1. Go on an Asian food exploration

Kuala Lumpur offers some of the best in different Asian cuisines, such as Malay, Chinese, and Indian food. Tickle your taste buds with an explosion of flavors from restaurants and food courts in shopping malls – where you can sample the best of Asian cuisine at reasonable prices. For a more authentic Asian dining experience, you can try out the hawker food stalls along Jalan Alor, considered as the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s local cuisine.

2. Go (very high) up the Petronas Towers

Petronas Towers also known as the Petronas Twin Towers or KLCC

Go to the Petronas Towers’ Skybridge, and get to see the rest of the city from 170 meters above the ground. Make sure that you to the Petronas Towers very early in the morning, as there are limited tickets available for daily visitors.

3. Go even higher on the KL Tower

KL Tower & KLCC

The observation deck of the KL Tower (Menara KL) puts you 421 meters above the ground, and you will see not only the rest of the Kuala Lumpur cityscape, but also the Petronas Towers from a breathtaking vantage point as well.

4. Shopping sprees

Jalan Petaling, Petaling Street

Shopping is one of the things you can do to your heart’s content in KL, especially because there are a lot of places to choose from depending on your preference, and your budget. High-end, designer brands can be seen in the city’s biggest shopping malls like Suria KLCC; Chinatown’s Jalan Petaling, on the other hand, is a must-visit for bargain-hunters for inexpensive clothes, bags, shoes, and other items.

5. Explore Chinatown and the Central Market

View of the inside of Central Market

Chinatown is best explored by walking around, so you can see the old-fashioned coffee and tea houses, the street food stalls, the gold shops, Chinese herbal medicines/remedies shops, and a wide array of other interesting merchandise and people. After the Chinatown exploration, you can then check the Central Market for interesting trinkets and handicrafts that you can take home as souvenirs of your Malaysian adventure.

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6. Visit the museums and Malaysia’s rich heritage

National Museum, Kuala Lumpur

The museums in Kuala Lumpur will offer you a peek into the rich Malay cultural heritage. The National Museum features dioramas and exhibits featuring Chinese and Malay culture, vintage automobiles, and more. The National Art Gallery has more than 2,500 art pieces by Malaysian and international artists, and workshops are available as well on certain dates.

7. Get to know the beauty of pewter

8. Go on a historic walking tour

National Mosque

A walking tour of the city’s historic landmarks is a must if you wish to get a deeper feel of Kuala Lumpur’s rich heritage and interesting architecture. The Moorish-inspired Old Railway station is an ideal starting point, after which you can marvel at the National Mosque and its electric blue dome, and on to the Independence Square (Merdeka Square). This historic walking tour can be concluded at the birthplace of KL, where the Klang and Gombak rivers meet.

9. Visit the KL Bird Park

KL Bird Park

The KL Bird Park, world’s largest free-flight walk-in aviary, is one of the most popular tourist spots in the city. Located in the scenic Lake Gardens, the bird park has a lush valley terrain spanning 20.9 acres just waiting to be explored by nature lovers. As you explore the park’s attractions, don’t be surprised if you feel supremely relaxed at the same time as you appreciate the beauty that only nature can offer.

10. Relax in a coffee shop and people-watch

Kuala Lumpur has numerous coffee shops where you can sit down and recharge your energy after all that exploring and walking around. As you sip your coffee or tea, you can also indulge in observing the people who pass by (and the people around your perch); you might be surprised that you can learn a lot about Malaysian culture by being a silent observer!

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1) Nasi Lemak

Directly translated as “rice in cream” or “fatty rice”, this fragrant rice dish is considered as Malaysia’s national dish. The rice is cooked in coconut milk with pandan leaf, and is served with different food accompaniments depending on where it is prepared, and who prepares it – with small fish, with sambal (a chili-based condiment), with curry (lamb, chicken, or fish), with fried egg, with curried vegetables, with fish cakes, with dried anchovies, or with pork or beef (for non-Halal diners).

