5 delicious meals you need to eat in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

Have you ever traveled somewhere and been curious about what food there is to try or where to even start?

Well, I’m here to help! Let's start with Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

This post is a solid foundation for learning that Kuala Lumpur is a food lover’s paradise, blending the best of Malay, Chinese, and Indian flavors into a vibrant culinary scene. Whether you’re wandering through bustling street markets or relaxing in a cozy café, there's always something delicious to try. Join me as I dive into five must-try dishes in KL, from spicy street food to comforting classics. Ready to eat your way through the city? Let’s go!

BEFORE WE START:

Keep in mind that this list may look different for you depending on your dietary restrictions and preferences. After many years of exploring the streets of Kuala Lumpur, I’ve narrowed it down to five solid meals that will give you a glimpse into the food and culture of the people here!

1.DIM SUM: flavor packed in every bite

Dim sum, a Cantonese tradition, has found a beloved place in Kuala Lumpur's food scene and is a great way to kickstart your culinary journey in KL. These bite-sized portions of food, served in steamer baskets or on small plates, are perfect for sharing and trying a variety of flavors. The price of dim sum can vary greatly depending on the restaurant and style of dining, ranging from 24-hour establishments to fine dining experiences that make you feel like you're in an old dynasty palace

The Best Dim Sum Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur

Jin Xuan Hong Kong is my local friends’ and my favorite spot to eat at before we go for dessert. They have a large array of dishes to try and usually have an open kitchen so you can watch them make all the different dishes!

Insider Tips & What to Order

• Timing: Arrive early in the morning or right as the next meal time starts for the freshest dim sum and to avoid the crowds.

• Group Dining: The more people you bring, the more food you'll be able to experience.

If I were there, this is what I would look to order:

• Siu Mai

• Har Gow

• Prawn Chee Cheong Fun

• Loh Mai Kai (Glutinous Rice)

• Steamed/Fried Pork Ribs

• Char Siew Pau

• Fish Congee

• Fried Lotus Paste Balls

• Fried Shrimp Wrapped in Tofu Skin

Did I mention ORDER THE SALTED EGG BUNS?

Join a tour with us and let's explore these culinary delights together!

2. Street Food & Hawker Stalls: The Heartbeat of KL

The street food scene in Kuala Lumpur is legendary. Hawker stalls line the streets, offering an array of dishes that are quick, cheap, and incredibly tasty. Here you will find a massive array of different foods and drinks to bring back to your table to try. Whether you're a backpacker or simply trying to ball on a budget, street food is always your go-to for evening meals.

There are also numerous food courts lined with indoor hawker stalls, making them prime locations for many local favorites. These spots offer a great way to sample a variety of dishes in one place, perfect for food lovers wanting to experience the best of Kuala Lumpur's culinary offerings. Don’t forget to save your seat before ordering!

The best Kuala lumpur Night Markets

Jalan Alor is the ultimate street food hotspot in Kula Lumpur, drawing both tourists and locals alike with its array of delights like smoky satay skewers, hearty char kway teow (stir fried flat noodles), and refreshing ais kacang (shaved ice dessert). The vibrant atmosphere is always alive with crowds, enticing aromas, and entertainment, making it a perfect introduction to Kuala Lumpur's nightlife and Southeast Asia's culinary wonders.

Pasar Malam Taman Connaught holds a special place in my mind as Malaysia's longest night market, sprawling over 2 kilometers every Wednesday evening. Here, you'll find a bustling scene packed with hundreds of stalls offering everything from traditional Malay dishes to flavorful Chinese and Indian dishes. Don't miss the grilled skewers, adventurous stinky tofu(at your own risk), or the cooling coconut ice cream. Beyond food, the market is a treasure trove of clothing, accessories, and household items, catering to both foodies and bargain hunters alike.

Keep in mind that Pasar Malam Taman Connaught is a local favorite, so don't be surprised if you stand out. However, language won't be a barrier as English is widely spoken, ensuring a friendly and welcoming experience. For an authentic taste of local life and food, this market is a must-visit.

