Malaysian cuisine is a vibrant fusion of flavors, blending Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous influences into dishes that are nothing short of spectacular.
From street food staples to hearty meals, Malaysian food is a feast for the senses.
If you’re a foodie looking to expand your culinary horizons, you’re in for a treat.
Get ready to dive into a world of bold spices, creamy curries, and mouthwatering noodles.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a newbie in the kitchen, these Malaysian recipes are guaranteed to impress.
Let’s get cooking and explore the 10+ best Malaysian recipes you absolutely need to try at least once in your life.
1. Nasi Lemak Malaysia’s National Dish
Nasi Lemak is the crown jewel of Malaysian cuisine. This fragrant rice dish, cooked in coconut milk.
And pandan leaves, is often served with crispy anchovies, roasted peanuts, a hard-boiled egg, cucumber slices, and a spicy sambal sauce.
It’s a breakfast staple but hearty enough for any meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 pandan leaves (knotted)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup dried anchovies (fried)
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
- 1 cucumber (sliced)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs
- 1 cup sambal (chili paste)
How to Make It:
Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Cook it with coconut milk, pandan leaves, and salt in a rice cooker or pot.
While the rice cooks, fry the anchovies until crispy. Serve the rice with anchovies, peanuts, cucumber, eggs, and a dollop of sambal.
Why We Chose It:
Nasi Lemak is the ultimate comfort food and a must-try for anyone exploring Malaysian cuisine.
Its rich, creamy rice paired with the spicy sambal is a flavor explosion you won’t forget.
2. Char Kway Teow Stir-Fried Noodle Heaven
Char Kway Teow is a beloved street food dish made with flat rice noodles stir-fried with shrimp, eggs, bean sprouts, and chives.
It’s smoky, savory, and downright addictive.
Ingredients:
- 200g flat rice noodles
- 100g shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 3 stalks chives (cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp chili paste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
How to Make It:
Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 10 minutes. Heat oil in a wok and stir-fry the shrimp until pink.
Push the shrimp to one side, crack the eggs into the wok, and scramble them. Add the noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili paste.
Toss in the bean sprouts and chives. Stir-fry until everything is well combined.
Why We Chose It:
Char Kway Teow is a street food classic that’s packed with flavor. Its smoky wok hei (breath of the wok) makes it irresistible.
3. Laksa Spicy Noodle Soup
Laksa is a spicy noodle soup that comes in many variations.
The most popular is Curry Laksa, which features a rich, coconut-based broth, rice noodles, shrimp, tofu puffs, and a hard-boiled egg.
Ingredients:
- 200g rice noodles
- 1 cup shrimp
- 4 tofu puffs (halved)
- 1 hard-boiled egg
- 4 cups coconut milk
- 2 tbsp laksa paste
- 1 stalk lemongrass (bruised)
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
How to Make It:
Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. In a pot, heat the laksa paste and lemongrass until fragrant.
Add coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Add shrimp and tofu puffs, cooking until the shrimp are pink.
Serve the broth over noodles, topped with bean sprouts, egg, and cilantro.
Why We Chose It:
Laksa is a flavor-packed noodle soup that’s both comforting and exciting. Its creamy, spicy broth is a game-changer.
4. Roti Canai Flaky Flatbread
Roti Canai is a flaky, buttery flatbread often served with curry for dipping. It’s a popular breakfast item and a favorite at Malaysian mamak stalls.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup condensed milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
How to Make It:
Mix flour, condensed milk, water, and salt to form a dough. Knead for 10 minutes, then divide into small balls.
Coat each ball with ghee and let rest for 2 hours. Stretch the dough until thin, then fold into layers. Cook on a hot skillet until golden brown.
Why We Chose It:
Roti Canai is a simple yet satisfying dish that showcases the beauty of Malaysian street food. Its flaky layers are pure magic.