2) Rendang

This spicy meat dish can be prepared using either chicken or beef, and may sometimes be referred to as a type of curry (although experts state that this is not true). The chicken or beef is simmered with coconut milk and spices for a few hours, until the liquid evaporates, resulting to a creamy dish that is packed with flavor. Best eaten with mounds of steamed white rice.

3) Satay

Also called sate, this is prepared by seasoning meat (sliced or diced chicken, beef, pork, fish, mutton, or goat), skewering it with a bamboo skewer or coconut palm frond, and then barbecuing or grilling the meat over charcoals. The tasty skewered meat is then served with a flavorful sauce (usually a tangy peanut-based sauce), and can be eaten with rice or as a match for alcoholic beverages (such as beer).

4) Laksa

This spicy noodle soup has Malay and Chinese elements, with two basic types: curry laksa, and asam laksa. Curry Laksa is a coconut milk-based curry soup that usually contains shrimp, bean curd puffs, fish sticks and garnished with Vietnamese coriander (the laksa leaf); it is then served with a fiery spoonful of sambal paste. Asam Laksa, on the other hand, is a fish-based soup that is made sour by the addition of tamarind or dried slices of sour mangosteen; this type of laksa is prepared with shredded fish, thinly-sliced vegetables (onions, cucumber, lettuce, mint, pineapple, red chilies, Vietnamese mint, ginger buds), and then topped with a sweet shrimp paste.

5) Roti Canai

A flatbread made from ghee, egg, flour, and water, roti canai is torn into pieces and then dipped into a flavorful curry sauce for that amazing burst of flavor. It is usually enjoyed as breakfast fare (along with teh tarik or milky tea), but it can also be eaten throughout various times of the day.

6) Bak Kut Teh

Bak Kut Teh

Directly translated into English as “meat bone tea”, this dish can be prepared with either chicken or pork in a very flavorful broth. The broth is simmered for as long as possible with a number of herbs and spices, such as cloves, star anise, cinnamon, garlic, dong guai, and fennel seeds to achieve the distinct taste.

7) Char Kway Teow

Typically prepared and sold at hawker (roadside) stalls, char kway teow is a filling and tasty noodle dish made from flat rice noodles that are stir-fried with light and dark soy sauce, bean sprouts, prawns, clams or cockles, chopped chives, Chinese sausage, egg, fish cake, and some belachan (shrimp paste).

8) Hokkien Mee

This is a fried noodles dish cooked Hokkien style; the thick yellow noodles are made extra flavorful by braising with dark soy sauce, squid, fish cake, pork, and cabbage. It is then topped with crispy fried pork lard – definitely calorific, but those who have tried it say that it’s very much worth the high calorie and cholesterol content!

9) Sang Har Kway Teow

Fresh river prawns are cooked in the Cantonese style in a thick broth with egg, and then flat or egg noodles are added into the flavorful mix. The tenderness of the prawn meat beautifully compliments the chewiness of the noodles.

10) Rojak

The term “rojak” means “mixture” in Malay; this salad dish is a wonderful mixture of fruits and vegetables with yu char kwai (fried bread stick), and a thick, dark shrimp paste.

Nothing best completes a trip to a new place than trying out what the local cuisine has to offer, and the dishes listed above will definitely make your trip to Malaysia a more memorable one. The new flavors and textures you will encounter may take some getting used to, but you will surely remember these dishes with fondness – and may even find yourself craving them long after you have first enjoyed their unique tastes.

Please comment and let us know which one is your favorite Malaysian food.

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1) Chatuchak Weekend Market

One of the world’s largest and famous markets with over 8,000 stalls, Chatuchak Market unites all merchandise imaginable from antiques to plants at bargain prices. For a first or second or third time visitor, the market may feel extremely overwhelming. It is open on Saturdays and Sundays, from 9am to 6pm, and Fridays, from 6pm to 12am. For easy transport, you can take the BTS to Mo Chit Station or the MRT to Chatuchak Park Station. Plan to spend a full day browsing and shopping considering its grand size.

2) Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Probably one of the most touristy markets, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is out of the norm for many travelers. Small canoe like boats squeeze through tight canals offering fruits, vegetables, drinks, and meals. There are several other floating markets for those who despise crowds as Damnoen Saduak is recommended for its chaoticness. Be prepared to wake up early for this trip as it is open from 7am to 11am. To reach the market, you can take a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal to Samut Sangkhram Ratchaburi province. Most tourists go with a tour for convenience.

3) Pak Klong Market

Another interesting market selling only wholesale and retail fresh flowers is Pak Klong open 24 hours. Local and imported exotic flowers are all sold here, mainly in bulk. It’s best to visit around 3am when colors fill the streets as truckloads are purchased. The best method of transport would be a taxi or tuk-tuk.

4) Patpong Night Market

Open nightly from 6pm to 2am, Patpong Night Market grew its fame erotically with many go-go bars in the area. Surrounding a strong nightlife, the market makes a good pre-party stop. All sorts of merchandise can be found here, especially knock off goods and DVD’s. Located in the built up area of Silom, you can reach Patpong by BTS to Sala Daeng station.

5) Amulet Market

Another specialty market, but this one focuses on religion with an array religious amulets and charms, all bringing luck in some sort. Ranging from pendant to medallion sizes, these amulets are none alike, from rare objects or relics  to images of monks or Buddhas engraved in wood, bronze, or clay. Vendors spread their amulets on blankets along the broken sidewalk or in shops along the river in dark alleys. The market is an easy walk from the Grand Palace and is open daily until 5pm.

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6) Or Tor Kor Market

Not much different than an open-air supermarket, Or Tor Kor Market offers cheap prices on food while still being considered upscale. It is one of the most organized markets in Bangkok. Known for its variety and freshness of fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, and flowers are also sold. Open everyday from 6am to 8pm, you can easily get there via the MRT to Kamphaeng Phet station.

7) Rod Fai Market

For vintage lovers, Rod Fai Market is as exciting as a toy store for kids. Separated into two parts, the atmosphere is laid-back, but kept funky. One section occupies a large space where items are displayed on the ground or on interesting props like crates and retro cars. The other section lies beside an abandoned railroad track. Anything from the past can be found, from furniture to fashion to memorabilia. Rod Fai makes a great place to chill on a Saturday or Sunday night from 5pm to midnight. The best way to reach the market is by MRT to Kamphaengphet station and be prepared to ask for directions as it is hidden behind Chatuchak Weekend Market.

8) Pratunam Market

Clothing wholesalers would be pleased to know there are several market options for them and Pratunam is the best. Another wholesale market open 24 hours, very cheap bulk prices are offered when purchasing 3 or more pieces of an item. It is a maze of clothing, shoes, and accessories. Retail shops are also available from 10am to 9pm. The market can be found at the intersection of Ratchaprop and Petchburi roads.

9) Khlong Toey Market

Undeniably the best food market in Bangkok, Khlong Toey is where most of your Bangkok meals will come from. It offers the best prices on raw meat, fish, and farm produce. Be prepared to see some grossness, especially when it comes to the meat. The market is open daily from 6am to 2pm. It’s hidden location can be found a 10 minute walk from MRT’s Klong Toey station.

10) Ratchadapisek Night Market

Well off the beaten path and better known as Ratchada Night Market or Vespa, this market is scarce of tourism. The crowd at the Vespa Market is quite intriguing as it is filled with hipsters and punks being a melting pot of youth subculture. What attracts most to this market is the collection of vintage vehicles including Vespas, Lambrettas, Volkswagens and Austin Minis. Not all displayed are for sale, but their beauty is classic enough to just look at. From 5pm to midnight Friday and Saturday night, it can be reached easily by taking the MRT to Ratchadapisek station.

