Malaysia is a melting pot of culture and culinary. With different ethnicities, comes different types of dishes that are always in abundance wherever you are, whenever you want it. The Malay community makes up the majority of Malaysia’s population, so does the food. Each state offers different flavours and styles of Malay cooking, but if you happen to be in KL, worry not, as you can also find some of the best places that serve authentic Malay Food.
Here, we have rounded up 10 popular places to go for Malay food in KL.
1. Restoran Rebung Chef Ismail
Founded by local celebrity chef, Chef Ismail and Malaysia’s first astronaut Dr Sheik Muszaphar, this buffet-themed restaurant offers people in KL with authentic Negeri Sembilan dishes and a variety of lauk, all at an affordable price. The foods are freshly prepared every day and for all sweet tooths out there, don’t forget to indulge in their delicious desserts after a hearty meal.
Location: 5-2 Cascade Parking, Jalan Bukit Aman, 1, Jalan Tanglin, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
2. Ilham Nasi Kukus
If you love Nasi Kukus, this is the place to go in KL. Their Nasi Kukus is the all-time favourite among the locals, served with chicken, sambal and poured with flavourful three-mixed Kuah completed with pineapples. Be sure to check out their promotions as they tend to be generous with their portion and price.
Location: Jalan PJU 7/16, Mutiara Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
3. Kafe Bawang Merah
This place needs no further introduction if you’re a native to Subang Jaya’s foodie scene. They serve Nasi Campur with their very own home-cooked dishes from scratch. From fluffy rice, crispy deep-fried fishes, crunchy vegetables to creamy curry, they will make you come back for more. And please, don’t forget to try their Ikan Keli Cili, the perfect blend of fishiness, sweetness and spiciness. After a hearty meal, you can indulge in their wide selection of kuih, especially ondeh-ondeh.
Location: Lot 12A, Jalan SS 12/1b, Ss 12, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
4. Cik Mek Molek
This eatery is famously known for its authentic Kelantanese rice dish, Nasi Kerabu. Founded by a Johorean chef who used to be a hotel chef, she perfected her Nasi Kerabu that’s simply delicious and irresistible. The Nasi Kerabu comes with crispy fried fish, fried crackers, a variety of fresh greens and topped with flavourful sauces.
Location: Taman Universiti, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
5. Bijan Bar & Restaurant
If you don’t mind spending more, this is the place to go for Malay food with high-end delivery. Yes, it is pricey, but the food is worth every ringgit. The ambience of the restaurant is perfect for a short important meeting or a long personal conversation. While you’re there, please try their Daging Bungkus Kukus, which is steamed minced meat, herbs and coconut gravy wrapped within layers of thin pancakes. Don’t forget to check out their festivities menu and promotion.
Location: 3-5, Seri Bukit Ceylon, 8 Lorong Ceylon Off, 3, Jalan Ceylon, Bukit Ceylon, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
6. Kak Jat Ikan Bakar
Seafood lovers, gather around because we have a place where you can enjoy your seafood being ‘bakar’ right in front of you. Kak Jat Ikan Bakar is always packed during lunch hour, mostly because of their grilled seafood marinated with homemade marinade and served with super spicy sauce. Yes, super spicy! Also, the seafood is fresh and might be pricey, but if you’re going to burn your money, you might as well burn it here.
Location: Lorong Bellamy & Jalan Istana, Bukit Petaling, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
7. Restoran Capital Nasi Dagang Kelantan
Fancy for an authentic Kelantanese food without making the trip? Worry not because this restaurant in KL has got you covered. They prepare the food with quality in mind, all at an affordable price. Although the portion is not that generous, the taste is simply delicious. Also, they cook the beef one day before, so you can be sure that it is tender.
Location: 29, Jalan SS 21/1a, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
8. D’cengkih
Johoreans out there, this is where you can reminisce and experience the authentic Johor’s Malay food, all prepared freshly every day. They serve a wide variety of lauk that will fill your tummy for a long time. Also, don’t forget to head to their dessert station and try their sweet and savoury Kuih after a solid meal.
Location: 6, Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
9. Kelantan Delights
Kelantan’s Malay food restaurants fill most of our list for one reason only, and that is, they are simply delicious. Kelantan Delights is no exception, serving a wide variety of authentic Malay food. Headed by Chef Muslim Sadil and Chef Izzat, the restaurant will bring you back down memory lane, offering traditional taste following ancestral recipes in their menu.
Location: Klang Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Jln Ulu Klang, 55000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
10. Bunga Emas in Royale Chulan
Being the first to open in KL, Bunga Emas offers fine-dining Malay food created by award-winning chefs. Located within a five-star hotel, this restaurant is famous for its palatial presentation, while preserving the authentic traditional recipe of Malay food. If you’re looking for a Malay fine dining food experience, this is the place to be.
Location: Royale Chulan, 5, Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
For more of Malay food restaurants, log on to foodpanda and order your favourite Malay dishes today!
