12 Malaysian Food Brands You Didn't Know Were Huge Overseas (2024)

fun

From US to Papua New Guinea!

12 Malaysian Food Brands You Didn't Know Were Huge Overseas (1)

By Khye Lynn Yong

  • #food
  • #brands
  • #famous
  • #popular
  • #overseas
  • #local
  • #list
  • #listicle
  • #fun
  • #knowledge
  • #global

Cover image via Life

1. Life sauces is Malaysia's largest sauce brand and they produce 26 million sauce bottles a year

Life sauces started exporting to Japan in 2015.

Image via Halal Media Japan

The largest sauce brand in Malaysia, Life Sauces are exported into the US, UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, Mauritius, Maldives, the Middle East, Brunei and Singapore since it was established in 1978.

It comes under Region Food Industries (RFI), the parent company of the Life brand. Life Sauces which first sprouted from a humble factory in Port Klang in 2004 is now producing 26 million sauce bottles a year.

Besides the basic sauces like chilli and tomato ketchup, they've also come up with special pastes and oriental sauces. Their mini packet sauces are probably the most commonly found used in popular fast food chains like KFC, Pizza Hut, RasaMas, and more!

Life sauces displayed in Vietnam.

Image via Life

2. Kawan Food Berhad based in Shah Alam is known as the inventor of the world's first frozen paratha

Image via Kawan

Kawan Food, that has been operating for more than 30-years now is most widely known as the creator of the world’s first frozen paratha but they have a huge frozen selection of other traditional Asian food delicacies.

Based in Shah Alam, Selangor, Kawan Food is Malaysia’s leading exporter and largest manufacturer for food of its kind. So, we're talking flatbreads like naan and paratha, Chinese sweet desserts and pastries, finger food products made from soy protein, to pita and tortilla breads.

If you're a fan of popiah skins, try some of these cool recipes made from Kawan brand popiah skins here!

Their products have extended into US, Canada, European, Irish, UK, Middle Eastern, African, Asian and Australasian markets.

In 2016, Kawan made a net profit of RM 9.17 million in the second quarter of the year on 30 June while reaching up to RM 55.5 million in revenue.

Image via Kawan

3. Munchy's, Malaysia's leading homegrown biscuit brand has made its way across more than 50 countries

Image via Midsummer Treat

This year makes Munchy’s 26th year anniversary, our very own leading homegrown biscuit brand that exports their food products across more than 50 countries. Their headquarters is located in Batu Pahat with several Munchy's local offices are spread out across the country in different cities and states.

There's a variety of Munchy's products which branch into varying categories, some of which are Munchy's Crackers, Lexus, oat Krunch, Muzic, Captain Munch, Assorted and 7 Days.

Vege crackers for USD12.56, anyone?

Image via Amazon

4. Baba's is exported to almost every continent

Image via Spice Trail

Baba's have a whole selection of premium spices, vegetarian curry powders, flours and other pre-mixes that make cooking easy. A study featured on the Baba's website pinpoints a study describing that on average, at least one of three main meals consumed by Malaysian will have a product from the Baba's range in them.

BABA's spices have broke into the foreign market for years now and can be found in North America, Canada, Europe, South Africa, Australia, most of Southeast Asia.

A prime example of humble beginnings, Baba's started in the late 70's as a sundry van business selling spices that caters primarily to local housewives. It was by receiving customers' feedback that helped honed the Babas spice mixes.

Image via Amazon

5. PappaRich is the go-to Malaysian restaurant in Australia

Papparich outlet in Sydney, Australia.

Image via PappaRich Australia/Facebook

The PappaRich restaurant promises to showcase the best of Malaysian cuisine all over the world, operating widely across different countries like Australia, Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and the US.

Other than dining, they're the only white coffee producer in Malaysia that uses Stevia (natural sweetener), the healthier option to have instead of sugar in their instant coffee brand under the same name.

Part of the menu for PappaRich's branch in New York.

Image via PappaRich USA

6. OldTown White Coffee distributes their coffee to over 13 countries worldwide

First OldTown White Coffee outlet in Australia in 2015.

Image via AU Review

The brand erupted in 1999 and drew inspiration from Ipoh's special white coffee. Their pre-mixed beverages like coffee, tea, and chocolate are exported into foreign countries and cities such as Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, Phillippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing, UK, Canada, USA, Australia, and New Zealand.

The total revenue received by OldTown states they've gotten RM 102.89 million while their profit before tax (PBT) was RM 19.79 million after last year's quarter ended 30 June.

The range of Old Town coffee selections than are available for export to more than 13 countries.

Image via OldTown

7. Mamee Monster is present in over 80 countries worldwide

Mamee noodles found in Hong Kong.

