Just ask anyone that has been to Malaysia and they’ll tell you that food plays a major role in shaping the Malaysian culture as it is genuinely an ice-breaking element for all citizens regardless of race or religion. Besides, when you enjoy a scrumptious meal alongside your close friends or family, it is always more memorable and satisfying. While most families still practice the tradition of eating home cooked meals, however, in the current era, it is inevitable that eating out has become a common pursuit due to the country’s melting pot of delicious cuisines.
Every individual are passionate yet, opinionated about their choice and location of the best local dishes. Here we narrowed down to the top three authentic foods in Kuala Lumpur that are a must-try.
Nasi Lemak
The nasi lemak is frequently known as the national dish of Malaysia. The rice gives off a rich fragrance that is infused with coconut milk and pandan leaves. A basic nasi lemak comes packed in a small triangular-like brown packet, traditionally served with pounded prawn sambal, ikan bilis (anchovies), peanuts and hard boiled egg. However, nowadays you can find nasi lemak served with additional lauk, like sambal sotong (cuttlefish), beef rendang and fried chicken.
Try the Village Park’s Nasi Lemak at Damansara Uptown. Be sure to be there early to avoid the long queue.
Village Park Nasi Lemak
5, Jalan SS 21/37,
Damansara Utama,
47400 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor, Malaysia
+60 12-273 8438
Asam Laksa
No bowl of asam laksa would disappoint. Not to be confused with curry laksa, the asam laksa has a tangy bite that leaves you wanting for more. Although for some, it could be a hit or miss. Those who enjoy feasting on asam laksa usually have a craving for sour and spicy flavours. The slurp-worthy elements of an asam laksa is a combination of rice noodles in rich textured soup, coupled with generous servings of shredded mackerel, assortment of herbs and prawn paste.
A hearty bowl of asam laksa can be found in most hawker stalls at a corner of your neighbourhood. Try the supreme asam laksa over at Kedai Kopi O&S at Paramount Garden.
Kedai Makanan O&S Restaurant
39, Jalan 20/14,
Taman Paramount,
Petaling Jaya,
46300, Malaysia
+60 3-7876 1488
Banana Leaf Rice
A great cuisine for rice lovers derived from South India, you would definitely not want to miss out on the Banana Leaf Rice. Rice is served on top of a banana leaf with curried vegetables and a side of crispy papadum. Then, take a pick of 3 types of curries (fish, chicken or dahl) to be poured on top of the rice. What we love about this is that the volume of rice and curry is really all up to your preference. The more, the better.
Additionally, you can select a variety of curried or fried meats or seafood for those with huge appetites. Personally, we like our banana leaf rice accompanied with mutton rendang or chicken masala to fulfil our meaty desires. Of course, enjoying the banana leaf rice is nothing compared to eating it with clean, bare hands. It makes the experience worthwhile, a little sloppy but definitely much tastier. Check out the famous Kanna Curry House at Seksyen 17.
Kanna Curry House
29, Jalan 17/45, Seksyen 17,
46400 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor, Malaysia
+60 3-7958 4814
The favourite foods in Kuala Lumpur are not only limited to local street delicacies but international fine dining cuisines. Fine-dining lovers who want to enjoy classed-up environment with authentic flavours can choose to visit the following restaurants.
Marble 8’s Dry-Aged Steaks
Good slabs of steaks can be a rare find in Malaysia, especially premium beef cuts with perfect marbling, such as the dry-aged steaks. At Marble 8 Steakhouse KL, they take a careful approach in serving the finest dry-aged steaks that are lean, succulent in texture and juicy in flavour. A highly recommended dish that is a must-try at Marble 8 would be the Wagyu Tenderloin On The Bone, priced at a hefty RM650 for 450g. We agree that it is worth every bite and you can definitely impress your date with this remarkable dish.
Marble 8
Lorong Kuda,
Kuala Lumpur City Centre,
50450 Kuala Lumpur,
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+60 3-2386 6030
Marini’s on 57’s Italian Pastas
For those that crave some carbolicious pasta, Marini’s on 57 is definitely a must-try. It is an Italian restaurant which is located right next to the Twin Towers. Fine dining may be their expertise, but they also serve some of the most exquisite Italian haute cuisine dishes such as their signature pastas. Whet your appetite with these pasta dishes drowned in rich sauces: Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, the tomato based spaghetti which is a typical Bologna specialty, and the Penne All’arrabbiata served with fresh mushrooms and bacon mixed perfectly with a unique spicy sauce.
Marini’s on 57
Level 57, Menara 3 Petronas,
Persiaran KLCC,
50088 Kuala Lumpur,
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+60 3-2386 6030
Enak KL’s Malay Dishes
Who says fine dining is reserved only for Western cuisine? Enak Kuala Lumpur serves upscale Malay delicacies that brings you back to the past. The recipes and cooking methods were passed down from generations after generations, faithfully concocting authentic flavours of the classic Malay cuisine. Think about your favourite Malay dishes recreated with refinement, simplicity and pure fresh ingredients. Enak KL’s main specialties from their ambitious menu would be the Ikan Assam Pedas, Ayam Percik and Daging Kurma that goes along with a serving of fragrant white rice.
Enak Kuala Lumpur
LG2, Feast Floor, Starhill Gallery 181,
Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia.
+60 3-2141 8973
We hope all these recommendations whipped up your appetite but if you have other great suggestions on must try foods in Kuala Lumpur, let us know in the comments below.
