Malaysian Chicken Curry Is Now World's No. 1 Stew According to TasteAtlas 2025

You heard that right — Malaysia’s spicy, creamy, flavour-packed fave just snagged the top spot on TasteAtlas’s global stew ranking! 🇲🇾😤 And the best part? It’s 100% halal-friendly and super easy to find, whether you’re dining in at iconic restaurants or grabbing a quick bite from humble roadside stalls. Yup, even street food warriors can get a taste of greatness.

In Apr 2025, online food guide TasteAtlas announced that Kari Ayam (Malaysian chicken curry) had officially earned the No. 1 spot on its list of the Top 50 Best Stews in the World. For Malaysians, it’s not surprising — chicken curry has been a beloved staple for generations. But for Muslim travellers exploring Southeast Asia, it’s a standout dish that offers rich flavour, cultural depth, and halal assurance all in one.

Also read: Halal Honeymoon in Sarawak: 10 Romantic Muslim-Friendly Activities

What makes Kari Ayam so special?

Kari Ayam isn’t just another curry dish — it’s a warm, comforting bowl of home-style magic. It starts with tender chicken pieces slowly simmered in a fragrant blend of traditional spices and santan (coconut milk). Then come the soft-boiled potatoes, which soak up all that glorious curry and help thicken the sauce to a creamy, hearty consistency. This dish is bold in flavour yet deeply satisfying — perfect whether you’re a spice lover or new to Malaysian cuisine.

Usually served with steamed white rice, roti canai, or capati, Kari Ayam is versatile enough to pair with almost anything — even pasta. It’s that kind of dish you can eat any time of the day. And for Muslim travellers, the best part is that it’s readily available at halal-certified restaurants and local eateries across the country, from Penang to Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi to Malacca.

Where to try this Malaysian chicken curry?

Image credit: Foodcrush | Official Website

For those ready to taste Malaysia’s best, here’s a halal-verified list of recommended places to try Kari Ayam:

• Deens Maju Nasi Kandar – Penang

• Kanna Curry House – Kuala Lumpur

• The Gulai House – Langkawi

• Boss Curry House – Malacca

• Passage Thru India – Kuala Lumpur

• Betel Leaf – Kuala Lumpur

• Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant – Kuala Lumpur

• Singh Chapati – Cameron Highlands

• India Gate Restaurant – Kuala Lumpur

That said, if you really want to eat like a local, don’t overlook the small roadside warungs and street stalls. Some of the best-tasting Kari Ayam is made in tiny kitchens with generations-old recipes — halal, homemade, and packed with love. So go ahead, explore, and discover the hidden gems.

Southeast Asia on the global stew map

Image credit: Authentic Thai Recipes | Official Website

While Malaysia proudly claimed the No. 1 spot, other Southeast Asian dishes also made impressive appearances in TasteAtlas’s global stew ranking. Thailand secured second place with Phanaeng Curry, a spicy-sweet curry similar to Kari Ayam but with a zesty kick from makrut lime. Thailand also had the most entries among Southeast Asian countries, with Massaman Curry (7th), Thai Curry (23rd), Green Curry (26th), and Red Curry (29th) making the cut.

Indonesia also held its ground with two popular stews: Rendang (6th), known for its rich, slow-cooked beef, and Gulai (10th), another coconut milk-based dish that’s especially popular during festive seasons. For Muslim travellers, both dishes are generally easy to find in halal forms throughout the region.

India’s curry legacy

Image credit: @manisans_n_more | Instagram

Of course, no global stew list would be complete without a strong showing from India — widely recognised as the global heartland of curry. India topped the chart in terms of the number of entries, with standout dishes like Murgh Makhani (Butter Chicken) in 4th place and Keema in 8th. Other entries included Misal (12th), Kurma (24th), Vindaloo (27th), Dal Tadka (34th), Saag Paneer (39th), Shahi Paneer (40th), and Xacuti (50th).

For Muslim travellers, many of these Indian dishes are available at halal-certified restaurants in Malaysia and other international cities — offering another delicious way to explore regional flavours.

The Rendang debate: Is it a stew?

Image credit: Hound | Canva Pro

One point of contention from the TasteAtlas list was the inclusion of Rendang — traditionally considered a dry curry — as a stew. Some questioned its classification, but TasteAtlas clarified that any dish involving slow-cooking meat or vegetables in liquid qualifies. By that definition, Rendang fits the stew category just fine.

There was also the usual debate over whether Rendang is Malaysian or Indonesian, but food lovers know that in Southeast Asia, many iconic dishes are shared across borders, with local variations making each version unique. For travellers, it’s less about origin and more about tasting the delicious diversity.

Also read: Why Malaysia is Crowned as Asia's Top Safest Destination For Travellers in 2025

The final spoonful

For Muslim travellers planning a visit to Malaysia, Kari Ayam is a must-try dish that’s more than worthy of its #1 global title. It’s not only delicious but also widely available in halal-certified eateries, offering peace of mind alongside mouthwatering flavour. Whether you’re dining in a top-rated KL restaurant, feasting at a nasi kandar stall in Penang, or stumbling upon a family-run warung on the way to Cameron Highlands, one thing is guaranteed — you’re in for a truly Malaysian experience.

So next time you’re in Malaysia, make sure your foodie checklist starts with one unforgettable dish: Kari Ayam — the world’s best stew, made just right for Muslim travellers.