The Best Local Restaurants in Kuala Lumpur

Lai Foong Lala Noodles in Kuala Lumpur is a casual spot that has built a loyal following over the years. Formerly a small stall, they’ve recently moved into their own shop, offering comforting local flavors and a relaxed setting that keeps people coming back.

Recommended by

Johnson Wong

Chef

Flavourful broth packed with shaoxing wine and local clams. Legendary clam noodle in Kuala Lumpur. Flavourful broth packed with shaoxing wine and local clams (Lala) that easily heat up and warm your body.

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Kin Kin Restaurant is known around Kuala Lumpur for offering a straightforward yet especially satisfying approach to local comfort food. People often describe the flavors as simple but surprisingly addictive, making it a welcoming spot for anyone seeking a laid-back meal in the city.

Recommended by

Chi Ng

Food Writer & Traveler

The original Kin Kin Chilli Pan Mee. I haven’t come across variations of this noodle dish other than in Kuala Lumpur. So simple but so addictive: just minced meat, springy noodles, poached eggs and the oh-so-vital dry chilli mix.

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Ember in Kuala Lumpur is a modern Asian restaurant focused on charcoal cooking and locally sourced ingredients. It has a laid-back, slightly edgy atmosphere that still feels warm and welcoming. The menu changes seasonally, highlighting sustainability and thoughtful flavors.

Recommended by

Chi Ng

Food Writer & Traveler

I’ve liked Ember and Chef Gary since my first visit, both share similar traits: laid-back, slightly edgy, a little dark yet welcoming and inviting. The food also channels Gary’s personality: familiar comfort food with underlying complexity and thoughtfulness in creating a balanced dish, punchy smoky flavours, with local Asian twists. For example, one of my favourites - wagyu beef and rice. MB4 but MB7 tenderness at non-wagyu price (a mere USD13+-), sweet-savoury tare, creamy yolk, balanced off with crunchy tangy pickled radish to cut through the richness. Other favourites are 4 days dry-aged duck breast, Ember’s kampung fried chicken, and not featured here: kampung chicken with Yuzu kosho, as well as grilled fish. Ember and Gary definitely has great great great potential to gain awards.

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Jalan Ipoh Beef Noodle offers slightly elevated hawker-style fare at budget-friendly prices. The place can get hot and might look a bit run-down, but many find the flavors worth a visit. It’s an uncomplicated spot that draws those who appreciate a straightforward, satisfying meal.

Recommended by

Chi Ng

Food Writer & Traveler

Slightly elevated hawker fanfares that’s still pretty cheap! Freshwater prawn noodles in milky savoury broth, and those orange roe gold! Tender umami-packed beef broth and springy dry beef noodles. It’s hot, it’s run-down, it’s out-of-the-way, it’s so good!

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Ming Kee Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur has been around for years and still keeps a simple, old-school feel. Regulars gather and chat with the owner, giving the place a friendly, familiar atmosphere. It’s a welcoming spot that stays true to its roots without any fuss.

Recommended by

Chi Ng

Food Writer & Traveler

Everything about this shop is truly ‘tale as old as time’ - from the shabby interior, old man skilfully cooking the noodles, to the equally old patrons who have been frequenting the shop for tens of years chatting loudly with the owner. The noodles as well, is prepared in the old school way.

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Pizzeria Dihyang in Kuala Lumpur follows a Naples-style approach to its menu, focusing on classic techniques and quality ingredients. The relaxed setting makes it a welcoming place for a straightforward dining experience.

Recommended by

Chi Ng

Food Writer & Traveler

One of the most authentic Naples-style pizzeria in KL! Chewy crust with a slight char, using DOP mozzarella and tomatoes!

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Taste by Champignons in Kuala Lumpur highlights sweet treats that blend fruity and chocolate flavors in well-balanced ways. The laid-back setting offers a welcoming place to stop by for those looking to enjoy something a bit different without being overwhelming.

