Where Malaysians Really Eat: A Love Letter to Food Courts, Hawker Centres and Roadside Set-Ups 🍽️

If you are new to Malaysia and still figuring out where the locals actually eat, here is a tip. It is probably not in a restaurant with mood lighting and wine menus. It is in a food court, a hawker centre, or one of those spontaneous looking roadside gatherings that pop up in car parks, especially in the evenings. Yes, really.

So, what are these places?

Let us break it down.

Food Courts

Usually found inside malls or buildings. Think clean tiled floors, rows of plastic tables and a variety of stalls offering everything from chicken rice to roti canai. Some food courts are air-conditioned, others are open air. Either way, the food is affordable and tasty.

Hawker Centres

Open air or semi-covered places packed with individual stalls. Each stall tends to specialise in one or two dishes such as char kuey teow, yong tau foo or satay.

Medan Selera

This is a Malay term that means eating place or food centre. You will often see this on signs. It usually refers to a hawker style setting.

Gerai Makan

These are small food stalls, often family run, that may appear in a row along the roadside or be part of a bigger food centre.

Food Trucks and Car Park Pop-Ups

These are especially popular in the evenings and weekends. Some are more modern, offering Japanese bento or fusion tacos. Others stick to classics like Ramly burgers, grilled seafood or Thai milk tea.

No matter what name is used, all of these places offer variety, value and the comforting energy of a truly local experience.

Why locals love them

It is not just about the price. Malaysians enjoy eating at these places because everyone can choose what they like, food is served quickly, and the atmosphere is relaxed. You also get to enjoy recipes that have been passed down through families and perfected over time.

A few things to know as an expat

Bring tissues or wet wipes, just in case.You usually order at the stall and then find a seat. The food will be brought to your table.Drinks are usually ordered from a separate stall and you pay that vendor directly.Most stalls still prefer cash, although more are starting to accept e-wallets.Prices vary from stall to stall. Locals often pick their favourite based on taste rather than cost.

How to find a good one

Ask around. Malaysians love sharing food recommendations. You can also check online reviews, but often the best places are the ones you hear about from someone who lives nearby.

We know these places can feel a little overwhelming at first. That is why we offer guided food experiences. Whether it is your first time trying hawker food or you are keen to discover regional favourites like Terengganu's nasi dagang or Kelantan's laksam, we will take you there, explain how to order, and even help you practise a bit of Malay if you are up for it.

Once you have tasted a bowl of steaming noodles with a glass of iced teh tarik beside you, sitting at a humble table surrounded by chatter and sizzling woks, you will understand why so many locals would not trade it for anything.

📷: Hapiz Rosli