10 Muslim-friendly Chinese restaurants in KL perfect for casual family dinners & special occasions
Occasionally, we fail to fully appreciate our multicultural society. It has become an integral part of our daily lives, and its familiarity may cause us to disregard the distinctive qualities that distinguish us from other nations.
With rich heritage comes a multitude of excellent food of different textures and unique flavour pairings. In Malaysia, we often come across dishes that blur the lines between what would otherwise be two distinct cultures. But sometimes, all you want is authentic cuisine following recipes passed down from generation to generation.
While Malaysia certainly isn’t facing a shortage of halal eateries, locating authentic Chinese establishments that preserve the original flavours of the cuisine while adhering to halal ingredients can pose a challenge for some. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect spot for your next gathering, here are 10 Muslim-friendly Chinese restaurants perfect for casual family dinners & special occasions.
1. Restoran Minmax
Restoran Minmax is a hidden gem situated in Kuala Lumpur. Unless you live or work in the area, you probably haven’t heard of it. Although the layout of the restaurant mirrors the fancy restaurants you might associate with many Chinese eateries in KL, the place maintains a rather laid-back atmosphere. . So, don’t feel daunted by its big, round tables. Just walk in and enjoy your meal!
For starters, they have a pretty solid selection of dim sum. Restoran Minmax has Steamed Stuffed Scallop Dumpling (RM12.90), Steamed Har Kau (RM6.90), Sweet & Sour Bean Curd Rolls (RM5.90), and Steamed Rice Noodle with Fresh Prawn (RM5.90).
Everybody loves a satisfying savoury meal. If that’s what you’re aiming for, then this place is the goal post. Graze on their Braised Duck Meat with Homemade Ginger Sauce (RM21) and Sizzling Beef Short Rib with Special Honey Sauce (RM38) in between mouthfuls of rice.
They even have dishes like Pan Fried Cod Fish with Black Bean Sauce (RM30 per 100g) and Steamed Tilapia Fish with Spicy Bean Sauce (RM5 per 100g).
Lot 2.1, Level 2 at Darby Park Hotel, Lrg Binjai, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+603 2166 8669
Daily: 11am – 4pm & 5pm – 10pm
2. Lamb Shepherd Restaurant
Even after years of operation, Lamb Shepherd Restaurant has still been able to maintain a near perfect rating on Google. Although its exterior is unassuming, the food served inside is more than satisfying. The restaurant hasn’t posted on their Facebook page since 2015 too, so one can only assume that they put all of their energy into creating delicious meals for customers.
Several of the dishes offered at Lamb Shepherd Restaurant are priced according to size, such as their Poached Lamb (RM38-RM65) and Lamb Shepherd Steamed Chicken (RM20-RM30). If you’re dining with others, check out their Boiled Fish with Chili (RM30-RM40) or the Xinjiang Big Plate Chicken (RM35-RM70).
The Laver and Egg Soup (RM12) comes highly recommended by the restaurant itself, and the same goes to the Boiled Fish with Pickled Cabbage (RM28-RM45) and Stir Fried Sliced Beef (RM28-RM45).
No. 8A, Ground Floor, Jalan 4/27F, Off Jalan Genting Klang, Desa Setapak, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+603 4131 8144
Tue to Fri: 11.30am – 7.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 6.30pm
Closed on Mon
3. Jibby Chow
Jibby Chow takes traditional Chinese cuisine by the hand and makes it contemporary. With a sprinkle of Malaysian essence, you’ve got yourself a casual and modern restaurant serving delicious food geared towards local tongues.
They have a few highlights categorised as Uncle Chow’s Signatures. This includes Duck Rice (RM35) featuring roasted duck and Hong Kong kailan, and Hainanese Chicken Rice (RM32) with poached or roasted chicken and homemade chilli.
For a more Western flare, check out their Oriental Pastas like Chow Linguine Buttermilk Salted Egg Yolk Carbonara (RM30) or Linguine Goreng (RM32) made with river prawns, tofu puff, chicken breast, and kailan.
Jibby Chow also has their own version of the classic Char Kuew Teow (RM29)— this one comes with tenderloin beef and duck egg. Some other noodle dishes served here are Wanton Noodle Soup (RM30) and Beef Rib Eye Noodle Soup (RM33).
4, Jalan Telawi 4, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
+603 2201 8551
Daily: 10am – 10pm
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4. Sunny Garden
If you’re searching for a casual makan-makan place to lepak with friends, look no further than Sunny Garden in Kuala Lumpur. This Muslim-friendly Chinese restaurant makes trying out Chinese cuisine accessible with its simple and no-fuss environment. They’re ready to serve diners that come in groups, so bring your friends and family along!
Sunny Garden is mostly known for its dumplings. Even the signage at their storefront displays a picture of their dumplings. The eatery offers these pockets of explosive flavour cooked in 4 different ways: fried, boiled, steamed, and swimming in soup. As for the fillings, they have 4 kinds as well, which are Egg & Chives (RM13), Sam Xin Chicken (RM16), Beef & Spring Onion (RM16), and Mutton & Spring Onion (RM18).
The eatery is often praised for their noodles, too. You can get Mutton Rice Noodles (RM15), Minced Chicken Rice Noodles (RM12), and Braised Chicken Rice Noodles (RM10).
G-26, Platinum PV 128, Jalan Genting Kelang, Danau Kota, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+6017 224 4576
Daily: 11am – 10pm
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5. Amber Chinese Muslim Restaurant
Amber Chinese Muslim Restaurant started out in Bangsar South in 2015. Just 2 years later, they opened their 2nd branch in 1 Utama Shopping Centre. With the launch of their 3rd outlet located at KLCC Junction LGM Building, the restaurant has no plans of stopping.
