Top 15 Best Food Staples in Malaysia 2025

Malaysia is known for its diverse and flavorful cuisine, heavily influenced by its multicultural population. Malaysian food represents the country’s unique blend of cultures. Let’s explore some of the best food staples in Malaysia that you have to try if you are a huge foodie or planning to visit the country.

Whether you are a local trying to expand your palate or a first-time tourist looking for Malaysia’s food staples, this article has everything you need to know about the must-try foods you cannot afford to miss. With its abundance of culinary options, Malaysia is a food lover’s paradise, and your visit would not be complete without sampling its diverse range of dishes. Here are the 15 best food staples in Malaysia.

What Are The Most Popular Food Staples in Malaysia?

There are several popular food staples in Malaysia that you should totally try if you are a food enthusiast. The most popular ones are Nasi Lemak, Satay, Laksa, Roti Canai, and Char Kway Teow.

What Are The Ingredients Commonly Used in Malaysian Cuisine?

Malaysian cuisine is a diverse fusion of different cultures, resulting in wide variations of ingredients used in cooking. Some common ingredients in Malaysian cuisine are rice, spices, herbs, meat, seafood, vegetables and coconut milk.

15 Best Food Staples in Malaysia 2025

1. Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak is a popular food staple in Malaysia and is considered a national dish enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. It is a flavourful and filling dish that can be eaten anytime, from breakfast, lunch and even dinner.

You can also find Nasi Lemak readily available from street food stalls, restaurants, and cafes across the country. It is also an easily customisable dish, as it can come with different variations and toppings to suit everyone’s preferences.

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2. Satay

Satay is considered an important part of Malaysian food culture and has a long history dating back to ancient times. It is a dish that represents the diverse flavours and cultural influences of Malaysian cuisine.

It is a type of skewered meat that is marinated in a mixture of spices, herbs, and other ingredients, before being grilled over charcoal. Satay is also typically served with peanut sauce, cucumber slices, and ketupat.

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3. Laksa

Laksa is a comforting and satisfying meal that is often enjoyed during lunch or dinner. It is a type of noodle soup that is made with a spicy and tangy broth and various types of noodles, seafood, and meats, making it a versatile dish.

Its unique flavour and popularity as a food staple in Malaysia have also led to variations of the dish being enjoyed in other Southeast Asian countries, showcasing the widespread appeal of this flavoursome dish.

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4. Roti Canai

Roti canai is a popular food staple in Malaysia due to its delicious taste, affordability, and cultural significance. It is typically served with multiple accompaniments, such as dhal, chicken or mutton curry, or sweet condensed milk.

Roti Canai is served as breakfast, but it is also not uncommon to see people enjoying this staple food during the evening. Roti Canai can be found in many places across the country, including street food stalls, hawker centres, coffee shops, and restaurants.

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5. Char Kway Teow

Char Kway Teow is a great option for those who want to have something heavier during tea time. It is a stir-fried noodle dish with flat rice noodles, seafood, meat, vegetables, and soy sauce.

Char Kway Teow is also a dish that reflects the diverse culinary influences in Malaysia. It is believed to be originated from Chinese cuisine but has been adapted and modified over time to suit local tastes.

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6. Nasi Kandar

Nasi Kandar is one of the most sought-after dishes in Malaysia, especially in Penang. It is a type of rice dish that originated in Penang and is typically served with multiple types of curries, meats, and vegetables.

The dish is known for its bold and spicy taste, resulting from the generous use of spices and herbs in its preparation. It is also a common street food in Malaysia and is readily available from food stalls and restaurants across the country.

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Top 8 Best Nasi Kandar Restaurants in Malaysia

7. Rendang

Rendang is a dish that has a long history in Malaysian cuisine, as it is often served during festive occasions and celebrations like Hari Raya. It is a type of slow-cooked meat dish made with an assortment of spices and herbs like turmeric, ginger, and lemongrass.

The dish can be prepared using various types of meat, including chicken, beef and lamb. It is also best enjoyed with ketupat, rice or other side dishes.

8. Apam Balik

Apam Balik is a well-loved snack in Malaysia and is often enjoyed on its own or paired with a hot cup of tea or coffee. It is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making it easily people’s favourite snack to have during tea time.

The fact that this snack is served as a street food makes it convenient for you to find Apam Balik anywhere you go. It is a sweet pancake typically filled with a mixture of sugar, peanuts, and sweet corn, the perfect food for the sweet tooth.

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9. Roti John

Roti John has become Malaysia’s favourite food staple due to its distinctive taste. This dish is usually made by filling a long, baguette-style bread with a mixture of minced meat, onions, and egg before being drizzled with a generous amount of chilli sauce or mayonnaise.

Roti John can be enjoyed as a quick and satisfying snack and is a popular street food item that you definitely cannot skip. Thanks to its fillings, it is ideal for people who love indulging in savoury dishes.

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10. Murtabak

Martabak is a type of stuffed pancake that is commonly filled with minced meat, vegetables, eggs, and spices. It is also served with a tangy dipping sauce to elevate the taste and texture of this beloved dish.

Martabak is a popular street food item in Malaysia and is often enjoyed as a snack or light meal, making it people’s choice whenever they visit “pasar malam” or bazaar. It is a fulfilling dish that is ideal for those looking for a heavier evening snack.

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11. Ramly Burger

Ramly Burger is a beloved street food item in Malaysia and is often sold at night markets and roadside stalls. Its popularity can be attributed to its affordability, which makes it accessible to people from all walks of life, as well as its finger-licking taste.

The burger is often enjoyed as a quick and satisfying meal, especially among young people, and has become a cultural icon in Malaysia.

12. Pisang Goreng

Pisang goreng, also known as banana fritters, is a renowned food staple in Malaysia due to its simple yet addictive taste, affordability, and widespread availability. It is a snack made by dipping ripe bananas in batter and then deep-frying until crispy and golden brown.

Pisang goreng is also a common street food in Malaysia that is often sold at roadside stalls, night markets, and food courts. It is a quick and easy snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

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13. Rojak

Rojak is a beloved snack and side dish in Malaysia and is often sold at hawker stalls and food courts. It is a refreshing option that can be eaten on its own or as a complement to other dishes.

Its versatility also allows for variations, such as using different types of fruits and vegetables depending on the season and region. Rojak is also a cultural symbol in Malaysia, with the word “rojak” being used to describe a mixture of different cultures and languages, reflecting the country’s multicultural identity.

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14. Cendol

Cendol is a dessert made with a mixture of shaved ice, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup topped with green jelly-like noodles made from rice flour and pandan leaves. It is commonly served with red beans and corn for added texture and sweet taste.

Cendol is a refreshing and cooling option, making it a perfect dessert to enjoy in Malaysia’s hot and humid climate. It is also a cultural symbol in Malaysia, with the dessert being a popular choice for any occasion.

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15. Teh Tarik

Teh Tarik has become a staple in Malaysia due to its unique taste, cultural significance, and social aspect. Its popularity has also led to variations, such as adding spices or different types of milk to the tea.

It is a social drink that brings people together. Many Malaysians often gather at roadside stalls or mamak restaurants to enjoy a cup of teh tarik with friends or colleagues during breakfast or as a midday pick-me-up.

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Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.asia. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.