Kuala Lumpur restaurants and food
Tewali Street Bistro is a hip expat hangout
Fitting its proud status as an international city on the rise, restaurants in Kuala Lumpur reflect every possible trend in global cuisine. There are many delightful eateries offering delicious traditional Malay dishes plus diverse offerings from the different cultures that make up this colourful nation.
Dim sum and inexpensive noodle dishes can be bought from stalls on Petaling Street and east of centre on Jalan Alur. Little India, and in particular Jalan Masjid India, is awash with aromatic, spicy treats from the sub-continent, many still served on traditional banana leaves. And if you want to push the boat out, everything from real Argentine steaks, Spanish tapas or British bangers and mash can be found in the KL restaurants on Bukit Bintang.
Kuala Lumpur restaurants in the Golden Triangle
Bon Ton: Despite relocating to the interior of Lot 10, this KL restaurant continues to have a faithful following of happy patrons. With a mix of Asian and International flavours, dishes such as herb-encrusted lamb rack with Lyonnaise potatoes are exceptionally well produced. Lower Ground, Lot 10 Mall, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, tel: +60 (0)3-2142-2287. $$$
Thai Somtam Seafood: For a taste of authentic Thai food you can’t go wrong with this Kuala Lumpur restaurant. Papaya salads, green curries and spicy tom ka ghai served to wooden seats at this unassuming place. 88 Changkat Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. $$
One Plus One: Delicious dim sum served steaming before your eyes is as good here as of the restaurants in Kuala Lumpur. Fresh fruit juices are not expensive either and the staff are extremely courteous and attentive for somewhere so busy. 21a Jalan Alur, Kuala Lumpur. $$
Coffee Fevre: If you have had quite enough of spice and rice then try the big buffet breakfast here for a hearty dose of egg and toast. Balcony is great for watching the world go by. 64 Jalan Changkat, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. $$
Bombay Palace: Although renown for its authentic and delicious north Indian cuisine, the Bombay Palace can also turn out a mean prawn vindaloo for fans of the spicy south. House specialities such as the whole lamb leg or anything from the tandoor keep customers coming back. 215 Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, tel: +60 (0)3 2145 7220. $$
El Cerdo: Pork is the name and the theme of this fantastic restaurant so if the Muslim diet is wearing a little thin head down here to sample the juiciest roast suckling pig and crispest crackling in the city. 43-45 Changkat, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, tel: +60 (0)3 2145 0511. $$$
Muar: This basic place might not be the most impressive of Kuala Lumpur restaurants but it does a great traditional seafood spread for just a handful of ringgits. Try the dried squid and dragon fish all washed down with complimentary green tea. 6G Tengkat Tong Shin, Kuala Lumpur, tel: +60 (0)3 2144 2072 / (0)12 219 2199. $
Gonbei: This is amongst the most exceptional Japanese restaurants in Kuala Lumpur with a zen-like ambience to match. Every detail is exquisitely crafted to ensure each facet of the culture and ceremony is perfect, and the kitchen matches these high standard. Starhill Gallery, 181 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, tel: +60 (0)3 2782 3801. $$$
Mouth-watering gourmet burger from Relish
Relish: A true burger joint in KL with a range of different meat and salad options to satisfy the most dedicated carnivore. 22 Changkat, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, tel: +60(0)3 2145 3321. $$
Estana Garden Curry House: Traditional Malay fare is served in rapid-fire manner here to hordes of ravenous businessmen on a power lunch. With fountains and smoking shisha pipes, this is a bustling and atmospheric place where you can eat your fill of terrific tandoori chicken for less than RM10. Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, tel: +60 (0)3 241 1958. $$
Red Dragon: This 24hour Kuala Lumpur restaurant serves a good variety of Chinese dishes at rip-roaring pace. Definitely a great option if you need something to soak up your night on the tiles. Corner Jalan Alur, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. $$
