Discover a variety of mouth-watering Malaysian snacks, with unique flavors and rich culinary traditions that you must try when visiting the neighboring country.
Malaysia is a culinary paradise with a variety of mouth-watering snacks. The country is known for its rich tastes, influenced by various cultures, including Malay, Chinese and Indian.
Street food or snacks in Malaysia are not only delicious but also reflect its cultural diversity and culinary history. From snacks to heavy meals, Malaysia has many typical snacks that are a shame to miss.
Here are 10 typical Malaysian snacks that you must try to experience the true deliciousness of this country.
1. Czech
Cekodok is a very popular snack in Malaysia, made from wheat flour and bananas that are fried until crispy. It is round in shape and has a sweet taste from the banana that blends perfectly with the crispy outer texture.
In addition to cekodok made from bananas, there are other variations that use ingredients such as shrimp, onions, corn, or salted fish.
This snack is usually enjoyed as an afternoon snack with hot tea. The price of the kolodok is very affordable, with around 6 to 8 items being sold for only RM 1. Its practicality makes it a favorite choice among locals and tourists alike.
2. Apam Balik
Apam balik, also known as sweet martabak in Indonesia, is a traditional Malaysian cake that has a soft and thick dough. This cake is baked until it is full of holes and filled with various fillings such as peanut butter, corn, and sugar.
The basic ingredients of apam balik dough consist of wheat flour, liquid milk, eggs, and baking powder which are mixed and cooked on a teflon with a little oil. Each bite gives a delicious sweet and savory sensation.
As a Typical Malaysian Food, apam balik is very popular as a street snack in Malaysia and is easily found at night markets or roadside eateries.
3. Popiah
Popiah is a fresher version of lumpia and is often served without frying. Filled with a variety of fresh vegetables such as green beans, bean sprouts, lettuce, carrots, tofu, and minced meat or crab, popiah is a snack that is not only healthy but also full of flavor.
Originating from Chinese culture, popiah can be found in various markets and food centers in Malaysia. Usually, popiah is served with a sweet and spicy sauce, giving it a fresh and slightly spicy sensation.
This snack is perfect for those of you who are looking for a healthy and light snack.
4. Ice Peanuts
Ais kacang, or more commonly known as ABC (Ais Batu Campur), is a popular Malaysian ice mix, especially on hot days. This snack consists of shaved ice topped with condensed milk, red syrup, red beans, corn, and palm fruit.
The sweetness of the condensed milk combined with the freshness of the shaved ice and chewy red beans makes it a refreshing treat.
Ais kacang is often enjoyed as a dessert or as a midday snack. Try ais kacang when visiting Malaysia, especially on a hot day, and feel the cool sensation it offers.
5. Sour Laksa
Asam laksa is a very typical noodle dish from Malaysia, especially from the Penang area.
Unlike laksa from other countries, Malaysian asam laksa uses a sour and spicy fish broth, made from mackerel cooked with spices such as lemongrass, chili, and kesum leaves. The noodles used are large and chewy rice noodles, similar to Japanese udon.
This dish is very distinctive with its appetizing spicy and sour taste. Usually, asam laksa is served with sliced lettuce, cucumber, and fresh mint leaves, adding freshness to every mouthful.
6. Koay Chiap
Koay chiap is a typical Malaysian snack that is similar to soto, but with stronger and more varied flavors. The filling of koay chiap consists of duck meat, duck innards, vermicelli, boiled eggs, and sometimes additional coagulated blood.
Cooked in a broth rich in spices, koay chiap has a savory and slightly spicy taste. This snack is usually served with a sprinkling of celery on top to add freshness. If you like spicy and flavorful dishes, koay chiap is the right choice.
7. Teh Tarik
Teh tarik is a famous Malaysian drink that can also be found in Indonesia. Teh tarik is black tea mixed with sweetened condensed milk, but what makes it special is the way it is made.
The tea is “pulled” several times between two glasses, creating a fluffy foam on top. While the way teh tarik is made is very unique, what makes this drink so delicious is the balance of sweet and bitter.
Teh tarik is often served in local coffee shops and is a popular drink to have with friends.
8. Roti Jala
Roti jala is a type of thin bread that has a shape resembling a net or web. This bread has a soft texture and is usually served with chicken curry or peanut sauce.
This roti jala is a popular dish at family events and parties, and is often served as a side dish at dinner. With a taste that is not too sweet or salty, roti jala is a perfect choice for enjoying curry in a slightly different way.
9. Cendol
Cendol is one of the most popular sweet snacks in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia. This food consists of green sticky rice mixed with shaved ice, coconut milk, brown sugar, and green beans.
Cendol has a very distinctive sweet and savory taste and is often served as a dessert or cold drink in hot weather.
Although Malaysian cendol is similar to Indonesian cendol, the difference in the touch of local flavors makes Malaysian cendol worth a try for lovers of sweet foods.
10. Lekor Crackers
Keropok lekor is a typical Malaysian snack made from mashed fish, mixed with flour and spices, then fried. The texture is chewy with a distinctive savory taste. Keropok lekor is often served with chili sauce or sweet sauce to add flavor.
This food is often found around beaches in Malaysia and is a popular snack. As one of the Typical Malaysia Souvenirs, keropok lekor is perfect to enjoy while relaxing with friends or family.
Malaysian street food offers a variety of mouth-watering flavors and reflects the country’s rich culinary culture. From the sweet cekodok to the savory keropok lekor, each street food has its own characteristics and uniqueness.
If you are planning to visit Malaysia, be sure to try these street food as part of your culinary experience. Every bite will bring you closer to the rich and diverse local culture.