themselves after the host starts with the provided utensils from the communal dishes. If dining on Chinese cuisine, the use of chopsticks is typical. Avoid leaving them standing upright in a bowl, instead use the chopstick rest provided. In traditional settings, Indian meals are commonly consumed using hands, in particular your right hand (keep your left hand away from food). Complimenting the dishes being served will be sure to elicit appreciation. Be mindful and do not touch your face while eating, and do not talk when you have food in your mouth, as it is considered rude.

Note that during Ramadan, Muslim Malays will be fasting from sunrise to sundown, and many restaurants may offer a limited menu or close down earlier in the evening.

What is the drinking etiquette in Malaysia?

Try Malaysia’s unofficial national drink, teh tarik, a frothy, sweet tea that's “pulled”, a technique referring to pouring the drink back and forth between two brass containers, creating a frothy top. In Sabah, try their version of rice wine called lihing, a fermented drink made with sticky rice and natural yeast. A variation on rice wine is tuak, a beverage consumed during Gawai Dayak, the celebration honouring the new rice planting season. It is made from the flower sap of the coconut tree and fermented rice.

In general, alcohol is widely available in Malaysia, with some variations between states. While there are no laws against alcohol, the majority Muslim population does not partake in consumption. In large metropolis locations, including Kuala Lumpur and Penang, finding alcohol is a non issue and it is widely available. Public inebriation is not tolerated. When visiting more remote areas, it is common to find only Chinese Malaysian restaurants and businesses stocking alcoholic beverages. You should expect to pay more for alcoholic beverages in Malaysia as it is heavily taxed.

Does Malaysia cater to dietary restrictions?

Overall, awareness and understanding of dietary restrictions is low in Malaysia. There is a general lack of knowledge as it relates to the seriousness which people with dietary restrictions need to avoid certain ingredients. Sharing dietary restrictions, or even cross contamination concerns for allergens or gluten in local restaurants can be challenging. Peanuts and other nuts are commonly used in many dishes. For this reason, do research into specific restaurants or traditional dish ingredients before traveling.

Vegan and vegetarian options are more readily available. There is also an abundance of halal friendly dining options with a high percentage of Muslims in Malaysia. Also, thanks to the large number of Indian restaurants, there are many options for Hindus looking to avoid beef.

What do meals typically cost in Malaysia?

Food in Malaysia is overall reasonably priced with an endless variety of cuisines. Finding a lunch plate at a local restaurant serving Malaysian cuisine, featuring noodles or rice with meat, can be found for $4-6 per person. Food markets with rows of stalls are popular, and finding a meal or individual items to go run $3-5. In more tourist centric spots in Kuala Lumpur, finding dinner can range from $15-20 per person for a mid range restaurant and $30-50 for high end spots. Given the taxes on alcohol, a single beer can cost upwards of $4.