The multi-ethnicity of Malaysia is reflected in its cuisine and is inspired by a range of international cuisines from China, Indian, and Indonesia. Just as the people started coming over to Kuala Lumpur, they brought in their ingredients, flavors, and unique delicacies. This incredible mix of cuisines has enriched Malaysian Food that can be best sampled in Kuala Lumpur. Right from the street food markets to fine dining restaurants, one can find amazing dishes. Rice, noodles, meats are the main staple of the cuisine and stir-fries as well as stews are their favorite style of preparation. We have a list of delicious foods to try in Kuala Lumpur that you should taste while in the city. Read on to learn more.
1. Prawn Mee
Prawn Mee or Hae Mee, as it is known across Malaysia, is a noodle soup. Made of egg noodles, this dish contains a spicy broth and the thick, smooth noodles. The broth is generally made of dried shrimp, prawn, garlic, and white pepper. When it’s time to eat, the egg noodles are served, and the stock is poured all over it, dunking it in spicy goodness. A variety of meats including prawns, fish cake slices, pork, or chicken are added on top of this. And the quintessential fresh spring onion, bean sprouts, are used for garnishing along with vinegar, soy sauce, oil, and chili.
Restoran Wong Ah Wah
Address: 16, Jalan Alor, Bukit Bintang, 50200, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Price: 5 MYR (1.19 USD)
2. Curry Laksa
The Curry Laksa is one of the most popular foods to try in Kuala Lumpur; laksa is Malay for spicy noodle soup. This particular noodle soup has a curry flavor that is influenced by the Indian and Chinese cuisines. The dish starts from the Laksa paste that is turned into a broth, and it includes shrimp paste which is an integral part of South-East Asian cuisine, as well as chilies, shallots, ginger, garlic, lemongrass, and spices. For the soup, the paste is mixed in with water, and coconut milk and thin yellow noodles are added. Then protein is added in the form of eggs, tofu or chicken.
Madam Kwan’s
Address: 1-16-00, Pavilion Shopping Centre, 168, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Price: 19 MYR (4.53 USD)
3. Hokkien Mee
Hokkien Mee is a fried noodle and a must-try in Kuala Lumpur. Malay cuisine has a lot of dishes that are complete meals in themselves, and the Hokkien Mee is one such dish. It belongs to the Hokkien Province in China but has been adapted to the spicy flavors and ingredients of Malaysia. The recipe uses fat yellow noodles which are fried with chicken, pork, squid, and cabbage; it is generously seasoned with dark soy sauce which gives it the strong flavor. It is a quick stir-fry dish and is made within minutes, and it is garnished with fresh bean sprouts, spring onions, lime and a dash of sambal (spiced chutney).
Lot 10 Hutong Food Court
Address: Bukit Bintang, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Price: 15 MYR (3.58 USD)
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4. Roti Canai
The fluffy layered and crispy Roti Canai is a delightful treat, a classic example of Malay Indian cuisine and among the best food to try in Kuala Lumpur. Roti Canai is an Indian flatbread known as Roti but is a layered version and is eaten with a variety of meat dishes like Chicken and Beef Curry. The subtle and buttery flavors of the Roti Canai complement the spicy and rich curry flavors. The Roti Canai is sold all across Malaysia both in upscale restaurants and food carts. It also has variants made with fillings like eggs, onions, sardines or cheese.
Devi’s Corner
Address: 14, Jalan Telawi 4, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Price: 2 MYR (0.45 USD)
Kuala Lumpur Tour Guide
Shazriza Rais
About Me: Hey there! I'm Shaz, your go-to tour guide for exploring the best of Malaysia. Born and raised in this vibrant country, I've got a deep passion for sharing its wonders with travelers from all walks of life. I've been in the game for 7 awesome years, leading tours across Malaysia's hottest spots like Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Penang, and Langkawi. Whether you're a solo adventurer or a big family crew, I've got you covered! I'm not just about showing you the sights; I'm all about creating an experience. With me, you'll get the lowdown on Malaysia's rich history, culture, and traditions, all while having a blast along the way. Need someone who can navigate any situation with ease? That's me! From problem-solving to keeping the vibes positive, I've got it covered. Plus, I'm a pro at adapting the tour to fit your interests and preferences. When I'm not guiding tours, you'll find me out and about exploring new places, snapping photos, and diving into delicious local eats. I'm all about adventure, whether it's hiking through lush rainforests or just wandering around the cities. Why Choose Me? I'm not just your guide; I'm your buddy on this Malaysian adventure! With me, you'll get insider tips, epic stories, and memories that'll last a lifetime. So, what are you waiting for? Let's hit the road and make some magic happen!
