Enjoy Malaysia's Gourmet Specialties
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.
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.
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.