10 best street foods in Petaling Street you must try
Before I gush over the amazing array of local food heritage in Petaling Street, I have something to get off my chest. Many, many years ago, I used to have the highly-flawed perception that Petaling Street was only a go-to place for imitation goods. But this iconic street houses more than just local food. In fact, it’s home to decades-old hawker stalls and street snacks that have lasted generations.
Today as I trudge through the streets, the smell of roasted chestnuts permeating through the air, in efforts to write this street foods listicle, I implore you. Arm yourself with this guide and feast your way through the hustle and bustle of it all. By the time you reach number 10, I have no doubt you’ll be as stuffed and contented just like I was. Here are the 10 best street foods in Petaling Street that you simply must try!
1. Kim Soya Bean
You can’t possibly miss Kim Soya Bean as there’s always a crowd hovering about. Flocked by tourists and locals alike, it’s not hard to see why. The soft and velvety smooth Tau fu fa (RM2.40) in little plastic bowls practically melts in your mouth. You can also choose between the two syrups, white or brown, and with a hint of ginger. It’s a treat just to be able to scoop the silky tau fu fa while watching the father work at lightning speed to serve the never-ending queue of hungry customers. And don’t forget to down the tau fu fa with a freshly made bottle of Soya Bean (RM3.30).
Fun fact— Kim Soya Bean started as a family business about half a century ago and is now run by its second generation.
49, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10pm
2. Lai Foong Lala Noodles
I have to admit that as soon as the famed bowl of Lala Noodles (RM13) at Lai Foong Lala Noodles hit the table, I was completely blown away just by the smell. And I swooned quietly with my first bite. With the sweetness of the fresh clams, the heady fragrance of the Chinese wine, along with the addition of ginger, I quickly understood why this broth is a big hit amongst customers.
The rice vermicelli absorbed the broth like a sponge, and I had no issues finishing this rather huge bowl. They were also extremely generous with the clams. But I did have a tough time tackling the last few clams who opted to remain shut.
In fact, after the entire Petaling Street cuisine adventure, I found myself craving for the lala noodles again.
99, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
+60 16 376 4928
Mon to Sun: 10am – 7.30pm
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3. Madam Tang Muah Chee Queen
Can’t find Madam Tang Muah Chee Queen’s pushcart? Just wait for speakers blaring “Yat lau yat lau, wat luet luet,” the Cantonese phrase which translates to “Top quality, silky smooth muah chee” and you’ve got the right one. The 73-year-old’s presence in Petaling Street is a comforting one, having been here for more than 50 years.
Order the Muah Chee (RM5), and watch as she cuts and shapes the soft and chewy glutinous rice balls to order. Her muah chee is really delicious. Silky smooth yet soft & chewy, sprinkled with generous chopped peanuts. It’s no surprise that she’s the muah chee queen!
42, Jalan Hang Lekir, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Mon to Sun: 9.15am – 3pm
4. Uncle Loh’s Apam Balik
If you’re looking for a sweet and light snack to eat, you can try Uncle Ah Loh’s Apam Balik (RM1.20). The 69-year-old uncle has been selling apam balik for almost 30 years, and has a loyal following. So you know you’ll get good stuff here.
To make things more efficient, Ah Loh makes his apam balik in a large pan before swiftly slicing everything into individual pieces. It is generously filled with coarsely ground peanuts that makes every bite incredibly tasty.
15-19, Jalan Hang Lekir, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Mon to Sun: 11.30am – 4.30pm
5. Kim Lian Kee
Founded in 1927 by an enterprising Hokkien/Fujianese immigrant, Ong Kim Lian, is one of KL’s oldest and most recognisable food brand-name. In fact, Mr Ong himself was credited with the invention of Kim Lian Kee’s legendary Kuala Lumpur-style fried Hokkien noodles.
The secret to a perfect plate of Kim Lian Kee’s legendary hokkien mee? Wok hei, which refers to the flavour and tastes imparted by a hot wok on food during stir frying. Tuck into a plate of glistening black Hokkien Mee (RM10), with slices of crunchy pork, shrimp, and cabbage.
42, Jalan Hang Lekir, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Mon to Sun: 5pm – 4am
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6. Koon Kee Wantan Mee
This hawker dish has always been a breakfast staple to many locals. Tucked in the corner of Petaling Street, Koon Kee Wantan Mee serves up perfectly cooked noodles that have such a delightful spring and bite to it. It has been operating since 1942 and the restaurant is run by third generation now.
Order a medium sized plate of Wantan Mee (RM8), and the noodles are accompanied by your choice of char siew or steamed chicken. You can also have your wantan mee with braised chicken feet.
95, Jalan Hang Lekir, Petaling Street, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Mon to Sun: 9.30am – 2.30pm
+60 17 885 1455
7. Hon Kee Porridge
Hon Kee Porridge established their name for three generations starting from their late grandfather Wong Yu Wah started this stall in 1949. You can easily spot their bright red banner outside the stall. Hon Kee Porridge is still as busy as ever so do come early if you want to have a nice seat.
You can opt for their Raw Snakehead Fish Porridge (RM6.50). Their porridge is highly regarded for its smooth consistency— it is lightly seasoned and served with a plate of raw snakehead fish, shredded ginger and spring onions. The piping hot porridge will instantly cook the raw fish. The result? A healthy, hearty breakfast.
93, Jalan Hang Lekir, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Mon to Sun: 5am – 2.30pm
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8. Sweet Potato Balls
Walk past by this Sweet Potato Balls cart in Petaling Street and you’ll be treated to the decadent sight of sweet potato balls fried in a huge black pot. This has been an ongoing sight for the past 40 years.
Made fresh on a daily basis, the sweet potatoes are first steamed and mashed, and then mixed with sugar and flour to form the marble-sized balls. These balls are then fried until golden brown. Buy a bag of these golden balls and it is guaranteed to be the perfect, addictive snack to munch on while you’re walking the streets of Kuala Lumpur.
Jalan Hang Lekir, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Mon to Sun: 8am – 2pm
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9. Madras Lane Yong Tau Foo
One of Malaysia’s most famous street foods, where better to dig into a plate than at Madras Lane Yong Tau Foo? Having operated for more than 60 years, each piece of yong tau foo is priced at RM1.60, be it lady’s finger, fried dumpling, foo-chok, red chilli, brinjal, or others.
So how do you place an order? First, you wait in line to get a bowl. Then pick and mix your favourites. Once you have your selections sorted, pass it to the staff at the end of the counter, where they will prepare the meal for you. And finally tuck into a delicious bowl of freshly made yong tau foo!
Lorong Bandar 20 Off Jalan Petaling Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur 50000 Malaysia
Tue to Sun: 10am – 2pm
Closed on Mon
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10. Hong Kee Claypot Chicken Rice
One cannot skip out a visit to Petaling Street without going to Hong Kee Claypot Chicken Rice for a satisfying dinner. Each of the Claypot Chicken Rice (RM15) is prepared and cooked individually using charcoal stoves, giving it that extra oomph in flavour.
Make sure to stir your rice and chicken so that you can get those yummy rice crusts at the bottom. Alongside its charcoal-cooked claypot chicken rice, the stall also sells Portuguese-style grilled fish, which is a must-try as well.
83, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Mon to Sun: 4.30pm – 9.30pm
Closed on Wed
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