Spice lovers, this one’s for you
This no-frills spot is famous for its fiery ayam gepuk – crispy fried chicken smashed and slathered in sambal that packs a punch. While there’s a variety of set options, we recommend Set B, which comes with rice, fried tempeh, tofu, and cucumber. For something different, try the tilapia, or keli (catfish) instead of chicken. It’s budget-friendly, addictive, and usually packed, so head there early to beat the lunch crowd.
A kopitiam for the people
Ali, Muthu & Ah Hock bring the nostalgia of traditional coffee shops into a contemporary setting. Expect all-time Malaysian favourites like nasi lemak, roti jala, mee soto, Hainanese chicken chop, and more. Don’t skil their kopi and cham – though we recommend asking for less sugar for that extra kaw kick. With a name that celebrates multi-cultural unity, this is the kind of place where everyone feels at home.
Nostalgic village flavours, refined
With a stellar 4.8-star rating on Google from over three thousand reviews, White & Black Kampong Heritage reimagines traditional Malay kampung cuisine in a contemporary setting. The extensive menu is thoughtfully organised by signature cooking bases – petai chili paste, soy sauce, spicy coconut gravy, and stir-fried homemade chili paste – each paired with a choice of protein such as tiger prawns, flower crabs, squid, tilapia, cockles, and more. Regional specialties are also available, from Melaka’s royal-inspired asam pedas with red snapper or stingray to Pahang’s famed patin tempoyak. This Chow Kit gem has truly earned its place as a dining destination for both locals and visitors alike.
Hand-pulled perfection in every bite
Located in the bustling heart of KL’s Chinatown, Mee Tarik Jalan Sultan serves silky, hand-pulled noodles made fresh to order. Watch the noodle masters twist, pull, and stretch dough into strands before tossing them into rich broths. The result is chewy noodles and a depth of flavour that keeps regulars coming back. Don’t miss out on the dumplings or skewers, but if you’re sensitive to spice, ask for less chilli powder – it packs more heat than you might expect. After your meal, take a stroll around the area and enjoy Malaysia’s cultural diversity on display.
The national dish, elevated
Malaysia is never short on nasi lemak shops, from nostalgic RM 1 morning market nasi lemak to the famous Village Park Restaurant or the fast-growing Nasi Lemak Burung Hantu brand. The latest contender is equally impressive: at the Nasi Lemak Shop, the humble nasi lemak gets a premium treatment. The fragrant coconut rice is paired with sambal that strikes the perfect sweet-spicy balance, while its crispy fried chicken adds the perfect crunch. While you might be tempted to try other meat options like the rendang or sotong, trust us when we say stick to the classic ayam goreng – it’s a winner every time.
Refined, yet approachable
From its humble beginnings in Shah Alam in 1990, Serai has grown into a beloved name with multiple outlets. Known for its modern Malaysian menu with a hint of Thai influence, signature dishes like the Serai platter, comprising serai rice, oxtail asam pedas, honey squid, fresh acar, and ayam goreng berempah, and the nasi kerabu are must-tries. If you have room for dessert, the berry pavlova is a must for those with a sweet tooth.
A Michelin-selected taste of heritage
Run by the ever-charming Uncle John, Limapulo serves authentic Nyonya fare in a nostalgic, heritage-inspired setting. The restaurant serves Peranakan classics, such as Nyonya sate, pongteh chicken, tamarind chicken, telur cincaluk, and more. And don’t forget the Nyonya laksa here – rich, creamy, and perfectly-spiced. We also highly recommend the sago gula melaka dessert, brimming with deep, caramelised palm sugar flavour.
Modern flavours, rooted in tradition
Inspired by Malaysia’s rumah terbuka (open house) tradition, where guests are invited into homes during festive seasons to feast on local delights, OpenHouse offers refined renditions of beloved staples using contemporary techniques. Try the omakase-style set, inclusive of a starter and a main, or order à la carte to pick your favourites. Highlights include their crispy cracker platter with six house-made sambals, rendang tok, and pais red snapper. The ambiance is intimate and elevated, perfect for special occasions.
Flamboyan flavours from a culinary icon
Helmed by Malaysia’s beloved celebrity chef, Datuk Chef Wan, De.Wan 1958 is as bold and vibrant as the man himself. The menu here is made to share, with protein options ranging from spring chicken, squid, seabass, tiger prawn, lobster, and soft shell crab. They’re served up in a variety of cooking styles, including deep fried with sweet and sour sauce, stir-fried with sambal, steamed with ginger and cili padi, or made into a curry – so there’s something for everyone. Expect large portions, vibrant presentation, and a riot of flavour in every bite.
A love letter to Malay heritage
Having earned a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide, Congkak delivers an opulent take on kampung-style dining. Walking into Congkak feels like entering a traditional Malay home, in anticipation of a taste of your grandmother’s cooking. Their signature dish, nasi ambeng, is a generous sharing platter piled high with fragrant rice, crispy fried fish, spicy sambal eggplant, coconut flakes, pickled vegetables, and mixed urap that’s perfect for a family of four – ideal for family-style dining that captures the soul of Malay cooking.
