Tucked away in the heart of Malaysia lies the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur, a melting pot of cultures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. From spicy street food to elegant French cuisine, this culinary gem has something for every kind of traveler.
As you explore the streets of KL, you’ll discover a world of aromas and flavors that will leave you craving for more. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the top 10 dishes to try in Kuala Lumpur, as well as some of the best places to eat in the city.
1. Nasi Lemak: The Breakfast of Champions
Start your day with a traditional Malaysian breakfast at nasi lemak, a dish consisting of chicken meat, curry, and rice, all wrapped up in a banana leaf. This “bomb” meal is perfect for tackling a super day!
Recommended for breakfast
Cost: €5.00 (average)
Main ingredients: chicken, rice, curry, banana leaf
2. Ikan Bakar: Grilled Fish with Flair
No trip to Kuala Lumpur would be complete without trying ikan bakar, grilled fish marinated in a special sweet soy sauce variant, often served with steamed rice and a side of chili pepper.
Recommended for lunch or dinner
Cost: €8.00 (average)
Main ingredients: fish (or seafood), sweet soy sauce, rice, chili pepper, coriander
3. Satay: The King of Street Food
Satay is the quintessential Malaysian street food dish, featuring grilled meat skewers served with spicy sauces and accompaniments. This delicious binomial of grill-pungent sauce finds its maximum expression in satay.
Recommended for lunch or dinner
Cost: €4.00 (average)
Main ingredients: meat (chicken or beef), spicy sauce
4. Sago Melaka: A Sweet Treat
One of the most widely consumed desserts in Kuala Lumpur is sago melaka, a simple yet delicious dessert made from tapioca and palm sugar.
Recommended as a dessert
Cost: €2.00 (average)
Main ingredients: tapioca, palm sugar, coconut milk
5. Nasi Goreng: The Mother of All Fried Rices
Nasi goreng is one of the main ingredients of Kuala Lumpur’s cuisine, featuring fried rice accompanied by shrimp, eggs or chicken and a super sauce composed of chili sauce, onion, sweet soy sauce.
Recommended for lunch or dinner
Cost: €3.00 (average)
Main ingredients: rice, shrimp, eggs, chili sauce
6. Mie Goreng: Spaghetti with a Twist
A suggestive variation of fried rice is spaghetti, always seasoned with the main ingredients of Kuala Lumpur’s culinary tradition. This twist on a classic dish won’t disappoint pasta enthusiasts!
Recommended for lunch or dinner
Cost: €3.00 (average)
Main ingredients: spaghetti, garlic, onion, shrimp
7. Cendol: The Coconut Cream Delight
An exotic dessert that unites consistencies and flavors absolutely unimaginable in Italy, cendol gelato is a must-try treat for adventurous eaters.
Recommended as a dessert
Cost: €1.50 (average)
Main ingredients: fresh fruit, coconut milk, green bean paste
8. Sandwich con Roti Canai: A Street Food Classic
A symbol of the world’s street food, Kuala Lumpur’s sandwiches are characterized not so much by the filling but rather by the bread, specifically roti canai, non-yeasted and flattened.
Recommended as a snack
Cost: €2.00 (average)
Main ingredients: roti canai (flour, water, salt), cheese, bacon
9. Bakso: Meatballs with Flavor
Bakso is another main dish of Kuala Lumpur’s street food scene, featuring meatballs made from chicken accompanied by hot broth.
Recommended for lunch or dinner
Cost: €2.50 (average)
Main ingredients: chicken, starch, water, pepper, chicken broth
10. Appam: A Pancake Perfection
Similar to a pancake, appam is made with rice flour, coconut milk and various variations, including the most popular one with palm sugar.
Recommended for breakfast
Cost: €3.50 (average)
Main ingredients: rice flour, coconut milk, palm sugar
Where to Eat in Kuala Lumpur
The city’s cuisine has no equal in the world and its character comes from a mix of Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, but also Portuguese traditions. Whether you’re passing through or staying for a while, try the Nasi Goreng, sandwich with roti canai, bakso and many more.
Here are some of the best places to eat in Kuala Lumpur:
1. Jalan Alor Food Street
Description: The most famous night market in Kuala Lumpur, where you can taste local street food
Speciality street food
Price: €5.00 (average) per person
Address: Jln Alor, Bukit Bintang – Get directions
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2. Lot 10 Hutong
Description: A food court with a variety of Chinese, Malaysian or Thai dishes.
