Best of Kuala Lumpur
Where locals eat in Kuala Lumpur
Start with Nasi Ayam Chee Meng in Bukit Bintang / Kelang Lama for steamed Hainanese chicken rice, with salted-egg-yolk squid on the side, Restoran Kin Kin in Kampung Baru / Chow Kit and Soong Kee Beef Noodles in Petaling Street / Chinatown for kon lou. Here are all 5, with what to get at each.
- Nasi Ayam Chee MengBukit Bintang / Kelang Lama · institution
Get: Steamed Hainanese chicken rice, with salted-egg-yolk squid on the side
- Restoran Kin KinKampung Baru / Chow Kit · counter
Get: Chilli pan mee: springy noodles, poached egg, minced pork, anchovies, dry-fried chilli
- Hing Kee Bakuteh (Jalan Kepong)Kepong
Get: Bak kut teh, mild herbal soup or the thicker dry-spicy version
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What are the local restaurants in Kuala Lumpur?
Chef Amazing’s picks start with Nasi Ayam Chee Meng (Bukit Bintang / Kelang Lama), Restoran Kin Kin (Kampung Baru / Chow Kit) and Soong Kee Beef Noodles (Petaling Street / Chinatown). All 5 places are on this page with what to get, where they are and a map.
What should I order?
At Nasi Ayam Chee Meng, get steamed Hainanese chicken rice, with salted-egg-yolk squid on the side. At Restoran Kin Kin, get chilli pan mee: springy noodles, poached egg, minced pork, anchovies, dry-fried chilli. At Soong Kee Beef Noodles, get kon lou (dry) beef noodles. At Heun Kee Claypot Chicken Rice, get charcoal-cooked chicken claypot rice with Chinese sausage.
How does Chef Amazing pick these?
From Chef Amazing’s city guide and lists for Kuala Lumpur: the places critics, chefs and locals keep recommending, checked and kept current, with what to order at each. Nobody pays to be on them.
More in Kuala Lumpur
Local restaurants in other cities
Places change: check hours before you go. Pins come from addresses and OpenStreetMap and can be a little off. Updated October 25, 2026.