Kuala Lumpur is a food lovers paradise, where Michelin-starred restaurants, hidden hawker gems, and trendy rooftop dining spots come together in one dynamic city. Ive explored the best restaurants in Kuala Lumpur, from the bustling streets of Chow Kit to the upscale neighborhoods of Bukit Bintang, to bring you an insiders guide to the most unforgettable dining experiences.
Whether youre craving authentic Malaysian food, high-end fine dining, or international flavors, KLs food scene is unmatched. From the legendary Nasi Lemak at Village Park to the modern gastronomic creations at Dewakan, a Michelin-starred gem, Ill take you through the must-visit spots. Seafood lovers shouldnt miss the fresh chili crab at Hokkaido Seafood, while steak aficionados will love the premium cuts at Marble 8. If youre after an Instagram-worthy experience, check out Atmosphere 360, a revolving restaurant with stunning views from the KL Tower.
Ive dined at street-side stalls, stylish speakeasy bars, and world-class hotel restaurants to bring you firsthand recommendations. My guide is packed with expert tips, honest reviews, and must-know details to help you find the best food in Kuala Lumpurwhether youre a local, an expat, or just visiting. Get ready to explore the citys most iconic restaurants and hidden treasures that will leave you craving more.
7 Best Cheap Restaurants in Kuala Lumpur
1. Tgs Nasi Kandar
That's why we're writing this post. We recently went there for lunch and came out filled with love for food. It's a restaurant with Indian specialties , a place as simple as it is delicious (you'll lick your moustache). We got paper dosa, a kind of crispy Indian crepe that they serve with dhal (lentil curry) and mint/cilantro sauce, tandoori chicken and butter chicken. Everything, everything, everything was delicious. And the bill (with 1 lemonade and 3 teh tarik) came to about 7 in total *_*
You don't know what teh tarik is ? Sacrilege! It's Malay tea made with milk and condensed milk. Delicious!
2. Din Tai Fung
Its a Taiwanese chain with restaurants in various places around the world, some of them with Michelin stars ! So, it will cost a fortune, you might say. Well, no, the prices are quite cheap for a restaurant of its category, in the end you will pay about 10-15 per person. Their specialty is dumplings (although there are also noodle and rice dishes) but believe us, the best thing is to stuff yourself with those Chinese dumplings because they are to die for. There are several located in different places in Kuala Lumpur, you can try the one in the Pavilion Shopping Center, one of the most prestigious in the city.
3. Lai Foong
We discovered this place in 2011, when we first set foot in Kuala Lumpur and since then, every time we return to the city, it is one of our obligatory stops. It is not really a restaurant, it is more of a mini food court since in the same space there are about 5 different stalls, each one with its Malaysian specialty . Whatever you order (rice/noodles/soups) it will be very good and the local atmosphere is great. It is also very cheap. It is located a few meters from the famous Petaling Street (Chinatown) and the prices are around 8RM (about 2).
It is definitely one of our favorite restaurants in Kuala Lumpur and we always recommend it.
4. Alor Road
Ok, it's a street , not a restaurant. But we assure you that here you will live one of the best gastronomic experiences in Malaysia and its atmosphere... is incomparable! Along this alley you will find dozens and dozens of restaurants with their brightly coloured chairs and even more bright vendors who will try to sell you their best dishes. It is only open for dinner time and we will not recommend any specific stall or dish, just walk around and let yourself go.
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5. Petronas Food Court (Suria KLCC)
Well, since youre in front of the Petronas youre not going to leave us out, right? In the shopping centre under the towers (Suria KLCC) there are two food courts, we recommend you visit the one on the 2nd floor. There, look for the chicken rice stand (they didnt have much imagination when it came to naming it), we assure you that this chicken and rice dish is very tasty and cheap (approx. 2). They serve it with a very tasty hot soup. And if its not your favourite, you can always look for your dish among the other restaurants.
6. Heritage Pizza
Located on The Row, a quaint little street in Chow Kit, Heritage Pizza is an Italian spot that combines a relaxed atmosphere with authentic flavours. Their wood-fired pizzas are the heart of the menu, with classic options like the Margherita and more innovative ones. The place is small and usually fills up, so it's worth arriving early or making a reservation.
It was one of the best pizzas we ate in Asia, well, I would even say in Italy haha. We really thought it was spectacular.
7. Secret Recipe
Well, the truth is that the best dessert in Kuala Lumpur is the roti boom from any local kopitiam, buuuut, if for whatever reason (sugar crash or a real vice) you need to get a piece of cake this chain is a hit! Our favorite cake is the chocolate indulgence , the name is its best presentation. There are many offers, so check out their website first.
Also, don't leave Kuala Lumpur without having a bite to eat in the markets of Chinatown or Little India , without having had a teh tarik and roti for breakfast in the neighbourhood kopitiam (coffee shops) and without having tried one of the most unusual desserts in all of Malaysia: cendul.
One more tip: don't miss a stroll throughImbi Market , it's one of the most colorful and authentic places in Kuala Lumpur. And the Indian food is delicious!
Other places to eat in Kuala Lumpur
More foodie recommendations to enjoy the gastronomy of Kuala Lumpur:
- If you are looking for places to have brunch , The Rabbit Hole is a great place (right in the heart of Bukit Bintang)
- When we went it was closed but we really wanted to try the tofu mee goereng and fried rice from Ray Power Corner (in the Petaling Street area ).
- If you want to eat at a restaurant with views of the Petronas but not break the bank, try the BlackBird KL set menu . The set lunch (Mon-Fri 12-3pm) costs around RM26 (approx. 7) and includes a main dish and a drink. There is 1 vegan option (pasta with tomato) and 1 vegetarian option (mushroom carbonara).
These are our recommendations for places to eat in Kuala Lumpur . Have you tried any of them? Which one is your favourite?
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