Image via The Loop HK

It first came about in 1972 and was labelled as a noodle snack and somehow later grouped with instant noodles. But whatever it may be, the Mamee Monster noodle snack will forever be imprinted in our childhoods.

Though you're wrong if you think it's exclusive to Malaysians as the noodle snack is shared with those from Australia, Angola, Bahrain, Canada, Cuba, Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Fiji Island, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, Kuwait, Maldives, Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Scotland, Singapore, Solomon Island, South Africa, Switzerland, UAE and UK.

Mamee Monster factory in Malacca.

Image via Jessy The KL Chic

8. Mister Potato formed back in 1992 is available in over 80 countries worldwide

Then you have Mister Potato crisps maintain their number one spot for being the best potato chip brand in the country. Mister Potato was formed back in 1992 but have steadily progressed to the point of entering the markets of over 80 countries worldwide.

The brand's recent additions to potato chip flavours is a great effort for keeping potato chip fans excited.

Mister Potato in Thailand.

Image via Mister Potato Thailand/Facebook

9. Brahim's famous ready-to-use sauces are also found on Amazon

Image via Sunshine Kelly

Brahims' sauces and pastes offers you the practically of making easy and authentic Asian dishes. With your favourite Malaysian, Thai and Indonesian ready-to-use sauces that are great for adding flavour to your home cooked meals.

From Thai green curry to Malaysian Masak Merah and Indonesian Rendang, these sauces can be found in South-East Asia, Australia, USA, United Kingdom and Japan. You can even order Brahim's off Amazon where you can get the Thai Green Curry packet for USD4.46 and 'Kuah Rendang' at USD6.

Image via Amazon

10. Beryl's is distributed across Asia as well as major stores and hypermarkets nationwide

Image via KLIA2

Established in 1995, Beryl's markets premium quality chocolates at reasonable prices. It usually comes in pebbles of white, milk and dark chocolate with nut or raisin fillings. However, they also have crunchy Gaufrettes (wafers) and chocolate dusted with tiramisu.

Beryl's chocolate is exported to Singapore, Macau, Hong Kong, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand, and is distributed across major stores and hypermarkets nationwide!

Their annual estimated sales ranges between USD10 million to USD50 million.

12 Malaysian Food Brands You Didn't Know Were Huge Overseas (21)

Image via Jualo

11. Secret Recipe have made up to RM 750 million since it began 20 years ago

A Secret Recipe branch in Thailand.

Image via Secret Recipe Thailand/Facebook

The leading and largest café chain in Malaysia, Secret Recipe has been growing their café into an internationally recognised brand since 1997. Secret Recipe cakes and fusion-style food have arrived at Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, China, Brunei, Cambodia, Myanmar and Maldives, totalling to more than 300 outlets throughout the region and making RM 750 million in revenue to date.

Secret Recipe outlet in Shanghai in 2014.

Image via China Daily

12. Lingham's has existed for more than 100 years and is believed to be one of the earliest brands to enter foreign markets

Lingham's was founded by an Indian migrant in 1908 and it is believed to be one of the earliest brands to enter foreign markets. Later on after World War II in 1945, Lingham's was transferred to a Chinese owner but before then the sauce was even popular among the British during the colonial era for some added spice to their meals.

Now sold in over 20 countries, worldwide distribution of Lingam's chilli sauce includes the United Kingdom, Holland, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, United States of America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Chile, Ukraine, Singapore and South Africa.

Lingham's chilli sauce in Tesco Sheffield.

Image via Mosaic International/Twitter

What’s your favourite global Malaysian brand? Let us know in the comments section below!

For more things you might not already know is happening in Malaysia:

Annual Leave Days And Other Legal Rights You Have As An Employee In Malaysia

Protect yourself from any unscrupulous employment practices!

12 Malaysian Food Brands You Didn't Know Were Huge Overseas (26) Read the full story

Malaysia Is The Cheapest Country In The World For Flights

The most expensive are flights from Belgium.

12 Malaysian Food Brands You Didn't Know Were Huge Overseas (27) Read the full story

This Contest Wants Malaysians To Send In Pro-LGBT Videos And It's Totally Legit

Cheeky!

12 Malaysian Food Brands You Didn't Know Were Huge Overseas (28) Read the full story

15 Local Types Of Food That Have Totally Different Names Across Malaysia

Food that we love that's known by several different names.

12 Malaysian Food Brands You Didn't Know Were Huge Overseas (29) Read the full story

More stories to read:

12 Malaysian Food Brands You Didn't Know Were Huge Overseas (2024)

FAQs

What food brands are from Malaysia? ›

Thank You!
  • Able Dairies. Manufacturers and processor of high-quality essential dairy products that form an integral part of everyday life.
  • Abrand Food. ...
  • Asian Meals. ...
  • Ciasiang Foods. ...
  • Kepala Batas Bihun. ...
  • Kewpie Malaysia. ...
  • Linaco Manufacturing. ...
  • Moittry Infinity.

