Eating Out
What to Eat
Malaysia offers a wide range of food choices, ranging from fine dining to street food. Breakfast is usually served 6–10.30am, lunch 11.30am–2.30pm and dinner 6.30–11pm, although some places open until 2am or even later. However, you can usually find restaurants or stalls serving food any time of the day.
Ethnic and religious influences play a role in determining ingredients used and the preparation of dishes. Restaurants holding halal certification indicate that they follow strict Muslim dietary regulations and do not serve pork or alcohol. All restaurants offer the use of table utensils, but at some eateries (especially where roti canai or rice is served) customers prefer to use their hands. If you are using your hands to eat, use your right hand, never your left. Scoop up the rice with your fingers only, not onto your palm.
Certain dishes are associated with the festive occasions celebrated in the country. Lemang (rice cooked with coconut in a hollowed bamboo stick over charcoal or wood fire) and rendang (meat curry) are associated with Hari Raya Aidil Fitri. Snacks such as laddu and muruku are favourites during Deepavali. And no Chinese New Year celebration would be complete without the tossing of yee sang, a fish salad with sweet dressing.
Vegetarian options can be found at Chinese and Indian restaurants as encouraged by Buddhist and Hindu beliefs.
For the full Malaysian experience, try the local fare, which is not only different according to where you are, but subdivides into ethnic and regional varieties too. Peranakan (or Nonya) cuisine, which combines Chinese and Malay ingredients and cooking styles, is best enjoyed in Melaka and Penang. Popular dishes include kari kapitan (curry chicken) and otak-otak (fishcake with spices steamed in banana leaf). The east coast states of Kelantan and Terengganu offer authentic Malay cuisine, including rice and fish dishes such as nasi dagang and barbecued chicken (ayam percik). In the south, Batu Pahat, Johor, is known for its nasi briyani gam (rice cooked with spices and raisins) and Muar for its mee bandung (noodles with prawns and beef in gravy).
Sarawak has its own specialities derived from its Malay, Indian, Chinese and Dayak heritages. The spicy Sarawak laksa is a big favourite, as is umei – a Melanau dish of raw, marinated fish blended with limes, chilli and shallots. Fresh seafood, venison, wild boar, pansoh manok – an Iban chicken dish cooked in bamboo tubes with rice wine – are not to be missed. In Kuching, the old streets of Chinatown are lined with coffee shops serving fresh Chinese noodle dishes. Sabah is known for its excellent seafood, as well as its vegetable dishes. Best of all is sayur manis, a green leafy vegetable with a slightly crunchy stem and sweet green leaves. Try it in oyster sauce.
Where to Eat
Fine-dining establishments are found mainly in the cities or the tourist belt, but elsewhere restaurants and food stalls are readily available. All of Malaysia’s medium- and top- class hotels have decent restaurants, with some of the nation’s best found in five-star hotels.
In addition to Malaysian cuisine, restaurants serving Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mediterranean and Vietnamese food are easily found. The best regional food is often served in hawker stalls, sold on the streets or in coffee shops. The main shopping malls will also have a range of food choices, and an assortment of street foods can be found at pasar malams (night markets), which include restaurants, fast-food places, food courts and places for nibbles. Although you can sometimes get authentic preparations in restaurants, the atmosphere at these venues cannot be replicated.
Drinking Notes
Alcohol is expensive in Malaysia compared with some other Asian destinations. It is freely available in pubs, hotels, Western restaurants and Chinese eateries, as well as in supermarkets in most towns, though less so in the traditionally Islamic states of Terengganu and Kelantan.
Wine is growing in popularity and easily found at Western restaurants, wine shops and supermarkets. Imported beer is mostly served at pubs, beer bars and microbrewing outlets. Local brews include toddy and rice wines such as tuak and li hing. Toddy is made from the fermented sap of coconut palm. If trying this brew, make sure it comes from a regulated source.
Local coffee and tea pack a punch, and may be too sweet for unsuspecting drinkers as they are sometimes served with condensed milk and sugar. Ipoh white coffee has won a wide following because of its creamy smooth taste and strong flavour. Teh tarik (pulled tea) is also a Malaysian favourite. Tea is poured back and forth with outstretched arms from a mug into a glass.
