Anything revolving around world street food is of great interest to the global gourmands. While everyone has their own pick from various delectable items dished out on the streets across the world, travel guide — Taste Atlas — has come up with a Top 50 list in this category. It’s not surprising that a seemingly humble yet flavourful dish from the streets of Malaysia — roti canai bags the number one title of best street food followed by lumpiang Shanghai from the Philippines and the Japanese karaage.
More about roti canai and other top dishes
What is roti canai and why is it the best street food?
As the name suggests, roti canai is a flatbread packed with the goodness of eggs and essential fat from the Indian clarified butter, ghee. It has an outer texture of a flaky pastry but is soft and wholesome on the inside. This can be enjoyed on its own or with a spicy curry of one’s choice. That is how it is usually served on the streets. If you are not a fan of spicy, savoury food, this versatile dish is served with sweet fillings too, by the street vendors commonly known as the mamaks.
Image: Courtesy Indradi Soemardjan/ CC BY 2.0/ via Wikimedia Commons
The dish was brought to Malaysia by Indian migrants in the 1800s and had a very humble start as it was a staple enjoyed by the labourers. Its versatility, simplicity and wholesomeness make it popular as a street food.
The top 5 street food dishes are Asian
Image: Courtesy Arnold Gatilao/ CC BY 2.0/ via Wikimedia CommonsThe Filipino lumpiang Shanghai has been ranked the second-best street food in the world for all the right reasons. This deep-fried party snack takes inspiration from Chinese spring rolls but it is prepared by adding flavours from pork, beef or shrimp and is served with a sweet and sour sauce.
The Japanese karaage comes in the top three street food items solely for its technique which involves keeping the outer cover of the chicken (which is the main ingredient of this dish) crispy and juicy, while it is tender on the inside. The Japanese coat bits of chicken in arrowroot powder before frying and serving with a seasoning of ginger and garlic, topped with a generous helping of soy sauce.
Keeping this list in the picture, it can be safely said that Asian dishes are amongst the most popular street foods consumed on the go or as a festive, party snack in the world.
Affordable and packed with nutrients, next up on this list is a loaded sandwich from Vietnam, bánh mì. A delectable takeaway from colonialism, the French baguette is used as a base to stuff meat, fresh vegetables, choicest spices and pickles to make this wholesome snack.
Ramadan is a time of celebration and giving. It is a time when Muslims come together to break their fast and spend time with family and friends. If you are looking for some great places to celebrate Ramadan in Johor Bahru, check out our list of the 5 Best Ramadan Bazaars and Eateries in Johor Bahru!
1. S’MART Pandan Bazaar Ramadan
The S’MART Pandan bazaar ramadan in JB is the largest and most energetic market in Johor Bahru, and it is set to be a much bigger occasion than usual this year with over 200 food stalls on offer.
The list includes Nasi Arab, Ikan Bakar, Satay, Roti John, Nasi Kerabu, Apam Balik, a slew of kuihs, and much more.
Apart from the meals, S’Mart Pandan’s Ramadan bazaar also features stalls selling clothing and accessories to assist you choose your finest Raya outfit. Baju kurung , kebaya, baju Melayu, and even children’s clothing are available for purchase. Eat while you shop!
Key Differentiators:
Over 200 outlets
Eat and shop
Mouth-watering street food
2. Tebrau Food Truck Park
Are you tired of eating in restaurants all the time? Change things up with an interesting al fresco dining concept – a food truck park in Tebrau, located on Desa Tebrau. This food truck park has over 10 food trucks selling everything from snacks to hearty meals.
A hot plate of nasi goreng udang, served with a fiery sambal on the side, or a hearty bowl of mee bakso are two delicious ways to warm up.
The D’Papas’ burger, Leleh, is a juicy beef patty topped with melted cheese and chili sauces oozing out of the burger. For sweets, try the Milo shaved ice dessert from Manggai, which includes a Kinder Bueno stick.
Key Differentiators:
Al fresco dining concept
Over 10 food trucks selling
An assortment of snacks and satisfying meals
3. The J Seri Alam
Make your way to The J at Seri Alam, a modern container-themed food court in Johor. Tuck into a wide range of cuisines, from Western cuisine to the traditional Asian foods, at this 16 restaurant complex under one roof.
Savor the Nasi Kandar from Selera Kampung or enjoy the Naan with mozzarella cheese from Naseeb Capati. Fresh seafood is available at Shell’AllOut for those who adore it.
Bakso Beranak is a delicious meal that includes bite-size bakso and eggs stuffed in a large meatball. During dinner, this outdoor dining experience also shows movies, so you can enjoy your supper while watching the newest dramas.
