The best Malaysian restaurants in London

If there's only one Malaysian restaurant in London you get to visit, make it Roti King. This cult eatery was infamous for the queues of hungry punters at its original Euston location, but has since thankfully expanded to multiple locations, easing the crowds somewhat. The flaky roti breads and fragrant curries here are still as good as ever, and the prices remain very budget-friendly as well.

Starting out as a Malaysian food stall at Market Peckham, Mambow expanded beyond its original space and relocated to Clapton in 2023. Acclaimed chef Abby Lee serves a modern interpretation of Malaysian cuisine, complemented by natural wines and a rotating menu of cocktails. The inviting eatery, one of the most popular Malaysian restaurants in London, features outdoor seating and an open kitchen that allows diners to catch a glimpse of the cooking in action.

C&R Café, a cosy Malaysian restaurant in Chinatown, offers quick service and beloved street-food classics. The menu at this small, inviting diner boasts an extensive selection of rice and noodle dishes alongside fragrant curries. With a no-reservation policy, you can simply drop by whenever you're in the area. The warm ambiance and flavourful dishes make it a go-to spot for Malay expats.

The swift success of Malaysian chef Mandy Yin has turned her Holloway eatery, Sambal Shiok, into a must-visit spot for London food lovers. This modest laksa bar offers fragrant and spicy laksa noodle curries, alongside rice bowls and traditional snacks. Diners can select from four different laksas, including a unique vegan option. The menu also includes a selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, with takeaway options and a pantry of essentials available too.

For some of the most authentic Malaysian food in London, head to Normah's. This Queensway Market spot offers hearty home-style dishes in a modest space that evokes the feel of a domestic kitchen. The menu features traditional recipes with a variety of meat, fish, and vegetarian options, including favourites like beef rendang, laksa, nasi goreng, and roti with dhal. You can also enjoy Malaysian tea and soft drinks to complement your meal.

This Paddington eatery originally launched way back in 1973, making it one of the oldest Malaysian restaurants in London. A go-to spot for comforting, lovingly prepared Malaysian fare, the welcoming venue spans two floors, offering plenty of seating for those dining in. The menu showcases fragrant, traditional Malaysian dishes such as rendang and fish curry, bursting with flavour. There's a basement space that's available for private hire, and larger groups can order the traditional Malaysian sharing feast aka hidangan.

Roti King spin-off Gopal's Corner was launched as a tribute to the chef-founder's parents' eatery in Ipoh, Malaysia, established nearly 50 years ago. The menu offers a taste of genuine Malaysian Tamil cooking, featuring dishes such as crispy dosas, flavourful noodles, spicy curries, and homemade buttery flatbreads. The lively setting of the food halls these stalls are located in adds a bit of bustling street-like atmosphere as well.

Drawing inspiration from the vibrant hawker culture of Singapore and Malaysia, Rasa Sayang offers authentic halal cuisine from the region. This lively, red-fronted eatery is always buzzing, with a no-frills, straightforward dining area. The extensive menu features a wide range of options, including small plates, curries, barbecued dishes, noodles, and vegan-friendly selections. Alongside a limited selection of alcoholic beverages, diners can enjoy soft drinks and traditional teas.

Driven by its founder's love for cooking and good food, Dapur in Holborn offers a truly authentic taste of Malay cuisine, using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The Malaysian lunch restaurant changes its menu daily, but consistently showcases wholesome, home-cooked dishes crafted from recipes handed down through generations. The venue also accommodates private events, making it a versatile choice for gatherings.

Sudu derives its name from the Malay word for "spoon," and fittingly, it encourages you to savour spoonfuls of their rich beef rendang, accompanied by a soft, egg-filled roti. This snug and welcoming neighbourhood Malaysian restaurant in London offers a homely, relaxed environment that's ideal for intimate meetups or reconnecting with an old friend. 

Putera Puteri is one of the few Malaysian restaurants in London where you can try the country's authentic breakfast specialities. Serving homemade food in a relaxed, contemporary atmosphere, the restaurant is suitable both for first-timers or long-time fans of Malaysian cuisine. The all-day kitchen is also happy to accommodate vegetarian requests, ensuring a versatile menu for all diners.

Back when Roti King was limited to just one branch in Euston, Hawker's Kitchen was one of its most serious challengers to the roti throne. Roti King has since expanded its fiefdom, but this compact Caledonian Road eatery is still keeping it on its toes when it comes to flaky roti that melt in your mouth with the help of a tasty curry. The battle for supremacy is far from over.

There's a lot going on at Champor-Champor, whether you're talking about the food or the decor. The menu draws inspiration from Thai and Malaysian cuisine, featuring dishes like beef rendang and king prawn green curry, alongside inventive starters such as tandoori prawns with mango yogurt salad. The London Bridge restaurant is full of cultural artefacts and colourful accents, with an intimate, candlelit atmosphere.

Malaysian Deli is a well-loved spot in Brockley, offering a welcoming environment to enjoy authentic Malaysian cuisine. This laid-back eatery features a BYOB policy and a minimalist yet stylish setting with modern, earthy decor. The straightforward menu includes favourites like roti canai, stir-fries, and noodle dishes, with a good selection of vegan options available too.

Chef Danny Tan, originally from Malaysia, comes from a distinguished chef family and honed his culinary craft in some of Kuala Lumpur's finest establishments. Since relocating to the UK in 1987, he's crafted his own unique cuisine combining the flavours of Malaysia, Thailand, and China. His restaurant Laksamania is celebrated for its authentic laksa options, signature wok-fried dishes, and a thoughtfully crafted vegan menu that stands out alongside the traditional offerings.

Makan Cafe, a family-run eatery established in 2001, focuses on Malaysian street food. Situated on the iconic Portobello Road, this laid-back spot welcomes guests from breakfast to dinner, offering a wide range of dishes from authentic Malaysian classics to halal English breakfasts, along with crowd-favourite snacks like spring rolls and curry puffs., along with freshly made daily specials. On market days, it's one of the busiest Malaysian restaurants London has to offer.

Med Salleh Kopitiam has earned high praise from prominent food critics for its nostalgic take on Malaysian street food, drawing inspiration from the founders' fond memories of childhood treats like the show-stopping iced dessert or the comforting, lovingly crafted Grandma Hainanese Chicken Rice that embodies the essence of this unassuming Malaysian café. Every dish served is a cherished childhood favourite that seamlessly transforms into an adult indulgence.

Melur, a family-run restaurant that goes back more than 20 years, serves up a variety of Malaysian and Indonesian dishes in a sleek, modern setting featuring polished wooden furniture and crisp white walls. Known for delivering authentic, home-style cooking, the restaurant has become a trusted destination for those seeking traditional flavours. On weekends, they offer an affordable buffet option.

Tukdin, a popular spot among London's Malaysian ex-pat community, is an excellent place to explore authentic flavours. The laid-back dining space is bright and unpretentious, with a menu crafted to bring a taste of Malaysia's culinary heritage. All dishes are halal, and the menu encourages sharing, featuring options like prawn crackers, spicy curries, and a variety of stir-fries.

Mamak Don in Camden is a relaxed Malaysian restaurant featuring wooden panelling, rattan seating, and wall murals illustrating scenes from Asia. The kitchen specialises in street-food favourites like roti canai, satay skewers, and various curries. Named after the traditional roadside stalls common throughout Malaysia, the restaurant captures the vibe of these local spots, offering an authentic and laid-back dining experience.