The Best Street Food Spots 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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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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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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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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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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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.

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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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Gerai Makanan Sai Kee sits in a back alley of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, offering hearty, old-style flavors that people have enjoyed for years. The setup is simple—plastic tables and stools—but the welcoming crowd and familiar cooking add to its charm. It’s a relaxing spot for anyone seeking a comforting meal after a busy day.

Recommended by

Darren Teoh

Chef

A style of cooking that was common place before the introduction of Hong Kong style Chinese cooking. Big hearty flavours meant for those who sought sustenance after a laborious day of work. Found in the back alleys of the Chinatown you sit on stools and plastic tables among the faithful. Must orders are the sweet and sour pork, fish ball soup and stir fried eggplant which is the piece de resistance.

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Super Kitchen Chilli Pan Mee @ Jalan TAR is a casual spot in Kuala Lumpur known for its spicy specialties. There’s even a sign on the wall that helps diners figure out how best to enjoy their meal, making it easy for newcomers. The laid-back setting and straightforward flavors make it a popular choice for anyone craving a touch of heat.

Recommended by

Parker Milner

Food Editor

A sign on the wall offers instructions on how to eat this restaurant’s fiery namesake noodles, a variation of which is served at Charleston’s Makan. First, sprinkle a daring heaping spoonful of dried chilis over the top of the noodles, joined by chopped pork, scallions, crispy anchovies and a fried egg. Break the yolk and stir the contents until thoroughly jumbled. Enjoy with chopsticks.  With a pinch, curl and slurp, an onslaught of creamy, salty and intensely spicy flavors seizes my mouth. The crispy sardines, whose small spine is visible in the center of the curled filets, invites a pure saltiness that only this small animal can provide. We order brothy curry noodles too but find ourselves battling for the last bites of chili pan mee.

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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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