One of Malaysia‘s main allure is our cuisine. Due to our geographic position and history, our fare consists of a mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other influences. As a result, the diversity of ingredients makes for rich and flavourful pickings that excite the palate.
Although this is not an extensive list of Malay cuisine, we hope it’s enough to start your journey in exploring what Malaysian food can offer!
1. Restoran Kukus, Selangor
This restaurant in Klang takes you back to P. Ramlee’s era with nostalgic childhood snacks, books, and even old typewriters on display. You’ll be surprised by the long queue that builds up even before the restaurant opens its doors every morning.
Restoran Kukus serves traditional Malay breakfast items like steamed cassava and bread with kopi or teh tarik with a side of sosej tong mo (Cambodian sausages). This may be a simple menu, but it has managed to keep people coming back repeatedly.
Opening hours: Daily, 9:30am to 3:30pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
Address: TBG 1004, 70, Jln Tepi Sungai, Taman Wangi, 41100 Klang, Selangor
Contact: +6017-202 0802
2. Warung Tepi Sawah 2769, Perlis
Looking for breakfast with a view? Warung Tepi Sawah in Perlis is known among the locals for its yummy Roti Peknga (flat coconut pancake) or Roti Lenggang (flat plain pancake) dipped in curry or sambal.
You’ll also find dishes like steamed cassava with shredded coconut, Nasi Lemak, Pasembur (a Malaysian salad of cucumber, potato, and prawn fritters served with a spicy sweet sauce), steamed or toasted bread, and a variety of noodles.
Grab a seat on the restaurant’s second floor to experience a panoramic view of the surrounding paddy fields! Pro tip: Arrive early at 7am to avoid the heat and soak in the morning ambience.
Opening hours: 7am to 12pm
Address: Kg Bohor Janggus, 01000 Kangar, Perlis
Contact: +6011-1083 7769
3. Hening, Kuala Lumpur
Hening is housed in a converted old bungalow located along Jalan Damai. It captures the attention of foodies with its modern ambience and traditional Malay fare. At times, you get to dine while listening to a live band!
If you’re here for breakfast, try their Roti Sarang Burung (flatbread with eggs and meat), Lontong with Lodeh (compressed rice cakes with vegetable soup), Lempeng Pisang (banana pancake), and of course, the classic Nasi Lemak.
Not an early riser? Not to worry, as they have a delightful lunch menu too. Some of the menu items include Sambal Petai with prawn, Eggplant Sambal, Ikan Pekasam (fermented fish), Fiddlehead Fern Salad, and Banana Leaf Rice.
Opening hours: 8am to 6pm
Address: Lorong Damai 1, Jalan Damai, 55000 Kuala Lumpur
4. YY Restaurant, Melaka
This modern Peranakan and Malay restaurant is set in a traditional Malay house, reminiscent of a kampung home. As you walk in, you will pass rooms with wooden windows and antique decor, giving you a glimpse into what Peranakan homes would’ve looked like.
Dishes to try here are Pongteh Chicken (chicken with fermented bean sauce), Ikan Goreng Asam (fried fish with sour sauce), Nasi Lemak Sambal Prawn Nangka, Asam Pedas, and Rainbow Steamed Bread with Kaya.
Western fusion dishes are also available if that’s more suitable for your palate. Don’t forget to wash it all down with their signature ice-blended mango or jackfruit drink!
Opening hours: Friday to Sunday, 9am to 11pm; Monday to Thursday, 3pm to 11pm; Closed on Mondays.
Address: 1529-C, 75200 Klebang Kecil, Melaka
5. Mentari Pagi by Sofea, Penang
Mentari Pagi by Sofea rose to fame and became a local favourite breakfast spot because of their famous giant Roti Jala (net-textured roll pancake paired with curry). Their thick Soto (chicken broth with compressed rice cakes) and Moi (porridge) served with a variety of side dishes are good too.
But if you are looking for a simple breakfast, try their traditional kuih like Kuih Ketayap (pandan-flavoured roll crepe filled with grated coconut and palm sugar) and Lepat Pisang (steamed banana roll). Or, you can also have them for dessert!
Opening hours: 8:30am to 2:30pm (Closed on Mondays)
Address: Jalan Mahkamah, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: +6012-916 9254
6. The Lemuni, Pahang
Situated in the Janda Baik area, The Lemuni features three authentic reconstructions of traditional Terengganu palaces. The amazing scenery surrounding the area will send you back in time to quaint village living.
Lemuni delivers the best Malay food prepared in kampung style, with dishes from North to South of Malaysia on their menu. From classic sambal belacan to hot and sour Asam Pedas, to the local tropical fruits of Malaysia, your tastebuds will be satiated!
Opening hours: Friday to Sunday, 8am to 5pm; Monday to Thursday, 12pm to 5pm; Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Address: Lot 9756, Kg Chemperoh, Kampung Janda Baik, 28750 Bentong, Pahang
Contact: +6014-393 4348
7. Warung Oren, Kelantan
Have you tried Nasi Tumpang in Kelantan? If you haven’t, it’s essentially compressed rice layered with Serunding (spicy grated coconut with beef or chicken), prawn, and fried egg, which is then wrapped with banana leaf in a cone shape.
You can try this and other authentic Kelantanese food at Warung Oren. Nasi Dagang and different types of bread are also available, perfect for a nice family breakfast!
Opening hours: 7am to 2pm (Closed on Fridays)
Address: Kubang Kerian, 15200 Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Contact: +6017-731 2371
8. Teratak Tempoyak Nda, Perak
Claypot Patin Tempoyak is a well-known Malay dish, and the best way to try it is on the city’s outskirts, like at Teratak Tempoyak Nda in Gopeng. You’ll be seated on the floor here for the ultimate traditional dining experience.
Besides Claypot Patin Tempoyak (patin fish with fermented durian), other must-try dishes include Sambal Petai with Prawn, and grilled fish with fried egg and ulam (traditional salad of fresh leaves and veggies). These dishes are great to enjoy in large groups so that you can sample more viands from their menu.
Opening hours: 11am to 6pm (Closed on Mondays)
Address: No. 12 Kampung Pulai S/C, 31600 Gopeng, Perak
Contact: +6010-289 4258
