The Best Local Restaurants in Kuala Lumpur

Lai Foong Lala Noodles in Kuala Lumpur is a casual spot that has built a loyal following over the years. Formerly a small stallthey’ve recently moved into their own shopoffering comforting local flavors and a relaxed setting that keeps people coming back.

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Johnson Wong

Chef

Flavourful broth packed with shaoxing wine and local clams. Legendary clam noodle in Kuala Lumpur. Flavourful broth packed with shaoxing wine and local clams (Lala) that easily heat up and warm your body.

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Kin Kin Restaurant is known around Kuala Lumpur for offering a straightforward yet especially satisfying approach to local comfort food. People often describe the flavors as simple but surprisingly addictivemaking it a welcoming spot for anyone seeking a laid-back meal in the city.

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Chi Ng

Food Writer & Traveler

The original Kin Kin Chilli Pan Mee. I haven’t come across variations of this noodle dish other than in Kuala Lumpur. So simple but so addictive: just minced meatspringy noodlespoached eggs and the oh-so-vital dry chilli mix.

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Ember in Kuala Lumpur is a modern Asian restaurant focused on charcoal cooking and locally sourced ingredients. It has a laid-backslightly edgy atmosphere that still feels warm and welcoming. The menu changes seasonallyhighlighting sustainability and thoughtful flavors.

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Chi Ng

Food Writer & Traveler

I’ve liked Ember and Chef Gary since my first visitboth share similar traits: laid-backslightly edgya little dark yet welcoming and inviting. The food also channels Gary’s personality: familiar comfort food with underlying complexity and thoughtfulness in creating a balanced dishpunchy smoky flavourswith local Asian twists. For exampleone of my favourites - wagyu beef and rice. MB4 but MB7 tenderness at non-wagyu price (a mere USD13+-)sweet-savoury tarecreamy yolkbalanced off with crunchy tangy pickled radish to cut through the richness. Other favourites are 4 days dry-aged duck breastEmber’s kampung fried chickenand not featured here: kampung chicken with Yuzu koshoas well as grilled fish. Ember and Gary definitely has great great great potential to gain awards.

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Jalan Ipoh Beef Noodle offers slightly elevated hawker- fare at budget-friendly prices. The place can get hot and might look a bit run-downbut many find the flavors worth a visit. It’s an uncomplicated spot that draws those who appreciate a straightforwardsatisfying meal.

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Chi Ng

Food Writer & Traveler

Slightly elevated hawker fanfares that’s still pretty cheap! Freshwater prawn noodles in milky savoury brothand those orange roe gold! Tender umami-packed beef broth and springy dry beef noodles. It’s hotit’s run-downit’s out-of-the-wayit’s so good!

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Ming Kee Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur has been around for years and still keeps a simpleold-school feel. Regulars gather and chat with the ownergiving the place a friendlyfamiliar atmosphere. It’s a welcoming spot that stays true to its roots without any fuss.

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Chi Ng

Food Writer & Traveler

Everything about this shop is truly ‘tale as old as time’ - from the shabby interiorold man skilfully cooking the noodlesto the equally old patrons who have been frequenting the shop for tens of years chatting loudly with the owner. The noodles as wellis prepared in the old school way.

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Pizzeria Dihyang in Kuala Lumpur follows a Naples- approach to its menufocusing on classic techniques and quality ingredients. The relaxed setting makes it a welcoming place for a straightforward dining experience.

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Chi Ng

Food Writer & Traveler

One of the most authentic Naples- pizzeria in KL! Chewy crust with a slight charusing DOP mozzarella and tomatoes!

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Taste by Champignons in Kuala Lumpur highlights sweet treats that blend fruity and chocolate flavors in well-balanced ways. The laid-back setting offers a welcoming place to stop by for those looking to enjoy something a bit different without being overwhelming.