Price guide
$ – dishes under US$3; beer US$2; local spirit US$2.50;cocktails US$3
$$ – dishes US$3-10; beer US$2.50; local spirit US$3; cocktails US$4.50
$$$ – dishes US$10-20; beer US$4; local spirit US$4.50; cocktails US$6
$$$$ – dishes over US$20; beer US$5; local spirit US$5; cocktails US$8
Kuala Lumpur restaurants in Bangsar
Sri Nirwana: If you thought that the whole of Bangsar was overtaken with swanky international eateries then sit outdoors and sample some of the wholesome banana-leaf dishes here for just a few ringgit. 43 Jalan Telawi 3, Kuala Lumpur, tel: +60 (0)3 2287 8445. $
Telawi Street Bistro: With a great range of pizza, pasta and burgers this is a classy place the prides itself on quality western grub. Perhaps somewhere to head when for a change from the rice and spice diet. 1-3 Jalan Telawi 3, Kuala Lumpur, tel: +60 (0)3 2284 3168. $$$
Alex Bistro: With free magazines and regular jazz performances, this is typical of a new breed of Kuala Lumpur restaurants in Bangsar. Large portions of western favourites such as burgers are accompanied by decent coffees and juices. 29 Jalan Telawi 3, Kuala Lumpur, tel: +60 (0)3 2284 2880. $$$
1920 Caffé: Summery pastas and indulgent cakes are perfect for a light bite to escape the humidity at this Kuala Lumpur café set within the snazziest of shopping malls. Great for sitting back with a brew and the paper on lazy Sunday afternoons. First floor, Bangsar Village, Kuala Lumpur, tel: +60 (0)3 7726 8010. $$
Lanna: A thorough variety of traditional Thai dishes are served up by the extremely friendly and efficient staff here. The spicy papaya salad (somtam) is not for the faint-hearted. 17 Jalan Telawi Dua, Kuala Lumpur, tel: +60 (0)3 2283 6099. $$
Kuala Lumpur restaurants in Chinatown and Little India
Shukran: Budget restaurant in KL not far from Pudu Raya bus station and so popular with locals and travellers arriving leaving town. Simple Chinese and Indian fare is very easy on the pocket. Buffet trays filled with all sorts of spicy curries are prepared fresh every day. Jalan Cheng Lock, Pudu, Kuala Lumpur. $
Annexe Nasi Kandar: Good food at bargain prices from this self service operation with a wide range of traditional Malay dishes served up for less than RM10. Behind Central Market, Jalan Benteng, Kuala Lumpur. $
Kuala Lumpur streetfood is fun and delicious!
Sangeetha: This is amongst the most highly regarded vegetarian restaurants in Kuala Lumpur with delicious curries and rotis bringing in the crowds. Ask the extremely friendly staff what they recommend on the day. 65 Jalan Lebuh Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, tel: +60 (0)3 2032 3333. $
C U There Café: Oriental dishes come with a flourish at this understated Chinatown restaurant opposite Kota Raya Mall. Mains for under RM10 and hands-on decoration make this place a winner. 29 Jalan Cheng Lock, Kuala Lumpur, tel: +60 (0)3 2072 3301. $
Lakshami Villas: This KL restaurant in Little India is a favourite haunt of spice-loving locals. Try the masala dosas served with daal and a variety of condiments. Great deserts served upstairs. Lebuh Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. $
Santa Restaurant: Best for lunchtime, visitors can get scrumptious authentic chapatis with various curries plus potato and daal dishes for just a handful of ringgits. Extremely popular with locals. 9 Jalan Tun HS, Kuala Lumpur. $
Kuala Lumpur restaurants elsewhere in the city
CoChine: Brilliant Laos and Vietnamese dishes are served up in chic surroundings at this KL restaurant based on the Singaporean Indonchina brand. The menu represents all of Southeast Asia’s favourite dishes from fiery salads to sweet curries and barbaque seafood. And don’t forget to try the sumptuous sweets. 64 Jalan Doriasamy, Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur, tel: +60 (0)3 2697 1180. $$
The Dining Room: Classic French cuisine is offered by this exclusive Kuala Lumpur restaurants set in the grounds of the tranquil Lake Gardens. All the ingredients are imported and the cheese platter is a work of consummate wonder. A dining experience worth of the most special occasions. Taman Tasik Perdana, Carcosa Seri Negara, Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur, tel: +60 (0)3 2295 0888. $$$$
