Malaysians Rank Fourth Among Asia’s Top Foodie Travellers

3 March 2026

KUALA LUMPUR: Digital travel platform Agoda has revealed that Malaysians are the fourth most passionate foodies in Asia when it comes to travel. According to Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report, one in three Malaysians travel primarily to explore new culinary delights.

Food is now a key driver for travel across Asia, with more travellers eager to immerse themselves in local gastronomy. This trend shows that food experiences have climbed from sixth place last year to the top three travel motivators.

Taiwanese travellers lead the way, with 47% citing culinary experiences as a key reason to travel. Vietnamese and South Korean travellers follow closely, with 35% and 34%, respectively, showcasing their love for diverse and vibrant cuisines.

Malaysian and Japanese travellers are ranked fourth and fifth, with 33% and 32% prioritising food on their trips. Other notable nations include Indonesia (31%), Thailand (20%), and India (8%), highlighting a broad appetite for global flavours.

Fabian Teja, Agoda’s Country Director for Malaysia and Brunei, said, "For many Malaysians, travel and food go hand in hand. Whether it’s street food, regional specialties, or trending dining spots, culinary discovery is central to how Malaysians experience the world. Malaysia’s rich and diverse cuisine, from Penang’s smoky char kway teow and Johor’s laksa to Klang Valley’s nasi lemak and Ipoh’s bean sprout chicken, fuels this passion. At Agoda, we’re excited to support this love of food by making it easy for travellers to book flights, stays, and experiences all in one place."

For those craving their next culinary adventure, Agoda offers over 300,000 activities, more than 6 million holiday properties, and over 130,000 flight routes, all bookable in one seamless process.