You will find so many options of Kuala Lumpur’s Street Food while strolling around the city. It might be hard to try them all in one visit, but here are some Malaysian dishes you must savor in Kuala Lumpur:
1. Nasi Lemak
Nasi Lemak can be considered the national dish of Malaysia because it can be found everywhere and people love it so much for breakfast. It is a type of rice cooked in coconut milk and served with various condiments, including shrimp paste, spicy egg, fried anchovies, and cucumber. The authentic version of nasi lemak will be served on a banana leaf.
2. Malaysian Satay
The delicious smell of smoke when the satay is grilled will make it hard to resist. That is why you have to try satay when in Malaysia, especially in Kuala Lumpur. The chicken or beef meat will be skewered before being grilled. The grilled satay will be served with rice cakes and peanut sauce.
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3. Roti Canai
There is no doubt that roti canai comes from Indian cuisine, but this flatbread with flaky textures has become a crucial part of dining culture in Malaysia since this country has a big Indian community. The typical roti canai will be served with sugar for sweet flavor type or lentil curry (dhal) for savory flavor. Roti canai stalls can be found a lot during breakfast time.
4. Mee Goreng
Mee goreng might be a simple dish, but you will be surprised by its big flavor. Mee goreng literally means fried noodles. The noodles are stir fried on the wok and tossed with a combination of vegetables, spices, and protein from seafood or meat. You can also try other similar yet different food because of different noodle types used, such as fried bee hoon and char kway teow.
5. Teh Tarik
The journey to explore Kuala Lumpur’s Street Food will not be completed if you miss teh tarik. Teh tarik means pulled tea since the preparation method involves pulling the tea high when pouring it from one glass to another to froth the tea.
You can find it a lot in Mamak restaurants in Malaysia. Teh tarik is commonly made from Malaysian Ceylon tea and milk. You can enjoy teh tarik with roti canai or dhal curry.
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6. Apam Balik
Sweet tooth will love apam balik the most. Apam balik can be translated as an overturned pancake, but it is not the type of typical pancake you might imagine. The pancake is pretty thick with a kind of honeycomb texture and crispy thin sides. It will be topped with buttery and sugary peanut filling. However, you can also add other filling, such as sweet corn to make the flavor better.
Despite being a pretty heavy food, apam balik is enjoyed a lot in the late afternoon as a snack that can be served with tea. This is one of the most favorite Malaysian street foods you have to try in Kuala Lumpur, for sure.
7. Cendol
Looking for something refreshing? Cendol is the perfect dessert to cool off with. Made from shaved ice, coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and green rice flour jelly, this sweet treat is a popular choice, especially in the hot Malaysian weather.
8. Putu Bambu
Putu Bambu is a traditional Malaysian snack made from rice flour with a sweet palm sugar filling. Steamed inside bamboo tubes and topped with shredded coconut, this delicacy offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
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9. Ice Kachang
Ice kachang is a type of shaved ice that is very popular in Malaysia and must try street food. You can find street vendors everywhere in Kuala Lumpur. You can have it with various topping options, including grass jelly, palm nuts, sweet corn, sweet corn, raisins, fruits, and pink syrup.
10. Exotic Fruits
Malaysia is home to a variety of exotic fruits, and you won’t want to miss the chance to try them. Durians, rambutans, mangosteens, longans, and snake fruits are just a few of the tropical fruits sold fresh by street vendors throughout Kuala Lumpur. If you’re feeling adventurous, trying durian—known for its strong scent—is a quintessential experience.
Kuala Lumpur’s street food scene is a vibrant reflection of Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity, offering something for every palate. Whether you’re craving savory delights like Nasi Lemak and Satay, or refreshing treats like Cendol and Ice Kachang, the city’s street food will leave you craving more. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore these iconic dishes and immerse yourself in the culinary heart of Kuala Lumpur. Each bite tells a story of tradition, flavor, and the lively spirit of this dynamic city
