In multiracial Malaysia, every type of cooking from South-East Asia can be tasted. Malay food concentrates on subtleties of taste using a blend of spices, ginger, coconut milk and peanuts. There are many regional types of Chinese cooking including Cantonese, Peking, Hakka, Sichuan and Taiwanese. Indian food is also popular, with curries ranging from mild to very hot indeed. Vegetarian food, chutneys and Indian breads are also available. Indonesian cuisine also combines the use of dried seafoods and spiced vegetables with the Japanese method of preparation with fresh ingredients cooked to retain the natural flavour. Korean and Thai food are available in restaurants. Western food is served throughout the country and includes US, Spanish, Italian and French cuisine. Kuala Lumpur has several restaurants which rival the high standards set by established Western restaurants in Singapore and Hong Kong. Although the country is largely Islamic, alcohol is available.
Things to know: Table service is normal, and chopsticks are customary in Chinese restaurants. Indian and Malay food is eaten with the fingers. Set lunches, usually with four courses, are excellent value for money.
National specialities:
• Sambals (a paste of ground chilli, onion and tamarind) is often used as a side dish.
• Blachan (a dried shrimp paste) is used in many dishes.
• Ikan bilis (dried anchovies) are eaten with drinks.
• Popular Malay dishes include satay, which consists of a variety of meats, especially chicken, barbecued on small skewers with a spicy peanut dipping sauce and a salad of cucumber, onion and compressed rice cakes. The best sauce often takes several hours to prepare to attain its subtle flavour.
• Gula Malacca (a firm sago pudding in palm sugar sauce) is also served in restaurants.
• Japanese-style seafood such as siakaiu beef (grilled at the table).
• Tempura (deep-fried seafood) and sashimi (raw fish with salad) are excellent.
• Amongst Malaysia’s exotic fruits are starfruit, durian, guavas, mangos, mangosteen and pomelos.
National drinks:
• Local beers such as Tiger and Anchor are recommended.
• The famous Singapore Gin Sling.
• International beers are also available.
Tipping: 10 per cent service charge and 5 per cent government tax are commonly included in bills. Taxi drivers are not tipped..

Kuala Lumpur has a selection of reputable nightclubs and discos, most belonging to the big hotels. Nightclubs generally stay open until 0500 or 0600 and usually request a cover charge which includes the first drink free. Many of Kuala Lumpur’s bars have a ‘Happy Hour’, offering two drinks for the price of one, between 1700-2000/2100. Bintang Walk is a lively spot and has a good selection of al fresco bars and coffee shops. Penang is also lively at night, larger hotels having cocktail lounges, dining, dancing and cultural shows. There are night markets in most towns, including both Kuala Lumpur and Penang Chinatown. Malay and Chinese films often have English subtitles and there are also English films. The national lottery and Malaysia’s only casino at Genting Highlands are Government-approved and visitors are not supposed to gamble elsewhere. Keno and Chinese Tai Sai, roulette, baccarat, French bull and blackjack are played at the casino. Dress is relatively formal and visitors must be over 21 years of age.

Shopping in Malaysia ranges from exclusive department stores to street markets. Bargaining is expected in the markets, unless fixed prices are displayed. Kuala Lumpur is a popular shopping destination, rivalling Singapore and Hong Kong. Suria KLCC, a shopping mall with a spectacular fountain, gardens and a beautiful piazza, houses a great selection of leading couture outlets. Star Hill and Lot 10 are popular shopping malls and there were plans underway to develop and finish an additional mall – Times Square. The islands of Labuan and Langkawi are duty free zones. Cameras, pens, watches, cosmetics, perfume and electronic goods are available duty free throughout Malaysia. Malaysian speciality goods include pewterware, silverware and brassware; batik; jewellery; pottery; and songket. Enquire at Malaysian Royal Customs and Excise about claiming cashback on duty free goods. Shopping hours: Most shops keep their own opening hours, usually within the range of 1000-2200.