If shopping is the national pastime in Malaysia, then food is the national obsession. It’s not uncommon to be greeted by the phrase “Sudah makan?” or “Have you eaten?” and such is the joy found in eating by Malaysians that it’ll often be the first thing they take you to do. Eating here is more than an exercise in nourishment, it’s an all round social experience as you chat over a spicy, local rice dish, gossip over a warm drink at the local coffee shop or celebrate over a fine three-course meal.

In Malaysian cuisine itself, though, is where the enjoyment and delight truly lies. Fusing the very best flavours from around the region and influences from around the world, the local food is typically hot, spicy and, often, fried. Malaysian food has its roots in the culinary tradition of its multi racial society and the three main communities: Malay, Chinese and Indian are responsible for the largest inspiration. However, Western eateries are frequented by locals and foreigners jointly and can be found alongside their local equivalents across the country.

Variety, therefore, perhaps best describes the culinary culture of Malaysia. Dishes to be savoured can be found for as little as a couple of ringgit at almost any hour of the night or day, making dining out often a cheaper and more popular option than eating at home. In fact, central to the Malaysian food culture is late night eating out. You’ll often find local families still dining in shopping mall food courts and eateries, kids in tow, as the shops begin closing. Eating at eight or nine o’clock in the evening is quite normal for Malaysians and you may find yourself dining alone if visiting restaurants considerably earlier than this.

The on street “mamak” stalls, though, are by far the most authentic and best value way to eat in Malaysia. However, it may take you a few weeks to pluck up the confidence to try roadside eating for yourself. Therefore, to ease you into the local cuisine, there are plenty of more familiar restaurants offering excellent food, still at prices significantly lower than you would expect. Even, for example, the very highest-end restaurants at the five-star hotels manage to serve exceptional cuisine for less than you would find at the same hotel in other parts of the world.

Malaysia’s Muslim status undoubtedly aids halal-seekers and restaurants of all cuisines across the country prepare and serve food according to the Islamic guidelines. However, this status also means that alcohol in Malaysia, though freely available, is comparatively highly taxed. As such, in some of the more popular bars you may end up paying a similar amount for beer, wines and spirits as you might in a large Western city.

This section explores Malaysian cuisine in more detail—from the local mamak eateries to the finest fine dining establishments—offers information about restaurant practices and services and recommends a range of restaurants to try throughout the country. And, should you find yourself confused by a hawker stall’s menu, our Making sense of the menu section should unveil the basics.