Where to eat and drink
Food and Beverage
In Malaysia you can eat a variety of foods. If you are a foodie, Malaysia is a great place for you to taste a variety of foods from multi ethic groups.
Since there are a lot of Chinese communities and Indians who live here, you can eat Chinese and Indian food here besides Malaysian traditional food. It is said that Penang is most famous for their traditional foods and It’s so delicious that if you haven’t eaten you will miss something in your life.
Indian, Chinese and Malay restaurants is available anywhere through the country, and the food here is cheap compared to other restaurants. Besides, here you will find all the country cuisine famous for its food in the world. Restaurants that are available in other Asian countries and Western dishes in general are usually a bit pricey than the local dishes.
The national dish of Malaysia is Nasi Lemak(Streamed Rice, Fried Chicken, Fried Dry fish, Boiled egg and sweet curry). At local restaurants, Nasi Lemak price is RM5-RM7(1.5-2USD).This is more expensive in high-grade restaurants. Actually, not only Nasi Lemak, all types of food are expensive in high-grade restaurants. The common and famous scene is the stall of street food around the country. The street foods are very tasty and they make them in a clean way. There are some places in the country that are famous and crowded for street foods.
Nasi goreng is another popular food that is very delicious to all people and price is reasonable. Nasi goreng is available at all restaurants. It’s basically fried rice with vegetable, lamb, chicken and dry fish. Price is RM5-RM8 (1.5-2USD).
Mamak restaurant is one of the best cuisine (South Indian Cuisine) in Malaysia. They serve south Indian food as well as Malay food. The main thing is that here you will find different types of food and prices are not high.
Mamak restaurants are everywhere in the country and are comparatively high number. If you don’t have enough budget for food, then Mama’s restaurants are the biggest option for you. Mamak Restaurant food is delicious and tourists love to eat. You can eat roti cennai, chapati and maggi noddles here for breakfast. Price is RM2-4RM.
In fact, you can find also many international band’s outlets such as KFC, McDonald, Burger King and Subway.
Beverage
Tea tarik is the common and traditional tea at Malaysian restaurants. Basically it is made by tea, milk and sugar. The taste is so sweet. There are also various types of drinks which are very low prices in Mamak restaurants. There are plenty of bars and bar plus restaurant in the country. You can have alcoholic drinks everywhere except Muslim and Mamak restaurants.
Overall the food and drinks are very cheap here but the prices are a bit higher at the bars and high grade restaurants. All kinds of groceries are available at the supermarket and mini-shops, and the prices are much cheaper. Drinks, Snacks and some other daily necessaries are sold in the 7-Eleven and KK supermart which are open 24h.You don’t have to worry about finding them because they are so high that you can find them anywhere in the country. You can buy Fish, Meat, fruits and most of the things from Super Market (Giant, Big, and Cold Storage).
From street food stalls to upscale restaurants, here are some popular places to eat and drink in Malaysia:
- Jalan Alor, Kuala Lumpur: Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Alor is a vibrant street famous for its abundance of hawker stalls and open-air restaurants. Here, you can indulge in a variety of Malaysian street food delicacies, such as satay, grilled seafood, noodles, and tropical fruits.
- Penang Road, George Town, Penang: Penang is known as the food capital of Malaysia, and Penang Road in George Town is a must-visit food destination. Try the famous Penang Assam Laksa, Char Kway Teow (fried flat rice noodles), and Penang Rojak (fruit and vegetable salad with shrimp paste).
- Jonker Street, Malacca: In the historic city of Malacca, Jonker Street is a bustling area with a vibrant night market and numerous food stalls. Sample local delights such as Chicken Rice Balls, Nyonya cuisine, and the refreshing Cendol dessert.
- Mamak Restaurants: Mamak eateries are popular among locals and offer affordable Indian-Muslim cuisine. These 24-hour restaurants serve dishes like Roti Canai (flaky flatbread), Nasi Kandar (rice with various curries), and Teh Tarik (pulled tea).
- Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur: Petaling Street, also known as Chinatown, is a bustling area in Kuala Lumpur filled with Chinese restaurants and street food vendors. Try the delicious Hokkien Mee (stir-fried noodles), Hainanese Chicken Rice, and various Chinese delicacies.
- Kota Kinabalu Night Market, Sabah: In Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, visit the vibrant night market for fresh seafood, grilled satay, Sabahan-style noodles, and local delicacies like Hinava (a traditional raw fish salad).
- Georgetown Street Art Cafes, Penang: Explore the streets of Georgetown in Penang, where you’ll find charming cafes and eateries nestled amidst street art. Enjoy a cup of aromatic Penang White Coffee or try the traditional Nyonya Kuih (colorful snacks) at these unique establishments.
- TREC Kuala Lumpur: TREC (Taste, Relish, Experience, Celebrate) is an entertainment and dining hub in Kuala Lumpur. It offers a variety of restaurants, bars, and clubs, making it an ideal place for nightlife and enjoying diverse cuisines.
- Langkawi Seafood Restaurants, Langkawi: Langkawi’s coastal location makes it a seafood paradise. Visit popular seafood restaurants along Pantai Cenang or Pantai Tengah beaches to savor fresh seafood dishes while enjoying the island’s beautiful scenery.
- Genting Highlands, Pahang: If you’re visiting the cool highlands of Genting, explore the many dining options available in the various resorts and entertainment complexes. From international buffets to specialty restaurants, you’ll find a range of cuisines to suit your taste.
These are just a few highlights of the diverse food and dining experiences available in Malaysia. Don’t hesitate to explore local recommendations, try street food, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culinary culture of the country. Remember to consider hygiene and cleanliness when choosing food vendors, and always drink bottled water or opt for reputable establishments for beverages.
