Sponsored by Tourism Malaysia Brunei Darussalam
Food is life, and some of the best eats in the world can be found right on our doorstep in Malaysia. Nasi kandar, Rojak, Street Food, kopi ; follow us on a delicious journey through a few of our favourite food cities and discover a tasting tour of the melting pot of flavours and cuisines that makes Malaysia, Truly Asia.
PENANG
This northwestern state’s deep Peranakan roots and its reputation as a gastronomic haven mean very little can go wrong when you’re eating here. Street food is always a great insight into local culture and there spots are a delicious way to learn about the island state!
PENANG ROAD TEOCHEW CHENDUL
One of the oldest and most famous stalls in the state — Penang Road Teochew Chendul is still operating its classic pushcart location over 80 years on, despite having a flashier franchise branches across the island now. You’ll know when you see the large wall mural behind it. Grab a bowl, stand by the side and enjoy life’s little pleasures.
IG : @penangchendul | 27 & 29 Lebuh Keng Kwee, 10100 Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
ZARIE FAMOUS LAKSA HOUSE
This legendary stall is now helmed by Zarie’s son, Hafiz while staying true to the delicious original recipe. This is also one of the most affordable laksa options around and has people flocking here for the bowls packed with flavour from tamarind, satin fish, chilli paste and belacan.
IG : @zarielaksahouse | 3, Jalan Sungai Emas, Kawasan Perumahan Sungai Emas, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Penang, Malaysia
AIR ITAM SISTER CURRY MEE
So good that it’s listed in the Malaysia Michelin guide, this family run stall has served fans since 1946. Love its aromatic curry broth with a cuttlefish chilli base — all cooked over charcoal stoves.
IG : @air_itam_sister_curry_mee | 612-T, Jalan Ayer Itam, Pekan Ayer Itam, 11500 Ayer Itam, Penang, Malaysia
DEEN’S MAJU NASI KANDAR
Nasi kandar is an eponymous part of Penang’s food scene and this is one of the very best. Consistently tasty and affordable, it’s always packed and you’ll most certainly have to queue but it’s all part of the experience and thankfully, service is said to be quick. Load up on the plates of rice flooded with curry sauces, meats and vegetables — especially their fried chicken 75!
FB : Deens Maju | 170, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
ALI NASI LEMAK
For a cheap way to kick off your day of feasting, these leaf-wrapped parcels of fluffy coconut rice doused in spicy sambal comes in a myriad of choices like chicken, anchovies with egg, fish, salted fish, prawns and squid.
IG : @alinasilemakdaunpisang | Beach Street, Georgetown, 10300 Penang, Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR
Malaysia’s capital city is vibrant and multicultural, and so well reflected in the amazing variety of cuisines and dining experiences available. One minute you’re roaming the markets in search of something tasty, and the next, enjoying five-star hospitality at world-class fine dining establishments in the metropolis.
HUTONG LOT 10 FOOD COURT
(Non-Halal)
Looking for authentic Malaysian-Chinese food? This award-winning group of stalls is located at the bottom of a shopping centre in Bukit Bintang, so you can have streetfood without the heat and sweat. Many are generations-old businesses, so you know there;s mastery and craft involved in the meals here.
IG : @lot10hutong | LG Floor, Lot 10 Shopping Centre, 50, Jln Sultan Ismail 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
MARBLE8
(Serves Alcohol)
Meat eaters, rejoice. This premium steakhouse serves up top quality halal Australian Angus and Wagyu in a dramatic, luxurious setting. For a more intimate experience, the Prive Cigar Lounge is an excellent place for a post-meal drink and chat.
IG : @marble_8 | Level 59, Menara 3 Petronas, Persiaran KLCC, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
DE.WAN 1958
Bright and fun like Chef Wan himself, this huge expanse of dining space is a wonderful reflection of warm Malaysian hospitality. Sample revered classics like Sup Tulang Kambing Merah and Ikan Asam Pedas on a Michelin-approved menu, all with Chef Wan’s special touch. The unique 360-degree visual projections make it extra special!
IG : @dewan.space | The LINC KL, Lot 2-2, Level 2, No. 360, jalan Tun Razak, 50900 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
REBUNG
Helmed by Chef Ismail, one of the country’s rising culinary stars, this is a great place for traditional Malay cuisine in a luxurious setting. Sitting atop a multi-storey car park, this family-friendly spot has lots of space and plenty to eat especially if you go for the buffet option! We enjoy the al-fresco balcony seating area best.
IG : @rebung_taman_botani | 5-2 Cascade Parking Bukit Aman, 1, Kalan Tanglin, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
KUCHING
As a member of UNESCO’s Creative Cities network under the field of gastronomy, the capital city of Sarawak holds up on its reputation. Get your caffeine fix and indulge in the freshest seafood that Kuching has to offer.
ROCK ROAD SEAFOOD
An institution in its own right. Rock Road has been plating up delectable seafood dishes for the public over decades and still gets praises for the quality and freshness of its ingredients. Select from the live tanks at the restaurant and have it cooked just the way you like it. Rock Road is just out of the city centre and accessible via a short car or taxi ride.
IG : @rockroadseafood | Rock View Estate, Lot 1229 – 1230, Jalan Rock & 2 1/2 Mile, Taman Liong Seng, 93200 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
MUARA TEBAS SEAFOD
While this may be a bit out of the centre, the relaxing setting of this fishing village at the mouth of the Sarawak River is worth the hype! Go early and take a sunset stroll around, where you’ll experience the special warmth of the Malay and Chinese locals — many of whom are directly linked to the delicious meal you’ll enjoy later.
FB : Muara Tebas Seafood | 10, Jalan Kampung Muara Tebas, Sungai Buda Kecil, 93010 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
EARTHLINGS COFFEE WORKSHOP
Part coffee lab and part cafe, Earthlings is helmed by a group of coffee-crazy friends and the passionate force of founder Dr. Kenny Lee Wei Ting. This is a must-visit for anyone wanting to learn more about the local liberica coffee that is performing at a global standard and it taste out of this world too!
IG : @earthlingscoffee | Sublot 16, Soho East Hq Lot 188, Lorong 5, Jalan Wan Alwi, Taman Supreme, 93300 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
BLACK BEAN COFFEE
Somewhere between a cafe and a kopitiam, this quaint spot is commonly referred to as the local ‘Starbucks’ for being one of the earliest adopters of selling freshly brewed espresso. Each branch has a retro feel and you’ll find lots of design references to post-colonial Kuching. A great refueling stop along your sightseeing route of the day.
