Malaysian food guide for first-timers: 15 dishes to try and how to order them
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In this guide
Ask almost anyone who has been, and food is the reason they would go back. It is also the easiest way to understand Malaysia, because Malay, Chinese and Indian cooking sit side by side.
Breakfast
- Nasi lemak: coconut rice with sambal, anchovies, peanuts and egg. Often the national dish.
- Roti canai: a flaky flatbread dipped in dhal or curry.
- Teh tarik: pulled sweet milk tea.
Lunch
- Laksa: noodle soup, with curry laksa and Penang assam laksa very different styles.
- Hainanese chicken rice: poached chicken with fragrant rice.
- Nasi campur: choose dishes from a buffet over rice.
Dinner and night markets
- Satay: grilled skewers with peanut sauce.
- Char kway teow: wok-fried flat noodles, a Penang classic.
- Ikan bakar: grilled fish.
- Rendang: slow-cooked spiced beef.
Desserts and drinks
- Cendol: shaved ice with coconut milk and palm sugar.
- Durian: the famously strong fruit, which divides opinion.
How to order and pay
At many stalls you sit, pick a table number and order from the cook or a waiter. Pay at the end or at the counter. Carry small notes. Prices are typically a few ringgit per dish at street stalls, with restaurant dishes costing more.
| Everyday item | Typical price | In pounds | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| A coffee or teh tarik at a local kopitiam | RM2–RM5 | about £0–£1 | the everyday drink, a few ringgit |
| Nasi lemak or roti canai breakfast at a street stall | RM3–RM8 | about £1–£1 | cheap and filling |
| A sit-down lunch at a local restaurant | RM10–RM20 | about £2–£4 | rice dish plus a drink |
| A mid-range restaurant dinner for two | RM60–RM140 | about £11–£25 | air-conditioned, table service |
| A short Grab ride across Kuala Lumpur | RM10–RM25 | about £2–£4 | depends on traffic and time of day |
| KL Sentral to the airport by train (KLIA Ekspres) | RM55–RM70 | about £10–£12 | one way per adult, about 30 minutes |
| A budget hotel room per night | RM90–RM200 | about £16–£36 | private room, basic |
| A good mid-range hotel room per night | RM250–RM500 | about £45–£89 | pool and breakfast often included |
| A one-way coach from KL to Penang | RM50–RM90 | about £9–£16 | around 5 to 6 hours |
| A mobile SIM with plenty of data (tourist) | RM20–RM50 | about £4–£9 | a few weeks of data |
Typical ranges only; prices differ between Kuala Lumpur, Penang, the islands and tourist spots, and change over time.
Halal food notes
Most Malay and Indian-Muslim restaurants are halal. Chinese food courts may serve pork and lard, so look for the halal certificate displayed at the stall. See our halal food guide for UK Muslim travellers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the national dish of Malaysia?
Nasi lemak, coconut rice with sambal and sides, is widely considered the national dish.
Is Malaysian street food safe to eat?
Most visitors eat street food without trouble. Choose busy stalls with fresh, hot food and drink bottled or filtered water.
How much does a meal cost in Malaysia?
Street-food dishes usually cost a few ringgit, while sit-down restaurant meals cost more. See the price table above.
