KL Dazzling

Eating Out

KL is a paradise for food. Visitors can savour everything from authentic local favourites to international and gourmet cuisine. Must-try items include Malay, Chinese and Indian food, available in elegant restaurants or casual open-air food courts. Muslims can rest assured that the halal food is widely available.

Malay Cuisine

Traditional Malay food is characterised by searingly spicy and aromatic flavours. Rich coconut milk is used to give a creamy texture.  Popular Malay favourites include nasi lemak, satay and rendang. Sambal, a hot paste of pounded chillies, prawn paste and lime juice adds zest to any Malay-style meal. A wide range of sweet and savoury cakes, including the tasty banana fritters are staple tea-time favourites.

Chinese Cuisine

Chinese fare is mostly stir-fried and best savoured when it is piping hot. Extra care is taken to ensure that vegetables are crunchy and retain their original flavour. Lunchtime favourites include rice, served with several meat and vegetable side dishes. Noodles are another versatile and traditional favourite, with the popular styles being fried noodles, soup noodles and curried noodles.

Indian Cuisine

Indian food can be broadly classified into two distinct types, northern and southern Indian. Northern favourites include briyani rice and bread varieties such as naan. A typical southern meal consists of rice, curry, side dishes and yoghurt served on a banana leaf. All-time favourites such as thosai, chappati and poori are other relishes often enjoyed with coconut, tomato or mint chutneys.

Mamak Cuisine

Of Indian Muslim origin, Mamak fare enjoys tremendous popularity among city folks. Characterised by thick, spicy dishes, the delicacies make excellent meals at any time of the day. Offerings include murtabak, teh tarik, fish head curry, nasi kandar and fried noodles.

International Cuisine

Restaurants serving Continental, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, Thai, Indonesian and Italian cuisine can be found at major hotels and in the vicinity of Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Ampang, Sri Hartamas, Mont Kiara and Bangsar. The Ain Al Arabia or Arab Square in Bukit Bintang offers a host of culinary fare from the Middle East.

Malaysian Favourites

A visit to Malaysia is incomplete without trying out some of these popular Malaysian dishes.

Don’t miss out on the variety of great food at Malaysian restaurants. These local brands are absolutely popular and proven to satisfy the most discerning of palates. Dine at local chains such as San Fransisco Coffee, Old Town White Coffee, Secret Recipe, Manhattan Fish Market, Kyros Kebab, Marry Brown and many more for a taste that is authentically Malaysian. From light bites to satisfying meals, the menu is bound to satisfy those hunger pangs!

Nasi Lemak

Enjoy the full-bodied aroma of rice cooked in coconut milk and enhanced with spices such as ginger, star anise and cinnamon. This wholesome dish is usually eaten with fried anchovies, poached eggs, spicy sambal gravy, fresh slices of cucumber, crunchy groundnuts and rendang, a thick meat curry. Many Malaysians swear that a plateful of nasi lemak is the best way to begin the day.

Satay

This Malaysian signature dish consists of skewered chicken or beef grilled over a charcoal fire. The thick succulent meat is savoured with a tasty peanut dip, rice cubes as well as fresh slices of onion and cucumber.

Teh Tarik

Teh tarik literally means ‘stretched tea’. The piping hot tea is skilfully pulled from one mug to another, to increase its aroma and cool its temperature. Mixed with evaporated or condensed milk, teh tarik is a popular Malaysian drink enjoyed at any time of the day.

Roti Canai

This traditional Malaysian breakfast is a light crispy flatbread made from wheat floor. Watch the experts pound, stretch and toss the dough and then cook it to perfection on a griddle. Roti canai is best savoured with lentil or chicken curry.

Rendang

Rendang is a thick, dry Malay dish which is made of beef or chicken. It is usually eaten with white rice or glutinous rice. Rendang is a must-have specialty during Hari Raya. It is known for its hot and spicy taste.

Air Batu Campur (ABC)

This dessert makes an excellent thirst quencher on a hot afternoon. Air batu campur or ais kacang is a bowl filled to the brim with shaved ice and condiments such as red beans, groundnuts, corn and fruits, sweetened with condensed milk and sugar syrup.

Cendol

This dessert consists of shaved ice and coconut milk, and sweetened with brown sugar syrup. Its main ingredient is the cendol, or noodle-like strips made of green bean flour.

Nasi Briyani

Rich and satisfying, nasi briyani is a great choice for rice lovers and those with a big appetite. It is cooked using a special type of rice grains called basmati rice, together with meat and aromatic spices. Variations include egg briyani, chicken briyani and lamb briyani. Briyani rice is served with curry and a refreshing salad made of yogurt and cucumber.

Bak Kut Teh

A Chinese specialty, bak kut teh consists of pork ribs and meat pieces simmered in a herbal broth. Herbs and spices such as star anise, dong quai, cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds and garlic are infused into the meat. A halal version of this dish, called chi kut teh, uses chicken as the primary ingredient to replace the pork.

