First off, why the number 13? Well, sometimes you just have to go with the odds. Formerly a tin-mining and rubber-growing area, Setapak has gone through tremendous changes. Now an entertainment hub despite its size, expect a lot of hidden gems in here. If you’re a beginner at Setapak, this blog is perfect for you. Let us guide you through the Top 13 Things to Eat in Setapak, NOW.
Top 13 Things to Eat in Setapak
We crawled through the town and curated this list. We knew the eateries at Setapak well because two of our editors are actually graduated from UTAR at Setapak. To show you the best guide to eat near this town, make sure to read today’s blog!
Are you ready to feast at Setapak? Let’s go!
1. Kelate Kitchen
A new addition to the things to eat in Setapak, Kelate attracted tonnes of crowd upon opening. Their sinful volcanic teh tarik and nasi would make you drool just by looking at their pics. Kelate serves authentic nasi kukus, and some crowned it as Nasi Kukus Beratur because you really need to wait quite a bit to get your hands on it. We recommend you not to go alone as everything here is self service and the drinks section is separated from the food section. Another highlight has to be their Teh Tarik Madu Special. Vibrant-looking teh tarik served overflowing with bubbles, how could you not try it?
Address: Plaza Prima Setapak, B, 7 & 8, Jalan Prima Setapak 1, Taman Setapak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur.
Operating Hour: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (Daily)
#2 The Alley
The Alley, a famous bubble tea joint across Southeast Asia has taken Instagram by storm recently. Well that’s because The Alley has finally landed in Kl, Setapak to be exact. We heard at least an hour queue is needed to get your hands on their drinks, ABSURD. Nevertheless, people still queue for it. Who could resist the cute packaging and irresistibly good looking bubble tea? Their bestseller is definitely their brown sugar series. Each and every pearl (deerioca) is made from scratch, as according to the brand itself. The Alley is no doubt one of the hottest things to eat in Setapak now. Tell us is it worth the hype down below!
Address: No.126-G-3A 126 Metro Genting Kelang, Jalan Genting Kelang, 53300 Setapak, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-1 a.m. (Daily)
#3 Hong Lai Restaurant
Locals are no stranger to Hong Lai, especially the Chinese. Having known to serve the best 月光河 (yue guong hor) in KL which means stir fried Hokkien Mee. You know Hong Lai has some serious good skills. Still uses charcoal as fuel to fry their noodle, you can smell the aroma from far. The dark, charcoal-like Hokkien Mee is incredibly mouthwatering. It packs a lot of flavors, especially wok hei thanks to the charcoal and black wok used to fry it. If you have not tried KL style Hokkien Mee, you have visit Hong Lai at least once. It’s one of the things to eat in Setapak you musn’t miss.
Address: 93,, 67, Jalan Genting Kelang, 53000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hour: 7 a.m.-2 a.m. (Daily)
#4 Mali’s Corner
“Boss, koay teow basah satu!” Located in Taman Bunga Raya, Mali’s Corner is loved by the neighborhood. Different from Chinese-style koay teow, Malay’s style comes in more wet, soaked in prawn gravy. Mali’s char koay teow basah has an omph to it that set others apart. Wet, creamy, filled with char-grilled flavors. Paired together with their prawns is great. Besides koay teow, Mali is famous for their nasi lemak as well. You could literally smell the fragrant of coconut rice from afar.
Address: 9, Jalan Langkawi, Taman Teratai Mewah, 53000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hour: 1:30 p.m.-2 a.m. (Closed on Mondays)
#5 Wei Ji Claypot Chicken Rice
When talked about Claypot Chicken Rice, many would drool over the soy sauce glazed rice and chicken all cooked in one claypot. Indeed, claypot chicken rice is a favourite to many, and Wei Ji serves one of the best in town. Every order in Wei Ji is made fresh. We mean from cooking of the rice in the claypot, then mixing all the ingredients in including the spotlight, their sauce. Now you wait till everything cooks up over high heat, and you’re served. The flavorful, oily rice paired with their dark sauce marinated, tender chicken is heavenly. The salted fish in the rice complemented the whole thing. Pss: We did a video on that, check it out for visuals.
Address: 74, Jalan Mawar, Taman P Ramlee, 53000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hour: 5 p.m.-10:30 p.m. (Daily)
#6 Di Yi Tai Taiwanese Food
A casual dining spot In Setapak, Taiwanese food are getting more attention over the years in Malaysia. Di Yi Tai holds a spot among the Chinese especially the younger generations. They love how Di Yi Tai presents homecooked-style food in an aesthetic way without breaking the bank. There’s always something about Taiwanese food that reminds people of the older, warm, harmony days. Try out their bestselling minced pork rice and desserts such as shaved ice and grass jelly.
Address: Jalan Genting Kelang, Taman Danau Kota, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. (Daily)
#7 Hayaki Kopitiam
Set in Platinum walk is Hayaki Kopitiam, don’t be fooled by its name, it’s actually a really casual cafe. Serving Kelantanese dish, Hayaki has become a favourite in many. Their prices are fairly reasonable and portion is quite generous. Our recommendation? Nasi kukus of course, it’s a popular dish in Kota Bharu. Their other rice dishes such as nasi kerabu and nasi lauk are equally good as well. Hayaki Kopitiam is yet another unique things to eat in Setapak. How often could you get Kelantanese food outside of Kelantan? Chances are pretty odd.
