Satay – Grilled Skewers
Malaysian satay consists of marinated meat skewers grilled over charcoal and served with peanut sauce. The marinade typically includes lemongrass, turmeric, and other aromatic spices. This popular street food is often served with ketupat (rice cakes), cucumber, and onions.
Where to Try It:
Sate Kajang Haji Samuri
With multiple outlets, Kajang maintains the authentic flavours that have made them famous for satay at each of their locations.
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Insider Tip: Order a mix of chicken, beef, and mutton to experience different flavours!
Nasi Lemak – Malaysia’s National Treasure
Nasi Lemak features coconut rice paired with anchovies, peanuts, cucumber, boiled eggs, and spicy sambal. This balanced combination of flavours and textures perfectly represents Malaysian cuisine in a single plate. Often considered Malaysia’s national dish, it’s enjoyed any time of day from breakfast to late-night supper.
Where to Try It:
Village Park Restaurant
Famous for their fried chicken nasi lemak, Village Park Restaurant draws crowds from across the city.
Location: Jalan SS 21/37, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Distance from St. Giles:16 mins drive; 11.9 KM
For a more traditional experience, try:
Nasi Lemak Wanjo
Located in historic Kampung Baru, Nasi Lemak Wanio has been serving this iconic dish since 1963.
Location: 8, Jalan Raja Muda Musa, Kampung Baru, 50300 Kuala Lumpur
Distance from St. Giles:18 mins drive; 9.4 KM
Hokkien Mee – Dark Soy Noodles
KL’s Hokkien Mee features thick noodles stir-fried in dark soy sauce with pork, prawns, and vegetables. The high heat creates a distinctive caramelised flavours unique to the KL version of this dish. It exemplifies the Chinese influence on Malaysian cuisine, with its smoky aroma and rich taste.
Where to Try It:
Restoran Kim Lian Kee
Located on Petaling Street is claimed to be the birthplace of KL-style Hokkien Mee in the 1920s.
Location: 49, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Distance from St. Giles:14 mins drive; 6.6 KM
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Must-Try Addition: Squeeze some lime over your noodles and add their homemade sambal!
Roti Canai – Flaky Flatbread
Roti Canai is a flaky flatbread made by repeatedly folding and stretching dough before cooking on a hot griddle. It’s typically served with dhal or curry for dipping. This Indian-influenced dish has become a Malaysian breakfast staple and late-night favourite.
Where to Try It:
Valentine Roti
Known for serving exceptionally flaky and delicious roti canai with a variety of curries.
Location: 1, Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra, Kampung Datuk Keramat, 54100 Kuala Lumpur
Distance from St. Giles:19 mins drive; 14.0 KM
Top Tip: Try the “roti bom” – a thicker, sweeter version drizzled with condensed milk!
Bak Kut Teh – Herbal Pork Soup
Bak Kut Teh (“meat bone tea”) is pork ribs simmered in a broth of Chinese herbs and spices. The resulting soup has medicinal properties according to traditional Chinese beliefs. It’s typically served with rice, youtiao (fried dough sticks), and Chinese tea.
Where to Try It:
Seng Huat Bak Kut Teh Restaurant
Located in Klang offers the most authentic experience of this beloved dish.
Location: 9, Jalan Besar, Kawasan 1, 41000 Klang, Selangor
Distance from St. Giles: 32 mins drive; 29.8 KM
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How to Enjoy It: Pair your bowl with white rice and youtiao for dipping.
There you have it, food adventurers! From the aromatic coconut rice of Nasi Lemak to the herbal comforts of Bak Kut Teh, Kuala Lumpur offers an incredible array of flavours waiting to be explored. Remember, our friendly team at St. Giles is always happy to provide more restaurant recommendations or help arrange transportation to these culinary gems. Happy eating!
