I ate at the only Taco Bell in Malaysia's 'Silicon Valley.' The experience left much to be desired.

Marielle DescalsotaDec 9, 2022, 08:32 IST

The author at Taco Bell.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

There's only one Taco Bell in Cyberjaya, a city dubbed the Silicon Valley of Malaysia.
On a recent trip, I tried several menu items, including a sambal rice bowl that's exclusive to Malaysia.

Taco Bell is one of the most popular fast food chains in Malaysia. One of the chain's outlets is located in Cyberjaya, a city nicknamed the "Silicon Valley" of Malaysia.

Taco Bell in Cyberjaya.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

Taco Bell is one of the most popular fast food chains in Malaysia. One of the chain's outlets is located in Cyberjaya, a city nicknamed the "Silicon Valley" of Malaysia.

When I arrived at Taco Bell, I found it was surprisingly crowded, with a line of around 12 people ahead of me. The interior was decorated with graffiti and glowing lights.

The interior of Taco Bell.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

When I arrived at Taco Bell, I found it was surprisingly crowded, with a line of around 12 people ahead of me. The interior was decorated with graffiti and glowing lights.

After 10 minutes of waiting in line, it was my turn to order. I thought the rice bowl — pictured below — looked appealing in promotional photos, but couldn't help notice that no one else was ordering it. In retrospect, that probably should have been sign enough.

I first tried the quesadilla, which was made of chicken, jalapeno sauce, and cheese.

Quesadilla at Taco Bell.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

I had high hopes for the soft taco, but the cold tortilla wrap was disappointing.

Soft taco at Taco Bell.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

The rice bowl was unique to the Malaysian outlets, so I had high expectations. But it quickly became apparent why so few people were ordering it: The dish just wasn't very good.

Rice bowl at Taco Bell.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

The rice bowl was unique to the Malaysian outlets, so I had high expectations. But it quickly became apparent why so few people were ordering it: The dish just wasn't very good.

To add a little texture to the dish, I ate it with some tortilla chips.

Rice bowl with nacho from Taco Bell.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

While I wish there had been an iced option for the teh tarik, it was a good way to cap off the meal.

Teh tarik at Taco Bell.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

Overall, Taco Bell's Cyberjaya restaurant left much to be desired.

The author at Taco Bell.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

I'm a professional baker. I tried chocolate cupcakes from 3 grocery stores, and the best were pretty cheap.

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I ate at the only Taco Bell in Malaysia's 'Silicon Valley.' The experience left much to be desired.

Taco Bell is one of the most popular fast food chains in Malaysia. One of the chain's outlets is located in Cyberjaya, a city nicknamed the "Silicon Valley" of Malaysia.

When I arrived at Taco Bell, I found it was surprisingly crowded, with a line of around 12 people ahead of me. The interior was decorated with graffiti and glowing lights.

After 10 minutes of waiting in line, it was my turn to order. I thought the rice bowl — pictured below — looked appealing in promotional photos, but couldn't help notice that no one else was ordering it. In retrospect, that probably should have been sign enough.

I first tried the quesadilla, which was made of chicken, jalapeno sauce, and cheese.

I had high hopes for the soft taco, but the cold tortilla wrap was disappointing.

The rice bowl was unique to the Malaysian outlets, so I had high expectations. But it quickly became apparent why so few people were ordering it: The dish just wasn't very good.

To add a little texture to the dish, I ate it with some tortilla chips.

While I wish there had been an iced option for the teh tarik, it was a good way to cap off the meal.

Overall, Taco Bell's Cyberjaya restaurant left much to be desired.