Price Categories
Price per person for a three-course meal without drinks:
$ = under RM30
$$ = RM30–60
$$$ = RM60–90
$$$$ = over RM90
Kuala Lumpur and Environs
Kuala Lumpur
Arab
Al-Amar
Lot 6.10, Level-6, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang
Tel: 03-2166 1011
Lebanese lamps, shishas, plush red chairs and weekend themed entertainment set the tone for a fine Lebanese dining experience here. Of note are the delicious manakeesh with selections of toppings including zaatar, spinach and cheese, while the kaftas and grills are consistently juicy and well marinated. $$$$
Al-Andalus
48 Jalan Damai, off Jalan Ampang
Tel: 03-2144 9414
The customers are largely Middle Eastern, which is testament to the quality of this restaurant. Dine alfresco on balmy evenings on a tasty tajine with saffron rice and a fattoush (pitta bread salad) and end your meal with an Arabic coffee. This is also where you get arguably the cheapest shisha in town. $$
Sahara Tent
41 & 43 Jalan Sultan Ismail
Tel: 03-2144 8310
This is one of the oldest Arab eateries in Kuala Lumpur, now in a new location. Its popular buffets are as varied as ever, the notable dishes including creamy hummous and tender lamb. Vegetarian options are good, such as the chef’s speciality, which features eggplant, and the vine-leaf waraq-enab. $$
Asian & Southeast Asian
Baan26
26 Changkat Bukit Bintang
Tel: 03-2142 8878
All the usual Thai favourites are cooked well in this restaurant, whose pink-and-yellow decor would not go amiss in the streets of Bangkok. The food is full-bodied and can be spicy. Drinks are reasonably priced for this area, although diners might find that the bar gets a little loud after 10pm. $$
Ginger Restaurant
Lot M12, Central Market
Jalan Hang Kasturi
Tel: 03-2273 7371
Tucked away on the upper level of Central Market, the eatery dishes up great Thai fare, including the creamy green curry chicken, refreshing mango kerabu salad and a wicked tom yam soup. A good place to take a break from souvenir shopping. $$
Sao Nam
25 Tengkat Tong Shin
Tel: 03-2144 1225
Featuring a contemporary approach to traditional Vietnamese cuisine. The mangosteen salad is unique and so popular that regulars ring to pre-order. Reservations are essential. A well-priced wine list complements the superb food. $$$
Still Waters
Hotel Maya, 138 Jalan Ampang
Tel: 03-2711 8866
This serene, small restaurant is known for its exquisite sosaku (creative) cuisine, combining Japanese and Western ingredients. However, patrons can also now select from a Cantonese menu. $$$$
Tamarind Springs
Jalan 1, Taman Tun Abdul Razak, Ampang Jaya
Tel: 03-4256 9300
www.samadhiretreats.com/dining-experiences.html
Like its sister restaurant Tamarind Hill (19 Jalan Sultan Ismail; tel: 03-2148 3200), this atmospheric, open-concept outlet specialises in Indochinese cuisine – Thai, Laotian, Cambodian and Vietnamese. It has a complimentary shuttle bus service from major hotels in KL. $$$
Chinese
Esquire Kitchen
1st floor, Sungei Wang Plaza
Jalan Sultan Ismail
Tel: 03-2110 0264
Juicy Shanghainese fried dumplings and Shanghainese steamed meat dumplings are the specialities to go for in this popular chain restaurant. Other offerings include the signature Tung-Po meat, a saucy pork dish. If a snack is all you want, the Chinese pastries are delicious. $$
Hakka Restaurant
6 Jalan Kia Peng
Tel: 03-2143 1908
With a heritage of over 50 years of solid Hakka culinary tradition, this family-run restaurant is the best place for authentic Hakka food. Unmissable are the Hakka noodles with minced pork sauce, mui choy kau yuk (braised pork belly layered with preserved vegetables) and the unique stewed fish head with fermented red rice. $$
Li Yen
The Ritz-Carlton
168, Jalan Imbi
Tel: 03-2142 8000
www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/KualaLumpur/Dining/LiYen/Default.htm
Fine Cantonese fare in a sumptuous setting is on offer at this award-winning restaurant. Be pampered by faultless service and enjoy live classical music every evening as you dine on classics such as Peking duck, suckling piglet and pork ribs. There is also an excellent spread of dim sum at lunchtime. $$$$
Nam Heong
56 Jalan Sultan
Tel: 03-2078 5879
Hainanese chicken rice is a staple for many Malaysians and Nam Heong is one of the city’s oldest names in chicken rice. While Nam Heong has become a brand, the food in this historic outlet is still good: a simple meal of “white” or roast chicken with rice cooked in chicken stock accompanied by garlic and chilli sauces. $
Purple Cane Tea Restaurant
The KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall
1 Jalan Maharajalela
Tel: 03-2272 3090
“Tea cuisine” is served in a calm ambience, food in which Chinese tea is an ingredient, yes, even in the desserts. However, besides being most visible in the rice, the tea flavour is very subtle. The Cantonese style has lots of vegetarian options in the form of green vegetables and tofu. The range of high-quality tea to have with your meal is naturally huge. $$
