What to eat in Kuala Lumpur? From Jalan Alor to nasi lemak
The essentials
- Visa: Visa-free for Turkish passport holders on short visits*
- Entry: MDAC digital arrival card
- Currency: Ringgit (MYR)
- Transport: LRT/MRT and Grab
- Our number one tip: If halal matters to you, halal certification is common at Malay restaurants. But remember that the Chinese food stalls on Jalan Alor may serve pork, so don’t hesitate to ask.
You might visit Kuala Lumpur for the Petronas Towers and stay for the food. In a city where Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisines live side by side, it’s mealtime at any hour of the day.
*Entry rules can change, so check current information from official sources before you travel.
1Nasi lemak: good morning, Malaysia
Rice cooked in coconut milk, sambal (a spicy sauce), crispy anchovies, peanuts and a boiled egg. It is considered the national dish and is eaten even at breakfast.
2Roti canai and teh tarik
At “mamak” Indian-Malay eateries, roti comes in flaky layers with curry sauce. Order teh tarik on the side: milky tea poured from a height to make it frothy.
3Jalan Alor night street
Right behind Bukit Bintang, this street turns into one long row of tables every evening. Satay, char kway teow, grilled seafood and tropical fruit… Trying durian takes courage.
Book this tour: availability and prices on GetYourGuide (discount code GEZSEKDEDIK5)
4After dinner: Petronas and KLCC Park
A ticket gets you up to the Skybridge between the towers. In the evening, the water show at KLCC Park and the lit-up towers make a great way to end the day.
Places in this story
- Jalan Alor (Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur) — Street Food. Once evening falls, the whole street turns into tables. Satay smoke, the sizzle of woks and tropical fruit stalls. Must try: Satay and char kway teow
Frequently asked questions
What are the must-eat dishes in Kuala Lumpur?
Nasi lemak, the national dish; roti canai with teh tarik; and satay and char kway teow on Jalan Alor.
What should I know about entering Malaysia?
For short tourist visits, Turkish passport holders don’t need a visa, but you must fill out the MDAC digital arrival card before entering. Rules can change, so check official sources.
Is there halal food on Jalan Alor?
Halal certification is common at Malay restaurants. Since the Chinese food stalls on Jalan Alor may serve pork, it’s worth asking.
Authors
This story was written by Tuğba & Burak. We have been traveling together for 13 years and we visit every place we recommend ourselves. Instagram: @gezsekdedik