Recommended by

Chloee Lee

Food Writer

The Champignons Cake Shop x Summer Petite Gateaux Collection 2020 Aloha is made up of yoghurt mousse - having orange cake as the gateaux’s base, mandarin and snow pear confit filling and topped with a dollop of pineapple jam and tiny shreds of silver leaves. The mandarin and snow pear confit is an interesting combination for its oriental fruit pairing, overall this gateaux leans more towards the sour side that those who are used to the impression of french pastries belonging to the sweet end of the spectrum might have second thoughts . The sweetness of the whipped coconut ganache in Coconut 2.0 is subtle, rather contained like a poised lady, to which upon leaving it to melt in your mouth, the coconut imparts its fruity aroma slow and steadily that eventually takes over your entire palette.” The pinkish Flamingo 2.0 is one that will appeal to sweet young girls with blushy dreams. The apple and lime compote still retains its fruit cubes after being simmered, which adds on to a crunch texture to the overall gateaux. There are 3 layers to the Tropical Bar. The structure of this Bar is very balanced, as its acidity trickles down along from the top to bottom of the pastry - lime whipped ganache on top, a pudding-cake like texture of a banana confit in the middle, and a denser banana cake base that is made with overripe bananas. The Gelato 2.0 is a chocolate-centric pastry, hence is the sweetest among all. The use of kalamansi in the ganache is a very refreshing concept, as the fruit is a pure local species of produce, and has a high level of acidity. The pairing of rich bitter dark chocolate and highly sour citrus fruit might sound rather odd to the Malaysian audience, it is however a common flavour combination found in Europe. As Niki Segnit in “The Flavour Thesaurus” acknowledges the combination of chocolate and lemon, she also alludes to a classic British sweet, the chocolate lime, for reference.

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De.Wan 1958 by Chef Wan @ The Linc KL is led by a Malaysian celebrity chef, offering Malay food in Kuala Lumpur. The higher price point is backed by quality ingredients and notable flavors. It’s a dependable spot if you’re looking for a meal that feels well-prepared and satisfying.

Recommended by

Chi Ng

Food Writer & Traveler

COVID lockdown takeaway that still tasted as good as eating in the restaurant. De.Wan by Malaysian celebrity Chef Wan serves Malay food at a higher price but justified by its quality ingredients and deliciousness. Featured here are beef rendang with blue pea flower rice, and my favourite prawn mee rebus.

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等记鱼头米 is a relaxed spot in Kuala Lumpur that draws people in with its flavorful, comforting meals. Customers often comment on its clear, tasty broths, making it a welcoming place for a satisfying meal.

Recommended by

Johnson Wong

Chef

Fish Head Rice Vermicelli Soup which is exceptionally tasty. Love the Fish Head Rice Vermicelli Soup which is exceptionally tasty with a dash of Shaoxing wine.The stock is awesome, clear and sweet.

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Hide Restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton Residences in Kuala Lumpur is a small, welcoming spot where chefs thoughtfully blend different cooking styles. It’s set around an intimate counter, letting you see them at work in a relaxed atmosphere. Because seating is limited, it’s a good idea to book ahead.

Recommended by

Darren Teoh

Chef

Hide incriminates that there is some form of searching required. Hidden as it were at the Ritz Carlton residences. The only option is a tasting menu that should last all of about 15 courses. Techniques and ingredients range and flit between Japanese, European and Malaysian. The 14 seater counter once you've found the place (which isn't very difficult, depending on how flustered you are from the KL traffic) is light and friendly. Chefs prepare your meals and introduce them with ease and without unneeded fan fare. Nas plays in the background as you surreally try to connect gangster rap and the seriousness of the wonderfully cooked dishes in front of you. It is very likely the best playlist in KL at the moment. And most definitely the best Caramelised Onion stuffed Brioche in the city. Book in advance as there are limited seats.

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Beta KL highlights Malaysian heritage by using local ingredients in modern ways. The atmosphere is welcoming, and each menu item reflects an aspect of the country’s diverse food culture. Located in Kuala Lumpur, it offers a distinct perspective on familiar flavors while staying true to their regional roots.

Recommended by

Darren Teoh

Chef

Beta KL by Raymond Tham. Here he focuses on local ingredients using his cultural landscape and history as inspiration. Opt for the full tasting menu and be sure to ask your server for a little context of the dish. Most of the dishes on the menu have an insightful anecdote to the eating culture in Malaysia.

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The Regent Chinese Cuisine is a private kitchen in Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, focusing on authentic Cantonese cooking. They use fresh ingredients flown in from Hong Kong and rely on long-standing traditions to bring out classic flavors. The cozy setting makes it easy to gather with friends or family for a relaxed meal.

Recommended by

Darren Teoh

Chef

Delicious Hong Kong style Cantonese cooking, great for sharing with family or friends. Excellent Cantonese cooking served in family sharing portions. We started with typhoon shelter deep fried fish skin and then moved on to a simple but elegantly executed fried rice, sweet and sour pork, braised glass noodles and mushrooms, tofu braised in a pumpkin sauce and a simple but exceptionally delicious plate of stir fried cabbage shoots. There are a few of the restaurant’s classics available for pre order for the full range of the chefs repertoire.

