Foodies may know this Japanese-fusion hot spot in Sri Petaling for their killer ramen, but also good are the rice bowls. First-timers, go for the Lucky Salted Fish Pork Patty bowl (RM23.80) featuring a thick slab of pork patty with distinct salted fish flavours, accompanied by fried egg drizzed with soy sauce. Another tasty option is the Lucky Smoked Duck bowl (RM23.80) with juicy and melt-in-your-mouth meat drizzled with sweet garlic aioli. Wrap your meal up with a glass of refreshing cocktail, such as the Ju Hua Tai (RM21.80), a sake-based concoction of chrysanthemum and lemon juice.
This poke spot in TTDI ranks high on our community's list for fresh and healthy bowls. Choose from the ready-made options like Shoyu Salmon (RM20), or the community-fave Spicy Salmon (RM20) – a solid combo of Sriracha and kewpie mayo. Then, pick your base (brown rice, white rice and quinoa) and pair it with the range of fresh proteins (salmon, tuna and shrimp). For the finishing touch, dress it with a wide range of toppings available – from edamame to pickled radish and ginger to fresh fruits like mango.
Photo by Burppler Nicholas Ng
Pen down this popular hot spot in Kuchai Lama for authentic Thai food. The spacious venue is complete with an extravagant koi pond, quirky signboards and several karaoke rooms! Get the party started with the succulent marinated BBQ Pork Stick (RM4) or the silky Pad Thai (RM11) with tofu cubes and tender chicken slices. If you're with a big group, consider their seafood options to share. We recommend the Grilled Fish with Salt (RM55) and the Steam Squid with Lime Sauce (RM27.50), best enjoyed with a steaming bowl of rice. Pro tip: Head down before 7pm to beat the buzzing dinner crowd!
Photo by Burppler Amayzing .
Venture into this restaurant situated along Jalan Batai for modern Thai cuisine. Start your meal with a plate of spicy and refreshing Papaya Salad, filled with chopped raw papaya, dried shrimp and crushed peanuts. Keep the heat going with the sweat-inducing Tom Yam (RM20), or the rich and creamy Green Curry with Chicken (RM28). Order the Pineapple Fried Rice (RM24) – a perfect companion to the curry that sees fluffy yellow rice topped with runny fried egg and cashews. Cool off after that spicy meal with the Mango Sticky Rice (RM18). Pro tip: Pop in between 11:30am to 2:30pm for their value-for-money lunch sets!
Photo by Burppler Ali K
Find this hidden gem tucked away along Jalan Helang Merah in Kepong (clue: look behind the bushy trees and spot the lilac-coloured walls.) Ask the friendly staff for recommendations or opt for the crowd- favourite Otak-Otak (RM25) that comes in a Thai coconut, chock-full with prawns and squid laced in the creamy otak-otak. Also good is the juicy and fragrant Pandan Chicken (RM20), Paku Salad (RM15) and the Kerabu Mango Salad (RM15). Wash it down with a creamy Thai Milk Tea (RM7).
Photo by Ali K
Not to be confused with Singapore and Penang's version, KL's Hokkien mee is all about the fat noodles doused in thick and savoury dark sauce, charcoal-fried with enough heat to get that distinct wok-hei flavour and garnished with crispy pork lard. Coined as the birthplace of Hokkien mee in KL, Kim Lian Kee has been dishing up plates of this mouth-watering dish for close to a decade. Spot them along bustling Petaling Street painted in bright red. Kim Lian Kee offers a variety of "tai chow" dishes (Cantonese-style dishes to share), but the crowd-favourite is undoubtedly the Hokkien Mee (from RM10). If that's not enough, also order the Yang Zhou Fried Rice (Chinese-style fried rice, from RM10) or the Claypot Loh Shu Fan (Stir-fried silver needle noodles, from RM11). Pro tip: Devour your noodles with a dollop of the spicy sambal.
After a shopping spree at Central Market, take a short stroll to this decades-old coffee shop for a hearty local feast. You'll find a variety of stalls serving hawker fare including chicken rice and wantan mee, but we highly recommend ordering the Lala Noodles (RM11). Each bowl is cooked to-order, so be prepared for a long wait. Once your bowl lands in front of you, dig in immediately! Expect bee hoon soaked in a flavourful Chinese wine-laced broth, and lots of fresh clams. Also have the Beef Noodles (RM10) that feature a generous portion of tender beef slices and a variety of innards. Pro tip: The dining area is small. Ask to share tables instead of waiting for an empty one to get seated faster!
Yut Kee has been around for almost 90 years (it is one of the oldest coffee shops in KL city) and you will still find them doling out consistently good Hainanese grub and local coffee. Crowds swarm in at 7.30am, so be sure to come early, give them your name and wait your turn. Once seated, order the signature Hainanese Chicken Chop (RM10.50) that sees a piece of breaded chicken drenched in a savoury-sweet brown sauce, served alongside potatoes, peas and carrots. Another must-try is the Kaya Butter Toast and Half Boiled Egg (from RM3), fluffy bread toasted and slathered with housemade kaya. Seal the hearty meal with a cup of local Kopi (RM2). Pro tip: Take away slices of the housemade Marble Cake (RM1.30) or Kaya Swiss Rolls (RM1.10) to munch on!
Photo by Burppler irene ho
Come early to avoid the crowd at this popular ramen spot in quiet Jaya One! Choose from the four broths available – Kuro (black garlic), Midori (basil), Aka (spicy) and Ki (curry pork) – and pair it with your choice of toppings (with pork, sans egg and more). Try the Basil Pork Soup (from RM18) which Burppler Carmen Chan declares scrumptious with hints of fresh basil with every mouthful. Otherwise, go big with the triple-flavoured Black Garlic Spicy Basil Pork Soup (from RM18) for a whirlwind of flavours. Word is they're expanding to a double-lot in September – yay to more space!
Photo by Burppler Carmen Chan
Open from as early as 8am, this chicken rice shop sees students flock in for affordable, quality meals. Keep it simple with a plate of Roasted Chicken Rice (RM6). Each portion comes with a mountain of buttery yellow rice and tender roasted chicken that pairs excellently with the spicy chilli sauce. For more meat, go for the Chicken & R.Pork Rice (RM6.50) or Chicken & Char Siew Rice (RM6.50). What we love most about the chicken rice here is this tiny detail: the addition of crispy, fragrant fried garlic sprinkled atop the meats!