Kuala Lumpur Tour Guide
Reka Luxshmi
Hello! I'm Reka. I love travelling and eating local food. I am a HR professional with a master's qualification in Business administration. My passion for travelling has led me to pursue my licence in tour guiding in Malaysia. Malaysia is a beautiful country with colourful & warm people and lots of local cuisines. While I still am attached to the corporate world, tour guiding usually takes the stress away. I will be happy to share some of our culture and food with you. I am available for KL city tours, food tours, day trip to Melaka and also not forgetting tours in the Pearl of the Orient, Penang.
Tours by Reka
5. Char Kway Teow
Char Kway Teow means ‘Stir-fried flat rice noodles’ and whose smoky aroma wafts down street food markets in Kuala Lumpur. In a nation that has hundreds of noodle dishes, Char Kway Teow stands out due to the magic of textures and tastes and it is a compulsory food to try in Kuala Lumpur. The main ingredients that set this dish apart are the soft flat rice noodles that melt in the mouth, sweet and salty Chinese Sausage, Fried Fishcakes and the garlicky Chinese chives. The noodles are quickly stirred in a high flame with these ingredients and sauces like dark and light soy sauces, and oyster sauce to create a fragrant and delicious noodle dish.
Xin Ji Kitchen
Address: 69, Jalan Alor, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Price: 10 MYR (2.38 USD)
6. Bak Kut Teh
Bak Kut Teh is a meaty delight from the Hokkien and Teochew region of China. The name translates to ‘Meat Bone Tea’ and it refers to the pork ribs that are stewed with special herbs to create the dish. However, there is no tea in the dish as the name suggests but it refers to the Oolong tea that is traditionally taken as an accompaniment. The soupy dish is fat-laden, and its bone broth does wonders to health and includes an assortment of spices including star anise, fennel, dang gui, pepper, and garlic. This dish can drive away a cold from miles away! The soup is garnished with soy sauces, chilis, spring onion, and shallots.
Yik See Ho Bak Kut Teh
Address: 20, Jalan Landak, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Price: 7 MYR (1.67 USD)
7. Chicken Rice
Chicken Rice in Malaysia means the iconic rice dish from the Hainan province of China. The simple dish is a must try in Kuala Lumpur, and it is readily available in Chinese food stalls across the city. The recipe is characterized by the silky and luscious chicken that is boiled with garlic, shallots and pandan leaves. The leftover chicken broth is then used to cook the rice, and any leftovers are served alongside the dish. The chicken, the rice and the broth are served with fresh cucumber slices and makes for a hearty meal. No wonder it was listed among the World’s 50 Most Delicious Foods by CNN.
The Chicken Rice Shop
Address: 1, Jalan Metro Prima, Metro Prima, 52100 Kuala Lumpur
Price: 11 MYR (2.62 USD)
8. Nasi Lemak
Nasi Lemak should be the first food to try in Kuala Lumpur as it is the national dish of Malaysia. It is a rice dish and Nasi means rice that is cooked in coconut milk and wrapped in fragrant pandan leaves which give it a distinct flavourful taste. But there is more to the dish than just the rice! The traditional Malay version is a complete meal in itself and it is accompanied by hot sambal (spicy sauce), anchovies, crunchy fried peanuts, meat curry (often lamb or chicken), fresh cucumbers and the quintessential boiled egg. Nasi Lemak makes for a pretty dish, and while it is traditionally eaten for breakfast, it’s best for any meal.
Hayaki Kopitiam
Address: Setapak, 87-G, Jalan Langkawi, Platinum Walk, 53000 Kuala Lumpur
Price: 10 MYR (2.38 USD)
Also See: 17 Best street food In Ipoh for the foodies
9. Wanton Mee
Wanton Mee is a favorite Malay snack food to try in Kuala Lumpur. Wantons are dumplings and Mee is Chinese for noodles, the dish itself is a noodle dish with dumplings. Each country in South East Asia has its version, and even Malaysia has different versions across each region. But, mostly the dish includes noodles served with char sui (barbeque pork) and is often dry, served with the broth and fried wonton on the side. The traditional wanton mee has noodles in the spicy soup with the dumplings all served together. Whichever way it be, the dish is ideal for a quick snack on a pub crawl in Kuala Lumpur.
Toong Kwoon Chye wanton mee
Address: 9, Bukit Bintang Street, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Price: 12 MYR (2.86 USD)
10. Cendol
Cendol is the ultimate dessert food to try in Kuala Lumpur. The word cendol refers to the thick green jelly short noodles, and the dish itself is a thick sweet drink. The cendol is made of rice flour mixed with pandan which gives the unique aroma and taste as well as the green coloring of the jelly. The drink is made up of the cendol, coconut milk, palm sugar, shaved ice plus fresh fruits like jackfruit, durian or azuki beans. Cendol is a filling drink and can often be had as a meal in itself.
Ah Keong's ABC & Ice Cendol Stall
Address: 94A, Jalan Padang Belia, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur
Price: 3 MYR (0.72 USD)
Flavors to remember
Was reading this list of foods to try in Kuala Lumpur making you hungry? Be sure to check all these off your list when you go on your trip to Malaysia!
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