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Kit Kee Beef Noodle Stall is a tucked-away spot in Kuala Lumpur with a cozy, down-to-earth atmosphere and a friendly team ready to offer suggestions. It can be a bit hard to find, but you’ll know you’re in the right place when you catch the menu photos displayed on a banner out front. Despite the simple setup, people keep coming back for its hearty and satisfying meals.

Recommended by

Darren Teoh

Chef

Rustic and hearty beef noodles tucked away in a village. Looking for this almost signless shop can be daunting. Trust the process and Waze to bring you close. You will know it when you see pictures of its menu hanging on a banner in the front of the store. All the staff are amicable and are happy to recommend their favourites. There is a small assortment of noodles available, with the beef noodles being my favourite. The broth is robust and hearty and while the beef cuts are not fork tender they are flavourful from the hours of braising. Tripe is also available when you order the “mixed meats”.

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Sambal Hijau Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur offers a wide selection of Malay-style Padang dishes, letting you fill your plate with whatever catches your eye. The welcoming atmosphere makes it a popular spot for anyone looking for a relaxed meal in the city.

Recommended by

Darren Teoh

Chef

This is a restaurant that I love to go to. Sambal Hijau directly translates to green sambal. In this restaurant there will be about 80 to 90 different types of preparations of Malay style padang cooking on display that you can choose from. It's not a buffet, but what you do is you get a plate and they put some rice on that plate and then you pick what you like among the dishes. I often bring some of my guest chefs that are visiting Kuala Lumpur there and they eat with their eyes and they will have some 15 things on their plate and usually they can't finish it. But the idea is just to have about two or three dishes.

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Restaurant Keng Nam Hai (Jln Prima) in Kuala Lumpur offers a Chinese-influenced style of cooking that balances fragrant spices with a subtle sweetness. The flavors aren’t overpowering, making it an inviting spot to enjoy local dishes without heavy heat.

Recommended by

Chi Ng

Food Writer & Traveler

Laksa. Just one dish has so many variations in Malaysia. Johor laksa, Sarawak laksa, Assam laksa, Nyonya laksa... and of course curry laksa. Even curry laksa has further sub-categories: Penang white curry, KL-style curry laksa, Curry laksa a la Chinese style, and Malay style. The last two differ in the amount of coconut milk used. This one featured is Chinese style: fiery red without being unenjoyably spicy, fragrant spices, and subtly sweet!

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Restoran Wong Mei Kee in Kuala Lumpur is known for its traditional cooking methods and careful selection of meat, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The friendly atmosphere and attention to detail have made it a local favorite for those seeking hearty meals. It's a comfortable spot to enjoy satisfying flavors without any fuss.

Recommended by

Johnson Wong

Chef

Best Siew Yoke (crispy roast pork) in the world. A melt in your mouth roast pork. The pork is roasted traditionally with thick fat between a good balance of lean meat that makes the meat and crispy skin to another level. Uncle Wong carefully selects the meat, trimming off excess fat over burnt meat making sure every piece that goes into your mouth is near perfect. Best Siew Yoke (crispy roast pork) in the world.

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Imbi Ming Kee pork noodles is a casual spot in Kuala Lumpur known for its comforting local fare. It offers a simple, down-to-earth setting that draws people in for a satisfying meal.

Recommended by

Jenifer Kuah

Restaurateur

A Malaysian breakfast staple, rice noodles tossed in soy sauce, garlic and onion infused oil, served with pork offal, pork mince in steaming broth.

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Kedai Kopi Lai Foong is a coffee shop in Kuala Lumpur offering comforting meals in a straightforward setting. Its simple, fuss-free cooking style keeps customers feeling satisfied. The lively atmosphere makes it an inviting spot to enjoy a hearty break in the city.

Recommended by

Jenifer Kuah

Restaurateur

Lai Foong beef noodles is located in Kedai Kopi Lai Foong. I love offals and they have all kinds! The soup is lightly seasoned and garnished with chinese celery, noodles tossed in soy sauce. Nourishing, comforting, satisfying.

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China Town Seng Kee in Kuala Lumpur is known for its old-school charm and friendly atmosphere. Tucked away on Jalan Sultan, it has long been a local favorite for those seeking a comforting meal amid the bustling city. Its unpretentious setting makes it a welcoming place to enjoy authentic flavors.

Recommended by

Joeri Timmermans

Chef/ Entrepreneur

Go here for the most amazing lo ci fan (clay pot rats tail noodles) stay for the pork intestine salad and egg yolk prawns. One of the few old school gems remaining on Jalan sultan

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