22 Things to Eat in Kuala Lumpur

Makan! I mentioned last week that it was already clear that food would be a huge part of Malaysian life and culture (not so unlike Southern life!) and this has held true! In a country and city center with so many ethnic influences, the food is varied and fantastic. Here's 22 things I would recommend trying if you find yourself in KL or (for some dishes) South East Asia. 

1. Banana Leaf

Traditional curries and rice, served on a banana leaf! We especially liked Vishal's restaurant in Brickfields, the Indian district.

2. Dumplings 

Stop by Petaling Street in Chinatown for great noodle dishes and dumplings!

3. "Real" Pad Thai & other Thai Dishes

Try a family style dinner: you can try multiple dishes and it's a lot of fun! We went with pineapple rice, green curry, Pad Thai and this spicy coconut curry soup. 

4. Nasi Ayam

If you're not ready for the national dish, Nasi Lemak, with spicy fish sauce, stick with chicken rice! 

5. Ayam Masak Kicap 

Chicken with a nice sweet soy-like sauce!

6. Red Bean McFlurry 

It's so much better than it sounds, once you get past the bean texture

7. Curry Laksi 

Not pictured: me dying of spice (but it's delicious!) 

8. Satay 

So grilled, so yummy 

9. Shwarma 

...and falafel!

10. Teh Terik 

"pulled" (frothy) tea with condescended milk (so sweet!) 

11. Japanese 

Sushi, teriyaki chicken and ramen!

Gelatinous cubes of sweet desert sometimes involving coconut or rice? 

13. BUBBLE TEA 

Oh heavenly Taiwanese tapioca pearls and milk tea❤ 

Coconut desert with gelatinous bits!

15. More Indian Cuisine 

All we made in my cooking class! Spicy pineapple salad, date and coconut desert, chickpea yogurt salad and curry chicken and eggs!

16. More Chinese Cuisine 

Yes, I went straight for the Peking duck.

17. Try a Coconut 

Available literally everywhere 

18. Kaya Roti 

Oh yes, brunch is possible in KL. Kaya is a date and coconut jam and with steamed bread and butter... delicious! (Also featured: teh terik & friend) 

19. Juice, juice, juice...more juice 

20. Also, smoothies.

21. And as much fresh fruit as you can find! 

Try jackfruit, dragonfruit, mango sting or yellow watermelon if you're looking for something new!

22. Durian 

We're clearly still not sold, but if your feeling brave... try a Malaysian favorite! A sweet fruit that smells like rotten meat. Or something worse than that.

Now that you're really hungry... comment below if you have more suggestions for great foods to try in SE Asia!