They serve all kinds of dishes to cater to all taste buds. Some eye-catching items include the Clear Noodle with Red Peppers (RM19) for those craving something spicy, Roasted Lamb Chops (RM48.90), Smoked Fish Shanghai Style (RM28.90), and Si Chuan Spicy Duck (RM28.90).
The restaurant also offers set meals consisting of a main course, 2 sticks of chicken kebab, and 3 side dishes— sounds like a good deal to me! For RM21.90, you can opt for the Mushroom Lamb Noodle, Kung Pao Chicken Rice, or Braised Beef Rice.
For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, refer here.
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6. Mohd Chan
Named after the founder, Mohd Chan first opened its doors to the public in 2007. Ever since then, they’ve evolved to become Mohd Chan Group with nearly 20 outlets including 14 of the original Chinese restaurants, 3 Mohd Chan Express branches, Mohd Chan Dim Sum, and Mohd Chan by the Garden.
Mohd Chan is great for takeaways, quick bites, and sit down meals. If you don’t have much time to eat, check out their selection of noodles and fried rice. They have their Famous Char Kuey Teow (RM13.90) topped with prawns and fish cake, Dynasty Cantonese Ying Yong with Abalone Slices (RM15.90), and Rich Man Fried Rice (RM18.90) that comes with mussels, prawns, and squid.
For a full and hearty meal, the eatery has many side dishes to be paired with rice. They offer Sizzling Taufu (RM19), Salted Fish Chicken Pot with Eggplant (RM22.90), Kam Heong Beef (RM29.90), and Famous Chili Crab (RM42.80).
For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, refer here.
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7. HOMST Restaurant
HOMST’s journey began in 2002 when Chef Yusoff Lau bin Abdullah felt inspired to serve authentic Chinese cuisine to the Muslim community. Using only halal ingredients, HOMST has been a top choice for Muslim families ever since the launch of their very first outlet in Taman Tun Dr Ismail. 11 years later, they’ve grown to have 9 branches.
This restaurant is a casual dining spot perfect for weekend family outings. They have an extensive menu ranging from lala and steam fish to noodles and dim sum. If you’re unsure of what to pick, keep an eye out for the recommended dishes in the menu marked with a thumbs up icon.
Some of the popular delicacies at HOMST are their Salted Egg Yolk Soft Shell Crab (RM35), the Wantan Mee (RM12), and the Smoke Duck with Mantau (RM34). Other than that, they offer Kung Po Beef (RM23), Spicy Chicken Feet (RM7), and Ying Yang Kailan (RM18).
For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, refer here.
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8. Dolly Dim Sum
Dolly Dim Sum puts a modern spin on traditional Chinese tea houses. The franchise is loved by many, as seen by their ongoing expansion. As of 2023, Dolly Dim Sum has 10 outlets across Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
When you pay a visit to one of their eateries, you have to order their dim sum— it’s literally in their name! They serve classics like tender chicken and prawn dumplings called Siew Mai (RM10.80), as well as Szechuan Dumplings (RM12.80). Of course, they have the oh-so-addictive Egg Custard Bun (RM9.50) that oozes out sweet custard filling.
Dolly Dim Sum also has tasty eats like Cantonese-Style Yin Yang Noodle (RM26.90) made with vermicelli and hor fun noodles in an egg gravy, and Fried Radish Cake with Prawns (RM22.50) for some wok hei goodness. The restaurant even has Congee with Century Egg and Shredded Chicken (RM11.50).
For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, refer here.
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9. LèTen
Lèten is a Chinese restaurant that operates on the premise of redefining Asian classics by experimenting with different textures and flavours. Their goal is to introduce customers to the unique spices of Asia through fresh and high quality ingredients.
An important aspect of Chinese cuisine is that it’s mostly communal. Everyone sits around the table to share an array of delicious dishes, and dim sum is the epitome of that. Lèten offers Siew Mai topped with Ebiko (RM9.50), Signature Original Xiao Long Bao (RM11.90), and Steamed Rice Roll with Prawn Filling (RM15.90).
Other dishes to be shared include Szechuan Crispy Chicken (RM29.90), a spicy chicken dish full of dried chillies, and Stir-fried Marbled Australian Beef with Sweet Peas in Pepper Sauce (RM36.90). Pair your poultry with a hot plate of Popping Seafood Fried Rice (RM24.90) for that extra oomph.
For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, refer here.
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10. Toh Yuen
One of Hilton Petaling Jaya’s many gems, Toh Yuen, lures customers in with its authentic Chinese cuisine and luxe ambience. This restaurant is definitely a place to save for special occasions, as they have private dining rooms for you and your loved ones to dine in peace. The relaxed atmosphere leaves room for much needed catch-ups and reunions.
The beginning of the meal is the best time to ask about life updates, to exchange nods of acknowledgement and “oh my god, really?”s in between bites of deep fried snacks. Here, you can chat with your friends over appetisers like Chilled Abalone with Cucumber Mala Style (RM80) and Fried Prawn Ball with Beetroot Dressing (RM40).
Conversations grow deeper as the meal progresses. Sample their Braised Crab Meat and Fish Maw with Sweet Corn Broth (RM40) as you discuss future travel plans, or the Whole Crispy Roasted Duck (RM150) while you dissect the latest movie.
Before the gossip session draws to a close, treat yourselves to some dessert like Fried Chinese Pancake (RM30) or Almond Milk with Glutinous Rice Balls (RM20 per pax).
2, Jalan Barat, PJS 52, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
+603 7955 9122
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm & 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Closed on Sun
Website
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