The capital of Malaysia is not only rich in culture–it is also home to a diverse set of cuisines that will surely excite any food lover.
This post will introduce you to some of the best things to eat in the bustling city called Kuala Lumpur. Get that pen and paper ready and start listing down these essentials!
1.Chili Pan Mee
This is a unique dish that you must not miss when you’re visiting KL. Chili Pan Mee is a noodle dish composed of so many wonderful textures and flavors that make customers come back to Restaurant Kin Kin, the restaurant that specializes in the dish.
This is a casual, no-frills place where most customers order the chili pan mee–a bowl of wheat noodles topped with some wonderfully-seasoned minced pork, fried dried fish, and poached egg. One needs to get some chili (usually served on the side) to complete the dish—it’s a must!.
Restaurant Kin Kin is located at 40, Jalan Dewan Sultan Sulaiman, Kampung Baru.
2.Hokkien Mee
If you love noodles, Hokkien Mee is one dish that you shouldn’t miss when you’re in the capital! This Malaysian specialty is always available in hawkers and restaurants, so you won’t have a hard time looking for it.
Hokkien Mee is an egg noodle dish stir-fried with prawns, a few pieces of pork, and vegetables. It’s usually drenched in soy and mushroom sauce. Don’t let the dark color intimidate you–the flavors are not really as in-your-face as the presentation (the seasoning is well-balanced!).
Some of the most popular spots for the best Hokkien Mee are: Kim Lian Kee (56, Jalan Petaling), Sentul Ah Yap (Sentul 744, Jalan Sentu), and Aik Yuen (Jalan Pahang Barat).
3.Prawn Mee
Prawn Mee is a mild-spicy noodle soup dish—the rich and flavorful broth is made with prawn/prawn shells and some pork bones, creating a strong flavor and aroma. It’s served with egg noodles, slices of prawns and pork, fish cake, spring onions, and bean sprouts.
Some of the best places to get good Hokkien Mee in KL are Madam Chong’s Noodle House (22, Dynasty Sentral, Jalan Kuchai Maju) and Restaurant Hoo Yee Kee (29, Jalan Kepong Baru).
4.Bak Kut Teh
Not a fan of noodles? Try something that you can have with some local bread. Famous in Malaysia and Singapore, Bak Kut Teh is a hearty soup dish that made with pork ribs and loads of herbs and spices.
The term literally means “meat bone tea,” but there really isn’t tea in the mix. There is, however tea served on the side–this is what locals recommend to eat alongside the dish, to help you dilute the fat.
Most Bak Kut Tehs in KL are served with you char kueh, or fried dough, and served for breakfast (don’t worry if you don’t make it in the morning–most hawkers and restaurants serve it at any time of the day).
Here’s where to get the best Bak Kut Teh in the Malaysian capital: Kedai Makanan Ban Lee (222, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah), and Restoran Bak Kut Teh Yik See Ho (20, Jalan Landak, Pudu).
5.Nasi Lemak
Last but definitely not least is arguably one of the country’s most beloved dishes.
Considered as Malaysia’s national dish, Nasi Lemak is a rice meal packed with so many amazing textures and flavors. The rice, made fragrant with coconut milk and pandan, is served with fried chicken, meat, or fish. Other elements surrounding the plate are sambal, peanuts, anchovies, and hard-boiled egg.
This is traditionally eaten as a breakfast meal, but many restaurants and food stalls serve it at any time of the day. Not all Nasi Lemak are created equal, so make sure that you go to the right places.
Here are some of the spots that you must check out: Village Park (5, Jalan SS 21/37, Damansara Utama), and Ten Years Restaurant (1, Jalan Radin Bagus 6, Bandar Baru Sri Petaling).
There you have it! Make sure you check out these must try restaurants in Kuala Lumpur—your trip simply won’t be complete without them!
