Once a hotel and bar near the train station, Chong Kok today is a kopitiam that still manages to bring in curious diners from all over town. The old-world furnishings have remained, alongside longtime regulars from all walks. Come for an excellent Malaysian breakfast with a side of camaraderie. Second to none in Klang, the coffeeshop's Kaya Butter Bread (RM1.80) is easily our top order here. Have it lightly toasted over charcoal fire or steamed to soft, pillowy perfection. The Nasi Lemak Bungkus (RM2) from the Malay stall out front also fares well for a mini morning version of the rice dish. For larger portions, order one by the plate from RM3.50. Both breakfast dishes warrant a hallmark order of Half-Boiled Kampung Eggs (RM2) and Kopi-O (from RM1.40), extra kao (strong).
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Tiffany Ng
Of the many bak kut teh places that dot this area, Teluk Pulai Pottery emerges as a firm favourite. Crowds come piling in on weekends, so it's safest to swing by for a weekday brunch with a group — if not, brace yourself to join the queue! Bak Kut Teh (from RM9) here comes in two forms: the soupy herbal claypot-style and a dark, aromatic dry version. The restaurant's reputation beckons that you try both, tasty in equal measure. The broth strays from Klang's usual concentrated kind for a light but flavourful one, which seeps well into the sides of puffy tofu pok, fu chuk and the must-have Yau Char Kwai (RM2). On the other hand, the dry bak kut teh has profuse amounts of dried chillies, cuttlefish and salted fish to thank for its deliciously pungent flavour. We also love that rice is topped with fried shallots. Shiok!
Avg price per person: RM20
Photo by Burppler Camille Ng
Don't let Boston Baru's notorious queues dampen your hopes for seafood. To stand a chance at trying Klang's single most popular restaurant, arrive exceedingly early at 4.45pm for dinner. The stellar seafood and reasonable prices will prove to be worth the effort. When it comes to the Steamed Clams In Superior Soup (from RM18), order unsparingly — two people can easily wipe out the large portion. These thick-shelled clams are juicy and redolent of the ginger rice wine soup, finished with a mildly spicy kick. Also recommended is the Butter Corn Mantis Prawn (from RM13) that melds the toothsome shellfish with a lush, creamy butter corn sauce. For a noodle main, order the Hokkien Mee (from RM8) or the Moonlight Fried Kuey Teow (from RM8), imbued with wok hei and slicked in fragrant dark soy sauce.
Avg price per person: RM30
Photo by Burppler Christie Tang
Operating three conjoined shoplots in Pandamaran, Restoran IV is the mamak to visit when in Klang. Aside from its spacious environment, the secret lies in their spot-on Roti Canai (RM1.50). Touted to be the best in town, the squareish roti is indeed crispier than most. Its dough provides a tasty bite, bolstered by a plate of runny dhal to boot. A piece will suffice for a light breakfast, but it usually takes two to satisfy. Alternatively, grab a Nasi Lemak (RM2) by the packet. Fragrant with coconut milk, the rice holds it own and a dollop of spicy sambal ups the tastiness. On drinks, none goes better with the mamak meal than the Teh Tarik (RM1.80), kurang manis. Heed Burppler Shin D's advice and snag a seat near the cashier counter, where the staff tend to be friendlier and far more efficient!
Avg price per person: RM5
Photo by Burppler Shin D
Though fried porridge has gone on to become a real delicacy down south in Johor and Singapore, not many know the dish was first conceived here in Klang. Restoran Bubur Goreng holds claim to this tasty throne, so make your way here the next time you crave this rainy day comfort! Priced at RM14 for two, the porridge gleams with a slightly burnt, brownish sheen telling of its punchy flavours. Wok-fried along with dried cuttlefish, prawns, minced pork, yam cubes and lard, the yau char kwai-topped porridge is far from the milder versions we're used to. Finally, don't be surprised that the restaurant refrains from serving the usual Chinese tai chow dishes. It's their way of ensuring your fried porridge experience is not overthrown by other flavour-heavy dishes.