What are the top food exports from Malaysia? ›

Production
Crops20172018
Oil palm fruit101,740,90098,419,438
Rice2,570,5132,639,202
Coconuts, in shell517,589495,531
Other vegetables, fresh, not elsewhere classified569,797564,539
7 more rows
Apr 17, 2024

What brand is not from Malaysia? ›

F&N - Singapore

Perhaps the brand I was most shocked to discover as not Malaysian, the makers of ice cream soda are Singaporean. Dating back to 1883, F&N was once known as Singapore and Straits Aerated Water Company before teaming up with Heineken to create Malayan Breweries Limited—the creators of Tiger Beer.

Is Maggi a Malaysian brand? ›

The MAGGI brand originated in Switzerland.

What famous brand is from Malaysia? ›

Malaysia 100 Ranking
20162015Name
11Petronas
22Genting
33Maybank
45YTL
6 more rows

What is Malaysia's top ten 10 export products? ›

Malaysia's top exports are electrical and electronic products (E&E Products), petroleum products, LNG, palm oil, machinery and equipment, iron and steel products, rubber and rubber articles etc. Malaysia's biggest export partners are Singapore, China, the United States, Japan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Indonesia, etc.

What products is Malaysia famous for? ›

Spices and Sauces

Stacks of spices in Malaysia (source) Malaysia is famous for its spices and sauces. One can find loose spices being sold on many local shops lining the streets. Basic condiments such as pepper, turmeric, paprika and saffron are available at pocket-friendly prices.

What is Malaysia famous for producing? ›

Primary production remains important: the country is a major producer of rubber and palm oil, exports considerable quantities of petroleum and natural gas, and is one of the world's largest sources of commercial hardwoods.

What is the strongest brand in Malaysia? ›

KUALA LUMPUR: Petronas has once more held on to the title of most valuable Malaysian brand for the 14th year in a row, according to a new report by Brand Finance, the world's leading brand valuation consultancy. Petronas' brand value edged up 15 per cent to US$14.6 billion.

What is the fastest growing brand in Malaysia? ›

Affin Bank is the fastest-growing Malaysian brand in 2022. According to the latest Brand Finance Malaysia 100 ranking, Affin Bank's brand value jumped by 45% this year to US$232 million.

Which Malaysian company went global? ›

PETRONAS - Malaysia's state-owned oil and gas company, with operations in over 30 countries. It chose Malaysia as its base due to the country's abundant oil and gas resources.

Is Milo a Malaysian brand? ›

Milo (/ˈmaɪloʊ/ MY-loh; stylised as MILO) is a chocolate-flavoured malted powder product produced by Nestlé, typically mixed with milk, hot water, or both, to produce a beverage. It was originally developed in Australia by Thomas Mayne (1901–1995) in 1934.

What do we call Maggi in English? ›

Maggi (German: [ˈmaɡi], Italian: [ˈmaddʒi]) is an international brand of seasonings, instant soups, and noodles that originated in Switzerland in the late 19th century. The Maggi company was acquired by Nestlé in 1947.

What is the parent brand of Maggi? ›

Nestlé acquired the Maggi brand in 1947 to help bring quality, affordable meals to people around the world.

What food is produced in Malaysia? ›

There are a number of food crops grown in Malaysia such as durian, rice, cocoa, bananas, coconuts and pineapple. Amongst all these crops, Malaysia is famed for some of its speciality fruits: Pineapples.

Is Nestle made in Malaysia? ›

Nestlé in Malaysia

Today, we operate 12 manufacturing plants employing over 6,000 Malaysian employees. 100% of our products are Halal and we are the largest Halal manufacturer for Nestlé worldwide.

What food to get from Malaysia? ›

Malaysia Souvenir Food: 11 Must-Buy Delicacies for Tourists
  • DurianBB Popcorn. DurianBB Popcorn is not your typical snack. ...
  • DurianBB Freeze Dried Durian. ...
  • DurianBB Wafer. ...
  • Dodol. ...
  • Instant Noodles. ...
  • Sarawak Layer Cake. ...
  • Cameron Valley Tea. ...
  • Kerepek.
Oct 20, 2023

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Eusebia Nader

Last Updated:

Views: 5563

Rating: 5 / 5 (60 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Eusebia Nader

Birthday: 1994-11-11

Address: Apt. 721 977 Ebert Meadows, Jereville, GA 73618-6603

Phone: +2316203969400

Job: International Farming Consultant

Hobby: Reading, Photography, Shooting, Singing, Magic, Kayaking, Mushroom hunting

Introduction: My name is Eusebia Nader, I am a encouraging, brainy, lively, nice, famous, healthy, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.