Best Halal Cafes & Restaurants In Kuala Lumpur 2017

Their affordably priced barbecued briskets put these meat maestros on the grid this year and we can see why. At this rustic kitchen, you can get a meal of Beef Brisket with four sides (potato bun, baked beans, mash and coleslaw) and a bottle of locally produced Pop Soda for just RM26. Making beef brisket is a tall order in itself, so we are suitably impressed by how these guys have perfected the fall-off-the-bone tenderness and punchy flavours all the way through the pulled meat. The Beef Short Ribs (from RM24 per 100g for grass-fed; RM30 for grain-fed) is a handsome hunk of meat sporting a dark-to-pink gradient that tells of its excellent cook — go for the grain-fed for a juicier bite. The ribs also usually comes in larger cuts of 300g or more, which means a single portion (approx. RM90) is fit for sharing with a friend. They've got meats to meet every need, whether it's the gargantuan Triple Threat Platter (RM125) with three meats and four sides or the quick Brimmie Sandwich (RM15), which is essentially a brisket-stuffed croissant.
Avg Price: RM30 per person
*Muslim-owned
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Tiffany Ng

Powered by the team behind La Juiceria, the relatively new Super Saigon offers a halal-friendly version of the now-trending Vietnamese pho. Instantly popular, they've already opened a second outlet in Sri Hartamas sporting the same swanky vibes of its flagship in TTDI. File this away for an all-girls' affair or as a jazzier option for family meals! Featuring a mix of rare beef slices, tripe and beef balls in warm, hearty broth, we think their Special Beef Combination Pho (RM19.90) is the way to go. When having this, take heed of the instructions for adding satay sauce — a subtle twist to spice up the traditional favourite. In place of pork, the cafe uses chicken in their Mixed Chicken Cold Cuts Banh Mi (RM12.90), which hits the zesty-meets-savoury flavour mark. The menu also sees Vietnamese variety for when you feel like trying something new, like the sticky, aromatic Broken Rice (from RM16.90) or the gravy-laden Stir-Fry Kuey Teow Noodles (from RM16.90).
Avg Price: RM30 per person
*Halal-certified

The simple, Arabesque-inspired decor at this Desa Pandan cafe makes it feel much like a warm family home, with the aroma of food wafting in from the open kitchen. Expect soulful, comfort fare done with elegance, which will go over well when trying to ease your parents into cafe visits. Racking up points for both refined presentation and sublime flavours is the Cup of Nations (RM23), beef scotch eggs sitting on sweet purple mash, cream leek sauce and sambal drizzle. We also thoroughly enjoyed the Dutch-inspired Den Haag (RM18), an open fish sandwich paired with incredibly creamy scrambled eggs and crunchy pea sprouts — the toast is especially impressive for its clean, crisp execution. If you need a caffeine hit, coffee is decently done with Artisan Roastery beans. Do note that while the cafe opens early at 8am, most hot food items are only available 11am onwards.
Avg Price: RM30 per person
*Muslim-owned

Set in the lobby of Menara Naza, this cake shop is as beautiful as the bakes it churns out daily. Natural light comes in through its floor-to-ceiling glass windows, making it an uplifting venue to cheer you up in between hardy work hours — and after all, there is cake! Their forte is in their cheesecakes and pavlovas, with wide, fruity selections plastered on the first page of the menu. The comically named Cheese Bedebah! (RM13) is a baked lemon cheesecake with poppy seed crust that never fails to satisfy a sweet tooth. Burppler Tracey Wong also recommends the Lime Cheesecake (RM12), which she credits for a great lime-to-cheese ratio. Another wildly popular sweet here is the Tiung Chocolate Mess (RM10) that takes after the classic Eton Mess, albeit with a rich chocolatey twist.
Avg Price: RM20 per person
*Muslim-owned
Photo by Burppler Tracey Wong

While not certified halal, Gold Chili has long been a trustworthy halal-friendly go-to, thanks to its band of Muslim kitchen staff and a pork-free menu. After many successful years in their humble SS15 spot, they've taken their butter chicken business up a notch with a new branch in USJ19 mall. This new outdoor spot with ample parking space is much more comfortable and is still largely undiscovered by Gold Chili devotees. We tried and tested the top dish and it doesn't fall short of the revered reputation it built back at the old hub — sweet, creamy and lavishly laden with that luscious gravy for ladling over rice. Get the set, priced at a pocket-friendly RM11.90, for the main with rice and an iced tea. Otherwise, pair the chicken with a fan favourite Tom Yam Fried Rice (from RM7). It packs a spicy punch perfect to alternate with the buttery chicken.
Avg Price: RM15 per person
*Pork-free

A visit to Naj & Belle is only complete with an order of their famous Watermelon Cake (RM14.80). But that's not to say cakes are their only draw; the cafe is blessed with a beautifully lit location along Jalan Tandok as well as a sturdy menu for breakfast, brunch and more. The strategic venue also means it's easy to escape here for a splurge-worthy work lunch — just make sure to hail a ride to avoid parking woes. Order the Dukkah Spiced Grilled Chicken Salad (RM28.50), a wonderfully seasoned veggie medley that's great on both the palate and waistline. Otherwise, take your pick from the brunch menu, portioned well enough to tide you over the entire afternoon. We absolutely adore the Moroccan Eggs (RM26.50), baked into a griddle pan with Dukkah sausages, crumbled feta cheese and Napoli sauce. In case you're not a fan of Mediterranean spices, look instead to pastas to please. The Mushroom Fettuccine Carbonara (RM25.50) always hits the spot.
Avg Price: RM45 per person
*Halal-certified
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Melanie Yu

It seems near impossible to find a halal Thai restaurant around town, and that's the gap Vicchuda aims to fill. Serving a blend of Malay-Thai cuisine, the oldtime restaurant spans several outlets across Klang Valley, and all garner a good crowd. For an affordable, no-frills family meal, swing by the Uptown branch for spacious seatings and spot-on flavours. A must-order is the TomYam Campur (from RM6.50) that combines the heat of Thai-style tom yum with the aromatic tang of Malay-style soups. If you're a fan of spicy, sourish kerabu, this menu is your playground. Choose from their bestsellling Kerabu Perut (beef tripe salad, RM6.50), piquant Kerabu Mangga (mango salad, RM5.50) or even an exciting Kerabu Kaki Ayam (chicken feet salad, RM6.50). The Ayam Paprik (from RM6.50) see sliced chicken in a red, flavoursome sauce, plenty tasty along with a umami-packed Pucuk Paku Belacan (stir-fried fern leaves, RM6).
Avg Price: RM10 per person
*Halal-certified

For casual pizza nights, hit up WOP in Shah Alam's Precint Alami building. This low-key shoplot is adorned with a woodfired oven, telling of how their specialty Neapolitan pies are made.The pizza comes in a default 10-inch size, small enough to finish on your own, or split two with a friend — we recommend sharing for the best of both worlds. By that, we mean the Smoked Beef & Rocket (RM29) as well as the Spicy Shrimp Garlic (RM29). The former melds flavourful, fatty smoked beef with crunchy, bittersweet arugula leaves, and is best enjoyed with a drizzle of Tobasco sauce. Meanwhile, the shrimp pizza is juicier, starring garlic-fragrant shrimps covered in melted mozzarella. Their drinks, like the extravagant Freddo Milo (RM6) with condensed milk, run on the sweeter side. If it feels like a stay-in kind of night, there is the option to order via Whatsapp and pick up after. Delivery (from RM5) is available to Shah Alam residents with a minimum order of two pies.
Avg Price: RM20 per person
*Muslim-owned

Located in Ampang's Korean town, B Station is helmed by Korean Muslim-convert John Lee who strives to serve his local favourites with healthy, halal standards. Not only is the food MSG-free, most of it is made from scratch sans additives and artificial flavourings. The homey cafe decked out in quaint trinkets, books and greenery is great for a quiet feel-good meal with a friend or two. Look forward to homemade kimchi and various banchan (side dishes) to go with your Gimbab with Salad (RM14.50) or a Beancurd Bulgogi (RM24.50), which features homemade beancurd with the marinated beef on hotplate. John recommends a Grilled Fish & Rice Set (RM18.50), fleshy, nutrients-packed mackerel served with rice, soup and salad. For your friend who doesn't dig Korean, the menu also has Western fusion eats, like a Teriyaki Chicken Hot Dog (RM12.80) with lean chicken breast sausages made in-house.
Avg Price: RM20 per person
*Pork-free
Photo by B-Station

Golden Valley's food court-like setting, large round tables and an extensive menu sets it to be a strong halal Chinese contender for groups. Be that resourceful Burppler-colleague who suggests this trusty spot for team lunch! It's best to order tai chow-style and fill up the lazy susan to feed the party. Go for the Nyonya-style Steamed Seabass (RM8 per 100g), a fresh, moreish fish that will have you chasing it with rice. Also delectable is the Black Pepper Beef In Hot Plate (from RM16), tender beef slices slicked in a mildly spicy, savoury glaze. There is also a Set Lunch menu (from RM33 for two) for easier, no-brainer combinations, replete with white rice and Chinese tea. Solo diners aren't left out; check out their Bento Set Lunch (from RM13) for a dual-dish meal or the Express Set Lunch (from RM13.90) for a main with free flow herbal tea and a dessert.
Avg Price: RM25 per person
*Halal-certified

Though Mum's Place has operated in Damansara Perdana for over 16 years, it was only when their later venture Little Mums (now closed) popped up in Uptown that more diners discovered this stalwart. This pork-free establishment also doubles as a catering whiz, feeding their fair share of Muslim customers. The Nyonya cooking at this homely restaurant is known to run on the spicier side, so gather friends who you know love a little heat! The often-lauded dish is the Otak-Otak Cubes with Thai Sauce (RM18.20), tasty cubes of melt-in-your-mouth otak-otak that's way too easy to wipe out.Tastemaker Alyssia Yu names the popular Assam Pedas Parit Jawa Jenahak (snapper, RM8.80 per 100g) an addictive result of acidity and spice, but be warned that depending on size, the fish can go up to RM80 a pop. Take her advice and clarify the price before ordering.
Avg Price: RM35
*Pork-free
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Alyssia Yu

At their warehouse-like space along Jalan Ampang, Greenhouse by Muir sees an all-in-one concept that covers foodie grounds for bread, pastries, seafood, meats and drinks. The variety under one roof sets this to be a good-for-groups spot to satisfy all. But its most prized quality is perhaps the plethora of fresh sashimi, sourced from halal-certified suppliers. Shop market-style at the Kuroshio Market section for a tray of reasonably priced Mixed Sashimi (RM21.20) to start. You can order donburis (from RM15.90) from the same ground-floor establishment or proceed upstairs for hot bites off the menu at BRYCG, their Texan-style restaurant. The Southern Fries With Creole Seasoning (RM18) makes a nice snack between orders, while the belly-warming Stuffed Squid Gumbo (RM38) is a must-try that comfortably feeds two. Whichever you're in the mood for, chances are you'll be spoilt for choice.
Avg Price: RM30 per person
*Pork-free with halal-certified suppliers
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Kaelyn Pu