Pisang goreng is a quintessential Malaysian snack, consisting of ripe bananas or plantains coated in a light, crispy batter and deep-fried until golden. Whether enjoyed as a quick breakfast on the go or a comforting tea-time treat, this ubiquitous street food holds a special place in the hearts of locals, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.
The dish is a staple of Malaysian food culture, found at almost every pasar malam and roadside stall. While often referred to as 'banana fritters' in English, the dish is known by various names across the region, such as 'cucur pisang' in Brunei and 'maruya' in the Philippines, highlighting its deep roots in Southeast Asian culinary traditions.
Key Takeaways
- Pisang goreng is a beloved Malaysian snack made from battered, deep-fried bananas.
- Popular varieties like Pisang Raja and Pisang Tanduk are preferred for their ability to hold shape and sweetness.
- In Johor, it is culturally common to serve the fritters with a side of spicy sambal kicap.
- Famous spots to try this snack include Pisang Goreng Mawar in Johor Bahru and Brickfields Pisang Goreng in Kuala Lumpur.
History and Origins
The history of pisang goreng is a subject of much discussion among food enthusiasts. While some popular theories link the development of the dish to 16th-century Portuguese exploration and the introduction of wheat flour to the region, these claims remain speculative and lack definitive historical evidence. Regardless of its exact origins, the dish has evolved into a distinctively local creation that reflects the ingenuity of Southeast Asian cooks in utilizing the abundant variety of bananas available in the tropics.
Preparation and Variations
The secret to a great pisang goreng lies in the choice of banana. Varieties such as Pisang Raja, Pisang Tanduk, Pisang Kepok, and Pisang Abu are commonly used because they maintain their texture and balance their natural sweetness during the frying process. The batter typically features a mixture of flour—often a combination of wheat or rice flour—along with sugar, salt, and occasionally eggs, coconut milk, or vanilla to enhance the flavor and crispness.
While the classic version is a simple delight, modern variations have introduced creative toppings. You can now find stalls offering pisang goreng drizzled with condensed milk, chocolate syrup, or topped with grated cheddar cheese. In Johor, a unique and highly recommended way to enjoy the snack is with a side of sambal kicap, a spicy soy sauce-based dip that provides a savory contrast to the sweet banana.
Where to Eat the Best Pisang Goreng in Malaysia
Jump to a spot
- Pisang Goreng Mawar
- Brickfields Pisang Goreng
- P S L Goreng Pisang (Famous)
- PISANG GORENG STALL SEDAP
- PISANG GORENG BURN
- Port Pisang Cheese Bazaria@wangsa maju
- Brother Pisang Cheese
Pisang Goreng Mawar
This stall is legendary for its perfectly crispy, smooth batter and is particularly famous for serving its fritters with a signature spicy sambal kicap dipping sauce.
Area: Johor Bahru, in front of Johor Bahru City Square (Jam Besar)
📍 Address: Jalan Kolam Air 1, Kampung Nong Chik, 80100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim
📞 Phone: 011-6176 3365
⭐ Google rating: 3.8 from 1,479 reviews (as of August 2026)
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Brickfields Pisang Goreng
As one of the oldest and most well-known stalls in Kuala Lumpur, this spot is an institution for those seeking classic, no-frills crispy banana fritters and fried nian gao.
Area: Kuala Lumpur, Brickfields
📍 Address: 2, Jalan Thambipillay, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
📞 Phone: 012-617 2511
⭐ Google rating: 4.2 from 594 reviews (as of August 2026)
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P S L Goreng Pisang (Famous)
A true Taiping institution, this stall is celebrated for achieving the ideal texture: a satisfyingly crunchy exterior that gives way to a soft, molten banana interior.
Area: Taiping
📍 Address: 85, Jalan Pasar, 34000 Taiping, Perak
📞 Phone: 016-516 1818
⭐ Google rating: 3.9 from 521 reviews (as of August 2026)
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PISANG GORENG STALL SEDAP
Located in Penang, this stall is known for its thin-sliced, extra-crispy banana fritters, which are often prepared with a batter containing sesame seeds for an added nutty aroma.
Area: Penang, Air Itam (Opposite Chung Ling High School)
📍 Address: Kampung Baharu, 11400 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang
📞 Phone: 019-594 1971
⭐ Google rating: 4.5 from 284 reviews (as of August 2026)
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PISANG GORENG BURN
This long-standing family business near KLCC is a go-to for locals craving traditional, golden-brown banana fritters that are consistently fried to perfection.
Area: Kuala Lumpur, Kampung Baru
📍 Address: PISANG GORENG BURN, 49, Jalan Raja Muda Musa, Kampung Baru, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
📞 Phone: 018-282 6926
⭐ Google rating: 4.5 from 130 reviews (as of August 2026)
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Port Pisang Cheese Bazaria@wangsa maju
This stall stands out for its modern approach, offering crispy fritters topped with a variety of indulgent syrups, chocolate, and generous shavings of cheese.
Area: Kuala Lumpur, Wangsa Maju
📍 Address: 245A, Jalan Genting Kelang, Wilayah Persekutuan, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, Aras 3 Kedai No. 3A-49, Wilayah Persekutuan, Jalan Genting, 53300 Klang, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
📞 Phone: 019-694 1961
⭐ Google rating: 3.6 from 15 reviews (as of August 2026)
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Brother Pisang Cheese
Popular in Shah Alam, this spot is perfect for those who enjoy contemporary twists on the classic, featuring toppings like salted caramel, chocolate, and cheese.
Area: Shah Alam, Eco Ardence
📍 Address: 62, Jalan Eco Ardence B U12 / 36B, Eco Ardence Seksyen U12, Eco Ardence, Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor
📞 Phone: 010-238 6077
⭐ Google rating: 4.5 from 8 reviews (as of August 2026)
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| Restaurant / Stall | Town or Area | Known for | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pisang Goreng Mawar | Johor Bahru | Crispy fritters with spicy sambal kicap | Open in Google Maps |
| Brickfields Pisang Goreng | Kuala Lumpur | Classic crispy fritters and fried nian gao | Open in Google Maps |
| P S L Goreng Pisang (Famous) | Taiping | Perfectly crunchy exterior | Open in Google Maps |
| PISANG GORENG STALL SEDAP | Penang | Thin-sliced fritters with sesame seeds | Open in Google Maps |
| PISANG GORENG BURN | Kuala Lumpur | Traditional golden-brown fritters | Open in Google Maps |
| Port Pisang Cheese Bazaria@wangsa maju | Kuala Lumpur | Creative cheese and chocolate toppings | Open in Google Maps |
| Brother Pisang Cheese | Shah Alam | Modern indulgent variations | Open in Google Maps |
Conclusion
Whether you prefer your pisang goreng the traditional way or with modern, indulgent toppings, Malaysia offers an incredible variety of stalls to satisfy your craving. From the famous sambal-paired fritters in Johor Bahru to the classic crispy snacks in Kuala Lumpur and Taiping, there is always a fresh batch waiting to be enjoyed.