The tastiest street eats in Kuala Lumpur

The touristy Petaling Street may be littered with cheap name-brand knockoffs but this discreet noodle joint is why you should really visit. A mom-and-pop noodle shop, Koon Kee Wantan Mee hides behind an apam balik (Asian foldover pancake) cart that only locals know where to find. The main draw? Bouncy handmade noodles coated in luscious dark soy sauce and a liberal hand of crispy lard. The accompaniments of caramelised char siew, plump meat dumplings, braised chicken feet, and jewels of braised mushrooms complete the world-class plate. Prices start from RM9.

WHERE 95, Jalan Hang Lekir, Petaling Street, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Since the 70s, Kam Heong has affirmed its cult status with its Teochew-style braised ducks. The Petaling Jaya native won the hearts of many with its tender and succulent duck and delectable sides of homemade salted vegetables, braised egg, and zesty chilli. Though the indulgence isn’t complete without an aromatic bowl of duck-fat rice, other notable dishes are the collagen-rich braised pork trotters, braised intestines, gizzards, and the rarity of duck intestines. Fun fact, the joint peddles about 120 ducks over a typical weekend so if you want to have a taste of it, you best arrive before 6pm.

WHERE No 8, Jalan Tengah, Bandar Baru Petaling Jaya, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

Can’t claim you’ve been to KL if you’ve not had this blackened plate of wok-breath noodles. At this 50-year-old late-night joint, supper lovers are treated to just that. Each robust plate bears the fruit of tossing noodles and dark soy sauce in extremely high heat, giving its signature caramel-like flavour. Though admittedly, it is the moonlight hor fun that stole the show – at least for us. The flat strands of rice noodles hold enough wok hei to satisfy and come along with a handful of pork, prawns and vegetables. The cracked egg atop simply accentuates the silky texture of the dish, making it far more irresistible than the headlining Hokkien mee.

WHERE Kedai Kopi Dan Makanan Hong Lai, 83, Jalan Genting Klang, Setapak, Kuala Lumpur

Located in Klang, this family-run restaurant serves up the iconic bak kut teh in both dry and soup versions. The former emerges as the victor in terms of overall taste as each tender rib comes coated in the sweet yet spicy sauce. Craving the soup version? Don’t come expecting a light broth; the personal clay pots are instead filled with a viscous gravy that is rich and savoury. Definitely order a plate of fried dough fritters to soak up the meat essences that come from the long and arduous simmering process done each morning. Before you leave, check out the owner’s neon orange-hued pet iguana by the exit and if you’re lucky, he might let you feed it with some snacks.

WHERE 115, Jalan Tengku Badar, Kawasan 13, 42000 Pelabuhan Klang, Selangor, Malaysia

This local hunt is well-loved for its porridge. A stickler for tradition, the owners still do it the old school way by long boiling chicken bones with the porridge on the daily. This brings forth an inimitable faint sweet savouriness that triggers nostalgia for a time when MSG isn’t widely used to flavour everything. The humble bowl comes velvety smooth, bejewelled with crunchy pork intestines and a splash of sesame oil. For maximum pleasure, order a serving of succulent steamed chicken on the side – you will thank us later.

WHERE 92, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Sharing the same space as Low Yau Kee Porridge, this noodle joint was established in 1945, straight after the Second World War. Here, fork-tender slices of fresh beef come in a light beef broth with beef balls and crunchy beef tripe. While we found that the fresh beef slices are a tad too corn-starched, the highlight was the handmade beef balls that were bouncy yet firm to bite. A comforting bowl of noodles plastered with a bean-paste meat sauce comes as the sidekick. Prices start from RM10.

WHERE 92, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

This unassuming bowl of pork noodles isn’t like most bak chor mee bowls in Singapore – where tomato sauce and vinegar are commonly added to the sauce mix. Here in Selangor, Ah Beh serves up a soupy bowl that is intensely flavoured with garlic, pork bones, and of course, fresh pork lard. Things move quickly around here so make sure you know which noodle base to choose from: kway teow, bee hoon, or mee tai mak. Dubbed a hog in a bowl, this isn’t for the faint-hearted diner as your noodles will arrive with a liberal serving of pig intestines, liver, and kidneys. The snappy offcuts are as fresh as they can get, so now’s the time to commit if you’re thinking of popping your offal cherry. Otherwise, you can go for the smoky char kway teow adjacent to Ah Beh.

WHERE 2, Jalan Bunga Tanjung 9, Taman Muda, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Malaysia

If you find yourself musing over fresh hand-pulled noodles and dumplings in Chinatown, this is definitely your jaunt. The 30-year-old halal joint is serviced by a bunch of efficient Chinese Muslims that keep it simple and utilitarian, so your plates arrive pronto. Dumplings are pan-fried at the entrance which attracts a load of tourists to dine alfresco but venture inwards, and you’ll find yourself dining with locals. Each golden ingot is crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and is best eaten with a punchy dose of chilli oil crisps. And if you’re not a fan of chicken dumplings, there is the option for lamb or beef which did not arrive gamey. Spiced skewers are also available to supplement those looking to feast.

WHERE 36, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia