Local Delights: Best places to get your local food fix in KL

1/10
Hokkien Mee @ Kim Lian Kee
Hokkien mee, or yellow noodles fried with dark soy sauce, prawn paste, pork, prawns and pork lard, is the iconic signature dish of Malaysia that has managed to continually win the hearts of many throughout the years. Kim Lian Kee has survived four whole generations to bring to customers the traditional taste of this delicious meal just like the old days. The long queue that awaits shows just how good this place is at keeping up with its consistency. This place is a must-try for all foodies!
49-51, Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur

Photo: Kim Lian Kee Facebook
2/10
Roti Babi @ Yut Kee
Do yourself a favour and get yourself an order of Roti Babi and a plate of Hainanese Pork/Chicken Chop at this Hainanese coffee shop. The former can be described as french toast filled with minced pork, onions and crabmeat that does not sound the most appetising but will surprise you with every bite. The latter is served with brown gravy, and a dish that regulars return for time and time again. We guarantee that you'll get hooked as well.
35, Jalan Dang Wangi, Bandaraya, Kuala Lumpur

Photo: @c.yewming
3/10
Roasted Duck @ Restoran Sek Yuen
You'll recognise this restaurant from the sight of its bright neon lights that adorn the entrance to the main seating area of the place. The skin of the duck is crispy, as it should be, and the meat is succulent and flavourful, complemented well by the accompanying plum sauce. No matter your preferences, the food here will leave you satisfied like no other restaurant can.
315 Jalan Pudu, Kuala Lumpur

Photo: @keithmejin
4/10
Egg Tarts @ Restoran Win Heng Seng
We're sure you've tasted some good egg tarts in your life, but you haven't tried these mini ones from Win Heng Seng. Not only are they one of the cheapest pastries you'll find in the market, they're extremely easy to eat (just pop one in your mouth whole!) and they melt with a burst of flavour that's super addictive. You need to make your way down today if you haven't tried these tarts for yourself.
183 Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur

Photo: @stickyinhanoi
5/10
Nasi Lemak @ Nasi Lemak Famous
Open from 5pm to 5am, this family-run stall in the famous nightlife district of Bangsar is an excellent option for a quick nasi lemak dinner or supper. Don't despise the size of the eatery - the freshly prepared, fragrant piece of chicken that you'll receive along with a generous heap of coconut rice and sweet sambal will be one of the tastiest meals you'll ever have.
Jalan Telawi 1, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur

Photo: @dahlianadirah
6/10
Yong Tau Foo @ Yap Hup Kee
The usual rendition of chee cheong fun is accompanied by a unique variation - rice noodle rolls doused in generous curry sauce that's surprisingly tasty and not too overwhelming. Complement your dish with a selection of yong tau foo ingredients that are extremely fresh and delightfully yummy. At a price of less than RM10, you'll find yourself coming back to this spot more often than you expected.
45 Jalan Brunei Barat, Off Jalan Pudu, Kuala Lumpur

Photo: @burpplekl
7/10
Goreng Pisang @ Brickfields
We certainly could not leave the famous Mr. Chiam's Brickfields Pisang Goreng out of this list. Pisang Goreng literally translates to fried banana, which is essentially what this snack really is. This is a small pushcart stall that you cannot miss, especially if you're in central KL. The fried dough revealing the wonderful fruity taste that's enclosed within will delight your senses as you take a breather from the bustling city noise.
Corner of Jalan Tun Sambanthan 4 & Jalan Thambipillay, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur

Photo: @myfunfoodiary
8/10
Bak Kut Teh @ Sun Fong
There are several types of Bak Kut Teh, ranging from the type that's served in herbal soup to the type that's served in a claypot gravy. Sun Fong serves the former, in a fragrant soup base that's infused with many spices that will please those who are looking for strong flavours. The meat is tender and extremely tasty, which is expected from a soup that's been simmered for hours. With so much effort put into the dish, make sure you savour every slurp!
37, Medan Imbi, Pudu, Kuala Lumpur

Photo: Sun Fong Bak Kut Teh Facebook
9/10
Satay @ Sate Zainah Ismail
This one-storey house will bring you back to simpler days where you only needed to choose between which meat you prefer - chicken or beef. Sate Zainah Ismail may serve only grilled meat skewers, but they do so exceptionally well. Dipped in a sweet and spicy peanut sauce, this is really all you need to please your growling tummy.
437, Jalan Keramat, Dato Keramat, Ampang, Kuala Lumpur

Photo: @roticanaitraveller
10/10
Roti Canai @ Mansion Tea Stall
This picture may look like a mess, but we assure you that it tastes a lot better than you think. This is the Roti Canai Banjir Special, which is roti canai mixed with a thick dhal and sambal sauce, served with two half-boiled eggs that add to the magic of the dish. It may not look like the traditional version of roti canai you would expect, but you'll be able to pick out the familiar flavours when you get a taste of this delicious mix.
No. 2, Ground Floor, Selangor Mansion, Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur City Center, Kuala Lumpur

Photo: @ehsanshafiq

When you travel to any country, it is almost expected of you to source out as many types of local dishes you can find to really get a taste of the place. And, if you’re a local, it’s also expected of you to have tried the best of your own country’s delicacies. This is why we’ve come up with a list of places we think everyone should head to when they’re in KL, whether you’re a traveller or a true blue Malaysian, to satisfy some local cravings.

The list of food may be endless, but we’ve got just what it takes to get you started on a journey of local delights. Feast on the most aromatic, fried hokkien mee in town, or savour the taste of sweet goreng pisang from a roadside stall. Whatever you choose, your tummy will certainly thank you for it. Head up to our gallery now to check out where are the places you should head to on your next food adventure, if you haven’t already!

Dione Chen

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