Why it’s time for a true culinary journey… discover top foodie events and the best local dishes
LONDON, JUNE 2026 - There's a good reason why Malaysia attracts visitors who love good food. The country is a melting pot of cultures - Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous groups, and the cuisine has been inspired by those diverse influences. For holidaymakers in need of travel inspiration, the coming months promise unforgettable culinary experiences. From street food stalls to cooking traditional dishes and a programme of top events, here’s why Malaysia should be on your travel wish list this summer.
Flamin’ June
Visitors should not miss Flame and Feast Festival - a sizzling month-long celebration of grilled cuisines from Malaysia and around the world. Taking place over the whole of June, the event combines diverse flavours for food-lovers to devour with family-friendly fun. Perfect for families looking for a unique culinary experience on their holiday. June 1–30, 2026, MyTOWN Shopping Centre, Kuala Lumpur.
Walk and Taste Kuala Lumpur
Check out foodie walking tours in KL. These are a gastronomic trail of discovery that gives visitors to the capital the chance to sample some of Malaysia’s most famous dishes with the help of a local food guide. Food-focused walking tours in Kuala Lumpur take visitors on a delicious journey through night markets and local neighbourhood hotspots. Spend a few hours with a licenced tour guide in Petaling Street – the bustling heart of KL’s Chinatown. A great way to eat like a local!
Kitchen capers
Why not learn the art of Malaysian cuisine from local chefs? Sign up for a cookery class that offer foodies the chance to pick up tips and tricks as well as learning secret family recipes that have been handed down through generations. Visitors can start their cooking adventure by picking up ingredients from a local market then cook up a storm in a truly authentic Malaysian kitchen. Try LaZat Cooking School for daily classes. The perfect addition to any food lover’s holiday!
Discover Penang Street Food
Eating in George Town, Penang is a food lover’s dream. Start the day with a hearty breakfast of Roti Canai and Teh Tarik. When night falls, a visit to any of the city's famous hawker centres such as Gurney Drive is a must or hang out with locals on Presgrave Street.
Find out more about Penang’s food scene here
Johor – a food lover’s paradise
Johor; the southernmost state of Peninsular Malaysia, is a treasure trove of culinary delights. Its unique blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences has created a food scene that is both diverse as it is vibrant. From traditional Hainanese Chicken Chop to halal Dim Sum, Johor's local favourites offer a tantalising taste of the region's rich cultural heritage.
Discover Nasi Lemak…it’s worth the trip
Nasi Lemak is served everywhere, but the best experiences often come from roadside stalls (warungs). These traditional tasty snacks are wrapped in banana leaves and served with crispy anchovies, a hard-boiled egg, and a dollop of fiery sambal.
Bite into Sarawak’s story
Sarawak's cuisine is rooted in centuries of tradition and creativity with recipes influenced by Malay, Chinese and Indigenous Dayak cultures. Hungry and curious travellers can explore the bustling markets, traditional diners or avant-garde restaurants and discover Sarawak's rich culinary heritage. Must try dishes include Kolo Mee (a unique dry noodle dish) and Sarawak Laksa, which features a rich, complex broth.
Competition is heating up
The Global Culinary Challenge 2026 (GCCM2026), held in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign will take place in three main locations. Catch the competition as things heat up in Bintulu (Sarawak), Kuala Lumpur, and Seremban (Negeri Sembilan). GCCM 2026 is not only a culinary competition but also a gastronomic journey across East and West Malaysia, emphasising Malaysia as a top destination for cuisine, culture, and hospitality. July 21, 2026, to July 24, 2026.
Whether visitors are seasoned foodies or simply curious travellers, Malaysia is a feast for the senses. For current deals and packages find out more here
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About Tourism Malaysia:
Tourism Malaysia, officially known as the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, operates as an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia. Tasked with the comprehensive promotion of Malaysia as a prime tourism destination, Tourism Malaysia has established itself as a prominent entity within the global tourism landscape. Its efforts have borne fruit, with Malaysia attracting a significant influx of tourists, registering an impressive 26.1 million arrivals in 2019 alone. This places Malaysia firmly among the ranks of the world's leading tourism destinations.
For more information visit: https://www.tourism.gov.my
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