Key Differentiators:
New container themed-food court
16 different eateries under the same roof
Alfresco dining experience
4. Taman Suria Johor Bahru
The Bazaar Ramadan experience is a sensory delight with the excitement of belonging. Taman Suria bazaar Ramadan has multiple food stalls, including ayam golek – chicken marinated in traditional spices and grilled over charcoal fire.
Highlights include kambing golek, grilled fish and snapper dishes, murtabak sandwiches, and a variety of other foods. There are also some stalls selling nasi lemak rice cakes, as well as cookies such as putu bambu – rice flour stuffed with palm sugar and steamed in bamboo.
If you want to sample Malaysia’s rich street food culture, there is no better location than the yearly Ramadan bazaar.
Key Differentiators:
Traditional Malay and Halal dishes at the same place
Flavors of the delicious food
Feeling the spirit of the community
5. Tanjong Puteri Golf Resort
This year, Tanjong Puteri Golf Resort is bringing back a blast from the past, when you can relive cherished memories of your mother’s home-cooked meals during Ramadan.
Tanjong Puteri Golf Resort offers a delicious assortment of more than 100 dishes with a nostalgic flavor. Make sure to bring a hungry stomach!
Key Differentiators:
Experience fond memories of mum’s home-cooked food
Spacious and safe open-air dining environment
Ramadan buffet entails a delectable spread of more than 100 dishes featuring a nostalgic groove
Ramadan Bazaar and Eatery Johor Bahru
Ramadan Bazaar and Eatery Johor Bahru is the perfect place to enjoy delicious traditional Malay and Halal dishes. With a wide variety of food options available, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this bazaar. The festive atmosphere makes it the perfect destination for those looking to celebrate Ramadan in style.
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Penang might be known for its phenomenal take on the laksa and other popular hawker fare, but those who want something a little more upmarket will not be disappointed to find that some of the best fine dining restaurants in Malaysia are found in Penang.
Famed as the food capital of Malaysia, the island of Penang is a bold celebration of diverse Malaysian flavours. While the iconic cendol, laksa, and char kuey teow spring to mind, contemporary restaurants are pulling their own weight when it comes to the culinary scene. In Penang, you will discover a unique take on both Asian and Western food, only this time you’ll get to dress up and rediscover the exciting concepts that the island offers. Bookmark these places and make your reservations at these classy spots the next time you want a fine dining experience on the island.
The best fine dining restaurants in Penang today:
Restaurant Blanc Penang
Image credit: Restaurant BLANC Penang
Formerly known as the Dining Room, BLANC serves a French-Asian menu that’s worth exploring. Pick between the BLANC menu degustation and the Menu De Saison by Chef Benny Yeoh. The menu comprises a 3-course meal featuring the former comprises canapes, a choice of mains and desserts, while the latter presents an omakase-style gastronomic journey. Consider this a sweet surprise as the chef will reveal the courses upon your visit.
228, Jln Macalister, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia; +60 19-239 9818
Orinea Restaurant
Image credit: @orinea_restaurant/Instagram
Located in the heart of Gurney Bay at Sunrise @ Gurney, Orinea Restaurant is where you can indulge in a sensorial journey. Go ahead and make a reservation for the Ultimate Chef’s Tasting Menu. You will find that each dish is a work of art fusing technique and innovation. In addition, the restaurant offers a breathtaking view of Gurney Wharf.
Known for its iconic location, the Indigo restaurant located in the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion offers a dining experience like no other. Besides the beautiful blend of old-world charm and modern touches, Indigo is famed for merging Eastern and Western flavours. The seven-course tasting menu comprises Freshly Shucked Oysters, Bluefin Tuna Capellini, Grilled Wild Caught Jumbo Prawn, Pan-Roasted Hokkaido Scallop, Seared Foie Gras and beyond. Pick your mains between the Australian Wagyu Striploin, Lamb Rack and Pan-Roasted Atlantic Cod. If you can’t make it for dinner, try out the three-course lunch.
Discover the historical compound of the Hin Bus Depot if you’re planning a trip to the one Michelin-starred Restaurant Au Jardin. This restaurant serves Franco-Asian cuisine with the freshest ingredients available in season. Head Chef Kim Hock believes in sustainable sourcing, making your meal a satisfying experience. As for the menu, this eatery can cater to your dietary request. If you’re a vegetarian, check out ‘The Green’ Degustation with dishes such as the Russet Potato ‘Mille-Feuille’ and Kimchi Espuma. The degustation menu offers heavenly dishes like Butter Roasted Hens in the Wood and ‘Grand Caviar’ au Jardin. Discover the menu here.
Related: These Are All The Best Kopitiams In KL And PJ For That Perfect Breakfast
(Main and featured image: courtesy Geoff Peters from Vancouver, BC, Canada/ CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons)
(This article first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Kuala Lumpur)
