As a foodie, I’m excited to share with you a list of 25 traditional Malaysian breakfast dishes and traditional breakfast in Malaysia to try out why they are so beloved in this vibrant culinary culture.
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- Read here best Malaysian Food
- Read here about vegetarian food in Malaysia
- Asian Breakfast
- Is Kuala Lumpur worth visiting
Introduction to Malaysian Food Culture
Malaysia is a country with a rich and diverse food culture, influenced by its multicultural society and history of trade and immigration. Malaysian cuisine combines the flavors and techniques of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other Southeast Asian cultures, resulting in a vibrant and unique culinary landscape.
Breakfast is an important meal in Malaysian culture, with a wide variety of delicious and hearty dishes that are enjoyed throughout the country. Malaysian breakfast dishes are often spicy, aromatic, and flavorful, and reflect the country’s diverse culinary heritage.
From classic dishes like nasi lemak and roti canai to lesser-known specialties like nasi dagang and lontong, Malaysian breakfast cuisine offers something for everyone. Many Malaysians enjoy their breakfast with a hot cup of tea or coffee, and there is no shortage of delicious and refreshing beverages to choose from, such as teh tarik, kopi o, and Milo.
Overall, Malaysian food culture is a celebration of diversity, flavor, and community, and the breakfast culture is a testament to the country’s love of delicious and satisfying food.
WHERE TO STAY IN MALAYSIA
You can look for accommodation for as low as $10-20 USD for a room or even less if you decide to sleep in a dorm. If you want to try mid-range accommodation you can find one ranging from $20-40.
Book your accommodations in Kuala Lumpur through Agoda or Booking.
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Malaysian Breakfast – Traditional Breakfast in Malaysia
Nasi Lemak
A staple breakfast dish in Malaysia, nasi lemak is a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf. The dish is typically served with sambal chili sauce, peanuts, anchovies, cucumber, and a hard-boiled egg. Nasi lemak is a versatile dish that can be eaten at any time of day and is enjoyed by people from all walks of life.
Roti Canai
A beloved flatbread, roti canai is a crispy, flaky bread that is usually served with dhal curry or a spicy chicken or beef curry. The dough is made with flour, water, and ghee, and is kneaded until it is smooth and elastic. The bread is then stretched and flipped until it is thin and crispy.
Kaya Toast
A popular Malaysian breakfast dish, kaya toast is a simple but delicious dish made with thick slices of toasted bread spread with kaya (coconut jam) and butter. Kaya is a sweet spread made from coconut milk, sugar, and pandan leaves. The dish is usually served with soft-boiled eggs and hot tea or coffee.
Curry Laksa
A spicy noodle soup, curry laksa is made with coconut milk, curry spices, shrimp or chicken, and a variety of vegetables and herbs. The dish is typically served with noodles, bean sprouts, tofu puffs, and fish cakes. The soup has a rich, creamy texture and a spicy, aromatic flavor that is sure to wake up your taste buds.
Nasi Dagang
A popular breakfast dish in the east coast of Malaysia, nasi dagang is made with steamed glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and served with fish curry and pickled vegetables. The dish is traditionally eaten with your hands, and the flavorful rice and curry are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and spicy.
Dim Sum
A Chinese-style breakfast that is popular in Malaysia, dim sum consists of small steamed or fried dumplings filled with meat, seafood, or vegetables. Some popular varieties include shrimp dumplings, pork siu mai, and steamed buns filled with barbecued pork.
Teh Tarik
A popular Malaysian beverage made with black tea and condensed milk, which is poured back and forth between two cups to create a frothy, creamy texture. Teh tarik is usually served hot and is the perfect accompaniment to any Malaysian breakfast dish.
Nasi Kerabu
A traditional Malay dish, nasi kerabu is made with blue rice that is colored with butterfly pea flowers. The rice is served with a variety of herbs, vegetables, and proteins, including grilled fish or chicken, pickled vegetables, and crispy fried shallots.
Lontong
A popular breakfast dish in Malaysia, lontong is made with compressed rice cakes that are cut into small pieces and served with a coconut milk-based curry. The dish is typically served with vegetables, tofu, and hard-boiled eggs.
