Joanna James
KL is the bustling capital of Malaysia. From aromatic street food to upscale dining experiences, eating in KL is a journey that tantalises the taste buds with an array of flavours and aromas.
Often referred to as Malaysia's national dish, Nasi Lemak is a true gastronomic adventure. It features coconut milk-infused rice that's steamed to perfection, resulting in a creamy, rich flavour. The rice is traditionally accompanied by crispy fried anchovies, crunchy peanuts, fresh cucumber slices, a hard-boiled egg, and the unforgettable spicy sambal. It's often wrapped in banana leaves, giving the rice an additional fragrant aroma. This rich combination of flavours and textures makes Nasi Lemak a culinary treasure of KL.
This offers an experience that engages all the senses. Served on a large, green banana leaf, this South Indian delicacy consists of a mound of rice surrounded by various vegetable dishes, pickles, and fried crispy papadum. You'll often find different types of curry and dhal, providing a symphony of tastes. This is a hands-on meal, allowing diners to fully engage with the food, feel the textures and absorb the essence of Indian culture in KL.
Chicken Rice in KL is an unassuming yet iconic dish. The chicken is cooked in a multitude of ways – steamed to silky perfection or roasted to a golden brown. It's served with jasmine rice cooked with chicken broth and fragrant garlic, which lends a unique flavour profile. Accompaniments like chilli sauce, soy sauce, and a bowl of clear chicken soup filled with herbs create a well-rounded and satisfying meal that resonates with both locals and foreigners. This is an easy dish to make. If you are staying at a hotel residence in KL, a place like lyf Raja Chulan Kuala Lumpur, for example, you should try making this dish.
Another iconic KL dish, Ikan Bakar is fresh fish marinated in a complex blend of spices, including turmeric, chilli, and garlic. It's then carefully grilled over charcoal, infusing the fish with a smoky flavour. Served with tangy sambal and rice, the fish's crispy exterior and tender interior create a textural contrast that's delightful to the palate. It's a perfect dish for seafood lovers seeking a unique flavour experience in KL.
This is more than just a food; it's an art form. Watching chefs effortlessly flip and spin the dough until it's paper-thin is mesmerising. Once cooked on a griddle, the result is a flaky, crispy exterior and a soft, chewy inside. Paired with various curries or simply sugar for those craving sweetness, Roti Canai has become synonymous with Malaysian cuisine, and a visit to KL is incomplete without tasting this remarkable dish.
A cultural phenomenon, the Ramly Burger is Malaysia's answer to the classic burger. Street vendors take a meat patty, usually beef or chicken, and wrap it in a thin layer of beaten egg, infusing the burger with flavours of pepper, soy sauce, and Maggi seasoning. It's cooked until juicy and slightly crispy, then layered with lettuce, onions, and a combination of mayo, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Encased in a soft bun, the Ramly Burger is a fusion of flavours that are beloved across KL.
With its sweet and savoury glaze, Char Siew showcases the perfection of Cantonese barbecue. Pork is marinated in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder. Slow-roasted to achieve a tender, juicy texture with slightly charred edges, it's often sliced and served over rice or noodles, garnished with fresh scallions. The combination of flavours has made Char Siew a favourite Chinese dish in KL's diverse culinary landscape.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
