Our In-The-Know Culinary Travel Guide to the Best Things to Eat in Malaysia’s Capital City – Plus Recipes for Making Many Malaysian Classics You’ll Find in the City at Home
Malaysia is a vibrant and diverse country, with a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. And there’s no better place to experience this than in its capital city, Kuala Lumpur. From street food to fine dining, the city offers a plethora of options for food lovers. But with so many delicious dishes to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s where we come in with our in-the-know culinary travel guide to the best things to eat in Kuala Lumpur.
Satay – The Ultimate Street Food
Satay is a must-try dish in Kuala Lumpur, and you’ll find it at every corner of the city. These skewered and grilled meats are marinated in a blend of spices and served with a spicy peanut sauce. The meat can vary from chicken, beef, lamb, or even rabbit, giving you a range of options to try. One of the best places to indulge in this street food favorite is at Jalan Alor, a bustling street lined with food stalls. Don’t miss out on this mouthwatering dish while in Kuala Lumpur.
Nasi Lemak – The National Dish
No visit to Malaysia is complete without trying the national dish, Nasi Lemak. This fragrant rice dish is cooked in coconut milk and served with an array of side dishes. The most common accompaniments include fried anchovies, peanuts, cucumber, and a spicy sambal sauce. You can also find variations with additional toppings like fried chicken, beef rendang, or curry. One of the best places to try Nasi Lemak in Kuala Lumpur is at Village Park Restaurant, a local favorite that serves up a delicious rendition of this classic dish.
Roti Canai – A Malaysian Staple
A trip to Kuala Lumpur wouldn’t be complete without trying Roti Canai, a popular flatbread dish that has become a staple in Malaysian cuisine. This flaky and crispy bread is usually served with a side of curry sauce for dipping. You can also find variations with egg, cheese, or meat added to the filling. For a truly authentic experience, head to a local Mamak stall, where you can watch the skilled cooks toss and stretch the dough to create the perfect Roti Canai.
Char Kway Teow – A Stir-Fry Delight
Char Kway Teow is a stir-fry dish that has its roots in Chinese cuisine but has become a beloved Malaysian street food. This dish consists of flat rice noodles stir-fried with prawns, cockles, bean sprouts, and egg. It’s then flavored with a combination of soy sauce, chili paste, and other spices. The result is a flavorful and satisfying dish that will leave you wanting more. For the best Char Kway Teow in Kuala Lumpur, head to Madras Lane in Chinatown, where you’ll find numerous stalls serving up this delicious dish.
Nasi Goreng – A Malaysian Fried Rice Favorite
Nasi Goreng, or fried rice, is a staple in Malaysian cuisine and can be found on almost every menu in Kuala Lumpur. This dish is made by stir-frying rice with a variety of ingredients, including vegetables, eggs, and meat. The flavors are enhanced with a combination of spices and sauces, making it a mouthwatering dish that is sure to please. For a unique twist on this classic dish, try Nasi Goreng Kampung at Restoran Kin Kin, where the rice is cooked with anchovies and served with a side of fried chicken.
Recipes to Make Malaysian Classics at Home
While nothing beats the experience of indulging in these Malaysian classics in Kuala Lumpur, we understand that not everyone has the opportunity to travel. So, we’ve included some recipes for you to recreate these dishes at home and bring a taste of Malaysia to your kitchen.
Satay Recipe
Ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken, cut into bite-size pieces
– 1 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp turmeric powder
– 1 tsp coriander powder
– 1 tsp cumin powder
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp ginger powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup peanut butter
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/
