Learning the local language can greatly enhance your culinary experiences in a new country. When you travel to Malaysia or interact with Malay-speaking communities, knowing some key food and dining phrases can be incredibly useful. Below are some essential phrases that will help you navigate through meals, whether you’re at a fancy restaurant or street food stall.

Makan
Meaning: To eat
Sudah makan belum? – Have you eaten yet?

Minum
Meaning: To drink
Saya ingin minum air kelapa – I want to drink coconut water.

Lapar
Meaning: Hungry
Saya lapar, mari kita cari makanan – I am hungry, let’s find some food.

Kenyang
Meaning: Full
Saya sudah kenyang, terima kasih – I am full, thank you.

Menu
Meaning: Menu
Boleh saya lihat menu? – May I see the menu?

Pesanan
Meaning: Order (noun)
Apa pesanan anda? – What is your order?

Pesan
Meaning: To order (verb)
Saya ingin pesan nasi lemak – I would like to order nasi lemak.

Restoran
Meaning: Restaurant
Restoran ini sangat terkenal di Kuala Lumpur – This restaurant is very famous in Kuala Lumpur.

Warung
Meaning: Small family-owned business/restaurant
Kita makan di warung, lebih murah – Let’s eat at a small food stall, it’s cheaper.

Hidangan
Meaning: Dish (noun)
Hidangan ini sangat sedap! – This dish is very delicious!

Sedap
Meaning: Delicious
Rasanya sangat sedap! – It tastes very delicious!

Pedas
Meaning: Spicy
Saya tidak makan pedas – I don’t eat spicy food.

Manis
Meaning: Sweet
Saya suka kuih yang manis – I like sweet desserts.

Asam
Meaning: Sour
Buah ini rasanya asam – This fruit tastes sour.

Masam
Meaning: Sour (another term)
Saya tidak suka asinan yang terlalu masam – I don’t like pickles that are too sour.

Alergi
Meaning: Allergy
Saya alergi kacang – I am allergic to nuts.

Halal
Meaning: Permissible under Islamic law
Makanan di sini semua halal – The food here is all halal.

Sayur
Meaning: Vegetable
Saya ingin tambah sayur dalam pesanan saya – I want to add vegetables to my order.

Daging
Meaning: Meat
Dagingnya dimasak hingga empuk – The meat is cooked until tender.

Ikan
Meaning: Fish
Ikan di sini segar-segar – The fish here are fresh.

Ayam
Meaning: Chicken
Saya ingin ayam panggang satu – I would like one grilled chicken.

Tagihan
Meaning: Bill
Boleh saya minta tagihan? – Can I have the bill, please?

Tolong
Meaning: Please or help
Tolong bungkus sisa makanannya – Please pack the leftovers.

Terima kasih
Meaning: Thank you
Terima kasih sudah melayani kami – Thank you for serving us.

With these essential phrases, you can confidently explore the culinary delights Malaysia has to offer. Selamat makan, or enjoy your meal!