5 Local food items you must try in Kuala Lumpur

Starting off with one of Malaysia's favourite snacks the Popiah can rightly be described as a diverse approach to a traditional spring role that is unique to the Asian nation. Available through street vendors and local eateries all across Kuala Lumpur a plate of Popiah is no typical spring roll starter dish although the Malaysian incarnation of the popular crunchy treat does appear similar at least in appearance. Consisting of a crepe like crunchy exterior the filling is what sets the Popiah apart from Chinese variety spring rolls. Made up of lettuce, carrots, tofu, turnips, a well seasoned omelette and bean sprouts the filling inside a Popiah makes it a local specialty beloved of commuters and tourists alike. Consumed with a sweet flavour bean sauce with crunchy peanuts thrown in for texture the humble Popiah is a must-try item for all first time visitors to KL.

Renowned as one of Malaysia's more traditional dishes the Nyonya Rice Dumplings is an attractive glutinous rice dish that is ideal for any occasion. Blue in colour due to the pea flowers used to dye the Glutinous rice flour, the triangle shaped dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves is a classic Malaysian dish that must be experienced by all visitors to the country, let along its capital Kuala Lumpur. The filling is a delectable concoction of pork seasoned with garlic and coriander to create the perfect mix of sweet and heat generating flavours. Sold in local restaurants and food kiosks the Nyonya Rice Dumplings will leave diners begging for more as one is never enough.

With its name literally translating to "mixture" a plate of piping hot Rojak is a truly refreshing dish ideal for health conscious diners. As a delicious mixture of various fruits and vegetables the classic Malay dish combines slices of local produce such as fresh mango, pineapple, bean sprouts and cucumber and submerges the elements in a broth of tamarind, oyster sauce and shrimp. Known as a popular side dish that accompanies mains in a traditional Malay meal a plate of Rojak serves as the perfect appetizer with sweet and sour elements competing for dominance.

A snack cum dessert a cup of Cendol is a treat one can enjoy in any of Kuala Lumpur's countless Cendol stands and stalls. Simplistic as it is delicious the term Cendol refers to all forms of shaved ice desserts sold in the city with coconut milk and palm sugar syrup serving as the base ingredients. Additional toppings such as sticky rice formed to resemble various shapes such as worms, canned corn, strands and kidney beans are also included in this beloved local dessert which beats the Malaysian heat with each refreshing scoop. Cendol stands are omnipresent in most KL neighbourhoods including areas near Seri Bukit Ceylon Residences or a serviced apartment Kuala Lumpur counts among its best rests as the ice-cream like specialty is popular among tourists as well as locals.

Renowned as Malaysia's soup du jour a bowl of Nyonya Laksa is a delicacy one cannot afford to miss when exploring KL's food scene. Spicy and hot the rich soup made of coconut milk and local spices also include ingredients the likes of curd puffs, noodles, tofu cubes and fishcakes. Topped off with cucumbers this piping hot soup dish is a Laksa specialty well worth the tears