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1) Pad Thai

Pad Thai is usually the first Thai dish people will try for it’s simplicity and international demand. This national dish is a stir-fried noodle dish combined with eggs,  tamarind, fish sauce, red chili pepper, bean sprouts, and topped with coriander and crushed peanuts. Meat, chicken, shrimp, and tofu are also added based on your preference.The mix of flavours provide an explosion of yumminess in your mouth.

2) Som Tam

Known as Papaya Salad, this dish is mostly enjoyed by those with a strong threshold for spice. It is undoubtedly Thailand’s most popular salad. Prepared by using a mortar and pestle, a spicy dressing of chili, garlic, and tamarind juice, along with other ingredients is grounded with unripened papaya. This spicy and sour salad is healthy and delicious…if you like spice.

3) Khao Soi

A proud cuisine of Northern Thailand, Khao Soi must be tried while visiting the North, especially in Chiang Mai. It is a soupy dish made with pickled cabbage, shallots, lime, fried ground chillies, and meat in a curry-like sauce containing coconut milk. The best part is the top off of deep fried crisp egg noodles.

4) Tom Yam Goong

Another spicy dish, Tom Yam Goong or Spicy Shrimp Soup is Thailand’s most popular soup. It can be clear or thick(with coconut milk) and very versatile with ingredients, but mainly includes shrimp, mushrooms, tomatoes, lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves. Spicy, sweet, and sour, Thai’s are passionate about this soup.

5) Gang Keow Wan

In Thai cuisine there are many different curries and green curry is a pleaser. Morsels of chicken, eggplant, bamboo shoots, and basil are bathed in coconut milk mixed with spoonfuls of green curry paste creating a delightful taste. The texture is quite soupy compared to other curries.

6) Khao Pad

Even more simpler than Pad Thai, Khao Pad or Fried Rice makes a perfect lunch treat. There are usually several different variations of this dish on each menu, but there is nothing wrong with ordering the plain old version, fried rice with egg, onions, and herbs. Thai’s also add ingredients such as, chicken, prawns, pineapple, and crab to dress it up.

7) Tom Kha Kai

Tom Kha Kai is simply chicken in coconut soup similar but milder than Tom Yam. This soup combines chillies, galangal, shallots, lemongrass and tender strips of chicken. It can be on the spicy side, but the mass of coconut milk softens it.

8) Gang Massaman

Originating from Southern Thailand, Massaman is a thick sweet curry made with coconut milk, potatoes, peanuts, and cinnamon. Chicken, beef and pork are options to make the dish more filling. It’s best if tried in the South.

9) Kai Med Ma Muang

A perfect option when sick of coconut milk and spice, Kai Med Ma Muang is basically chicken with cashew nuts. It may sound boring, but the way Thai’s prepare it, you will be begging for more. It is usually prepared with chicken, roasted cashews, sweet soy sauce, onions, chillies, peppers, carrots and mushrooms.

10) Kao Niew Ma Muang

Saved the best for last…desert! Kao Niew Ma Muang is better known as mango with sticky rice and is loved by all. Glutinous rice absorbed in coconut milk and sugar is topped with ripened mango and sometimes garnished with coconut cream syrup and/or sesame seeds. It’s taste is sweet, juicy, and dances in your mouth!

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1) Char Kway Teow

High in fat and low in health, Char Kway Teow is a fried flat noodle dish mixed with soy sauce, egg, Chinese sausage, lard, bean sprouts, prawns, and more fried by an experienced hawker. The quality and taste all depends on the high heat and quickness of the stir-fry pro.
The best place to experience this dish is Hill Street Char Kway Teow at Block 16, Bedok South Road, #01-187.

