The Baba and Nyonya culture is an integral part of Malaysia’s identity, and we have to preserve it at all costs. As is for most cultures, food is usually a great common ground to express solidarity in support. So, give this list a check and be sure to visit these Nyonya restaurants in KL because they have fantastic and authentic cuisines waiting for you to try.
1. Sarang Cookery
A charming, old place amidst the modern city buildings, Sarang Cookery, serves up home-cooked, authentic Nyonya food at a great price. They serve joyfully tasty Peranakan and traditional Malay dishes that work so well together If you’re ever here, be sure to try their Nyonya Laksa a laksa like none other and their Ayam Pongteh, a tau chew based dish.
In addition to serving up excellent food, they also offer Nyonya cooking classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you’re keen to learn more about the Nyonya culture, be sure to check Sarang Cookery out.
Location: 8, Jalan Galloway, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Hours: 10.30 AM – 10.00 PM
2. 1919
In efforts to keep their food authentic as possible, 1919 insists on using ingredients as close to home as possible to the point where most of their items are sourced from Ipoh. One of the drinks you have to try there is their “Homemade Sour Plum”, specially brewed by the owner’s mum in Ipoh.
Their signature dish, the Kerabu with Yam Basket perfectly encompasses the identity of the Malay and Chinese fusion that is integral to the Nyonya culture. Although a more contemporary dish, we urge you to try!
Location: No. 15A, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Hours: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM. – 10:30 PM
3. Just Nyonya
If you’re on the hunt for authentic Nyonya food with more Melaka influences, check out Just Nyonya. Their otak-otaks are a must-have appetisers famously known for their silky texture and flavourful bites.
They also serve more rare Nyonya cuisine including, Perut Ikan a signature Nyonya dish requiring tedious and time-consuming preparation. Give their Chicken Kapitan a try too! Nyonya curries are significantly different in flavour from regular curries but just as good.
Location: No.21, Jalan 5/62A, Bandar Menjalara, Kepong, 52200 Kuala Lumpur.
Hours: 12.00 PM – 3.00 PM, 6.00 PM – 10.00 PM
4. Shelley Yu’s
Shelly Yu serves up a great meal that complements the beautiful interior of the restaurant with a great Peranakan centred menu that will keep you coming back for more. From classic Malaccan Nyonya cuisine of Ayam Sioh (chicken with tamarind), Sotong Masak Hitam and deep-fried whole fish with sambal, you will be spoilt with scrumptious choices.
As a dessert, try out their unique dessert of ice cream with salted palm sugar butterscotch.
Location: 49, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Hours: 12.00 PM – 2.00 AM
5. Sri Nyonya
Founded in 1986, Sri Nyonya’s is a family-run restaurant serving up dishes using recipes passed down through the generations. With a spread of unique Nyonya recipes to choose from, some of the must-tries are Nasi Ulam, Pomfret Gulai Tumis Curry, Chicken Curry Kapitan and Perut Ikan.
If you’re a coffee-lover, be sure to ask for a cup using their antique-looking coffee machine. It’s definitely worth the visit to Sri Nyonya.
Location: 14, Jalan 22/49, Seksyen 22, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Hours: 12.00 PM – 2.30 PM, 6.00 PM – 9.30 PM
6. Limapulo: Baba Can Cook
Notoriously known for their food to be sold out, be sure to arrive early to get your hands on a hearty Nyonya meal. The shops signature, the Nyonya Laksa only available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays bring stiff competition to other laksas out there.
Another must-have there is their Gerang Assam Fish, a notably genuine Nyonya dish that will have you coming back for seconds. If you’re going in a group, try all three desserts including the sago gula Melaka, chendol & ice kacang.
Location: 26 Jalan Doraisamy 50300 Kuala Lumpur
Hours: 12.00 PM – 3.00PM, 6.00 PM-10.00 PM (Closed on Saturdays)
7. Baba Low’s
Other than their signature laksa, give Baba Low’s nasi lemak a try. It’s one of the best and hearty nasi lemaks you’ll have had tried in KL. As for the appetisers, the otak-otak deserves hymns of praise where you can taste chunks of real fish flesh, spiced perfectly.
For other mains, the ikan gerang asam (fish in tamarind chilli gravy) and ayam goreng kunyit (tumeric fried chicken) both go well with a steaming bowl of white rice.try Or, if you’re not a fan of spice give the ayam O a try, a non-spicy dish of rice (or noodles), chicken, potatoes, tauhu pok, and vegetables in a warming ginger broth. The
Location: 2, Jalan Abdullah, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Hours: 7.00 AM – 10.00 PM
Be sure to visit these Nyonya restaurants situated around KL to get an authentic feel of one of Malaysia’s prominent cultures. Be sure to make a reservation beforehand because these places are usually jam-packed or sold-out before lunchtime.
Besides, the Nyonya cuisine, you can also check out our recommended restaurants in KL for pan mee, Northern Indian food, Thai food.
On the other hand, you could get a great Nyonya meal delivered to you by heading to the foodpanda app.