(SPOT.ph) Mention Kuala Lumpur to anyone and they’ll probably think of the Petronas Twin Towers first before anything else. But did you know that the Malaysian capital is also one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia when it comes to food? Described as a melting pot by locals—thanks in part to its unique blend of Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences—this city boasts a unique food culture, one that you can’t quite find anywhere else.
Dining in Kuala Lumpur can get a bit overwhelming at times, so we’ve rounded up a list of places where you can get the very best dishes that this melting pot of a city has to offer.
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Here are 10 places to visit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the foodie:
Jalan Alor
Some of the best meals you could have in Malaysia aren’t found in fancy restaurants, but in hawker stalls that line the city’s sidewalks. Jalan Alor is an entire road that features dishes ranging from satay dipped in a spicy peanut sauce to rich and crispy oyster pancakes. Just make sure to leave some room for dessert, as Sangkaya’s homemade ice cream is one of the best ways to beat the Malaysian heat.
Jalan Alor is at 38 Jalan Alor, Bukit Bintang. Operating hours vary per establishment.
The Row
If you’re looking for the best cup of coffee in Kuala Lumpur, then you might be able to find it at The Row. This area is home to quaint little stores, ranging from local fashion brands to independently owned coffee shops. Favorite cafés among locals include Butter + Beans, which is known for great latte art; and League of Captains, which is popular for their rum and raisin cake, salted gula melaka cake, and moist spinach omelette.
The Row is at 22-64, Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit. Operating hours vary per establishment.
Atmosphere 360
From its name alone, you can already probably tell what Atmosphere 360 has to offer. This revolving restaurant touts itself as the country’s highest place to dine, being found on the top floor of the famous KL Tower. Not only can diners partake in a world-class buffet that features the best of Malaysian cuisine, they’re also treated to panoramic views of the city. Just make sure to make a reservation, as this restaurant is usually packed.
Atmosphere 360 is at Menara Kuala Lumpur, 2, Jalan Puncak. It is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Petaling Street Market
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience that won’t hurt your wallet, consider paying a visit to the Petaling Street Market. This vibrant and lively street can found in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown. It’s full of family-owned restaurants that offer Chinese-inspired dishes like roast duck, char kway teow, and congee at affordable prices.
Petaling Street Market is at Jalan Petaling, City Centre. Operating hours vary per stall.
Lot 10 Hutong
Lot 10 Hutong is a food paradise found in the basement of one of Kuala Lumpur’s busiest shopping centers. Touting itself as a gourmet heritage village, Lot 10 Hutong features 34 of the city’s best food stalls, each with their own signature dish. You can take your pick from tender beef noodles at Soong Kee to popiah, or fresh spring rolls, at Campbell Mini.
Lot 10 Hutong is at LG/F Lot 10 Shopping Centre, 50 Jalan Sultan Ismail. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Village Park Restaurant
You can’t leave Kuala Lumpur without having nasi lemak, a fragrant rice dish considered as Malaysia’s national treasure. While opinions vary on which places have the best nasi lemak, you can’t go wrong with Village Park Restaurant’s version. Their take on the dish is known to be extremely light and fluffy, and comes with a crispy fried chicken marinated with tons of spices.
Village Park Restaurant is at No. 5, Jalan SS21/37, Damansara Utama Petaling Jaya. It is open from Monday to Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and every Sunday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Valentine Roti
Ask any local where you can get the best roti canai in Kuala Lumpur, and they’ll probably point you in the direction of Valentine Roti. This neighborhood stall may seem unkempt, but there’s a reason their roti canai is so widely loved. Many flock to this stall for their thin and crispy roti, which is good enough to be eaten on its own, and their curry dips have just the right amount of spice.
Valentine Roti is at 1 Jalan Semarak. It is open from Monday to Saturday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Banana Leaf at Bangsar
Another popular dish among Malaysians is banana-leaf rice. This Indian-inspired dish is made up of rice, curry, meat, and assorted vegetables, all served on a bed of banana leaves. One of the best places to get this dish is the Bengsar neighborhood, which is home to all sorts of banana leaf rice restaurants. Local favorites include Devi’s Corner, which is open 24/7, Raj’s Banana Leaf, which offers fish options, and Fierce Curry House, which sometimes swaps out rice for biryani.
New Heong Kee Restaurant
If you’re looking for a new dish to try out, consider paying a visit to New Heong Kee Restaurant. This restaurant specializes in beggar’s chicken, a Chinese dish that takes up to six hours to prepare. They marinate a whole chicken in medicinal herbs and cooking wine, before encasing it in clay and slowly roasting it. The result is a chicken that’s extremely flavorful and juicy.
New Heong Kee Restaurant is at Mesra, 446, Batu 7, Jalan Ulu Kelang, 68000 Ampang Jaya, Selangor. It is open daily from 12 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Taman Connaught Night Market
Being home to more than 700 stalls, it should come as no surprise that the Taman Connaught Night Market is extremely popular with both locals and tourists. Not only do these stalls serve traditional Malaysian street food like laksa, curry noodles, and satay, but some stalls also offer international fare like Thai, Korean, and Taiwanese food. It’s only open on Wednesday nights though, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly.
Taman Connaught Night Market is at 30, 108, Jalan Cerdas, Taman Connaught. It is open every Wednesday, from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.
