Published October 20, 2026
A trip to Malaysia is a vacation for all the senses. If you’re the kind of traveller who has a list of “must try food” to check off, then the town of Port Dickson and the island of Penang are two places you have to visit for an authentic Malaysian gastronomical experience.
Malaysian food has long been regarded as the cultural melting pot of East-Asian cuisine; from the twists on classics like rice and noodles, to the unique blend of spices and love for street food culture, here are our top picks for authentic Malay food that will surely satisfy your refined palate.
Nasi Lemak: Malaysia's National Dish
When you eat nasi lemak, you are essentially indulging in the soul of Malaysia. Who would ever think that the simple combination of rice, coconut milk, boiled eggs, peanuts, anchovies and a sambal could turn into the most wholesome and popular food in Malaysian cuisine.
The origins of the dish can be traced back to 1909; it was a staple breakfast essential that was affordable and packed in banana leaves for easy portability. The modern nasi lemak has been turned into a gourmet delicacy, with world-renowned chefs in the country adding their own delectable versions with beef or chicken curry and other meat toppings.
Ikan Bakar: Spicy Grilled Fish
For the pescatarian traveller, a trip to Port Dickson is incomplete without indulging in ikan bakar. Amongst the delicious assortment of authentic Malaysian seafood in the town, ikan bakar stands out for its unique infusion of spices. Unlike its Indonesian counterpart, the Malay version of grilled fish is spicier and yellowish in colour due to the use of turmeric and chilli. However, you will enjoy the dish without feeling like you have overindulged, as it doesn’t use kicap manis - a type of sweet soy sauce.
Char Kway Teow: Stir-Fried Noodle Delight
A highlight of Malaysian tourism is its hawker markets - open-air complexes featuring multiple food stalls that offer affordable and delicious food. In need of a quick yet filling bite while venturing about the city? Our pick for the must-try Malaysian street food is char kway teow.
This iconic dish is made using stir-fried flat rice noodles that are elevated with the infusion of a spicy sauce mixture and typically seafood like prawns and cockles, or a choice of meat. It definitely packs a flavourful punch and suits those with a fiery palate.
Laksa: A Spicy and Aromatic Noodle Soup
What do you get when you combine the satisfying chewiness of flat rice noodles, the creamy richness of a broth, and the savoury goodness of meat or seafood? You get laksa - a versatile delicacy in Malaysian cuisine that is healthy, filling and simply comforting. While the noodles, the choice of toppings and the blend of spices are a standard of the dish, the versatility in the flavour profile comes from the type of broth.
In Penang, the popular laksa variant amongst the locals is asam laksa, which uses a tamarind-based broth and has a sour, fishy taste. The direct opposite of this is curry laksa, which uses a coconut milk-based curry noodle soup instead, allowing for a more balanced and lighter flavour.
Satay: Grilled Skewered Delight
Nothing epitomises street food more than meat on a stick! The Malaysian food version of this is satay. Visit any hawker locality in Penang and you will come across a stall that sells these bite-sized pieces of beef, chicken, lamb or prawn marinated in flavorful spices and grilled to perfection. Pair this with a side of chopped cucumber, a peanut sauce dip and an optional serving of rice cakes, and you’ve got yourself pure unbridled joy on a plate.
Conclusion
Has our collection of must-try Malaysian foods convinced you to plan a vacation in Port Dickson or Penang? Ensure to book a stay with the Lexis Hotel Group, where you can enjoy favourites like nasi lemak, char kway teow, and satay at the Roselle Coffee House in Lexis Hibiscus PD, Grand Lexis PD, Lexis Suites Penang, or Imperial Lexis KL if you prefer visiting the capital of Malaysia. Most of our properties are situated in prime localities across Penang and Port Dickson, giving you a quick and easy commute to savour the wondrous sights, sounds and tastes of Malaysia.
PLAN YOUR TRIP AND BOOK YOUR STAY NOW!
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Lexis Hotel Group A local premier hospitality brand based in Malaysia, known for their luxurious accommodations and exceptional guest experiences, Lexis Hotel Group combines world-class facilities, warm hospitality and stunning surroundings. Known for their distinctive and record-breaking water villas, they offer a unique and immersive experience for travellers seeking comfort, luxury and personalized services. |