2) Bak Kut Teh

Bak Kut Teh is exactly what it translates to ‘pork rib tea’. Juicy pork ribs are boiled for hours and mixed with herbs to create a flavourful soup base. There are two different styles of this soup, the Hokkien Chinese version is made with soy sauce along with herbs, while the Teochew Chinese version is clearer and lighter with a peppery flavour.
One of the best Bak Kut Teh’s is found at Ng Ah Sio Pork Ribs Soup Eating House at 208C Rangoon Road S.

3) Chai Tow Kway

Better known as Carrot Cake, Chai Tow Kway is nothing like the Western dish as carrots are not even an ingredient. The main ingredient is white radish and is mixed with rice flour and steamed into cakes that are eventually cut into pieces and mixed with some items such as, eggs, spring onions, and pickled radish. It is also served as fried carrot cake or chye tow kueh.
Check out Ah Heng Carrot Cake at Newton Food Centre #01-28 to make your belly smile!

4) Chili Crab

One of Singapore’s most favored meals, Chili Crab may be a mess to eat, but well-worth it especially since it is served with hot buns to help clean it up. Eaten with bare hands, chili crab is coated in a thick savory tomato-chili sauce.
A crowd-pleaser is Roland Restaurant, who claims to be the creator of the dish. They are located at Block 89 Marine Parade Central #06-750.

5) Chicken Rice

Simple and healthy, Chicken Rice is total comfort food found everywhere. It can be referred to as the ‘national dish’. The chicken is boiled or steamed in a broth that eventually gives the rice it’s oily texture. The dish is served with cucumbers and dipping sauces such as, ginger, chili lime, and sweet black soy sauce.
The legendary Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice is so popular that there is more than one location. For quick meals, check out Maxwell Food Centre #01-10, and for sit down meals, head to 12 Jalan Pari Burong or 443 Joo Chiat Road.

6) Katong Laksa

Laksa is a noodle dish soaked in a spicy light coconut milk curry giving the texture of a soup. It is normally mixed with shrimp, cockles, and bean curd, but is also available with chicken. There are several different versions of Laksa, but the Katong can be easiest to eat as noodles are shorter and chopsticks are not needed.
One of the best of all laksa’s can be found at Sungei Road Laksa, located at Block 27, Jalan Berseh, #01-100 S.

7) Rojak

A burst of sweet, savory, and sour flavours, Rojak is a fruit salad mixed with random ingredients such as, vegetables, tofu, cuttlefish, and fritters. It is normally topped with peanuts and a dressing made with prawn paste, tamarind, and chili.
The Rojak at Balestier Road Hoover Rojak is well-known and located at Block 90 Whampoa Drive, #01-06 Whampoa Drive Food Centre.

8) Roti Prata

Basically an Indian style bread, Roti Prata is not only fun to eat, but also fun to watch it being made. Similar to how pizza is made, the chef flattens a ball of dough and then flips it in the air until it is tissue thin. The roti is then griddle-fried in a pancake shape. It is great sweet or savory with ice cream or curry.
Many adore the Roti Prata from Sin Ming Roti Prata at Block 24 Sin Ming Drive #01-51.

9) Fish Head Bee Hoon

More for the adventurous eater, Fish Head Been Hoon is a spicy red broth soup mixed with vegetables and the head of a fish, complete with eyes, lips, and scrumptious cheeks. Its surprisingly flavourful.
A great option is Holland Village XO, who became popular by adding XO Brandy to the soup. It is located at Block 19A Dover Crescent #01-05 S.

10) Wonton/Wantan mee

Wontons, better known as dumplings, are popular in many diverse countries with Asian populations, but in each Asian country, the meal is prepared differently. Singapore’s version is similar to Malaysia’s. The dish includes thin egg noodles cooked to perfection, vegetables, barbecued pork and bite-sized wontons, either served dry or in a soup form.
One of the best wonton mee’s are available 24 hours at Fei Fei Wantan Mee located at 64 Joo Chiat Place S.

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