Mee Goreng Mamak
A popular street food in Malaysia, mee goreng mamak is a spicy stir-fried noodle dish that is usually made with yellow noodles, shrimp, tofu, and vegetables. The dish is typically served with a fried egg on top and a generous sprinkling of crispy fried shallots.
Bak Kut Teh
A Chinese-Malaysian dish, bak kut teh is a hearty soup made with pork ribs, garlic, and a variety of Chinese herbs and spices. The dish is typically served with rice, tofu, and vegetables, and is believed to have medicinal properties that help to strengthen the body and boost the immune system.
Mee Siam
A spicy noodle dish that is popular in Malaysia and Singapore, mee siam is made with thin rice noodles that are stir-fried with a tangy, spicy sauce made from tamarind paste, chili, and dried shrimp. The dish is typically served with boiled eggs, tofu, and bean sprouts.
Nasi Goreng
A classic Malaysian fried rice dish, nasi goreng is made with cooked rice that is stir-fried with a variety of vegetables, meat, and eggs. The dish is typically seasoned with soy sauce, chili paste, and other spices, and is often served with crispy fried shallots and a side of sambal chili sauce.
Apam Balik
A popular Malaysian snack, apam balik is a sweet pancake that is filled with peanuts, sugar, and corn. The pancake is cooked on a griddle and then folded in half, creating a crispy outer layer and a soft, sweet center.
Nasi Kandar
A traditional Malaysian rice dish, nasi kandar is made with steamed rice that is served with a variety of spicy curries and side dishes. The dish originated in the northern state of Penang and is now enjoyed throughout Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia.
Putu Mayam
A popular breakfast dish in Malaysia, putu mayam is made with steamed rice noodles that are served with grated coconut and palm sugar. The dish is typically served on a banana leaf and is a favorite among Malaysians for its sweet, nutty flavor.
Murtabak
A popular street food in Malaysia, murtabak is a savory pancake that is stuffed with a variety of ingredients, including minced meat, eggs, onions, and spices. The pancake is then fried until crispy and served with a side of spicy dipping sauce.
Bubur Cha Cha
A sweet dessert soup that is popular in Malaysia, bubur cha cha is made with coconut milk, sweet potatoes, yam, and sago pearls. The dish is typically served hot and has a creamy, comforting texture that is perfect for a chilly morning.
Kuih
A type of traditional Malaysian cake, kuih comes in a variety of shapes, colors, and flavors. Some popular varieties include kuih lapis, a layered cake made with coconut milk and pandan leaf, and kuih ketayap, a sweet pancake filled with grated coconut and palm sugar.
Roti Jala
A popular Malaysian snack, roti jala is a net-like pancake that is typically served with curry or sambal chili sauce. The pancake is made by pouring a thin batter over a special mold, creating a delicate, lacy texture.
Lepat Pisang
A traditional Malay snack, lepat pisang is a steamed banana leaf parcel filled with sticky rice, coconut milk, and banana. The dish is typically eaten as a sweet treat and is enjoyed by Malaysians of all ages.
Soto Ayam
A fragrant chicken soup that is popular in Malaysia and Indonesia, soto ayam is made with chicken broth, turmeric, and lemongrass. The dish is typically served with shredded chicken, noodles, and a variety of vegetables and herbs.
Penang Hokkien Mee / Prawn Noodle Soup
A popular breakfast dish in Malaysia, prawn noodle soup is made with a flavorful broth that is seasoned with shrimp heads, lemongrass, and other spices. The soup is typically served with noodles, prawns, and vegetables, and is a favorite
Kway Teow Soup
A noodle soup that is popular in Malaysia, kway teow soup is made with flat rice noodles that are served in a clear broth with vegetables, meat, and herbs. The dish is typically seasoned with soy sauce and chili paste and is a comforting and satisfying breakfast option.
Mee Rebus
A noodle dish that is popular in Malaysia, mee rebus is made with yellow noodles that are cooked in a spicy, tangy sauce made from sweet potato, chili, and shrimp paste. The dish is typically served with a hard-boiled egg, tofu, and bean sprouts and is a delicious and satisfying breakfast option.
These are just a few of the many delicious and traditional Malaysian breakfast dishes that are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Malaysian cuisine is rich in flavor, history, and culture, and there is no shortage of amazing dishes to discover and savor.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.