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Chloee Lee

Food Writer

The Champignons Cake Shop x Summer Petite Gateaux Collection 2020 Aloha is made up of yoghurt mousse - having orange cake as the gateaux’s basemandarin and snow pear confit filling and topped with a dollop of pineapple jam and tiny shreds of silver leaves. The mandarin and snow pear confit is an interesting combination for its oriental fruit pairingoverall this gateaux leans more towards the sour side that those who are used to the impression of french pastries belonging to the sweet end of the spectrum might have second thoughts . The sweetness of the whipped coconut ganache in Coconut 2.0 is subtlerather contained like a poised ladyto which upon leaving it to melt in your mouththe coconut imparts its fruity aroma slow and steadily that eventually takes over your entire palette.” The pinkish Flamingo 2.0 is one that will appeal to sweet young girls with blushy dreams. The apple and lime compote still retains its fruit cubes after being simmeredwhich adds on to a crunch texture to the overall gateaux. There are 3 layers to the Tropical Bar. The structure of this Bar is very balancedas its acidity trickles down along from the top to bottom of the pastry - lime whipped ganache on topa pudding-cake like texture of a banana confit in the middleand a denser banana cake base that is made with overripe bananas. The Gelato 2.0 is a chocolate-centric pastryhence is the sweetest among all. The use of kalamansi in the ganache is a very refreshing conceptas the fruit is a pure local species of produceand has a high level of acidity. The pairing of rich bitter dark chocolate and highly sour citrus fruit might sound rather odd to the Malaysian audienceit is however a common flavour combination found in Europe. As Niki Segnit in “The Flavour Thesaurus” acknowledges the combination of chocolate and lemonshe also alludes to a classic British sweetthe chocolate limefor reference.

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De.Wan 1958 by Chef Wan @ The Linc KL is led by a Malaysian celebrity chefoffering Malay food in Kuala Lumpur. The higher price point is backed by quality ingredients and notable flavors. It’s a dependable spot if you’re looking for a meal that feels well-prepared and satisfying.

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Chi Ng

Food Writer & Traveler

COVID lockdown takeaway that still tasted as good as eating in the restaurant. De.Wan by Malaysian celebrity Chef Wan serves Malay food at a higher price but justified by its quality ingredients and deliciousness. Featured here are beef rendang with blue pea flower riceand my favourite prawn mee rebus.

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等记鱼头米 is a relaxed spot in Kuala Lumpur that draws people in with its flavorfulcomforting meals. Customers often comment on its cleartasty brothsmaking it a welcoming place for a satisfying meal.

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Johnson Wong

Chef

Fish Head Rice Vermicelli Soup which is exceptionally tasty. Love the Fish Head Rice Vermicelli Soup which is exceptionally tasty with a dash of Shaoxing wine.The stock is awesomeclear and sweet.

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Hide Restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton Residences in Kuala Lumpur is a smallwelcoming spot where chefs thoughtfully blend different cooking s. It’s set around an intimate counterletting you see them at work in a relaxed atmosphere. Because seating is limitedit’s a good idea to book ahead.

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Darren Teoh

Chef

Hide incriminates that there is some form of searching required. Hidden as it were at the Ritz Carlton residences. The only option is a tasting menu that should last all of about 15 courses. Techniques and ingredients range and flit between JapaneseEuropean and Malaysian. The 14 seater counter once you've found the place (which isn't very difficultdepending on how flustered you are from the KL traffic) is light and friendly. Chefs prepare your meals and introduce them with ease and without unneeded fan fare. Nas plays in the background as you surreally try to connect gangster rap and the seriousness of the wonderfully cooked dishes in front of you. It is very likely the best playlist in KL at the moment. And most definitely the best Caramelised Onion stuffed Brioche in the city. Book in advance as there are limited seats.

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Beta KL highlights Malaysian heritage by using local ingredients in modern ways. The atmosphere is welcomingand each menu item reflects an aspect of the country’s diverse food culture. Located in Kuala Lumpurit offers a distinct perspective on familiar flavors while staying true to their regional roots.

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Darren Teoh

Chef

Beta KL by Raymond Tham. Here he focuses on local ingredients using his cultural landscape and history as inspiration. Opt for the full tasting menu and be sure to ask your server for a little context of the dish. Most of the dishes on the menu have an insightful anecdote to the eating culture in Malaysia.

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The Regent Chinese Cuisine is a private kitchen in Mont KiaraKuala Lumpurfocusing on authentic Cantonese cooking. They use fresh ingredients flown in from Hong Kong and rely on long-standing traditions to bring out classic flavors. The cozy setting makes it easy to gather with friends or family for a relaxed meal.

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Darren Teoh

Chef

Delicious Hong Kong Cantonese cookinggreat for sharing with family or friends. Excellent Cantonese cooking served in family sharing portions. We started with typhoon shelter deep fried fish skin and then moved on to a simple but elegantly executed fried ricesweet and sour porkbraised glass noodles and mushroomstofu braised in a pumpkin sauce and a simple but exceptionally delicious plate of stir fried cabbage shoots. There are a few of the restaurant’s classics available for pre order for the full range of the chefs repertoire.

