Top 10 Kuala Lumpur street food destinations you must visit

I recommend that those who haven’t tried street food in a different country should definitely give it a go during their next trip. Who needs air conditioning when you can literally sit on a road and watch people go about their daily life whilst you immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.

During our recent work trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Rachel and I went the extra mile, taking numerous Grab rides and exploring on foot to discover several hidden street food gems. Such places are hard to find back in Singapore and we really enjoyed these nostalgic spots.

Without further ado, I present to you the top 10 street food destinations in Kuala Lumpur you should drop by for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or anytime you feel like, really.

1. Koon Kee 冠记

To savour a scrumptious plate of wanton mee in Petaling Street, keep an eye out for Koon Kee 冠记 which only opens for 4 hours each day. It’s conveniently located near an old uncle selling peanut pancakes at the front, making it easy to find.

If you’re visiting with a large group, expect a potential wait as the seating capacity is limited (only 5 tables). Additionally, exercise a bit of patience when interacting with the grumpy old lady who will direct you to take a seat once there’s an available spot.

This place does their own noodles which are super-fine and served with handcrafted caramelised char siew and wantons too. We topped up Steamed Chicken (+RM6) to our BBQ Pork & Dumplings Noodle (RM9.50) order.

Prepare to be amazed by the incredibly smooth and silky chicken, perfectly complemented by the spot-on texture and flavour of the noodles.

Rachel was utterly astonished by the delectable char siew, with its delightful layers of fat. The wantons which were served in a peppery broth were equally delicious with its tasty meat filling.

95, Jalan Hang Lekir, Petaling Street, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
+6017 885 1455
Daily: 10.30am – 2.30pm

2. Yooi Kee Chee Cheong Fun

Yooi Kee Chee Cheong Fun is a heritage business that’s been in operation since 1943 and is currently run by the 3rd generation that’s been doing it for the past 20 years. The menu is pretty straightforward, offering Soy Sauce + Oil, Chilli + Soy Sauce and the Signature Red Sauce + Chilli at RM5 for regular and RM6 for large.

The red sweet sauce is a secret recipe from the family’s grandfather who migrated from China to Malaya. To this day, they continue to practise the same method used to produce this iconic sauce.

The Signature Red Sauce + Chilli arrived in its simplest form, without the fancy char siew or prawns. It was served with just the red sauce, a sprinkling of sesame seeds, and chilli on the side. Despite lacking extravagant embellishments, it remained delicious in its simplicity.

In Malaysia’s tropical heat, quench your thirst with a selection of refreshing drinks, including Herbal Tea (RM4) and Honey Lemon (RM8) available at the stall.

21-27, Tang City Food Court, 40, Jalan Hang Lekir, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
+6013 678 4788
Thu to Tue: 6.30am – 3pm
Closed on Wed

3. Petaling Street Apek’s Apam

Positioned right in front of Koon Kee 冠记, Petaling Street Apek’s Apam captures attention with its quaint pushcart stall adorned with a colourful umbrella, reminiscent of a cherished museum exhibit.

Managed by the skilled 75-year-old Mr Loh, this stall has been delighting the people in Kuala Lumpur for more than three decades with its apam balik, affectionately known as min jiang kueh back in Singapore.

You can catch Mr Loh in action right in front of your eyes as he pours his pancake mixture into the griddle and sprinkles ground peanuts and sugar onto it.

We indulged in both the Coconut (RM1.10) and Peanut (RM1.60) variations, and both surpassed our expectations. The friendly aunty with Mr Loh proudly told us that they were the cheapest around Petaling Street.

Although the Coconut appeared unassuming, it delighted our taste buds with its rich flavour and airy texture. Meanwhile, the Peanut option provided a deeply gratifying experience.

Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Daily: 11am – 6pm

4. Nasi Lemak Tawaf

Nestled at the corner of Jalan Radin Anum 1, Nasi Lemak Tawaf has been a beloved roadside stall since its establishment in 1997. This humble eatery has garnered a reputation for its aromatic coconut rice and delectable assortment of side dishes, enticing patrons with its flavoursome offerings throughout the years.

