Malaysia is a country that is well-known for its rich and diverse culinary scene, which includes a wide range of delicious street foods. From busy night markets to street-side stalls, the country’s street food is a vibrant and integral part of its food culture. These foods are not only delectable and affordable but also provide a glimpse into the unique flavours and traditions of Malaysia’s various ethnic groups.
Malaysia’s street food is a reflection of the country’s multicultural heritage, with influences from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other cuisines. Some of the most popular street foods range from Nasi Lemak, Char Kway Teow, Satay, Roti Canai, and Cendol. Whether you are a local or a tourist, the abundance of Malaysia’s street food guarantees that you will always find something new and exciting to try. Here are the 15 best street foods in Malaysia.
Why Do People Love Eating Street Foods?
There are several reasons why people love eating street foods, some of which are affordability, variety and convenience.
- Affordability
Street foods are often much more affordable than restaurants, making them accessible to people from all walks of life. In many cases, street foods can also be just as tasty as restaurant meals.
- Variety
Street foods offer extensive flavours and textures that are difficult to find in traditional restaurants. This is especially true in countries like Malaysia, where street foods draw on diverse culinary influences.
- Convenience
Street foods are often easy to find and can be enjoyed on the go, making them a convenient choice for people who are always on the go. They are also often sold in portions that are easy to share with family or friends.
15 Best Street Foods in Malaysia 2025
1. Roti Canai
Roti Canai is a famous street food in Malaysia that is well-loved for its crispy, flaky texture and savoury flavour. It is a type of Indian-influenced flatbread usually served with a side of curry or dhal for dipping.
It can also be stuffed with ingredients like egg, onion, or cheese, making it a versatile meal that caters to people’s tastes. Roti Canai is a staple in Malaysian cuisine, and you can find it being sold at street-side stalls or restaurants nationwide.
Read More:
- Top 10 Best Roti Canai in KL & Selangor
- Top 10 Best Roti Canai in Penang
- Top 8 Best Roti Canai in Johor Bahru
- Top 8 Best Roti Canai in Ipoh
- Top 10 Best Roti Canai in Sabah
- Top 10 Best Roti Canai in Sarawak
2. Nasi Lemak
Nasi Lemak is a beloved Malaysian dish often considered the country’s national dish. It consists of fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves, giving it a rich taste. The rice is typically served with side dishes like spicy sambal sauce, crispy anchovies, roasted peanuts, cucumber slices, and a hard-boiled egg.
It can also be enjoyed as a simple breakfast or a hearty lunch or dinner meal. Nasi Lemak’s growing popularity can be attributed to its fantastic taste, affordability, and versatility.
Read More:
- Top 10 Best Nasi Lemak In Kuala Lumpur
- Top 10 Best Nasi Lemak in Penang
- Top 10 Best Nasi Lemak in Ipoh
- Top 10 Best Nasi Lemak In Sabah
- Top 10 Best Nasi Lemak In Sarawak
3. Cendol
Cendol is a sweet and refreshing dessert popular throughout Southeast Asia, including Malaysia. It is made with a base of shaved ice, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup, then topped with green rice flour jelly strands named ‘cendol’.
This dessert also can be served with other toppings like red beans, corn, or durian, adding a variety of textures and tastes to the dish. It makes a perfect treat for hot and humid weather, as the icy dessert helps to cool you down and satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time.
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4. Ice Kacang
Ice Kacang is another popular ice-based dessert that is commonly found in Malaysia. It consists of shaved ice drizzled with various sweet syrups, flavoured with rose, pandan, or other flavours, and then topped with colourful jellies, red beans, and corn.
This cooling dessert is typically served in a bowl or cup and is perfect for hot and humid weather, as it helps to beat the heat while allowing you to indulge in some flavoursome dessert.
Read More:
- Top 10 Best Ice Kacang in KL & Selangor
- Top 10 Best Ice Kacang in Penang
- Top 10 Best Ice Kacang in Johor
5. Rojak
Rojak is a salad dish in Malaysia consisting of a mixture of fruits and vegetables, such as cucumber, pineapple, jicama, and bean sprouts, tossed with a sweet and spicy peanut sauce. The sauce is made with ground peanuts, tamarind paste and other ingredients, giving it a unique flavour.
It is often enjoyed as a snack or light meal that has a nice blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy tastes. Rojak is well-favoured by both locals and tourists and can be an excellent great way to get a taste of the local cuisine.
Read More:
- Top 10 Best Rojak in KL & Selangor
- Top 10 Best Rojak in Penang
- Top 10 Best Rojak in Ipoh
- Top 7 Best Rojak in Johor Bahru
6. Apam Balik
Apam Balik, a dessert also known as ‘turnover pancake’ is a sweet, crispy pancake that is filled with a mixture of sugar, peanuts, and sweetcorn. It is usually cooked over a hot griddle until golden brown and crispy on the outside, but still soft and fluffy on the inside.
It is often cut into smaller pieces and served hot, making it a perfect snack or dessert during tea time. Apam Balik is a must-try dessert for anyone looking to explore the flavours of Malaysia.