Speciality pork Choc bun
Price: €4.00 (average) per person
Address: Bukit Bintang – Get directions / tel: +60327823500
3. Old China Café
Description: One of the oldest restaurants in Chinatown, perfect for trying nonya-style dishes.
Speciality beef and coconut rice, mie goreng
Price: €8.00 (average) per person
Address: 11 Jalan Balai Polis – Get directions / tel: +60320725915
4. Dolly Dim Sum
Description: A local restaurant serving well-prepared Chinese food in a clean and comfortable environment.
Speciality springs roll, dumpling and chicken speziato
Price: €6.00 (average) per person
Address: Avenue K Lot G9 Ground Floor, 156 Jalan Ampang – Get directions / tel: +60126787842
5. Kim Lian Kee
Description: One of the best Chinese restaurants in Chinatown where you can eat Chinese food with Malaysian influences.
Speciality hokkien mee
Price: €6.00 (average) per person
Address: No. 49 Jalan Petaling – Get directions / tel: +60320324984
6. RSMY
Description: One of the local places where you can taste the best and most authentic Malaysian cuisine in the city.
Speciality chicken tandoori
Price: €5.00 (average) per person
Address: 7a, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock – Get directions / tel: +60126737318
7. Sin Kiew Yee Shin Kee Beef Noodles
Description: A local restaurant where you can taste one of the best beef noodles in Kuala Lumpur.
Speciality noodles
Price: €5.00 (average) per person
Address: 7a, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock – Get directions / tel: +60126737318
8. Restoran Foo Hing Dim Sum
Description: A restaurant specializing in Chinese cuisine, particularly dim sum.
Speciality dim sum
Price: €8.00 (average) per person
Address: 1st Flr, No. 31, 33, 35-G, Jalan Puteri 2/6 – Get directions / tel: +60380600546
9. Food Republic at Pavilion KL
Description: A restaurant zone inside Pavilion KL with many choices among the various stalls present.
Speciality street food
Price: €5.00 (average) per person
Address: Pavillion, Level 1, 168, Jln Bukit Bintang – Get directions / tel: +60321428006
10. The Dark Horse – Bar & Grill
Description: A modern restaurant with international cuisine, especially meat-based dishes.
Speciality Dark Horse Reuben
Price: €15.00 (average) per person
Address: Lot G-05, Life Centre, 20, Jln Sultan Ismail – Get directions / tel: +60193339269
11. Brasserie 25
Description: An elegant French restaurant ideal if you’re tired of local and specialized cuisine.
Speciality Onion Soup, meatballs in sauce, roasted duck breast
Price: €20.00 (average) per person
Address: c/o Hotel Stripes, 25 Jln Kamunting, Zona The Row – Get directions / tel: +60320380000
Conclusion
Kuala Lumpur is a foodie’s paradise, offering a diverse range of flavors and dishes that will satisfy any craving. From spicy street food to elegant French cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this culinary gem.
Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a leisurely meal, Kuala Lumpur has it all. So come and discover the flavors of this amazing city!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best time to visit Kuala Lumpur?
A: The best time to visit Kuala Lumpur is during the dry season, from December to February.
Q: Is Kuala Lumpur a food-safety-conscious city?
A: Yes, Kuala Lumpur has strict food safety regulations and standards in place to ensure that all food served is safe for consumption.
Q: Can I find vegetarian options in Kuala Lumpur?
A: Yes, many restaurants in Kuala Lumpur offer vegetarian options, especially in the Indian and Chinese communities.
Q: How do I get around Kuala Lumpur without a car?
A: Kuala Lumpur has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trains, and taxis. You can also use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Go-Van.
Q: Is it safe to eat street food in Kuala Lumpur?
A: Yes, eating street food is a popular activity in Kuala Lumpur, but make sure to choose stalls that are busy and have good hygiene standards.
Q: Can I find halal options in Kuala Lumpur?
A: Yes, many restaurants in Kuala Lumpur offer halal options, especially in the Muslim community.
Q: How do I communicate with locals in Kuala Lumpur?
A: English is widely spoken in Kuala Lumpur, but you can also use Malay or Chinese to communicate with locals.
