Petaling Jaya (PJ), a vibrant city in Selangor, Malaysia, is famed for its rich and diverse street food scene. Whether you’re a local food lover or a traveler eager to experience authentic Malaysian flavors, PJ’s street food stalls and hawker centers deliver mouth-watering delights at affordable prices. From traditional Malay classics like nasi lemak and satay to Chinese-inspired dishes such as wantan mee and Hokkien mee, Petaling Jaya’s street food has something to satisfy every craving. Here’s a curated list of the top 10 street food in Petaling Jaya that you absolutely must try in 2025.
1. Nasi Lemak Royale
Nasi lemak is Malaysia’s beloved national dish, known for its fragrant coconut rice and spicy sambal. This version comes with crispy fried chicken that perfectly complements the rich flavors.
- Location: Jalan SS2/24, SS2, Petaling Jaya
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM (daily)
- Must Try: Nasi lemak with sambal, fried anchovies, peanuts, boiled egg, and fried chicken
- Price: RM 5 – RM 10
- Highlights: Rich, creamy rice with perfectly balanced spicy sambal; local favorite for breakfast.
2. Hokkien Mee at SS2 Wet Market
Hokkien Mee is a wok-fried noodle dish famous for its smoky ‘wok hei’ flavor. The rich dark soy sauce and pork lard give it a savory depth loved by many.
- Location: SS2 Wet Market Food Court, Jalan SS2/24
- Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM (daily)
- Must Try: Charcoal-fried Hokkien Mee with prawns and pork slices
- Price: RM 6 – RM 10
- Highlights: Authentic smoky flavor with generous ingredients.
3. Roti Canai Jalan Templer
Roti canai is a flaky, crispy Indian flatbread served with dhal or curry, perfect for any time of the day. Its soft layers and slightly charred edges make it irresistibly tasty.
- Location: Jalan Templer, near PJ Old Town
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM (daily)
- Must Try: Roti canai with dhal or chicken curry
- Price: RM 1.50 – RM 6
- Highlights: Freshly made roti; popular for both breakfast and late-night snack.
4. Lok Lok at SS2 Night Market
Lok Lok is a fun street food where you pick skewers of fresh ingredients and cook them in boiling water. It’s a social, interactive dining experience popular among night market visitors.
- Location: Jalan SS2/24 (SS2 Night Market)
- Opening Hours: 6:30 PM – 11:30 PM (Friday & Saturday)
- Must Try: Assorted skewers like fish balls, tofu, vegetables, and meats
- Price: RM 1 – RM 3 per skewer
- Highlights: Interactive dining experience, perfect for groups.
5. Cendol at PJ Old Town
Cendol is a refreshing dessert made with shaved ice, green rice flour jelly, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup. It’s a perfect treat to cool down in Malaysia’s tropical heat.
- Location: Jalan 51A/223, PJ Old Town
- Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (daily)
- Must Try: Classic cendol with gula Melaka syrup
- Price: RM 2.50 – RM 4
- Highlights: Refreshing and sweet, ideal for hot weather.
6. Satay at SS5 Night Market
Satay is a beloved Malaysian grilled meat skewer, served with a thick peanut sauce. The smoky, tender meat is a classic favorite for dinner or a hearty snack.
- Location: Jalan SS5/8, SS5 Night Market
- Opening Hours: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Friday & Saturday)
- Must Try: Chicken, beef, and lamb satay
- Price: RM 0.80 – RM 1.20 per stick
- Highlights: Juicy and smoky, charcoal-grilled to perfection.
7. Penang Assam Laksa at SS2 Food Court
Assam Laksa is a spicy, tangy fish-based noodle soup from Penang. Its unique sour broth and fresh herbs make it a favorite among laksa enthusiasts.
- Location: SS2 Food Court, Jalan SS2/24
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (daily)
- Must Try: Penang-style Assam Laksa with mackerel fish
- Price: RM 7 – RM 12
- Highlights: Refreshingly sour and spicy broth, a laksa lover’s favorite.
8. Wantan Mee at Bandar Utama
Wantan Mee is a popular noodle dish with springy noodles, char siu, and wantan dumplings. The combination offers a perfect balance of textures and savory flavors.
- Location: Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM (daily)
- Must Try: Dry wantan mee with char siu and dumplings
- Price: RM 6 – RM 10
- Highlights: Balanced savory flavors with a mix of textures.
9. Apam Balik at Taman Jaya
Apam Balik is a sweet, folded Malaysian pancake filled with peanuts and corn. Its crispy edges and soft center make it a delightful snack or dessert.
- Location: Taman Jaya Market, Petaling Jaya
- Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM (daily)
- Must Try: Crispy apam balik with peanut and corn filling
- Price: RM 1.50 – RM 3
- Highlights: Crispy edges with a soft, sweet center; great for snacks.
10. Teh Tarik & Roti Boom at Section 17
Teh Tarik is Malaysia’s famous pulled tea, creamy and frothy, paired perfectly with roti boom, a flaky buttery bun. It’s the ultimate teatime combo.
- Location: Section 17 Hawker Stalls, Petaling Jaya
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM (daily)
- Must Try: Frothy teh tarik and crispy roti boom
- Price: RM 2 – RM 5
- Highlights: Perfect teatime combo, rich and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Petaling Jaya’s street food scene is a vibrant reflection of Malaysia’s rich cultural tapestry, offering an incredible variety of flavors that cater to every palate. From the comforting warmth of nasi lemak to the lively, interactive experience of Lok Lok at the night markets, every bite tells a story of heritage and passion. Affordable, delicious, and accessible, these top 10 street foods in Petaling Jaya are more than just meals—they’re a gateway to experiencing authentic Malaysian culture. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, be sure to explore these culinary gems on your next visit to PJ and savor the true taste of Malaysia.
