must-try food Malaysia
our top 5 traditional Malaysian foods you have to try
laksa
spicy noodle soup
What is it?
Laksa is a popular noodle soup that holds a special place in Malaysian cuisine. It can be rich, spicy, and tangy or all at once. Laksa is typically served with rice noodles or vermicelli, immersed in a flavourful broth that varies by region.
There are several regional variations of laksa in Malaysia, each with its unique ingredients and preparation methods:
Curry Laksa (Laksa Lemak) A creamy coconut milk based broth infused with curry spices, often featuring prawns, tofu puffs, and egg.
Asam Laksa (Penang Laksa) A tangy and spicy soup made with mackerel, tamarind, and a blend of herbs and spices, garnished with mint, cucumber, and pineapple.
Sarawak Laksa A spicy tangy soup from Sarawak, typically made with prawns, chicken, and spice paste.
Johor Laksa Distinct for its use of spaghetti instead of traditional noodles, served with a spicy fish gravy.
What is in it?
Ingredients vary by style, but may include, rice noodles or vermicelli. prawns, chicken, tofu or fish, coconut milk, tamarind, garlic, lemongrass, chili, mint, cucumber, pineapple, and boiled egg.
Where can I eat it?
Laksa is widely available throughout Malaysia, especially in regions known for their unique versions like Penang, famous for its Asam Laksa, particularly in George Town.
Kuala Lumpur: Offers a variety of laksa styles, with numerous eateries serving this dish.
Sarawak: Home to the distinctive Sarawak Laksa (our personal favourite)
Johor: Known for its Johor Laksa, typically served during festive occasions.
Vegetarian versions available.
loh bak
grilled minced meat
What is it?
Loh Bak (Lor Bak) is a Chinese Malaysian dish most closely associated with Penang. It consists of seasoned minced pork flavoured with five spice, wrapped in tofu skin and deep fried until crispy. It’s sometimes compared to a sausage, but the texture is lighter and the flavour more aromatic.
What is in it?
The filling typically includes minced pork mixed with five spice, and often small amounts of prawn or water chestnut for texture. This mixture is wrapped in tofu skin (bean curd skin) and deep fried.
It’s usually served sliced, alongside sweet chilli sauce, chilli paste, or a thick five spice gravy for dipping.
Where can I eat it?
Loh Bak is most famously found at hawker stalls in Penang, especially around George Town, where it’s considered a local speciality. It’s also available in Chinese-Malaysian restaurants and food courts in larger cities such as Kuala Lumpur, though Penang remains the best place to try it.
Vegetarian versions exist but are uncommon.
popiah
spring roll
What is it?
Popiah is a traditional Chinese-Malaysian spring roll. Its name comes from the Hokkien dialect, meaning “thin pancake,” referring to the delicate wheat flour wrapper. Popiah is enjoyed fresh (unfried) or lightly fried, depending on the region and personal preference.
What is in it?
Popiah consists of a soft, thin wheat flour crepe filled with shredded jicama (a crisp root vegetable), carrots, and bean sprouts, along with optional ingredients such as Chinese sausage, prawns, tofu, or egg. The filling is typically seasoned with garlic, hoisin sauce, and chilli sauce, though exact combinations vary by vendor.
Where can I eat it?
Popiah is widely available throughout Malaysia, particularly in areas with strong Chinese communities such as Penang and Melaka. You can find it at street food stalls, hawker centres, markets, and restaurants.
Vegetarian versions available, dairy free.
char kway teow
stir fried noodles
What is it?
Char Kway Teow is a popular Chinese Malaysian stir fried noodle dish. The name comes from the Hokkien dialect, where “char” means “stir-fried” and “kway teow” refers to flat rice noodles. It is known for its intense flavours and smoky “wok hei” aroma, achieved by stir-frying over high heat in a well seasoned wok.
What is in it?
Char Kway Teow typically includes fresh flat rice noodles, prawns, sliced Chinese sausage, eggs, bean sprouts, and Chinese chives. It is seasoned with light and dark soy sauce, sambal (chilli paste), and sometimes oyster sauce or sugar. Some regional versions, especially in Penang, also include cockles or fishcake.
Where can I eat it?
Char Kway Teow is widely available across Malaysia, particularly in areas with strong Chinese communities such as Penang and Kuala Lumpur. It can be found at hawker centres, food courts, street food stalls, and Chinese restaurants.
Vegetarian versions available, dairy free.
roti john
omelette & meat roll
What is it?
Roti John is a popular Malaysian street food sandwich. It consists of a long, soft white bread roll filled with beaten egg mixed with minced meat, which is fried on a griddle until the egg forms a crispy, omelette-like layer coating the bread. It is typically finished with salad and sauces, then sliced before serving.
What is in it?
Roti John is usually made with bread, egg, minced meat (most commonly chicken or beef), onions, and sometimes garlic. After cooking, it is topped with chilli sauce, mayonnaise, and fresh salad such as lettuce and tomato. Some modern versions also include cheese, though this is optional.
Where can I eat it?
Roti John is widely available across Malaysia and is especially popular as a late night street food. It is commonly sold at roadside stalls and food trucks, often alongside Ramly burgers, and is considered a classic, affordable fast food.
Ingredients listed reflect common or typical components of this dish as served in restaurants or street‑food vendors. Variations by region, season, or vendor are common. This information is provided for general reference only. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, please verify ingredient details independently. We assume no liability for accuracy or outcomes.
