Malaysia’s hot and humid climate has sparked endless creativity in combating the heat. From refreshing icy treats to rich, sweet traditional desserts, each bite is a celebration of diverse cultures. The blend of Malay coconut passion, Chinese nostalgia, Indian spice magic, and Peranakan aesthetics culminates in a tropical feast. Here’s a guide to Malaysia’s must-try Malaysian Desserts and snacks!
Kuih Lapis (Nine-Layer Cake)
Kuih Lapis is a Peranakan classic, resembling an edible work of art. Each layer is steamed with coconut milk, pandan juice, and tapioca flour. It requires patience to stack up to nine layers, symbolizing longevity. The chewy texture and creamy coconut flavor, combined with the refreshing scent of pandan, create a delightful experience.
Fried Banana (Pisang Goreng)
Ripe bananas, coated in rice flour and deep-fried to crispy perfection, are dusted with powdered sugar or dipped in palm sugar syrup. This quintessential Malaysian street food is often enjoyed in night markets, paired with Teh Tarik (Malaysian pulled tea), making it the perfect local afternoon snack. 
Ondeh-Ondeh (Coconut Rice Balls)
Made with glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, and Malacca palm sugar, Ondeh-Ondeh is a traditional dessert. A gentle bite reveals warm palm sugar syrup, perfectly complementing the shredded coconut coating. This treat, hailing from the Malay Peninsula, embodies the idea that “simple is delicious,” making it a beloved afternoon tea choice.
Apam Balik (Peanut Pancake)
Apam Balik is a Malaysian-style peanut pancake filled with sugar, crushed peanuts, corn kernels, and butter. It comes in two versions: thick and fluffy or thin and crispy. Both are popular street food and loved for their satisfying texture and rich, sweet filling.
Pandan Coconut Rolls
These fragrant pandan coconut rolls are made with pandan leaf juice and coconut milk. The soft outer layer has a gentle pandan aroma, while the filling of palm sugar and shredded coconut adds a sweet, chewy bite.
Ais Kacang (Shaved Ice with Red Beans)
Ais Kacang is Malaysia’s national ice dessert. The typical serving includes red beans, corn, peanuts, grass jelly, and agar-agar, topped with condensed milk, coconut sugar syrup, and colorful syrups. The best way to enjoy it is to scoop from the bottom, letting the melting syrups blend with the ice for a sweet, refreshing treat.
Cendol (Pandan Jelly Dessert)
Cendol is a quintessential street dessert made with green pandan jelly noodles, coconut milk, and shaved ice. The addition of Gula Melaka (palm sugar from Malacca) provides a smoky-sweet flavor. This must-try dessert is a favorite throughout Malaysia.
Ais Kepal (Ice Ball)
Ais Kepal is a nostalgic Malaysian treat. Shaved ice is shaped into a ball, then drizzled with syrups and palm sugar. It’s sometimes topped with shredded coconut or coconut milk. The melting ice combined with the syrup creates a cool, sweet treat.
Momo Chacha (Colorful Coconut Dessert)
A favorite among the Peranakan community, Momo Chacha is known for its vibrant colors and unique flavors. Made with coconut milk, pandan leaves, sweet potato, yam, and sago pearls, it’s a silky, smooth dessert adored by both locals and tourists.
Black Glutinous Rice Pudding (Bubur Pulut Hitam)
Bubur Pulut Hitam is a sweet porridge or pudding made with black glutinous rice, coconut milk, pandan leaves, and palm sugar. This comforting dessert, enjoyed in both Indonesia and Malaysia, offers a lightly sweet flavor and is popular with fans of traditional Southeast Asian treats.
Durian Ice Cream
Durian ice cream is made from the famous D24 or Musang King durian. Its fibrous texture is blended into a creamy ice cream. The result is a rich, smooth texture with a hint of bitterness, perfectly balancing the creaminess. This treat is a must-try for durian lovers.
Durian Cendol
Durian Cendol combines the bold durian flavor with traditional Cendol ingredients. The creamy durian pulp blends with chewy green jelly noodles and coconut milk, creating a rich, sweet experience loved by those who appreciate the king of fruits.
