With such a diverse culinary scene, Malaysia is no doubt a fantastic food destination. And it's all thanks to the various ethnic groups in the country that have contributed their unique flavours and cooking traditions to create the delicious cuisines.

Whether you're vacationing in Kuala Lumpur or Cherating, food will definitely play a role in completing your trip. However, with so many mouth-watering cuisines around the country, it can take a long time to taste them all. That's why we've compiled a list of the top food destinations in the country for you to visit below!

Penang

Penang is well-known as one of the top destination in the country for food. The "Pearl of the Orient" boasts a mix of traditional Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan cooking to form a flavour that's truly Penang. In fact, Penang has been repeatedly recognised as one of the best culinary destinations by various travel media and for good reason.

When in Penang, don't miss the local nasi kandar which have their own flavour thanks to the spices used. Other must-eats include char kuey teow, asam laksa, hokkien mee (served with thick, clear broth instead of dark sauce like in Klang Valley), fried oyster omelettes, and mee goreng sotong.

Malacca City

Being a historical city, Malacca is known for its ancient structures, colonial buildings, and fun rickshaws. With its rich history and melting pot of cultures, it also boasts a range of delectable cuisines. Alongside historical attractions, you can find cafes and night markets, while on Jonker Street, you'll find all the popular food and souvenir shops Malacca is famous for.

Make sure you try the Hainanese chicken rice balls, sate celup (skewers of various meat and vegetables dipped in satay gravy), Nyonya laksa, cendol, and the famous coconut shake in Klebang

Kuala Lumpur

Being the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is home to a diverse group of people not only from around the country but from overseas as well. As a result, this city has the most options when it comes to cuisine compared to the rest of the country.

In KL and Klang Valley as a whole, you can find humble street stalls selling nasi lemak and snacks, and fine dining restaurants serving an international menu. Some top food destinations in KL include Petaling Street, its Chinatown, Brickfields, also known as Little India, and the Malay village of Kampung Baru.

Kuching

Located across the sea in Borneo, Sarawak is a state with numerous natural and cultural wonders. And Kuching being its capital, is a melting pot of various indigenous tribes, each contributing its own unique flavours to the local cuisine. You can also find local produce rarely found in the peninsula such as midin, an edible fern, dabai, which looks like an olive but tastes like an avocado, and many more.

Must-try foods include Sarawak laksa, Kolo mee, manuk pansuh (marinated chicken cooked in bamboo), and Umai (a ceviche-like raw fish dish marinated in local ingredients).

Kemaman

Kemaman is among the best places to go for food on the Peninsula's east coast besides being close to various beaches including Cherating. Here, you can find cuisines unique to the east coast such as keropok lekor, otak-otak, and sata, a grilled spiced fish dish wrapped in banana leaves. You can also find an array of traditional Malay kuihs at the local Binjai Market, some which you can't find anywhere else.

Being a coastal town, Kemaman also has numerous seafood restaurants and ikan bakar (grilled fish) places serving the freshest seafood. Once you've tried Kemaman's food, head to Cherating to enjoy the beautiful beaches and natural attractions.

If you haven't tried the fantastic food at these locations, now is the time to do so! Besides the destinations we highlighted above, Cherating is another holiday spot you shouldn't miss. What's more, you can get a wide array of local and international food at Cherating's Club Med with our all-inclusive holiday package. Besides all-day dining, we also provide exciting activities and excursions to the best locations around Cherating. Book a stay with us now!