About

The social aspect of dining is a huge part of Malaysian culture and in big cities like Kuala Lumpur or Penang, street food is an especially mouth-watering spectacle. Eating culture is very much a 24 hour a day pattern where food outlets serve up tasty quick dishes for a reasonable price, with Indian Mamaks making up the later hour offerings with their near 24-hour service. The open-air street food culture is so popular in Malaysia because it allows Malaysians to have a choice of eating what they want and when they want.

Hawker Food

Patronised by rich and poor alike, hawker stalls are found all over Malaysia, from urban sites beside busy highways, to idyllic seaside locations. Feeding and slaking the thirst of the nation is a round-the-clock affair: Malaysians, as a rule, live to eat and not the other way around. With such low prices who’d be bothered to cook, and as most hawkers specialise in only a few dishes, they have perfected their culinary skills to a degree where most people would prefer to eat out than in. Basic tables and stools are provided on-site. Hawkers will often ask if you want to makan – “eat there”, or bungkus – “take-away”.

Mamak

Mamak food stalls are the cornerstones of Malaysian street food culture. Created by the Indian Muslim community in Malaysia, mamak stalls are roadside open-air eateries that primarily sell Malay Indian food. These are places where all locals can gather to eat, drink, talk, and watch live football matches on TV screens. Open 24 hours a day, mamak stalls are more than just food outlets, as these are places that offer refuge for Malaysians who want to satisfy their cravings and be part of a fun and food-loving local community.

Night Markets

Night markets are a common occurrence around Malaysia partly spurred by the yearly night food festivities around the holy month of Ramadan. Besides Malaysians generally prefer to go out after sunset when it’s cooler. At these markets, you can expect to find a wider array of food options on display from all around south-east Asia.

About Malaysian Food

Malaysian food is a vibrant and diverse fusion of flavors and cultures that reflects the country's rich history and geography. With influences from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other ethnic groups...