Read More:
- Top 10 Best Apam Balik in Penang
- Top 7 Best Apam Balik in KL & Selangor
- Top 7 Best Apam Balik in Johor
7. Pisang Goreng
Pisang Goreng is a type of deep-fried banana snack that is coated in a batter before being fried until they are crispy and golden brown on the outside yet soft on the inside. The crispy texture and sweet taste make it easily one of people’s favourites.
It is best served while still hot and is a palatable treat that can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert. Pisang Goreng also can be served with a selection of dipping sauces, such as sweet chilli sauce or condensed milk.
Read More:
- Top 10 Best Pisang Goreng in KL & Selangor
- Top 8 Best Pisang Goreng in Johor
- Top 8 Best Pisang Goreng Cheese in KL & Selangor
- Top 5 Best Pisang Goreng Cheese in Johor
- Top 4 Best Pisang Goreng Cheese in Penang
8. Keropok Lekor
Keropok Lekor is a beloved traditional Malaysian snack enjoyed as a snack or as a side dish to a meal, and is commonly found in street-side stalls or markets throughout Malaysia. It has a satisfying crisp on the outside and is soft and chewy on the inside, making it an addictive snack.
It is also typically served with a chilli dipping sauce to add a spicy kick to the snack for an enjoyable snack. Keropok Lekor has a distinctive taste that many people love, especially the locals.
Read More:
9. Satay
Satay is a well-known Southeast Asian dish consisting of marinated and skewered meat, typically chicken, beef, or pork, grilled or barbecued over an open flame. The meat is first seasoned with spices and herbs, giving it a unique and appetising flavour.
It can be served with a peanut dipping sauce and sides such as cucumber, onion, and rice cakes. Satay’s savoury and smoky flavour, combined with the sweetness of the peanut sauce, make it a delectable dish that locals and tourists enjoy.
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10. Chee Cheong Fun
Chee Cheong Fun is a Chinese-style dish that is commonly found in Malaysia. It consists of steamed rice noodle rolls filled with various ingredients, such as shrimp, pork, or vegetables. The rolls are often served with a sweet or savoury sauce like soy sauce, sesame oil, or chilli sauce.
It is a versatile dish that can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack with a delicate texture and filling, making it a beloved dish enjoyed by all. It is definitely a dish for those who want to experience the unique flavours of Chinese-Malaysian cuisine.
Read More:
11. Char Kuey Teow
Char Kuey Teow is commonly found in hawker centres and food courts, consisting of stir-fried rice noodles cooked with many ingredients, such as shrimp, eggs, bean sprouts, and chilli paste.
The dish is often cooked over high heat to give it a smoky and charred taste, leaving you with a flavour you can never get enough of. Char Kuey Teow’s savoury and spicy flavours make it a beloved comfort food often offered at an affordable price.
Read More:
- Top 10 Best Char Kuey Teow in Penang
- Top 10 Best Char Kuey Teow in Ipoh
- Top 8 Best Char Kuey Teow in KL & Selangor
- Top 8 Best Char Kuey Teow in Johor
12. Otak Otak
Otak Otak is a Malaysian snack made from a mixture of fish paste, spices, and herbs. The mixture is typically wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over charcoal or steamed until it is cooked through.
The snack is rich in flavour and has an aromatic fish cake taste that is often served as an appetiser or side dish. Otak Otak is normally spicy and has a rich and creamy texture that is enhanced by the smoky flavour from the grilling process.
13. Asam Laksa
Asam Laksa is a Malaysian noodle dish originating from the northern state of Penang. It is a sour and spicy soup made with tamarind, chilli peppers, and various herbs and spices. The soup is served with shredded mackerel fish, cucumber, onions, and a garnish of fresh herbs such as mint and coriander.
It is also known for its distinctive and complex flavours, which result from the combination of sourness, spiciness, and freshness from the herbs. Asam Laksa is often eaten as a refreshing and satisfying meal, especially during hot weather.
Read More:
- Top 10 Best Asam Laksa in KL & Selangor
- Top 10 Best Laksa in KL & Selangor
- Top 11 Best Laksa in Penang
- Top 10 Best Laksa In Sabah
14. Lok Lok
Lok Lok is a favoured Malaysian street food consisting of skewered foods such as meat, seafood, and vegetables cooked by boiling or grilling. The skewered foods are placed in a communal pot of boiling water or broth and cooked to perfection.
It also can be dipped in a variety of sauces before being eaten. Lok Lok’s variety of selections, combined with the interactive and social nature of the dish, leave you with a lovely and memorable dining experience.
15. Cakoi
Cakoi, also known as Youtiao, is a Malaysian snack made from fried dough that is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The dough is typically made from a mixture of flour, water, and yeast, which is then fried in hot oil until it turns golden brown.
It is often served as a breakfast or snack item, either on its own or with a dipping sauce. Cakoi is a mouth-watering and easy-to-eat snack that can be consumed at any time of the day and is often paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
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