A guide to Malaysian street food

Food is one of the best reasons to travel around Malaysia. With Malay, Chinese and Indian influences all in one place, the street food is varied, affordable and easy to find. Here's a simple guide for first-timers.

Where to eat

Most street food is found in three kinds of places. Hawker centres and food courts gather many stalls under one roof, so a group can order different dishes and share. Kopitiam (traditional coffee shops) are good for breakfast and a relaxed meal. And night markets (pasar malam) appear in different neighbourhoods on set evenings, with stalls selling snacks to take away. A good sign at any of them is a busy stall with a steady queue.

Dishes worth trying

You won't run out of things to taste, but a few dishes are a good place to start:

• Nasi lemak — rice cooked in coconut milk, served with sambal, anchovies, peanuts, egg and cucumber. Often considered the national dish.
• Char kway teow — stir-fried flat rice noodles with egg, prawns and bean sprouts, cooked over high heat.
• Roti canai — a flaky flatbread served with dhal or curry, popular for breakfast.
• Satay — grilled skewers of marinated meat served with peanut sauce.
• Laksa — a noodle soup that varies by region, from tangy and fishy to rich and coconutty.
• Cendol and ais kacang — cold, sweet desserts that are very welcome in the heat.

What to drink

Order kopi (local coffee) or teh tarik (pulled milk tea) at a kopitiam. Freshly squeezed juices and coconut water are common at markets, and a cold drink is a good idea given the weather.

Tips for eating well

Eat where the locals eat — busy stalls usually mean fresh, popular food. Carry small cash, as most stalls don't take cards. If you're unsure about spice, you can often ask for less. Go a little hungry so you can try several things, and don't be shy about pointing at what looks good if you're not sure of the name. Most of all, take your time — sharing a table and a few dishes is part of the experience.