Address: 87-G, Jalan Langkawi, Platinum Walk, 53000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hour: (Sun-Thurs) 8:30 a.m.-4:30 a.m. (Fri&Sat) 24 Hours
#8 Home Town Steamboat Restaurant
A popular steamboat restaurant in Setapak, we’re here to tell you Home Town is more than just steamboat. You know how local steamboat restaurants will have only a few choices of soup? At Home Town they have a list of soup base for you to choose from, you’ll never get bored. Interesting enough, Home Town also serve more than 300 types of delights. From ramen to Thai grilled pork and seafood platter, you’ll be amazed. Ever tried ramen cooked with oreo? Crazy right? Head over to Home Town to try it for yourself.
Address: 3, Jalan Genting Kelang, Taman Setapak, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hour: 5 p.m.-12 a.m. (Daily)
#9 Chong Hwa Curry Laksa
Many are no stranger to the curry noodle located in Genting Klang, it’s the Chong Hwa Curry Laksa. Don’t let the name set you back, they actually sell pretty good curry mee. Originated in Batu Caves, the daughter of the founder decided to expand its business to Setapak. For less than RM7, you get a bowl of piping hot curry mee filled with various ingredients. Cockles, fish ball, beancurd, beancurd skin and more. For those who doesn’t take blood cockles, you could opt for curry chicken. The vibrant orange-red broth is so thick and flavorful you’ll crave for more.
Address: 45, 22, Jalan Genting Kelang, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hour: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. (Closed on Tuesdays)
#10 Burger Kaw Kaw
Weekend calls for gathering, supper and other shenanigans. Burger, of course has to be Malaysian’s top list of supper. Burger Kaw Kaw is an atas looking roadside stall burger with bright lights, tents and ample spaces. Expect price to be on the higher side, but on hold, we’re not done yet. The portion, however is a lot bigger compared to others and they serve gourmet burgers ala-local style. Extra sauces are put on the table, you could drench your burger with as much sauce as you want. Each of their burger has a unique name and you could stack as many patties possible. Burger Kaw Kaw is one of the few things to eat in Setapak, particularly supper. it’s perfect for a chill night.
Address: Jalan 4a/27a, Wangsa Maju, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Operating Hour: 6 p.m.-2 a.m. (Daily)
#11 Thai In Mookata
If you didn’t know, mookata originates from Thailand and it literally means steamboat and bbq. Sometimes you would find yourself choosing in between steamboat or bbq. At Thai in Mookata, you can get best of both world. Their menu is pretty simple, you choose either set A which is a smaller set or set B which is the larger set. From there, you could add on other ingredients from their ala carte menu. Simple, warm, it’s perfect for gathering and get your cravings fixed. See how the leftover juice and fat of your meat flows down into the soup and adds flavor to it. Thai in Mookata is one of the great things to eat in Setapak if you’re tired of local food.
Address: Desa Setapak, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
Operating Hour: 5 p.m.-12 a.m. (Daily)
#12 Chuan Kee Bak Kut Teh
Set in Genting Klang is Chuan Kee, a bak kut teh expert selling for more than 20 years. Chuan Kee has been known to serve pretty legit Bak Kut Teh. You could definitely smell the aroma of bak kut teh soup a mile away. Their soup is rich is herbal and has a sweet aftertaste. Cooked together with various pork ingredients in a claypot, they’re generous when it comes to ingredients. You eat straight from the claypot and pair with a bowl of rice and some other optional side dishes. Chuan Kee is definitely one of the comfort things to eat in Setapak especially after a long day.
Address: 90, Jalan 2/23a, Taman Danau Kota, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Operating Hour: 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m.-10 p.m. (Closed on Mondays)
#13 Thai Food Home Recipe
A true hidden gem in Setapak, and we mean it. Located in a secluded landed house with zero signage, only locals of the locals will know. Their operating hours are not fixed so it all depends on your luck. There’s no menu to refer at, only a few pictures hung on the walls and you order based on that. Our highlight of has to be their Thai spaghetti, a unique combination of East and West. You get to pick a flavor from three different curries— red, green and yellow. It’s like you’re having tomyam noodles but in spaghetti form, oddly satisfying. Thai Food Home Recipe is indeed one of the unique things to eat in Setapak that you have to try out. Owh did we mention that the owner would lock the gate, preventing more customers from coming in when their food is sold out?
Address: Lot 5909, Lorong Chong Hwa 2, Batu 3 1/2, Gombak, 53000 Kuala Lumpur.
Operating Hour: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Closed on Sundays)
Setapak Food Blog 2021
Is there any more food in Setapak that’s worth recommending? Tell us in the comment section which is your favourite. We hope this list helps. No? then stay tuned for more lo.
Read also: Top 20 Famous Food at Sri Petaling
This article was updated on 1 January 2021.
There is a Indian makan stall located just beside resources spring Apartment in setapak, they are special n famous wit their Friday special by offering banana leaf wit 15 to 18 types of vegetables with just rm12.00
A Indian food heaven which must try over there, almost 22 years they are running the business