I recently visited Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital city, and quickly decided that it was one of my new favourite places in South East Asia. Amongst ancient temples and towering skyscrapers, matcha cafes and skateparks, some of the more incredible food is tucked away.
The city is a melting pot of cultures, each contributing unique histories and flavours to the culinary scene. And within Sambal, one of the last remnants of old Kuala Lumpur, neighbourhoods like Chow Kit and Kampung Baru retain their traditional charm with wooden houses and bustling markets influenced by Malay, Indian, and Arab flavours.
Now that you’re salivating, here’s 10 street foods you simply can’t miss in Kuala Lumpur.
1. Nasi Lemak Ayam Rendang: This iconic Malaysian dish features fragrant coconut rice served with tender rendang chicken, crunchy peanuts, crispy anchovies, and spicy sambal. This was honestly one of my favourite things to eat in the city, and is the sort of dish that will leave you full all day.
2. Mee Ayam: A comforting bowl of egg noodles served with succulent chicken slices and savoury broth, mee ayam is a popular street food that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal on the go.
3. Satay Malaysian: Skewered and grilled meat, often chicken or beef, served with a side of peanut sauce and rice cakes, satay is a beloved street food that showcases Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage. Don’t tell the Indonesians this, but I personally think that Malaysian satay is the best in the world.
4. Putu Bambu: A delightful snack made of steamed rice flour filled with palm sugar, wrapped in bamboo leaves, and served with grated coconut. Honestly, I was so full on the food tour that I had to take this one to go – and boy, it was still delicious several hours later. Soft, fluffy, and a little sweet, it was moorish to say the least.
5. Cendol: A refreshing dessert consisting of shaved ice, coconut milk, green rice flour jelly, and palm sugar syrup, I wasn’t expecting cendol to be as delicious as it was. Ideal for breaking up heavy meals, several bowlfuls of this dish really went a long way.
6. Roti Canai: This flaky and crispy flatbread, served with flavourful curry dipping sauce, is a breakfast favourite that can be found on quite literally every corner of Kuala Lumpur. I ate this dish several times during my time in Kuala Lumpur, but the absolute best was only found on the A Chef’s Tour street food tour.
7. Mee Goreng: This dish might look simple, but I promise you, these looks are extremely deceiving. Stir-fried noodles tossed with an assortment of spices, vegetables, and meat or seafood, there are so many flavours in this dish that you’re probably going to have to focus to unearth them all.
8. Otak Otak: I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from grilled banana leaves filled with fish paste, but it was surprisingly tasty. It’s easy to see why this is such a popular snack around here, and I probably wouldn’t have tried this one had I not been showed it by my guide.
9. Ikan Bakar: Malaysia can never be accused of serving weak flavours, especially when it comes to dishes like this. Grilled fish marinated in spices and served with a side of sambal chili sauce, ikan bakar is a mouthwatering dish that shows you that you’ve really never experienced so many flavours before.
10. Fruits: I’d never tried so many exotic fruits before, but honestly, loved every single one of them (okay, that’s a lie: I could have lived without ever trying durian). Don’t miss out on trying mangosteen, rambutan, mata kucing (longan), and salak (snake fruit), available fresh from street vendors.
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I have travelled with A Chef’s Tour before in Bogotá and honestly, loved it. This is my absolute favourite food tour company and I will forever book with them wherever I go. And why?
- Authenticity: A Chef’s Tour doesn’t just take you to the most popular tourist eateries; it guides you through hidden gems known mostly to locals, offering an authentic experience that can’t be found elsewhere. The company prides itself on deep research and local connections to ensure participants enjoy genuinely authentic culinary experiences.
- Expert Guides: The guides are not just tour leaders; they are culinary experts, often local chefs or food enthusiasts with deep knowledge of their city’s culinary history and traditions. This expertise ensures that each tour is not only about tasting food but also understanding its cultural significance and origins.
- Behind-the-Scenes Access: Participants get to experience cooking demonstrations, visit local markets with chefs, and even enjoy meals in private homes, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the culinary world that typical tourists rarely see.
- Small Group Sizes: By keeping groups small, A Chef’s Tour provides a personal and intimate experience. This allows for more interaction with the guide and deeper engagement with the food culture of each destination.
- Global Footprint: From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the vibrant markets of Mexico City, A Chef’s Tour operates in various destinations around the globe, offering a wide range of culinary experiences that cater to diverse tastes and interests.
- Personalised Attention: Reviews often highlight the company’s attention to detail and personalised care, ensuring that dietary restrictions are accommodated and that each participant’s experience is memorable.
- Value for Money: While providing exclusive and authentic experiences, A Chef’s Tour also offers great value for money. Participants often rave about the quality and quantity of food, the knowledge gained, and the overall experience compared to the cost.
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