Malaysia is not a big country, it’s not that small either but can you name 10 good places for Malay food in KL? Well, it is certainly a big task for us. However, we managed to find out 10 amazing spots for all your Malay food cravings in KL. Don’t worry Foodies, as usual, we got your back!
Places You Need to Go if You’re into Malay Food
1. Restoran Rebung Chef Ismail
This is a buffet-themed restaurant started by Malaysia’s local celebrity chef Chef Ismail and Malaysia’s first astronaut Dr. Sheik Muszaphar. They offer people in KL with delightful Negeri Sembilan dishes and a variety of lauk inexpensively. This is the place where you enjoy your meal with your friends and family without the hesitation of thinking about what to eat. All the foods are amazing as it is, and are freshly cooked every day. Be sure to check out their desserts station, because that’s where sweet tooths gather for after-meal satisafactions!
Address: 5-2 Cascade Parking, Jalan Bukit Aman, 1, Jalan Tanglin, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 8 AM–10 AM, 12 PM–3 PM, 3:30 PM–5:30 PM, 7 PM–10 PM (Opens Daily)
2. Ilham Nasi Kukus
Ilham Nasi Kukus is somewhere you need to be if you’re looking for another delicious local Nasi category food, other than Nasi Lemak. They are famous for their own unique recipe for all their dishes. But of course, their Nasi Kukus is the all-time favorite of every customer. They always make sure rice is well cooked and kept warm before serving. Sided with chicken and sambal, they did not forget to give you an unforgettable three-mixed Kuah completed with pineapples. They’re always giving out promotions, stay aware and don’t get carried away!
Address: Jalan PJU 7/16, Mutiara Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating Hours: 11:30 AM–10 PM (Opens Daily)
3. Kafe Bawang Merah
This place serves you with their very own home-cooked dishes from scratch. Where Subang Kaki leaves their mark for their delicious Nasi Campur. Imagine having your mouth filled with the crisp of deep fried fishes, the runny egg yolk, fluffy rice, crunchy vegetables, and on top of everything, your favorite curry. All of these don’t cost you a fortune but it will fill up your tummy long time! Do not ever leave without trying their Ikan Keli Cili. The chili paste is carefully spread all over fried catfish, boosting the taste with aromatic spiciness.
Kafe Bawang Merah has its way of reaching customers’ heart with their tastiness hidden within all their desserts. They have never failed customers with their amazing selections of kuih especially their ondeh-ondeh. So be sure to leave some spaces for their desserts after trying their Nasi Campur!
Address: Lot 12A, Jalan SS 12/1b, Ss 12, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Operating Hours: 9 AM–10 PM (Closed on Sunday)
4. Bijan Bar & Restaurant
This is not an ordinary spot for anyone. A place to prove that Malay food has its way of being high-end food as well. This place might be pricey but you wouldn’t regret paying for such amazing food. Their wide choices of dishes and the breathtaking environment bring the restaurant to another level. While you’re here, try out the Daging Bungkus Kukus, which is steamed minced meat, herbs & coconut gravy wrapped within layers of thin pancakes. They currently have a Ramadan Dinner Buffet named “Simply Malay” which will be going on until 31st of May 2019. Don’t forget to check it out!
Address: 3-5, Seri Bukit Ceylon, 8 Lorong Ceylon Off, 3, Jalan Ceylon, Bukit Ceylon, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 4:30 PM–11 PM (Opens Daily)
5. Cik Mek Molek
Started by a Johorean chef who chose to leave her occupation as a hotel chef, Cik Mek Molek completed our dreams by bringing Johor Laksa into SS3. That’s not all, she took away people’s breath with her Nasi Kerabu that’s simply amazing. Here you can enjoy classic Nasi Kerabu surrounded by fresh greens, a fried fish that takes crispiness into next level, fried crackers and served with a variety of sauces to perfect the dish.
Address: Taman Universiti, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating Hours: 9 AM–3 PM (Closed on Saturday & Sunday)
6. Kak Jat Ikan Bakar (The 3rd Stall)
Ever thought of gathering with your friends somewhere you can enjoy all sorts of marinated seafood being “bakar” right in front of you? Then this is where you make your stop. Kak Jat Ikan Bakar is always crowded during lunch hour. This is the place to put your spicy tolerance to test while enjoying the seafood because you’d never imagine how spicy their sauces are! Make sure your eyes aim for the fresher ones and don’t let go of the friendly sized ones! Keep in mind that this stop might be pricey, if you have to pass for the price tag, then scroll down to our next one on the list!
Address: Lorong Bellamy & Jalan Istana, Bukit Petaling, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: Friday 10 AM–3 PM, Monday-Thursday & Saturday-Sunday 11 AM–4 PM
7. Restoran Capital Nasi Dagang Kelantan
In KL, it’s been hard to find authentic Kelantan food, but this restaurant has got you covered! They make sure their food is at its best quality and is sold at a reasonable price. The portion might not be as big as you think but let’s not forget that ultimately it’s all down to the quality. Smaller portion gives space for other sides to slide in. They cook their beef one day before to ensure the tenderness.
Address: 29, Jalan SS 21/1a, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating Hours: Thursday-Saturday 8:30 AM–9 PM, Sunday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, Monday-Wednesday 8:30 AM–5 PM
8. D’cengkih
The wide variety of food choices here will give you a good head start for your day. This spot right here is where Johoreans in KL find their way home. All sorts of Johor’s Malay food can be found here prepared freshly every day. It’s not just about a solid meal, you can find lots of Kuih here as well! The portion given might not be the best but this place can really satisfy your awe for Johorean cuisine.
Address: 6, Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 7 AM–6:30 PM (Closed on Monday)
9. Kelantan Delights
Chef Muslim Sadil and Chef Izzat, a culinary team that brought Kelantanese Malay food back to life with their cookings. Despite all types of cuisines served here, Malay food is still the highlight of the restaurant. in 2005 and 2006, Kelantan Delights took its spot as the Best Halal Malay Restaurant by Halal Journal. Kelantan Delights lets you experience the traditional taste from the past by following ancestral recipes in their menu.
Address: Klang Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Jln Ulu Klang, 55000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 6 PM–11 PM (Closed on Tuesday)
10. Bunga Emas in Royale Chulan
This restaurant planted itself inside a 5-star hotel with its fine-dining Malay food and it’s also the first to open in Kuala Lumpur. Despite its fame, they did not modernize the traditional recipe for some of the Malay food. There are also dishes created by talented chefs who have actually won awards for their dishes. Bunga Emas showed the correct way of preserving traditions in “palace”. Don’t miss this spot if you’re looking for fine Malay food with your dates or family.
Address: Royale Chulan, 5, Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 12 PM–2:30 PM, 6 PM–10:30 PM (Opens Daily)
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10 Must Try Spots for Malay Food Enthusiast
Folks! That’s all for the list of good Malay food in KL. We reckon these 10 spots will not let you down, so try them out based on your interest. If you know any good eats that are not in the list, feel free to share it with us. We hope you have a pleasant day ahead and don’t forget to leave a comment down below if you’ve been to these places!
