It’s true that Asians couldn’t live without rice. Chinese families on average will have rice paired with dishes on a daily basis, be it home cooked or eat out (dai chao). Whether you have a family, relative or foreign friends to bring out for a meal, this list will not disappoint. So behold, as we present to you some of the best Chinese restaurants in KL.
1. Sek Yuen Restaurant Jalan Pudu
One of the oldest Chinese restaurants in KL, Sek Yuen has been serving for over 70 years and still going strong. People rave for their Pei Pa duck, while beef noodles and cold plate are also Sek Yuen’s signature. This old school Chinese restaurant has since expanded, taking up a few other shoplots. Reservation is definitely recommended, especially during weekends.
Address: 315, Jalan Pudu, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. (Closed on Mondays)
2. Chuan Kee Hakka Restaurant
An unpretentious Chinese restaurant in KL with affordable pricing, Chuan Kee serves authentic Hakka cuisine. People around the neighbourhood are regulars, as Chuan Kee tastes like grandmother’s cooking. Get their signature tofu dish. We recommend going for lunch as their tofu is normally sold out by dinner. Pork trotter in vinegar, long beans and eggplants are highly recommended as well.
Address: 14, Jalan Pudu Ulu, Batu 3 Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Operating Hour: 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., 6-9:30 p.m. (Daily)
3. Chong Yen Steamed Fish Head Restaurant
As the name suggests, Chong Yen serves up some of the best steamed fish head. They’re probably the few restaurants that survived in Chan Sow Lin area, with more than 30 years of history. Their steamed fish head is phenomenal, with two flavors to choose. Dark soy and chili paste has an intense flavor, apparently, is the crowd’s favourite.
Their gravy will make you get another bowl of rice. Another one which is the white sauce typical flavor, which is more subtle and ideal for those who want to savor fresh flavors of the fish. Another notable dish has to be their kampung chicken, where you have to make a reservation in advance to avoid disappointment.
Address: Off Jalan Chan Sow Lin 4, 22-24, Jalan 2/89c, Pudu, 55200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hour: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Closed on Sundays)
4. Restaurant Siu Siu
Known to serve the best char siew (honey-glazed barbecue pork) in town, Siu Siu somehow rhymes with their signature dish (?). Parking is not a problem as they’re nestled below Thean Hou temple. Besides their char siew, other notable dishes would be Guinness pork, claypot crab rice and curry. Portion could be small given the prices, but the quality of food is no doubt above average.
Address: Lorong Syed Putra Kiri, Taman Persiaran Desa, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Closed on Mondays)
5. Restaurant Oversea
If you’re looking for a Chinese restaurant in KL with comfortable, air-conditioned environment, look no further than Restaurant Oversea. Their roast pork and signature herbal chicken are some of the must-orders. Their flavors and textures are professionally handled, they melt in your mouth. Not to forget their char siew is also pretty famous that you have to make a reservation in advance. Though parking and traffic could be a pain, we thought Oversea is worth the trip.
Address: 84-88, Jalan Imbi, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Operating Hour: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5:30-10:30 p.m. (Daily)
6. Hau Kee Seafood Restaurant
Hau Kee is famous among the neighborhood for serving quality food with pretty fast service. They’re flocked by mostly locals on a daily basis, though parking is a hassle. Most of their dishes won’t disappoint, plus they’re wallet-friendly. Overall, Hau Kee is a foolproof spot for a good Chinese dinner, especially if you happen to be around that area.
Address: 12, Jalan Kaskas 2, Taman Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Operating Hour: 4 p.m.-2 a.m. (Daily)
7. Lai Po Heen
Set in the magnificent Majestic Oriental, Lai Po Heen is one of the few Halal Chinese restaurants in KL. With its exquisite ambiance, enjoy your meal overlooking KLCC park. Lai Po Heen offers an extensive menu of Chinese cuisines, including classic favorites. Though prices can be a little steep, it’s well justified with the ambiance, service and food quality.
Address: Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
Operating Hour: 12-2:30 p.m., 7-10:30 p.m. (Sat&Sun) 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 7-10:30 p.m.
Related: Top 10 Halal Chinese Muslim Places You Should Try in Kuala Lumpur
8. Restaurant New Kai Seng Seafood
Ask anyone who’ve dined in New Kai Seng for recommendations and they’ll tell you crab for sure. New Kai Seng cooks finger-licking good claypot coconut cream crab. The aroma of creamy coconut will get to you, especially with their juicy, fresh crab. Kai Seng seems to specialize in claypot, as their claypot knuckle is also a hit. Don’t forget to finish off with superior lala soup.
Address: Jalan Kenanga, 50, Jalan Merlimau, Pudu, 55200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Operating Hour: 5 p.m.-2 a.m. (Daily)
9. Hup Kee Seafood Restaurant
Another good Chinese restaurant in KL for the hungry bunch. Hup Kee is a hidden gem and only known mostly by the locals. Despite the never-ending crowd and horrible traffic, they still manage to serve up your dishes in a speedy manner. Try out their fried yam and prawn. Prices over here won’t cost you an arm or a leg. Plus, Hup Kee offers complimentary soup and dessert, kudos to that!
Address: 4A, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Sentul, 51100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Operating Hour: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (Daily)
10. Keong Kee Herbal Soup
We just have to sort of save the best for the last (bias: editor’s favourite). Keong Kee is not your ordinary Dai Chow place. In fact, it’s not considered a Chinese restaurant in KL, thanks to its shady, open place ambience.
BUT, if you’re Cantonese, you’ll understand soup is life. Keong Kee serves some of the best soups in town, their bestseller coconut chicken soup is so on point. You can simply order a bowl of rice to pair with it because the soup is packed with fresh ingredients. Or, order their dishes like wild boar curry, fish and braised pork dishes, they look intimidating, but seriously good.
Address: Changkat Thambi Dollah, Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Operating Hour: 4-10:30 p.m. (Daily)
Tell us foodies, what’s your thought on this list? If you’ve tried any of the above, share with us your experience in the comments section. Don’t forget to keep an eye on us as we’re constantly updating you guys with good food and deals. Buh byee!
