What is the best food in Kuala Lumpur?
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Kuala Lumpur is a melting pot of cultures, and its food scene reflects that with a rich mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other international influences. Here's a list of the best foods to try in Kuala Lumpur
1. Nasi Lemak (Malaysia's national dish)
What it is:
Coconut milk-infused rice served with sambal (spicy chili paste), crispy anchovies, peanuts, hard-boiled egg, and usually a side of fried chicken or rendang.
Where to get it:
- Village Park (Damansara Uptown) - Famous for crispy fried chicken
- Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa (Jalan Kampung Baru)
2. Hainanese Chicken Rice
What it is: Tender poached or roasted chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken fat, accompanied by chili sauce and soy sauce.
Where to get it:
- Kedai Kopi Mee Bon (Chinatown)
- Tian Tian (Chatterbox, in the famous Maxwell Food Centre, though not in KL itself)
3. Char Kway Teow
What it is: Stir-fried flat rice noodles with prawns, egg, bean sprouts, Chinese sausage, and sometimes cockles.
Where to get it:
- Jalan Alor (the bustling food street)
- Ah Cheng Laksa (multiple locations)
4. Roti Canai & Teh Tarik
What it is: Roti Canai is a crispy, flaky flatbread served with dhal (lentil curry) or meat curry. Teh Tarik is a frothy, sweet, pulled milk tea.
Where to get it:
- Ali, Muthu & Ah Hock (for both roti and teh tarik)
- Vishal Food & Catering (Brickfields) – Best known for its roti
5. Dim Sum
What it is: Bite-sized dishes served in small steamer baskets, including dumplings, buns, and rolls, typically served for breakfast or brunch.
Where to get it:
- Restoran Yat Hing (Taman Desa)
- Jalan Alor (street food stalls)
6. Laksa (Penang-style)
What it is: A spicy noodle soup with tamarind-based broth, usually served with prawns, fish, or chicken. Penang's Asam Laksa is famous for its sour, fish-based soup, while Curry Laksa (Curry Mee) is a coconut milk-based version.
Where to get it:
- Madras Lane (Chinatown) - Famous for curry laksa
- Jalan Alor - Great for asam laksa
7. Satay
What it is: Skewers of marinated meat (usually chicken, beef, or lamb) grilled over charcoal and served with a peanut dipping sauce.
Where to get it:
- Sate Kajang Haji Samuri (Kajang, about 30 mins outside KL, but worth it for its famous satay)
- Restoran Sate Ridzwan (near KLCC)
8. Chilli Pan Mee
What it is: A bowl of noodles served with a raw egg, crispy anchovies, chili paste, and ground pork or chicken, mixed together for a spicy, savory kick.
Where to get it:
- Pan Mee Street (Jalan Imbi) – Several hawker stalls specialize in it
- Kin Kin Pan Mee (Chinatown)
9. Nasi Kandar
What it is: A dish of steamed rice served with an assortment of curries and side dishes (fried chicken, beef rendang, or fish).
Where to get it:
- Line Clear (Penang-style)
- Nasi Kandar Pelita (multiple locations)
10. Beef Rendang
What it is: A rich, slow-cooked beef stew made with coconut milk, spices, and a mix of Malay herbs, creating a tender, flavorful dish.
Where to get it:
- Rendang Tok (Little India)
- Restoran Rebung (by Chef Ismail in KL)
11. Apam Balik
What it is: A sweet, thick pancake filled with crushed peanuts, sugar, and corn. It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Where to get it:
- Jalan Alor (street food stalls)
- Street hawkers near major malls
12. Cendol
What it is: A refreshing dessert made of shaved ice, coconut milk, palm sugar, and green rice flour jelly, often topped with red beans or sweet corn.
Where to get it:
- Cendol Durian (Jalan Alor) - Cendol with a twist of durian flavor
- Sungai Pahang Cendol (Jalan TAR)
- Jalan Alor (the most famous food street for street food)
- Chinatown (for traditional Chinese meals)
- Brickfields (for Indian food, especially roti canai)
- Pavilion & Suria KLCC malls (for upscale dining with a variety of options)