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Kit Kee Beef Noodle Stall is a tucked-away spot in Kuala Lumpur with a cozydown-to-earth atmosphere and a friendly team ready to offer suggestions. It can be a bit hard to findbut you’ll know you’re in the right place when you catch the menu photos displayed on a banner out front. Despite the simple setuppeople keep coming back for its hearty and satisfying meals.

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Darren Teoh

Chef

Rustic and hearty beef noodles tucked away in a village. Looking for this almost signless shop can be daunting. Trust the process and Waze to bring you close. You will know it when you see pictures of its menu hanging on a banner in the front of the store. All the staff are amicable and are happy to recommend their favourites. There is a small assortment of noodles availablewith the beef noodles being my favourite. The broth is robust and hearty and while the beef cuts are not fork tender they are flavourful from the hours of braising. Tripe is also available when you order the “mixed meats”.

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Sambal Hijau Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur offers a wide selection of Malay- Padang dishesletting you fill your plate with whatever catches your eye. The welcoming atmosphere makes it a popular spot for anyone looking for a relaxed meal in the city.

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Darren Teoh

Chef

This is a restaurant that I love to go to. Sambal Hijau directly translates to green sambal. In this restaurant there will be about 80 to 90 different types of preparations of Malay padang cooking on display that you can choose from. It's not a buffetbut what you do is you get a plate and they put some rice on that plate and then you pick what you like among the dishes. I often bring some of my guest chefs that are visiting Kuala Lumpur there and they eat with their eyes and they will have some 15 things on their plate and usually they can't finish it. But the idea is just to have about two or three dishes.

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Restaurant Keng Nam Hai (Jln Prima) in Kuala Lumpur offers a Chinese-influenced of cooking that balances fragrant spices with a subtle sweetness. The flavors aren’t overpoweringmaking it an inviting spot to enjoy local dishes without heavy heat.

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Chi Ng

Food Writer & Traveler

Laksa. Just one dish has so many variations in Malaysia. Johor laksaSarawak laksaAssam laksaNyonya laksa... and of course curry laksa. Even curry laksa has further sub-categories: Penang white curryKL- curry laksaCurry laksa a la Chinese and Malay . The last two differ in the amount of coconut milk used. This one featured is Chinese : fiery red without being unenjoyably spicyfragrant spicesand subtly sweet!

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Restoran Wong Mei Kee in Kuala Lumpur is known for its traditional cooking methods and careful selection of meatresulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The friendly atmosphere and attention to detail have made it a local favorite for those seeking hearty meals. It's a comfortable spot to enjoy satisfying flavors without any fuss.

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Johnson Wong

Chef

Best Siew Yoke (crispy roast pork) in the world. A melt in your mouth roast pork. The pork is roasted traditionally with thick fat between a good balance of lean meat that makes the meat and crispy skin to another level. Uncle Wong carefully selects the meattrimming off excess fat over burnt meat making sure every piece that goes into your mouth is near perfect. Best Siew Yoke (crispy roast pork) in the world.

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Imbi Ming Kee pork noodles is a casual spot in Kuala Lumpur known for its comforting local fare. It offers a simpledown-to-earth setting that draws people in for a satisfying meal.

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Jenifer Kuah

Restaurateur

A Malaysian breakfast staplerice noodles tossed in soy saucegarlic and onion infused oilserved with pork offalpork mince in steaming broth.

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Kedai Kopi Lai Foong is a coffee shop in Kuala Lumpur offering comforting meals in a straightforward setting. Its simplefuss-free cooking keeps customers feeling satisfied. The lively atmosphere makes it an inviting spot to enjoy a hearty break in the city.

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Jenifer Kuah

Restaurateur

Lai Foong beef noodles is located in Kedai Kopi Lai Foong. I love offals and they have all kinds! The soup is lightly seasoned and garnished with chinese celerynoodles tossed in soy sauce. Nourishingcomfortingsatisfying.

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China Town Seng Kee in Kuala Lumpur is known for its old-school charm and friendly atmosphere. Tucked away on Jalan Sultanit has long been a local favorite for those seeking a comforting meal amid the bustling city. Its unpretentious setting makes it a welcoming place to enjoy authentic flavors.

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Joeri Timmermans

Chef/ Entrepreneur

Go here for the most amazing lo ci fan (clay pot rats tail noodles) stay for the pork intestine salad and egg yolk prawns. One of the few old school gems remaining on Jalan sultan

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