Chinese restaurants in Kuala Lumpur range from the very humble to the very classy and posh places. However, they serve delicious Chinese cuisine that you can count on in terms of authenticity and taste.
Usually at Chinese restaurants, you visit as a group and order dishes which you share with everyone, consuming it with your own bowl of rice. Alternatively, they also have noodle and fried rice dishes.
Chinese restaurants in Kuala Lumpur are as old as the city itself, and all of them have their own signature dish, known in Cantonese as ‘chiu pai’.
Here are our picks for Chinese restaurants in Kuala Lumpur:
Restoran Sek Yuen
The Pudu area of Kuala Lumpur is one of the oldest inhabited areas in Kuala Lumpur. In the early 1950s, three brothers from the Phang family started Sek Yuen restaurant.
Today, they still operate in the original building where they started this restaurant in, which they built themselves.
Currently, the restaurant is run by the third generation descendants of the Phang family. Some of their signature dishes include Pei Pa roast duck, Cold Jelly chicken, crab eggs in lettuce and handmade crab balls.
Address: 313-1 Jalan Pudu 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restaurantsekyuen
Telephone no: 03-9222 9457
Opening hours: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., 5:00 to 9:30 p.m. Closed on Mondays
Halal status: Non-halal
Chef Wong Restaurant, Pudu Plaza
If you’re wondering why we’re featuring so many Chinese restaurants in Pudu, it’s because there really are many impressive eateries in this area of town.
One gem you should visit at least once is Chef Wong’s establishment at the basement of Pudu Plaza.
Chef Wong is often known as Wong Sifu or Master Wong to the locals because his skills are unmatched. Therefore, many of the dishes here are his unique creations.
For example, there’s the White Flower Chicken which is a completely deboned roasted chicken is layered on minced fish, melding them together in a mouth-watering combination.
Subsequently, other items to try include sliced lotus root with Macadamia nuts and caramelised yam sticks.
Address: LC5, LG Floor, Pudu Plaza Shopping Centre, Jalan Landak, Off Jalan Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RestoranChefWong
Telephone no: 012-759 1099
Opening hours: 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Closed on Mondays
Halal status: Non-halal
Restoran Pik Wah
Pik Wah restaurant has been operating since the 1970s and is a popular spot for the corporate crowd in KL. Moreover, it is situated in the heart of downtown KL, more specifically Jalan Hang Jebat.
They have a slightly more premium feel and are quite lavishly decorated. Therefore, it’s a common a go to place for company luncheons or dinners.
In short, their menu is pretty extensive and most items are served are familiar Chinese restaurant fare. For instance, you can try sweet & sour pork, Tong Po braised pork with fried Mantou and yam basket.
Address: No.6, Jalan Hang Jebat, MABA Buliding Basement Level MABA Stadium Block 50150 Kuala Lumpur.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pikwah1971/
Telephone no: 03-2072 3668
Opening hours: Daily, 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Halal status: Non-halal
Restoran Zheng Ji
This nondescript Chinese tai chow (fry up) in Cheras has received rave reviews. However, not many Chinese restaurant lists feature them. This is because it’s considered a well-kept secret by locals.
They have been praised for their many claypot dishes. For example, you’ll find claypot pork belly with salted fish, claypot lamb, curry fish head and claypot kangkung belacan here.
Address: 20, Jalan Jalak2, Taman Sri Bahtera, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Telephone no: 017-359 6380
Opening hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m to 10:00 p.m. Closed on Thursdays
Halal status: Non-halal
Chopsticks by Muhammad Onn
The Chinese Tai Chow style dining can be experienced with Halal ingredients too.
Subsequently, one of the places you can head to is Chopsticks by Muhammad Onn. They currently have four outlets in TTDI, Cybrerjaya, Sri Hartamas and Bangsar.
Some of their most popular dishes include Creamy Butter Chicken, Ginger and Spring Onion Beef, Salted Egg Squid, and Yong Chow Fried Rice.
Address: Four branches, refer here for driving directions.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chopsticks.MO
Opening hours: Daily, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Halal status: Halal, Muslim owned
Uniquely Chinese Cuisine
In conclusion, Chinese restaurants in Kuala Lumpur are distinctly Malaysian. Despite using many typical Chinese ingredients and condiments, they’ve developed their own distinct feel and taste.
In short, they incorporate local and regional ingredients like curry powder, lemongrass, coconut milk and the like. Therefore, trying out Chinese food here is truly an experience by itself.
Try out the ones from our list this weekend, mummies! Or if you’re already familiar with them, go dining there again as they are worth revisiting for sure.
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