Upon our arrival at 9am, Rachel and I were greeted by a sight that hinted at its popularity— a lengthy queue had already begun to form in front of us. As we eagerly awaited our turn, we noticed the efficient system in place.

Each customer was handed a funnel topped with a piece of waxed paper, generously filled with fragrant coconut rice. You may inform the staff if you desire more or less carbs.

The array of delectable side dishes beckoned to us, inviting us to help ourselves and choose the accompaniments that we desire. We got a piece of ayam masak merah, quail egg sambal, sunny side-up and prawns with petai. The staff finished it up with sambal, cucumbers and the iconic combination of ikan bilis and peanuts.

The total bill amounted to RM16.20, and without a doubt, every dollar spent was well worth it. The fragrant coconut rice and tantalising side dishes were tasty and perfectly spiced. If you’re not as crazy as us, they also have simpler options like Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng (RM7) and Nasi Lemak Kambing (RM9).

Nasi Lemak Tawaf also sells an assortment of nasi goreng, noodle dishes and tom yum soup from lunch onwards. I highly recommend this spot to any of my Singaporean friends who are looking for delicious Kuala Lumpur street food.

1, Jalan Radin Anum, Bandar Baru Sri Petaling, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
+6012 237 7504
Mon: 5.30pm – 12am
Tue & Wed: 8am – 12pm & 5.30pm – 12am
Thu to Sun: 8am – 12am
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5. Cendol Durian Kampung Baru

Rachel and I explored Kampung Baru, a genuine local street food district just outside Kuala Lumpur’s City Centre. There were roadside food stalls, restaurants, and stands selling fresh vegetables, fruits, and local produce, all without a single tourist in sight.

The pungent scent of durian lured us to Cendol Durian Kampung Baru, a brightly-lit stall adorned in a green and yellow colour palette, reminiscent of the king of fruits. We ignored the Cendol Biasa and Cendol Pulut and shifted our attention on the durian options: Cendol Durian Musang King (RM20), Cendol Durian D24 (RM20) and Cendol Durian Udang Merah (RM25).

Regrettably, during our visit, Cendol Durian D24 was the only option available among the 3. I felt that D24 had become a long-forgotten variant, overshadowed by the emergence of mao shan wang and red prawn. Thus, it was a pleasant experience to rediscover it once more.

The meat was loaded and unbelievably fragrant. It paired with the yummy gula melaka, pandan jelly and creamy coconut milk perfectly.

47B, Jalan Raja Alang, Kampung Baru, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
+6014 264 4441
Daily: 11am – 12am
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6. Aiskrim Goreng Legend

A mere 10-minute stroll away from Cendol Durian Kampung Baru (spot #5), you’ll find Aiskrim Goreng Legend located just behind Quill City Mall along Jalan Dewan Sultan Sulaiman Satu.

It was an adorable makeshift food stall housed in a van which was parked next to other cars (the epitome of Kuala Lumpur street food). The surrounding area is also filled with Muslim-friendly eateries and snack stands.

With a mini frying pan perched atop a compact portable stove at the back, Mr. Din Ahmad prepares your order right before your eyes. Despite the limited setup, they offer a total of 8 delectable choices. However, upon our arrival, a few of the items had already been sold out.

We opted for the most expensive option, the Oreo (RM4), and also tried 2 other flavours: Keladi (Yam) (RM3) and Coklat (RM3).

The Keladi and Coklat were lusciously rich and delicious but the Oreo turned out to be a little disappointing. The flavour predominantly came across as vanilla rather than cookies. Despite being fried, the bread managed to retain its fluffy and soft texture, while possessing crispy edges.

47, Jalan Dewan Sultan Sulaiman Satu, Off Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory Of Kuala Lumpur 
Wed to Mon: 7.30am – 12am
Closed on Tue
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7. Brickfields Pisang Goreng

For over 3 decades, Brickfields Pisang Goreng, situated opposite the YMCA in Brickfields, has been diligently frying up delectable treats such as battered bananas, sesame balls, nian gao, and curry puff.

