Cover Communal Table by Gēn in Penang is one of co-jury head Katelyn Tan’s five essential picks in her Pocket List for Malaysia
Communal Table by Gēn in Penang is one of co-jury head Katelyn Tan’s five essential picks in her Pocket List for Malaysia
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Food, art, cocktails and culture—discover five insider recommendations that show Malaysia at its most vibrant
Welcome to Pocket List, a new series spotlighting insiders and their essential recommendations for eating, drinking and exploring a city. Think of it as a cheat sheet, small enough to slip in your pocket yet expansive enough to open new doors.
We’re kicking off with our Tatler Best co-jury heads, who each bring a sharp eye and deep knowledge of their regions. First up is Katelyn Tan, co-jury head for Malaysia and dining editor of Malaysia and Indonesia, whose five picks take us from the bustle of Penang to the heart of Kuala Lumpur and beyond. Keep reading for more and save the list for your next visit.
In case you missed it: The Tatler Best Awards return to Bangkok in October 2025, unveiling a bold Asia-Pacific and Middle East expansion
Above Katelyn Tan, co-jury head for Malaysia and dining editor of Malaysia and Indonesia
Katelyn Tan, co-jury head for Malaysia and dining editor of Malaysia and Indonesia
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Visit Penang, Malaysia’s street food capital
Above Communal Table by Gēn offers a variety of modern Malaysian sharing plates
Communal Table by Gēn offers a variety of modern Malaysian sharing plates
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Start with a steaming plate of char kuey teow at No 5 Char Koay Teow on Macalister Road, and grab a cup of coffee (and a slice of zucchini loaf) at Ome by Spacebar Coffee. Head to Communal Table by Gēn for dinner for a variety of modern Malaysian sharing plates, and if you’re staying the night, check into the newly renovated, pet-friendly Noordin Mews. If you’re up for it, hike up Penang Hill for a stunning sunrise view.
No 5 Char Koay Teow
Address: 94, Jalan Macalister, Sunshine City, George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Ome by Spacebar Coffee
Address: 1, Lorong Toh Aka, George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Communal Table by Gēn
68, Lebuh Presgrave, George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Noordin Mews
53, Lebuh Noordin, George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Try Malaysia’s national dish of nasi lemak at Village Park, Kuala Lumpur
Above Sample nasi lemak at Village Park in Kuala Lumpur
Sample nasi lemak at Village Park in Kuala Lumpur
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No visit to Malaysia is complete without trying nasi lemak, our national dish. Think fragrant coconut rice with a hint of pandan, rich sambal, and crunchy peanuts and anchovies that tie the dish together. Everyone has their favourite spot, and other places to visit include The Nasi Lemak Shop and Nasi Lemak Burung Hantu, each offering a slightly different take on this iconic dish.
Village Park Restaurant
Address: 5, Jalan SS 21/37, Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
The Nasi Lemak Shop
Address: G10, Oasis Business Centre, BU4 Cangkat Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Nasi Lemak Burung Hantu
Address: 19, Lorong Rahim Kajai 13, Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Explore UR-MU and the National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur
Above Walk off the food at UR-MU and Malaysia’s National Art Gallery
Walk off the food at UR-MU and Malaysia’s National Art Gallery
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Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss UR-MU, a collection of private art galleries with exhibits scattered across the city. Meanwhile, Malaysia’s National Art Gallery showcases both contemporary and historical works from local artists.
UR-MU
Address: 3, Jalan Bedara, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
National Art Gallery
Address: 2, Jalan Temerloh, Off Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Sip cocktails in Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur
Above Inventive cocktails at Lavantha in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown
Inventive cocktails at Lavantha in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown
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Steeped in heritage, Chinatown is a must-visit for both history buffs and cocktail lovers. It is a thriving spot for craft cocktail bars, many of which draw inspiration from the area’s vintage shophouses and historical past. Sip on inventive concoctions from bars that have stood the test of time, or newer haunts such as Lavantha.
Lavantha
Address: LG/F, Chinatown, 1, Jalan Hang Lekiu, City Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Check out lifestyle hub The Campus, Ampang, Selangor
Above Weekends at The Campus in Ampang, a former school turned lifestyle hub filled with neighbourhood favourites and cultural events
Above Freshly fired pies at Pizza Duo, one of the newest arrivals at The Campus, adding to Ampang’s growing food and lifestyle scene
Weekends at The Campus in Ampang, a former school turned lifestyle hub filled with neighbourhood favourites and cultural events
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Weekend hotspot The Campus is a lively culture and retail hub that is home to neighbourhood favourite brands and lifestyle shops, from bakery Universal Bakehouse to the newly opened Pizza Duo. Keep an eye on its event schedule for exciting coffee festivals and more.
The Campus
Address: Lot 7706, Jalan Kolam Air Lama, Mukim Hulu Kelang, Ampang, Selangor, Malaysia
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