I first discovered Malaysian cuisine in London, thanks to a steaming bowl of laksa noodle soup that changed the way I thought about flavour. The combination of spicy, sour, creamy, and herbal notes was unforgettable. Since then, I’ve made a point of seeking out Malaysian food wherever I go.
To my surprise, one of the best Malaysian meals I’ve ever had wasn’t in London, but in Barcelona, at a cosy spot called Malaysian Street Delights.
On our first visit, we started with roti canai, often called Malaysia’s national bread. It’s flaky, chewy, and pan-fried until crisp, served with a mild and comforting potato curry. It was the perfect snack to tear and dip while scanning the rest of the menu.
Then came the dish that stole the show: penang char kway teow. On the menu, it’s described simply as flat rice noodles stir-fried with vegetables and a protein of your choice (vegetables, chicken, beef, prawns, or Kam Heong prawns). We went with the Kam Heong prawns, a spicier version flavoured with dried chilli, curry leaves, and savoury sauces. The result was a plate of noodles that hit all the right notes: smoky, spicy, slightly sweet, with that signature wok hei (the elusive “breath of the wok” that makes stir-fries sing).
We followed that with nasi goreng, Malaysia’s version of fried rice. Their take comes with egg, vegetables, and crispy chicken wings. We added prawns too, which gave us a nice mix. Victor stuck with the wings, and I got the extra protein. It was savoury, a little smoky, and very satisfying.
We loved it so much we came back a few days later.
On our second visit, we ordered the char kway teow again – how could we not? – and added the sambal mee goreng, another stir-fried noodle dish with its own personality. These noodles are different in texture as they are thicker and more elastic, and come tossed with prawns, egg, vegetables, and sambal, a spicy, aromatic chilli paste that gives the dish its distinctive depth. It’s spicier and richer than the char kway teow, and just as good in its own way. If the char kway teow is smoky and subtle, the sambal mee goreng is punchy and bold.
We also tried a rice cake starter, a simple, chewy bite to contrast the bigger flavours.
And for dessert, we couldn’t resist the pulut tai tai, a glutinous rice cake naturally dyed blue with butterfly pea flower and served with kaya, a sweet coconut jam. It was sticky, lightly sweet, and beautifully presented.
The flavours here are unapologetically bold and authentically Malaysian. For a city that doesn’t have many Malaysian options, this place is a gem. In fact, it’s better than some of the more famous Malaysian spots I’ve tried in London.
If you’re craving fiery sambal, smoky noodles, or flaky roti with curry, Malaysian Street Delights delivers. Highly recommended for Southeast Asian food lovers, street food fans, and anyone curious to try something new in Barcelona.
Have you tried Malaysian food before? What’s your favourite dish?
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