TOKLFDA2018 Shortlist: Best Malay/Malaysian

The retro interiors at Ali, Muthu & Ah Hock with wooden chairs and marble tables bring to mind the kopitiams of old. Classic Malaysian go-to dishes are served throughout the day, which cover everything from nasi lemak with ayam berempah (a crowd favourite) and mee goreng to Nyonya laksa.  

The crowds flock to Village Park for many things, chief among them the signature nasi lemak with ayam goreng – a plate of steaming fragrant rice paired with fried chicken that has kept long-time customers coming and regularly enticed new diners. But it’s not just about the nasi lemak here; you should also try the lontong and nasi dagang with ikan tonggol.

Madam Kwan’s is a reliable choice offering local favourites served with a side of nostalgia within the comforts of a restaurant environment. Popular options include the aromatic nasi lemak, and the crowd-pleasing tri-coloured nasi bojari with all the fixings – assam prawns, fried chicken and beef rendang.

Owned by celebrity chef Dato’ Chef Ismail and astronaut Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, Restoran Rebung serves lunch and dinner buffets that offer authentic (and extensive) spreads of traditional Malay dishes. In-house specialties include gulai kawah, gulai tempoyak ikan patin, siput sedut masak lemak, ulam and more. If you’re here for high tea, go for the serawa durian.

A restobar with chequered flooring and rattan chairs, Beta KL offers modern Malaysian fare, celebrating local ingredients in contemporary dishes inspired by cuisines from all over the country. What you can expect here are familiar dishes presented in surprising ways – for example the Inverted Karipap, or the Peking Duck-styled duck leg with roti canai.