Living in Malaysia means that you have access to a plethora of various foods representing the rich diversity of ethnicities within our nation, which could make it a little tricky to decide where to enjoy your meals. Here’s a list of the best halal street food spots around KL to help you and your indecisive friends choose somewhere to eat.
1. Nasi Kukus @ Ilham Nasi Kukus
Nasi Kukus Ilham serves a whole string of people during its peak hours because their Nasi Kukus is just so good. Steamed rice is a speciality from Kelantan, and it’s safe to say they serve the best bed of rice heavily topped with a blend of three gravies; fish curry, chicken curry and beef kerutup. To add to this mix at only RM6, you get a generous piece of fried ayam rempah that completes the dish. If you’re in for an added crunch to your meal, pack in some keropok or fish crackers at only RM3 a pack. They have sambal belacan on demand for customers who can’t live without spice.
Address: Jalan PJU 7/16, Mutiara Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Hours: 11.30 AM to 10 PM. Opens Daily
2. Durian Cendol @ SS2
Everyone who’s Malaysian or has lived in Malaysia for a long time will know the tips and tricks of cooling off other than running into an air-conditioned building. One of the more fun ways to cool off is to have a bowl of palm sugar flavoured shaved ice, rice jellies, topped off with the king of fruits, the durian. Yes, the textures of each ingredient may sound weird when combined, but it’s a harmonious symphony in your mouth worth talking about.
Address: Durian SS2. 193, Jalan SS 2/24, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Hours: 12 p.m.-12 a.m. Opens Daily
3. South Indian Banana Leaf @ Sri Nirvana Maju
This banana leaf restaurant boasts a long line of customers waiting for the abundance of authentic South Indian cuisine served on the daily. A basic lunch set is at under RM9 for an unlimited add on of rice, curries of your choice, a variety of vegetables, a large serving of spicy potato and a must-have yoghurt side. While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to try their fried bitter gourd and their varied servings of proteins either deep-fried, curried or in dried gravies. Finish off your meal with a hot cleansing cup of rasam (a tamarind spice soup) to help digest your heavy meal. If you’re in for a treat, give one of the Indian sweets a try, but beware of the wave of drowsiness you’re bound to feel after eating a serving of banana leaf rice. It’s the price you pay for good food.
Address: 43, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Hours: 10 AM to 1.30 PM. Opens Daily
4. TBR Coconut Station
Everyone’s coconut about coconuts! TBR serves fresh coconut best with their I-want-second-round, worth coming back for a shake which takes the whole cooling down game to the next level. The natural cooling properties of the sweet coconut water holding up a thick dollop of ice-cream of your choice is both a health drink and an indulgence at the same time.
Address: (Opposite Family Mart) Jalan Malinja 2, Taman Bunga Raya, 53000 Kuala Lumpur.
Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
5. Halal Chinese Seafood @ Lala Chong Seafood Restaurant
Lala Chong, a cute play on the lala clam, easily one of Malaysia’s more favoured shellfish serves by far the best and freshest seafood in KL. The restaurant gives off old-school vibes with its spacious interior and cosy atmosphere that begs you to bring your whole family, distant cousins included. Their highlights include fried squid with salted egg and butter prawns to die for. Their variety in fish options and serving styles catered to your choice makes it easy for customisable meals meaning that you could get exactly what you want without having to compromise just because you’re eating out.
Address: 952, Jalan Cempaka, Kampung Sungai Kayu Ara, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Hours: 11.30 AM to 11 PM. Opens Daily.
6. Sixty Bites
Looking for gourmet Ramlee? Have a go at Sixty Bites, famously known for their juicy and thick patties made from 100% rib-eye beef. They keep it right to the Malaysian culture by selling their burgers by the side of the road, changing up their burgers with their melty cheese, crisp slaw and toasted buns.
Address: Persiaran Zaaba, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Hours: 7:30 p.m.-12 a.m. (Closed on Sundays)
Halal Street Food in KL
We hope this list has encouraged you to explore the city in search of some of the best halal street food KL has to offer. But, if you’re too lazy to explore eateries in the city, you can always order your lunch or dinner from foodpanda instead! The foodpanda app offers a large variety of cuisines and delivers everything to your doorstep.
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