Chicken Rice

This is a hearty rice dish served with roasted, steamed or poached chicken as well as ginger paste, chilli sauce and soy sauce.

Laksa

A unique noodle soup dish with ingredients such as coconut milk, seafood, bean sprouts, cucumber and spices. Variations include Laksa Penang, Laksa Johor and Laksa Sarawak, each with its own distinct flavour and taste.

Char Kuay Teow

A plateful of sizzling char kuay teow is one of the most popular items from the Chinese kitchen. Kuay teow is a type of flat noodle that is fried over a high heat with cockles, prawns and chicken before it is garnished with crunchy bean sprouts. Duck’s eggs are sometimes added to give it some extra flavour.

Popular Restaurants in KL

The following is a sampling of Kuala Lumpur’s restaurants to begin your culinary adventure:

Al-Amar (Middle Eastern)
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 017 284 0874

Ali Muthu & Ah Hock Kopitiam
13, Jalan Balai Polis
Tel: 03 2022 3588

Acme Bar & Coffee
The Troika, Jalan Binjai
Tel: 03 2162 9888
Website: www.acmebar.coffee

ARCH Café Pacific Express Hotel
G.01 & G.03.A, Groond Floor,
Jalan Hang Kasturi, Kuala Lumpur City Center,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel : 03 2022 1669

Atmosphere 360°
(Malaysian/International Cuisine)
KL Tower
Tel: 03 2020 2020

Arthur’s Bar & Grill (Continental)
Shangri-la Hotel
Tel: 03-2074 3900
Website: www.shangri-la.com/kualalumpur

Bijan (Malay)
3 Jalan Ceylon
Tel: 03 2031 3575
Website: www.bijanrestaurant.com

Bombay Palace (Indian)
20 Jalan Sultan Ismail
Tel: 03 2171 7220

Bosphorus (Turkish)
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 2142 4000

Bunga Emas (Malay)
The Royale Chulan
Tel: 03 2688 9688

Celestial Court (Chinese)
Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 2717 9900

Chakri Palace (Thai)
Suria KLCC
Tel: 03 2382 7788
Website: www.chakri.com.my

El Cerdo (European/non-Halal)
43 & 45 Changkat Bukit Bintang
Tel: 013 309 4197
Website: www.elcerdokl.com

Etoile Bistro (French)
Equatorial Plaza
Tel: 03 2789 7777

Food Republic
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 2142 8006

Grandmama’s (Western)
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 2143 9333

Juara Tomyam Kampung Baru (Malay/Thai)
Kampung Baru
Tel: 016-970 6622
Website: www.juaratomyam.business.site

Kampachi (Japanese)
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 2148 9608
Website: www.kampachi.com.my

Kampung Attap Fish Head Curry
(Indian/Hawker stall)
Restoran ZK, 76 Jalan Kampung Attap
Tel: 03 2273 9786

Kedai Kak Jat (Malay/Food Court)
Stall No. 3
Lorong Bellamy, Bukit Petaling
Tel: 013 259 8169

Lai Po Heen (Cantonese)
Mandarin Oriental
Tel: 03 2179 8885

Little Penang Kafe (Malaysian)
Suria KLCC
Tel: 03 2163 0215

LOKL Coffee Co. (Café)
30, Jalan Tun H.S. Lee
Tel: 018 968 5515
Website: www.loklcoffee.com

Makan Kitchen (Malay)
Double Tree by Hilton KL, The Intermark
Tel: 012 290 1655

Mali’s Char Kuey Teow (Malay/Food Stall)
No.9-1, Jalan Langkawi, Platinum Walk
Facebook: facebook.com/malis.corner

Mandarin Grill (Contemporary)
Mandarin Oriental
Tel: 03 2380 8888
Website: www.mandarinoriental.com/kualalumpur

Marini’s on 57 (Contemporary Italian)
Petronas KLCC
Tel: 03 2386 6030
Website: www.marinisgroups.com/marinis-on-57

Marmalade Bangsar Village (Western/Bistro)
Bangsar Village
Tel: 03 2282 8301

Ikan Bakar Seri Melaka Jalan Bellamy
(Malay and Thai Seafood / Food Court)
Jalan Bellamy
Tel: 010 367 7576

Mezze (European)
132 Jalan Kasah, Medan Damansara
Tel: 011 3689 6393
Website: http://mezze.my

Naab (Middle Eastern)
Jalan Bukit Bintang
Tel: 03 2143 3949

Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa (Malay / Stall)
Kampung Baru
Tel: 011 5115 1991

Nasi Lemak Boss (Malay/Stall)
21 & 23, Jalan Kolam Air Lama
Ampang Jaya, 68000 Ampang
Selangor
Tel: 016 965 5977

Nasi Lemak Mak Wanjo @ Jalan Raja Muda Musa
(Malay/Hawker Food)
Jalan Raja Muda Musa, Kampung Baru
Tel: 011 6336 1963

