Explore a variety of mouth-watering Malaysian snacks, with unique flavors and dishes steeped in culinary history that are not to be missed.
Malaysia is known for its cultural diversity and captivating cuisine. With Malay, Chinese and Indian influences, the country offers a variety of snacks that reflect its traditions and distinctive flavors.
Malaysian snacks are not only delicious, but also very varied, from sweet to savory, ready to rock every visitor’s tongue. Here are 10 typical Malaysian snacks that you must try to experience the true deliciousness of the neighboring country.
1. Czech
Czechdok, a snack often referred to as the Malaysian version of fried banana, is made from banana combined with wheat flour and fried until crispy.
Czechodok has a round shape similar to a cucur cake, but with a sweet taste from the soft banana inside. Cekodok variations also come with additional ingredients such as shrimp, corn, onions and salted fish, providing a wider variety of flavor options.
Cekodok is usually served as an afternoon snack enjoyed with a cup of tea. With a very affordable price, around RM 1 for 6-8 items, cekodok is a snack that you shouldn’t miss.
2. Apam Balik
Apam balik, or better known as sweet martabak in Indonesia, is a very popular traditional Malaysian food. Apam balik is made from a mixture of wheat flour, liquid milk, eggs, and baking powder, which is baked until it rises and has small cavities inside.
The filling of apam balik can be a mixture of corn, peanut butter, and sugar, which gives a sweet and savory taste to every bite. Cooked on a teflon, apam balik is a Typical Malaysian Food that is usually sold at night markets or street food stalls and is one of the favorite snacks in Malaysia.
3. Popiah
Popiah is a fresh version of lumpia that originated from the Chinese culture in Malaysia. Unlike lumpia which are fried, popiah is served raw and filled with various vegetables such as green beans, bean sprouts, carrots, and lettuce, topped with tofu and minced meat or crab.
It is usually served with a sweet and spicy sauce, giving it a refreshing and slightly spicy taste. Popiah is a healthy and delicious choice for a snack or light meal, and is very popular in night markets and food courts in Malaysia.
4. Ice Peanuts
Ais kacang, or better known as ABC (Ais Batu Campur), is a typical Malaysian mixed ice that is perfect to enjoy in hot weather.
Ais kacang consists of shaved ice topped with sweetened condensed milk and red syrup, then decorated with red beans, corn, and palm fruit.
To add freshness, this mixed ice is also often added with sweet red syrup which gives a distinctive sweet taste. Ais kacang is usually served as a dessert or afternoon snack, and is very popular as a choice for breaking the fast during the month of Ramadan.
5. Sour Laksa
Asam laksa is a typical Malaysian noodle dish originating from the Penang area. Unlike other laksa, asam laksa uses a sour and spicy fish broth, made from mackerel cooked with chilies, lemongrass, kesum leaves, and other spices.
The noodles used are large, chewy rice noodles, similar to Japanese udon, giving a very pleasant texture when eaten.
This dish is very rich in flavor with a combination of spicy, sour and savory that is mouth-watering. Asam laksa is usually served with sliced cucumber, lettuce and mint leaves to add freshness.
6. Koay Chiap
Koay Chiap is a typical Malaysian snack that is similar to soto, but with a stronger and more spicy taste. The main filling of koay chiap consists of duck meat, duck innards, vermicelli, and boiled eggs, which are cooked in a broth rich in spices.
Koay Chiap is often added with coagulated duck blood, adding a distinctive taste to this dish. This snack is usually served with celery sprinkled on top to add freshness to every bite. Koay Chiap is a great choice for those who love savory and rich dishes.
7. Teh Tarik
Teh Tarik is a very popular drink in Malaysia and is also widely found in Indonesia. Teh Tarik is made from black tea mixed with sweetened condensed milk, but what makes it unique is the way the tea is made, which is pulled or poured from one glass to another to create foam on top.
This tea offers a balance of sweet and bitter flavors, providing a very enjoyable pleasure. Usually served in local coffee shops, Teh Tarik is the perfect drink to accompany an afternoon snack or relax with friends.
8. Roti Jala
Roti Jala is a thin bread shaped like a net or web. It has a soft texture and is usually served with chicken curry or peanut sauce.
Roti jala is often served as a side dish at family events, parties, or dinners. With a taste that is not too sweet or salty, roti jala is the perfect dish to enjoy curry in a slightly different way. It is a simple yet flavorful dish, and is often a mainstay in many Malaysian restaurants.
9. Cendol
Cendol is a sweet snack made from processed green rice, mixed with shaved ice, coconut milk, brown sugar, and green beans.
Although cendol is very popular in Indonesia, Malaysian cendol offers a different and very distinctive local taste.
Malaysian cendol provides a refreshing sweet and savory sensation, making it a perfect choice to enjoy in hot weather. This food is usually served in a bowl or glass and is often found in traditional markets and Malaysian food stalls.
10. Lekor Crackers
Keropok Lekor is a typical Malaysian snack made from mashed fish, mixed with flour and spices, then fried until crispy. This food has a chewy texture with a distinctive savory taste.
Keropok Lekor is often served with chili sauce or sweet sauce to add flavor. Usually found around beaches in Malaysia, keropok lekor is a very popular snack among local residents and tourists.
As one of the Typical Malaysia Souvenirs, keropok lekor is best enjoyed while still hot to feel the perfect pleasure.
Typical Malaysian snacks offer a variety of mouth-watering flavors, reflecting the country’s rich culinary culture.
From sweet cekodok to savory keropok lekor, each snack has its own uniqueness and characteristics. If you have the opportunity to visit Malaysia, be sure to try these snacks as part of an unforgettable culinary adventure.
Every bite will reveal a rich cultural and historical story, making it an experience that is more than just a meal. So, don’t miss the opportunity to try these delicious snacks when you are in Malaysia!