5. Satay Grilled Skewers with Peanut Sauce
Satay is skewered and grilled meat, usually chicken or beef, served with a creamy peanut dipping sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Ingredients:
- 500g chicken or beef (cut into cubes)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp honey
- Bamboo skewers (soaked in water)
How to Make It:
Marinate the meat in soy sauce, turmeric, and cumin for at least 1 hour. Thread onto skewers and grill until cooked through.
For the sauce, mix peanut butter, coconut milk, and honey in a saucepan over low heat until smooth. Serve the skewers with the sauce.
Why We Chose It:
Satay is a flavorful and fun dish that’s perfect for parties or weeknight dinners. The peanut sauce is the real star here.
6. Hainanese Chicken Rice
Hainanese Chicken Rice is a deceptively simple dish of poached chicken and fragrant rice. It’s all about the quality of ingredients and the technique.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1-inch ginger (sliced)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- Soy sauce and chili sauce for serving
How to Make It:
Poach the chicken in simmering water until cooked through. Reserve the broth.
Cook the rice with minced garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in the reserved broth. Serve the chicken with the rice and dipping sauces.
Why We Chose It:
Hainanese Chicken Rice is a classic dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Its simplicity lets the flavors shine.
7. Rendang Spicy Beef Curry
Rendang is a slow-cooked beef curry that’s rich, spicy, and incredibly flavorful. It’s often served during special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 500g beef (cut into chunks)
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 stalks lemongrass (bruised)
- 4 kaffir lime leaves
- 1/4 cup rendang paste
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp tamarind paste
How to Make It:
Combine all ingredients in a pot and simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Why We Chose It:
Rendang is a showstopper dish that’s worth the time and effort. Its complex flavors are unforgettable.
8. Cendol Sweet Dessert Drink
Cendol is a refreshing dessert made with green rice flour jelly, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup. It’s perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1/2 cup pandan juice (for coloring)
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1/2 cup palm sugar syrup
- Ice cubes
How to Make It:
Mix rice flour and pandan juice to form a dough. Press through a sieve into boiling water to form jelly noodles.
Drain and cool. Serve with coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and ice.
Why We Chose It:
Cendol is a unique and refreshing dessert that’s a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
9. Mee Goreng Spicy Fried Noodles
Mee Goreng is a spicy fried noodle dish loaded with veggies, tofu, and a tangy sauce. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 200g yellow noodles
- 1/2 cup tofu (cubed)
- 1/2 cup cabbage (shredded)
- 1/4 cup tomato ketchup
- 1 tbsp chili paste
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 egg
How to Make It:
Stir-fry the noodles with tofu, cabbage, ketchup, chili paste, and soy sauce.
Push to one side, crack an egg into the wok, and scramble. Mix everything together and serve.
Why We Chose It:
Mee Goreng is a quick and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
10. Kuih Lapis Layered Cake
Kuih Lapis is a colorful, layered cake made with rice flour and coconut milk. It’s soft, chewy, and visually stunning.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1/2 cup tapioca flour
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- Food coloring
How to Make It:
Mix flours, coconut milk, and sugar to form a batter. Divide into portions and add food coloring. Steam each layer for 5 minutes before adding the next.
Why We Chose It:
Kuih Lapis is a beautiful and delicious dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
11. Apam Balik Malaysian Pancake
Apam Balik is a crispy, fluffy pancake filled with peanuts, sugar, and sweet corn. It’s a popular street food snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup peanuts (crushed)
- 1/4 cup sweet corn
How to Make It:
Mix flour, sugar, baking soda, and water to form a batter. Cook in a pan until bubbles form. Sprinkle with peanuts and sweet corn. Fold in half and serve.
Why We Chose It:
Apam Balik is a delightful snack that’s crispy, sweet, and utterly satisfying.
Conclusion
Malaysian cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, and these 10+ recipes are just the tip of the iceberg.
Whether you’re craving something spicy, sweet, or savory, there’s a Malaysian dish for you.
So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and start cooking.