Insider Tips & what to order

Bring cash, have an adventurous spirit, and try a bit of everything.

If I were there this is what I would look to order:

• Fried carrot cake (it will say rice cake on sign)

• Char Kuey Tow

• Popiah

• Salt egg sotong (squid)

• Purple Yam or Taro bubble tea

3. Nasi Lemak: Malaysia’s National Dish

Here’s the deal: you absolutely cannot visit Malaysia without jumping into its iconic national dish, Nasi Lemak. This flavorful dish features fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk, served with a spicy sambal (chili paste), crispy fried anchovies, roasted peanuts, boiled egg, and cucumber. Sometimes, it'll even come with rendang (spicy meat stew) or crispy fried chicken.

Now, I know what you might be thinking about anchovies—trust me, they're essential to the dish and add a unique savory crunch that complements the other flavors perfectly. These anchovies are nothing like what you might expect; they're a must the Nasi Lemak experience.

Nasi Lemak is a beloved staple found everywhere in Malaysia, from roadside stalls to renowned restaurants. It's enjoyed as a quick meal on the go or as a comforting household favorite. To truly experience Malaysian cuisine and culture, trying Nasi Lemak is an absolute must. Don’t leave Malaysia without trying this dish first, you’ll regret it!

Where to Trythe famous Nasi Lemak in Kuala Lumpur

Village Park Restaurant in Damansara Uptown is renowned for its nasi lemak, drawing long lines of both locals and tourists who eagerly endure the tropical sun for hours just to get their hands on a bite of this iconic dish. The combination of fluffy coconut-infused rice, spicy and flavorful sambal, and crispy fried chicken creates a taste experience that's unforgettable and often leaves you craving more! The fried chicken bits the put on top really send this dish to moon.

Insider Tips & what to order

For a smoother experience, consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid the lengthy queues. Don't miss out on the chance to mix the spicy sambal into the fluffy rice for an extra burst of flavor. It’s nothing a drink can’t fix to bare the spicy heat.

Here's my personal order if I were there:

• Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng (Fried Chicken): A must-try for its crispy perfection.

• Limo Ice: A refreshing local drink made from kumquats that complements most meals in Kuala Lumpur

• Kaya Toast: Something sweet is always welcome and it comes here in the form of coconut jam toast.

4. Beef Noodles in Chinatown: A Bowl noodles you did not know you needed

Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown, centered around Petaling Street, is not just a hub for tourists and shopaholics but also a haven for food lovers. Here, you can indulge in a variety of culinary delights, from refreshing sugar cane juice and roasted chestnuts to handmade peanut mochi to famous clay pot chicken. However, reigning supreme among these offerings is the iconic beef noodles, a comforting and flavorful dish that represents the area's Chinese culinary heritage.

Two variations of beef noodles are available, conveniently located across the street from each other. One version is served "wet," with a rich broth that enhances the tender beef and noodles. The other variation is served "dry," where the noodles are coated in a savory sauce.

Where to Try Petaling Street’s famous beef noodles

Lai Foong Retastaurant, located just across the street from the bustling merchants of Kuala Lumpur's Petaling Street, Lai Foong Restaurant offers a chance to escape the chaos and to enjoy a solid bowl of food before diving back into it all. Since 1956, this Hainanese cuisine café has been renowned for serving some of the best noodles in the area. You can choose from flat rice noodles (Hor fun), short rice noodles (lai fun), or thin wheat noodles (yau mein). Their specialty lies in their "wet" beef noodles, consisting of a variety of beef cuts such as brisket, tripe (stomach), beef balls, and tendons—all perfectly cooked to eliminate any gamy flavors.

Sin Kiew Yee Shin Kee Beef Noodles is directly across the street from Lai Foong is famous for their dry version of this dish. Often times my friends and I will go for a second meal here after visiting Lai Foong. This small shop is the definition of fast casual and is speedy with their service so be ready to order within minutes of sitting down. Similar to Lai Foong you get a menu that will ask you what type of noodles you would like and pictures of the different bowls of meet to choose from.

