Best Places For Local Breakfasts In Kuala Lumpur

Ever since Yut Kee moved from its old location to the more spacious and comfortable Jalan Kamunting lot, the kopitiam has gained an even stronger cult following. The heritage decor makes an Instagrammable feature, paying homage to its near-90 years in business. Do like regulars and come for the greasy Roti Babi (RM10), minced pork and onions stuffed in deep-fried bread. A friendly uncle will be on the lookout to make sure you eat it right — with drizzles of Lea & Perrins' Worcestershire sauce. Also not to be missed are their fresh bakes. The Kaya Roll (RM1.10 per piece) is deliciously dense while a buttery Marble Cake (RM1.30) sends our tastebuds straight to cake heaven.
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burppler Muriel A.

Village Park needs no introduction. The name rolls off our tongues when talking about nasi lemak, which makes it a five-star spot to bring a tourist friend or simply anyone who loves the national dish. Lunchtime here sees snaking queues and tight seats but not many know of its quieter morning service that starts at 7am. This is prime time should you want to come in groups. Otherwise, aim for lunch with two to three colleagues, at most. Start your day on a winning note with the Nasi Lemak Ayam (RM10.50) that comes with a sizeable deep-fried chicken leg. It's yummy, crunchy and perfect with coconut-fragrant rice and mildly sweet, addictive sambal. Make space for a side; the dish of Curry Cockles (RM4.50) is a true underdog here. The little morsels of fresh cockles swimming in luscious curry sauce will easily warrant another order of rice — lemak please.
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Junior How

Part of Jalan Tun HS Lee's charm is this coffeeshop, sporting an in-your-face 'Lai Foong Restaurant' signage. For this Chinatown stop, we highly recommend bringing your parents — they will love the nostalgia. The grind begins at the break of dawn, when an elderly couple churns out cups of bittersweet Kopi (RM2). Order the drink, and pray it helps you decide between their tasty Beef Noodles (from RM8) and the recently popularised Lala Noodles (RM10). Our advice is to share both. The big on flavour beef noodles is impossible to pass up on. Chock full of tripe, tendon and brisket, it's finished with an appetising relish of preserved vegetables and coriander. Couple that with the sweet and spicy kick of the lala noodles and you'll be slurping your way through breakfast, down to the very last drop.
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burppler Anna Wong

No longer set in the outdoors for a rustic breakfast spot, Ah Weng Koh in the new ICC Pudu still deserves a visit for its tasty offerings. Take mum here for breakfast after a market run. It's essential you snag a seat upon arrival lest they all get snapped up in seconds. Helpers marked by tin cans in their hands and towels around their waist will take your order. The Hainan Tea (RM2.40) is a must-have of smooth, aromatic milk tea beneath bubbly foam. On bites, get the Signature Kaya Butter Toast (RM2.40) if you like your bread crisp or the Kaya Margarine Bun (RM2.40) if you prefer it soft and pillowy. Both feature lavish spreads of homemade kaya, boosted by butter and margarine. Order also the Soft Boiled Eggs (RM2.20), served in a do-it-yourself tin of hot water. Pro tip: Remove eggs after 5 minutes for the perfectly wobbly texture. The Hainanese family running the business are known to be prickly when it gets busy, so get your orders sorted before they come to you.
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burppler Happy GreedyFoodie

Stemmed from the dream of self-taught cook Mr. Kulwant, the stalwart Santa Chapati House is a secret known only to locals and those working nearby. For early morning chapati with a few colleagues, this airy down-to-earth shoplot is worth the walk. Their Chapati (RM1.80), freshly flipped out front, is served warm, fluffy and tasty enough on its own. But delight in the side of dhal that has a light yet creamy consistency. There are enough lentils in there to provide for a bite but not too much that it's too thick a sauce. Apart from the staple, there is also delicious Aloo Gobi (mixed vegetables, from RM4) for the vegetarians (or non) as well as an impressive Mutton Curry (from RM4.50). The small plate is filled generously with chunks of lustrously tender meat. The pocket-friendly prices that yields hearty dishes also make this a great locale for lunch, especially at month's end.
Avg price per person: RM10

The food at this Pudu favourite may be old-school gold but the ambience is a splash of new and cosy within, where the area is air-conditioned. This is just place to bring a picky business partner for breakfast! The Chee Cheong Fun (RM3) is available either with soya sauce and dried shrimp or doused in runny curry sauce. The former hits the mark on flavour, especially if you prefer your breakfast on the lighter side. The Yong Tau Foo (RM1.50) spread is a wondrous sight, offering choices from brinjal to dumplings and supersized ladyfingers. Don't miss out on an order of bouncy meatballs made in-house, and if you're up for it, a plate of tastebud-tingling BBQ Fried Intestines (RM5)!
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burppler V Ho

Though now known glamourously as Mansion Tea Stall, Restoran Al Amnah retains its rough-on-the-edges decor and rickety seats. But what you're really here for is their prizewinner, a Roti Banjir Special (RM4.50) unlike any other. "Wobbly eggs, chopped roti canai drenched in dhal, curry and sambal, freshly made and served within minutes of ordering.", Burppler Tiffany waxed lyrical of one of her favourite breakfast dishes and we have to agree. Finished with a dollop of sweet-spicy sambal, the dish of glorified roti canai is extremely satisfying. On mornings that you wake up feeling unmotivated, grab a colleague and head here for this! Even if it doesn't get you back in the mood to work, at least you would've made your tummy very happy. Also good is the saltish Roti Sardin (RM4) and their perfectly pulled Teh Tarik (RM1.70) with extra foam.
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Tiffany Ng

This little nook nestled along Chinatown's busiest street opens as early as 5am, and its 69-year-old recipe for heartwarming porridge has never failed to make our mornings better. Before the bustle begins, walk down the street for breakfast with a friend. The Fresh Raw Fish Porridge (RM7) is a champion's combo of silky smooth porridge and carp sashimi topped with coriander and sliced ginger. When dunked into the piping hot porridge, the thinly sliced fish is cooked to melt-in-your-mouth freshness. The other special to look out for is the Fresh Frog Porridge (RM18) that comes with a claypot of tender frog legs slicked in sweet, gingery sauce. If you love yau char kuey like we do, RM3 a plate will be a no-brainer. The dough is absolutely delicious dipped into warm, thick porridge.
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burppler Rueann D.