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh
Make a stop at this humble cake shop for a sweet souvenir to bring back from Klang. Generations of Klangites grew up on Uncle Cheng's trademark Pandan Layer Cake (from RM22.50 for half), a delicious dessert layering pandan sponge and a kuih-like pandan jelly. The baking process is a painstaking one and when word got out that Uncle Cheng was thinking of closing up, many flocked in to show their support. You should too — after all, we never know when Regent's legacy will leave the market for good. If you've already tried the pandan, mix things up with the yam, corn or the two-in-one flavours! Tastemaker Ben Gee tips us off on popping the cake into the fridge overnight for a slice of cold, smooth breakfast delight in the morning.
Avg price person: RM15
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Ben Gee
Taman Berkerley's Mo Sang Kor first made its name for bak kut teh, served in small ceramic bowls. This means you should anticipate the unique broth that's dark, delicious and sadly, non-refillable. There is good reason for this: the broth is boiled for a rich concentrate of herbs and meat and it's meant to be savoured slowly for its robust flavour, rather than for quantity. The 'Dai Guat' or Big Bone (pork shank, RM7.50) reigns supreme with slivers of fall-off-the-bone tender meat while the Pork Knuckle (RM7.50) is a wonderfully fatty indulgence. For a meaty morning meal, trek down with the family or a small group of friends in the morning. The shop closes as soon as it sells out, sometimes as early as 11am!
Avg price per person: RM20
Photo by Burppler Live2 eatntravel
This hidden Hakka gem along Jalan Gudang Nanas draws the crowd for its specialty pai kuat or pork ribs. The Famous 'Pai Kut' Spare Ribs King (RM12) yields boneless pork ribs, deep-fried and then drenched in a sweet sauce. Expect the meat to come with a juicy bite, almost chewy even, and bursting with flavour. The dish is infallible, but some may prefer its crisper counterpart, the Hakka Meatballs (RM1 per piece) that are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Pork aside, the tai chow restaurant has much more to offer, like its Claypot Asam Mustard. Sometimes referred to as spicy and sour vegetables, the dish of mustard greens boiled over long hours with leftover meat, vegetables and dried chillies has a distinctively intense flavour — perfect to ladle over rice.
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burppler Emily Choong
When they realised their handmade paus were selling better than their mainstay (mixed rice), the family behind Klang Food Centre decided that they would delve into the bun business instead. The shop now stars trays of piping hot paus, and the flavours are aplenty. On savouries, choose from the Curry Chicken (RM5), Yam & Pork (RM2.50) or Mui Chai (RM2.20). The bestselling curry chicken is a supersized one, revealing a gravy-laden foil tray of curry chicken within. Those who prefer their paus sweet should go for the creamy Custard Corn (RM1.80) or Red Bean (RM1.60). The warm buns are soft and airy, with just enough dough to hold together its fillings. It is perhaps also the attentive service that makes this Klang's premier pau place. Apart from the hot buns for dining in, there is also a section to select pre-steamed buns to take home.
Avg price per person: RM5
Klang foodies swear by their supper fried chicken, and this Klang Jaya street corner stall sets the perfect example. The twin brothers who helm the hawker cook up freshly deep-fried chicken for the late night folks who are hungry all week long (except Sundays when the pair goes swimming!). Going for RM3.40 a pop, the chicken greets with its exterior of crispy umami skin and then, succulent flesh within. Most of all, this chick scores for staying safe of excessive grease, making it a pretty feel-good option for the sinful snack! The side order of Pedal Ayam Goreng (fried chicken liver, RM1.20) is a nice bonus — crunchy batter encasing the warm, silky delicacy. Counter the heat with a glass of Teh Bunga (chrysanthemum tea, RM1). For future fried chicken cravings, call ahead to pre-order for a quicker pick-up!
Avg price per person: RM5