Insider Tips & what to order

Try Both Versions: Don’t miss out on experiencing both the dry and wet versions of beef noodles at Lai Foong and Sin Kiew Yee Shin Kee.

Expect Busy Crowds: Be prepared for both restaurants to be bustling with long queues, especially during peak times.

Arrive Hungry: Come with an empty stomach ready to take in all the authentic flavors of Malaysian beef noodles.

Embrace New Tastes: Keep an open mind to try new dishes and noodle varieties unique to each restaurant.

If I were there this is what I would look to order:

• Wet beef noodles with flat or short rice noodles at Lai Foong

• La La Noodles (Claims cooked in a shaoxing wine broth at Lai foong

• Minced beef noodles with mee nooldes (yellow noodles) at Kin Kiew Yee Shin Kee Noodles

• To wash down the meal, I would choose between a refreshing 100 Plus, a cup of copi ice (coffee), or a Milo ice.

5. Mamaks: Indian-Muslim Cuisine

Lastly, make sure you swing by a Mamak stall. These spots, run by Indian Muslims, are all over Kuala Lumpur and serve up a wide range of dishes anytime you're hungry. From the buttery goodness of roti canai to the flavorful nasi kandar—rice with various curries—the food is seriously insane. Mamak stalls are like the heartbeat of local culture here, where you can hang out after work with friends, have a casual family meal, or grab a budget-friendly bite. They're always buzzing, often open 24/7.

The story of nasi kandar goes way back to colonial Malaysia. Picture this: in the midst of old houses and bustling streets, a lone vendor balances baskets of fragrant food and rice on a yoke over his shoulder. The enticing smells of curries, veggies, fried fish, beef, and chicken fill the air as he goes from house to house, offering his mouthwatering dishes. Today, Mamak stalls and nasi kandar still carry that rich history, celebrating the flavors and traditions that define Malaysian food culture.

Where to Try Kuala Lumpur’s Mamaks

Pelita Nasi Kandar is a standout among mamak chains in KL, having embarked on its culinary journey in 1995 and since blossoming into a beloved staple of Kuala Lumpur's dining scene. Known for its authentic flavors and busy atmosphere, Pelita Nasi Kandar offers a large array of dishes that can satisfy any pallet. Their roti canai served with dhal (lentil curry) and teh tarik (pulled tea) make for a perfect breakfast or snack, showcasing the essence of Malaysian street food culture.

When you step into a mamak like Pelita Nasi Kandar, the experience is as much about the ambiance as it is about the food. Most mamaks have open-air setups and open kitchens, allowing you to immerse yourself in the strong scents of spices and witness the skilled preparation of some of the best dishes you'll ever taste. It's a sensory overload in the best way and that adds to the charm and authenticity of enjoying Malaysian cuisine at its finest.

Insider Tip

When you arrive, scout out a table; even if the restaurant seems packed, there's usually space available.

Prepare to be spoiled for choice with the vast array of food options available.

For a unique twist on classic comfort food, don't miss trying the maggi goreng Ayam (fried instant noodles).

If I were there, here's what I would order:

• Roti Canai or Roti Tisu: a flaky, delicious bread served with a mix of 3 different curries and or chutneys

• Roti Kaya Platana: Roti filled then fried with coconut jam and sliced bananas.

• Tandoori Chicken

• Teh Tarik: Pulled tea with sweetened condensed milk and sugar.

• Teh-o Ice: Iced tea sweetened with sugar, no milk.

• Teh-o Kosong: Opt for tea without sugar or milk.

• Limo Ice: A refreshing local drink made from kumquats

You could keep returning to a mamak and never repeat the same dish twice!

So, there you have it—five must-try dishes that encapsulate the essence of Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant food scene. Prepare to dive into a culinary journey through the city and uncover flavors that will linger. Along the way, you'll stumble upon plenty of famous stops while chasing down these iconic eats and have a awesome time doing it.

Stay hungry and happy travels!

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