Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant destination in southeast Asia with gleaming skyscrapers and colonial architecture. As the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is home to thousands of hawker stalls, cafés and restaurants serving every type of delicacy imaginable. Often considered as a melting pot of cultures, the city has a vast culinary landscape to explore when dining in Kuala Lumpur. To narrow your choices here are the top ten places to eat in the Malaysian capital.
Opposite to Kuala Lumpur City Centre Park, Dewakan, meaning ‘food from God’ offers a heavenly dining experience. Surrounded by impressive city views from the 48th floor of the Naza Tower, the tasting menu features seasonal and experimental dishes. Floor to ceiling windows add a bright and luxurious atmosphere during the day and an enchanting energy at night. As a Michelin- starred restaurant in Malaysia, this is a must visit if you’re looking for luxury dining in Kuala Lumpur.
Located close to the Petaling Steet Market, Koon Kee is one of the best street food destinations in Kuala Lumpur. A must try is the plate of wanton mee, a popular noodle dish, and can be served dry or like a soup. Koon Kee crafts its own noodles, which are super fine and served with homemade caramelised char siew and wantons. Well known for its steamed chicken and BBQ pork, Koon Kee should be on your bucket list for eating in Kuala Lumpur. Make sure you plan ahead as this street food vendor is only open between 10.30am and 2.30pm.
Cantaloupe at Troika Sky Dining
Cantaloupe sets an intimate dining experience with moody lighting and unrivalled views of the Petronas Towers. With a five-course seasonal menu, Cantaloupe offers a variety of traditional and contemporary tastes from poached lobster with caviar to locally grown Chitose strawberries and fresh ice cream. For important business dinners, this restaurant in Kuala Lumpur is perfect and offers a sophisticated city experience.
Looking for the perfect breakfast in Kuala Lumpur? Well, LOKL Coffee Co. serves an international-style breakfast and coffee in an atmospheric setting. With both Western and Asian style dishes this restaurant in Kuala Lumpur is a great place for brunch with family or friends.
Yooi Kee Chee Cheong Fun is a part of Kuala Lumpur’s heritage that has been in operation since 1943 and currently run by the 3rd generation. With a straightforward menu, this street food restaurant offers 3 different sauces which are secret recipes. Its simplicity is loved by locals and appreciated by tourists, making this a must try street food in Kuala Lumpur.
Part of the joy of eating at Entier is the dish presentation, as this restaurant in Kuala Lumpur is known for it’s incredible plating skills. Named from an old French world meaning “whole” or “entire”, this is the inspiration behind this restaurant. The menu offers sophisticated dishes including lobster with fresh chestnuts and fermented coffee as well as a rich soufflé. This exquisite French dining experience is authentic yet still keeps some Malaysian traditions.
Ember is a trendy restaurant with bold Asian ingredients to create exquisite flavours and is perfect if you’re looking for upmarket restaurants in Kuala Lumpur. Expect dry-aged meats, vegetables and seafood grilled to perfection. This cool spot in the Taman Tun area of Kuala Lumpur is a Michelin-starred restaurant and offers a contemporary interior. The sustainable kitchen selects its menu based on what’s in season and currently available at local markets.
Tucked away near Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur, Merchant’s Lane Café offers a vintage interior with turquoise accents. With an excellent ambience and a variety of delicious local, western, and fusion dishes, Merchant’s Lane Café is a great dining experience in Kuala Lumpur for a business brunch or lunch.
If you’re looking for a restaurant in Kuala Lumpur with a more subtle interior and menu, Li might be right up your street. Inspired by Malaysian produce and culture, and how this can inspire the future, Li is located in the Taman Megan area of the city. With a contemporary interior, the restaurant and wine bar features sharing meat dishes, vegetables from local markets and experimental drinks. For dessert the lychee with coconut milk, meringue and lime granite gets rave reviews. Clean white walls and old wooden chairs evokes a minimalist vibe while the food is sure to excite your taste buds.
A top tip - before you order check out the specials on the blackboard, there’s always something new on there!
The Terrace at Tamarind Springs
Nestled among lush rainforest, the Terrace at Tamarind Springs displays a delectable feast of steaming Thai hot pots, freshly grilled seafood as well as traditional Thai dishes. The restaurant interior is a unique blend of traditional yet modern architecture. Only using fresh sustainably sourced ingredients from local farms, a dining experience at Tamarind Springs is a treat for all the senses.
From high-end dining to great local spots, Kuala Lumpur offers the best of traditional and international cuisine. If you’re planning a corporate trip to Kuala Lumpur why not check out our corporate traveller guide, which will provide you with all the information you need for your visit.
