A Food Lover's Guide to Kuala Lumpur for New Arrivals

The Foundation: Hawker Food and Kopitiam Culture

Malaysian hawker food is the bedrock of daily eating. Mamak stalls (Indian-Muslim, open 24 hours), Chinese kopitiam (traditional coffee shops), and Malay gerai (outdoor stalls) are in every neighbourhood. A full kopitiam breakfast rarely exceeds RM 8.

Signature Dishes to Try First

• Nasi Lemak — coconut rice with sambal, anchovies, egg, cucumber. The national breakfast.
• Char Kway Teow — wok-fried flat rice noodles, prawns, egg, bean sprouts. Best from old-school Chinese stalls.
• Roti Canai — flaky flatbread with dal or curry sauce. Available at any mamak, at any hour.
• Bak Kut Teh — pork rib herbal broth soup. A weekend morning institution.
• Laksa — Malaysian coconut curry noodle broth. Penang's Assam laksa is very different — try both.
• Hainanese Chicken Rice — poached or roast chicken over fragrant rice with chilli sauce. Simple, everywhere, excellent.

By Neighbourhood

• Mont Kiara (Arte area): Publika's cosmopolitan restaurant scene, Village Grocer for groceries
• Ampang Hilir (Atrium area): Jalan Ampang restaurant strip, Ampang Point kopitiams
• Sultan Ismail (Regalia area): Chow Kit market and hawker stalls, Bukit Bintang fine dining 10 min
• KL Sentral (Sunway Belfield area): Nu Sentral food court, Mid Valley dining

Food Delivery

GrabFood and Foodpanda cover virtually all of KL. Hundreds of restaurants, 30–45 minute delivery, reasonable prices.

All RGP Homes units come with a fully equipped kitchen. The best of KL's food culture is accessible from any of our four locations. rgphomes.com.my