In the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur and beyond, a deeply ingrained habit persists among Malaysians: the irresistible pull of late-night suppers. Whether it’s a quick bite after a graveyard shift or a leisurely “lepak” session with friends, the culture of eating late into the night has become a hallmark of Malaysian social life. Yet, as this tradition thrives, concerns about health and lifestyle balance are beginning to surface.

A Cultural Staple

For many Malaysians, supper isn’t just a meal—it’s a way of life. The accessibility of 24-hour “mamak” restaurants, which serve a variety of local dishes like roti canai and teh tarik, alongside ubiquitous fast food outlets, makes late-night dining an easy choice. Mohd Sabri Abdul Halim, a 35-year-old engineer from Melaka, attributes this trend to both convenience and habit. “Mamaks are open 24 hours, and our fast food restaurants are everywhere” he said. “We need to teach the young to eat more healthily.”

Mohd Sabri’s own routine reflects a common pattern: night shifts, late-night television, and socializing often lead to cravings for fries, kebabs, and other quick fixes. “I know it is unhealthy, but I am trying to make changes by eating right” he admitted.

The Night Shift Struggle

For those working unconventional hours, supper often doubles as a coping mechanism. Grace Selva, a 28-year-old customer service worker, finds herself eating more during graveyard shifts to stay awake. “Since our shifts are usually at night, I tend to eat to stay awake. Usually, you don’t get any healthy options at that time. So, fast food or mamak food is usually the go-to” she explained. The consequences are tangible—Grace has gained 7 kilograms since starting her job. “Besides coffee, food helps keep me awake” she added.

Even professionals in health care aren’t immune to the lure of late-night snacking. Dr. Lim, a medical officer at a hospital in Kuala Lumpur, confessed to raiding the fridge out of habit rather than hunger, even on off-duty nights. “I know it is unhealthy, but sometimes you just can’t help it” she said.

Beyond necessity, late-night suppers often serve as a social glue. Marketing executive Leon Lim, 25, from Cheras, frequently heads to mamak restaurants with friends to watch sports matches. He views this as a cultural norm but stresses the importance of balance. “It all depends on how often one typically indulges in very late-night suppers and whether they maintain a more active lifestyle” he noted. Leon advocates for self-control and more physical activity to counterbalance the indulgence.

Ahmad Hanifah, a 30-year-old Kuala Lumpur resident, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing moderation. “Sometimes, you just can’t turn down an invitation to have a late-night teh tarik session with friends” he said. Yet, he tries to make mindful choices, like ordering less sugary drinks and avoiding staying out too late. “I still believe that moderation is the key” he added.

Health Warnings and Future Outlook

As Malaysians continue to savor their late-night culinary traditions, the health implications are hard to ignore. Weight gain, poor dietary choices, and disrupted sleep patterns are common side effects of frequent late-night eating. While mamak restaurants and fast food outlets offer convenience and camaraderie, they often lack nutritious options, leaving many to grapple with the consequences of their habits.

Yet, there’s a growing awareness among individuals like Mohd Sabri, Grace, and Ahmad, who are striving for healthier choices despite the cultural pull. As conversations around wellness gain traction, the question remains: can Malaysians preserve the cherished tradition of late-night suppers while embracing a more balanced lifestyle? For now, the aroma of teh tarik and the warmth of midnight gatherings continue to define the nation’s nights, even as the call for moderation grows louder.