Nasi Kandar Pelita (Indian Muslim/Hawker food)
Jalan Telawi 5, Bangsar Baru
Tel: 03 2282 5532
Website: www.pelita.com.my

Nook (International)
Aloft Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 2723 1188

Nutmeg (Western) Café/Bistro
Bangsar Village II
Tel: 03 2710 4018
Website: www.facebook.com/nutmegkl

Old Malaya
6, Lorong Raja Chulan
Tel: 011 2367 4581

Onsemiro (Korean)
Intermark Mall, The Intermark
Tel: 03 2161 2461

Passage Thru’ India (Indian)
Jalan Bukit Bintang
Tel: 017 998 9427
Website: www.passagethruindia.com

Prime (Western)
Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 2263 7424

Precious Old China (Nyonya)
Central Market
Tel: 03 2273 7372

Rebung (Chef Ismail)
5-2 Cascade Parking Bukit Aman,
1, Jalan Tanglin,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 2276 2525
Website: www.rebung.com.my

Sahara Tent (Middle Eastern)
Lorong Nibong, Taman U Thant,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 2144 8310
Website: www.saharatent.com

Tanzini (International)
Level 28, G Tower, 199, Jalan Tun Razak
Tel: 03 2168 1899

Tarbush (Arabic and Lebanese)
Starhill Gallery, Jalan Bukit Bintang
Tel: 03 2142 8558
Website: www.tarbush.com.my

Tatsu (Japanese)
InterContinental, Jalan Ampang
Tel: 016 202 4623

The Love @MaTic (Malay/Variety)
139, Jalan Ampang
Tel: 03 2164 1139

Verandah Restaurant (Malay)
35, Bukit Bintang St,
Bukit Bintang
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 8312 7015

Zipangu (Japanese)
Shangri-La Hotel
Tel: 03 20743900

Wasabi Bistro (Japanese)
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Tel: 03 2163 0968
Website: www.wasabibistro.my

Copyright © Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board

Tourist Map of Malaysia

There is so much to do and so many places to see in Malaysia. To make sure that you don’t miss anything, use this handy map to navigate your way across the country and find great places to visit.

Perlis

Perlis is the northern gateway to Malaysia. Despite its small size, Perlis has an abundance of attractions that make it a great destination.

Kedah

Kedah is Malaysia’s largest paddy producing state. Delve into history in Lembah Bujang, the site of an ancient civilisation or relax in Langkawi, a world-famous resort island.

Penang

The site of a UNESCO World Heritage City, Penang is a holiday paradise with fabulous beach resorts and eclectic cultures. It is also the undisputable haven for foodies.

Perak

A tin-rich state in its heyday, Perak beckons with a range of sights and experiences. The state’s top attractions include Pangkor, an island getaway and Pangkor Laut, an internationally-acclaimed private island.

Kelantan

Hailed as the Cradle of Malay culture, Kelantan is a destination teeming with age-old arts, crafts and pastimes.

TERENGGANU

Beautiful islands, culture and nature give Terengganu its magical appeal. Dive, snorkel, sunbathe at the islands or journey to its hinterland to experience the best of nature.

Pahang

The largest state in the peninsula beckons nature-enthusiasts with exciting eco-adventures. From Taman Negara, the oldest national park in the country, to the idyllic Tioman Island, Pahang is simply mesmerising.

Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia’s dynamic capital city is bustling with attractions and activities. Explore the city by day and night.

Selangor

Selangor is home to the country’s main airport KLIA, and the main gateway by sea, Port Klang. It is also the country’s most developed state with a long list of shopping malls and themed attractions.

Putrajaya

Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia, is a well-planned township with impressive buildings, verdant parks, scenic lakes and beautiful bridges.

Sabah

From the majestic height of Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s tallest peak, to the stunning depths of the world-famous Sipadan Island, Sabah is a magnificent nature destination.

Sarawak

Sarawak, the largest state in Malaysia, has a vast wilderness that contains numerous national parks including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mulu National Park.

Labuan

Located off the northwestern coast of Borneo, this island thrills visitors with its wreck diving sites, historical relics and duty-free shopping.

Melaka

The birth place of the nation, Melaka is a treasure trove of history and heritage. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage City for vestiges of the past.

Negeri Sembilan

Known for its fascinating Minangkabau culture and a unique social system, Negeri Sembilan is the place to learn age-old customs and traditions.

Johor

Visit Malaysia’s southern gateway, for a family vacation at the theme parks or escape to its islands for an unforgettable holiday.

Birdwatching Paradise

Enjoy birdwatching at 55 Important Bird Areas (IBA) throughout the country, tucked away at various habitats such as islands, coasts or lush lowland and montane rainforests.

Cool Highland Resorts

Love the cool highlands? Find refreshing destinations to unwind in Malaysia. From French-themed settings, energetic amusement parks to forest-clad hills, there is something for everyone.

Fun and Fantasy

Find the fun and thrill that you are looking for in Malaysia. Meet your favourite characters, plunge down the world’s longest water slide or enjoy the rides and games!