Presently, this Kuala Lumpur street food establishment is managed by a father and son duo, the Chiams. The stall enjoys a constant influx of long queues, especially on weekends, with waiting times stretching up to 30 minutes during busy lunch hours.

It’s known that Uncle Chiam acquired the art of frying banana fritters from a master in Penang. The Pisang Goreng (RM1.60) is prepared freshly, with each banana peeled and fried on the spot. As a result, every piece is renowned for being incredibly crispy and sweet.

The Bola Bijan (RM1.60) are stretchy mochi-like balls encrusted with loads of nutty sesame seeds while the Kuih Bakal (RM1.60) is a delightful crispy combination of purple yam and nian gao.

The flaky Curry Puffs (RM1.80) are filled with chunks of chicken and potato, with a super savoury curry mixture.

21-19, Jalan Thambipillay, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+6012 617 2511
Daily: 12pm – 5pm

8. 168 Claypot Chicken rice

168 Claypot Chicken Rice at Jalan Kecil does not cater to the breakfast and lunch crowd and only opens at 4pm. They say patience is a virtue, and it truly pays off, especially when the food is good. Be prepared to wait over an hour during peak crowded situations.

From miles away, the tantalising aroma of the charcoal stoves draws you in. The rice is painstakingly cooked from scratch in traditional claypots, infusing the dish with a distinct and delightful smokey flavour.

The Kecil (small) portion of Claypot Chicken Rice is priced at RM14, while the Besar (large) portion will cost you RM22 (suitable for 2 to 3 pax). It contains chicken pieces as well as several pieces of lup cheong (Chinese sausage).

The stall also sells bowls of Watercress Soup (RM8/RM10), White Radish Soup (RM8/RM10), Choy Sum (RM8/RM10), Cabbage (RM8/RM10) and other dishes to go along with your rice.

21, Jalan Kancil, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
+6017 635 6443
Thu to Tue: 4pm – 10pm
Closed on Wed
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9. Mansion Tea Stall

Conveniently located at Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Mansion Tea Stall serves all kinds of roti. But no visit is complete without giving the Roti Special (RM3.70) a go.

Imagine a plate of flaky roti canai drenched in flavourful curry and dhal, accompanied by spicy sambal, and served alongside 2 perfectly half-boiled eggs. It’s a delight for your taste buds!

The menu also boasts a variety of delectable options, such as Roti John (RM2.40) and Roti Sardin (S$4.80). If you’re like me who thinks that carbs make us happier, then go for their mains like Nasi Goreng Kampung (RM6), Mee Goreng Campur (RM6), and Kuey Teow Ayam (RM9); hopefully it will put a smile on your face.

To complement your meal, you can wash it all down with a refreshing glass of Neslo (RM2.80), Teh Ding Dong (RM1.80), or a cup of aromatic Bru Coffee (RM2.20).

Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
+6012 331 1456
Daily: 8am – 12am

10. Curry Chee Cheong Fun 为食街咖喱咖喱猪肠粉

Curry Chee Cheong Fun 为食街咖喱咖喱猪肠粉 at Wai Sek Kai serves the curry version of chee cheong fun which is my absolute favourite. For 5 decades, this family-run business has poured their heart and soul into crafting these neighbourhood-famous flat rice noodle rolls. The place exudes a rustic charm and is mainly managed by 2 elderly gentlemen who are incredibly warm and charming.

The plates of velvety chee cheong fun are drenched in their spicy homemade curry sauce, which leaves your tongue tingling. The addition of sesame seeds and crunchy shrimp bits elevates its flavour.

But just when you think that’s all there is, the chewy pig skin slices take the whole experience to another level of satisfaction. The stall sells its Curry Pig Skin Chee Cheong Fun at RM6 or you can settle for the Plain Curry Chee Cheong Fun at RM5.

Wai Sek Kai, Pudu Jalan Sayur, Off Jalan Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
Daily: 4pm – 10.30pm

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