Enjoy Malaysia's Gourmet Specialties
Wonder how to eat like a local here? Find out all you need to know here.
Craving a taste of Malaysia? Our diverse culture has created a vibrant food scene. From spicy street food to aromatic curries, every bite offers a unique experience. Don't miss iconic dishes like Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai, and Laksa.
In many Malaysian households, it's common for family members to come together to prepare meals, with everyone contributing to the cooking process. It fosters a sense of togetherness but also allows family recipes to be passed down from generation to generation.
Malaysians typically eat 3-4 meals a day: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and sometimes dessert. Our diverse food scene has something for everyone. Studying here is a great chance to try delicious dishes from all over Malaysia!
Want to eat like a local? Head to hawker centers and try dishes like Nasi Lemak, Char Kway Teow, and Roti Canai. Use your hands or chopsticks, and share with friends. Enjoy local drinks like Teh Tarik or Kopi O. Ask locals for recommendations and discover new flavors!
Fun Fact! Eating using hands is common in Malaysia, so you might see people enjoying their food like this.
Check out these resources for more information about Malaysian cuisine and delicious meal ideas! Make some hearty meals to share and eat together with your friends and family!
Supermarkets: Wide variety of products, including fresh food and imported items. Can be more expensive.
Morning and night markets: Local produce, cheaper prices, and a more authentic experience.
Discount supermarkets: Affordable options for basic groceries.
Choose the best place based on your needs and budget!
If you're looking for the best prices, there are several supermarket chains that provide great deals at a cheap price. Places like NSK, Giant, Lotus are all affordable choices. Discount supermarkets often put out reduced price items at 9pm, so be sure to go during that time for the best deals!
Both the big supermarkets and the discounters sell organic products, and it’s becoming more and more common to find locally grown fruit and vegetables on the shelves. If you want to save money, you can go to the local markets and get fresh and affordable produce, which generally cheaper than the supermarkets. Most supermarkets and all discounters also have weekly specials, so be sure to keep an eye out for these deals when stocking up on essential supplies.
It’s also a good idea to find out whether there is a morning market— what locals call ‘pasar pagi,’ in or near your neighbourhood. Morning markets are the place to go for fresh, local produce, much of it organically farmed. The produce is fresher, and there are also better cuts of meat and fruit specialities that you just won’t find in supermarkets. Many of these markets also feature food stalls, selling homemade food and drinks, making them an attractive destination if you want to turn your shopping trip into a little outing.
Malaysia also has its fair share of international eateries. Most towns and cities are well served by Japanese, Korean and Italian restaurants, cafés and fast food outlets.
The bigger cities naturally offer a greater range of international dining options, including restaurants specialising in Thai, Indian, Western and Middle Eastern cuisines, to name but a few. In many cases, you’ll find the cuisine has been adapted to suit the Malaysian palate – so don’t be surprised if your favourite dish doesn’t taste quite the same as how you remember it from your home country.
Malaysia is home to numerous impressive malls, offering a wide range of shopping, dining, entertainment, and recreational options. These malls serve as more than just retail hubs; they are vibrant spaces where people gather to shop, dine, socialize, and be entertained. A lot of malls houses cinemas, providing movie buffs with an immersive cinematic experience. Additionally, cultural performances, art exhibitions, and events frequently grace its halls, adding vibrancy and excitement to the shopping experience.
Malaysian malls are diverse and expansive, often encompassing multiple floors filled with a wide array of retail outlets, dining options, and entertainment facilities. Additionally, Malaysia's tropical climate means that malls serve as popular air-conditioned retreats, making them bustling hubs of activity throughout the day. Visitors should be prepared for crowds, especially during weekends and holidays. Overall, exploring Malaysian malls provides a dynamic and immersive experience into the country's bustling urban lifestyle and diverse retail landscape.
Adapting to a new culture can be challenging, but with these tips, you will find it easier to integrate and enjoy your time in Malaysia. Respect the local customs, practice the language, and you will gain a richer experience. Welcome to your new adventure!