Soong Kee Beef Noodles
3 Jalan Tun Tan Siew Sin
Tel: 03-2078 1484
The best beef dumplings in the city are here at Soong Kee. Enjoy them in soup, accompanied by springy egg noodles tossed in a soy-based sauce with minced beef and garlic. These Hakka specialities are wonderful dipped in the own-made hot and sour garlic–chilli sauce. $
Yut Kee
35 Jalan Dang Wangi
Tel: 03-2698 8108
A rare traditional Hainanese coffee shop where the roti babi is still served, a deep-fried meat sandwich served with Worcestershire sauce. The shop is also famous for its kaya (coconut jam), good with toast for breakfast or in a Swiss roll for tea. Note that it is usually packed. $
European
Ciao Ristorante
20A Jalan Kampung Pandanoff Jalan Tun Razak
Tel: 03-9285 4827
Relocated to a gorgeous bungalow, this well-established Italian restaurant continues to use high-quality ingredients to make straightforward tasty meals. The menu ranges from fresh pasta dishes and pizzas to succulent lamb. The set lunches are good value. $$$
Cilantro Restaurant
MiCasa All-Suite Hotel
368B Jalan Tun Razak
Tel: 03-2179 8000
www.micasahotel.com/dining.html
Exquisite dishes that combine French and Japanese cooking styles and ingredients. The amuse-bouche and clear soups have a devout following, while the inspiring main courses include the likes of the classic French Maine lobster in Américaine sauce and grilled Japanese wagyu. $$$$
Cuisine Gourmet by Nathalie
Menara Taipan
Jalan Puncak, Off Jalan P. Ramlee
Tel: 03-2072 4452
www.nathaliegourmetstudio.com
Self-taught chef and caterer Nathalie Arbefeuille has been wowing Kuala Lumpur with modern French cuisine in her fine-dining outlet. The creative menu changes monthly, and diners can select from the à la carte menu or the set menu, which includes a dégustation option. Not to be missed are her signature macaroons. $$$$
La Bodega
Level 3, Pavilion KL
168 Jalan Bukit Bintang
Tel: 03-2148 8018
The newest outlet of one of the longest-standing hangouts in Bangsar, this chic, cosy Catalan eatery serves tapas favourites such as spicy prawns Andalusia-style, grilled lamb cutlets with garlic mayonnaise, and lobster and prawn croquettes. The restaurant is accessible from the mall taxi stand. $$$
Racks Bar and Baby Backs
18-1 Changkat Bukit Bintang Tel: 03-2110 1550
Undistinguishable in decor from the rest of the trendy, hip Changkat row, this eatery is notable for its pork offerings, which range from pigs-in-blanket appetisers to burger variations and ribs galore. Chase the food down with test-tube shooters, which come in a rack if there are enough of you. Opens until late. $$$
Weissbräu
Level 3, Pavilion
168 Jalan Bukit BintangTel: 03-2142 0288
This German bistro dishes up hearty platters of pork sausages, schnitzel and a superb pork knuckle, which you can wash down with a range of German beers. For lighter meals, try the regional favourites of the flammkuchen pancake or spätzle noodles. $$$
Indian
Olive Tree
G6–G7 Menara Hap Seng
Jalan P. Ramlee
Tel: 03-2031 7887
This cheerful contemporary restaurant serves up good North Indian tandooris, kebabs, dhals and breads. The biryani house special is a treat featuring chicken, lamb and prawn. The lunch buffets are particularly popular. $$$
Passage Thru India
4A Jalan Delima, off Jalan Bukit Bintang (behind the Indonesian Embassy)
Tel: 03-2145 0366
Housed in a bungalow, this restaurant has a cosy interior decorated with Indian collectables. It is best for tandoori prawns, chicken tikka, naan breads and delicious, creamy lassi (yoghurt drink). Live traditional music is played on Thur–Sun evenings. $$$
Sangeetha Vegetarian Restaurant
65 Lebuh Ampang
Tel: 03-2032 3333
Simple, spicy South Indian vegetarian thali (platter) meals are the pride of this eatery. Try the Sangeetha Special Thali for its assorted yoghurts, dhals, vegetables and spicy rassam soup with rice. Complete your meal with a semolina kesari from the chat North Indian dessert counter with Indian filter coffee. $
Saravanaa Bhavan
1007 Selangor Mansion, Jalan Masjid India
Tel: 03-2287 1228
For a global chain, this Tamil Nadu, India-originating eatery consistently dishes out outstanding vegetarian food. The variety available is unique in Malaysia; try one of the numerous bread options such as a dosa or uthappam or a larger meal of pulao (rice) and various curries. Other outlets are in Bangsar and Petaling Jaya. $$
Sri Paandi Restaurant
254 Jalan Tun Sambanthan
BrickfieldsTel: 014-6462 588
A favourite for hearty Tamil banana-leaf fare that you can savour virtually 24 hours a day, which suits Malaysians just fine. This is also a good place to start your morning, with tasty puri or roti canai breads and teh tarik or local coffee. Rice meals are served after 10.30am. There is also an outlet in Petaling Jaya. $
Vishalachirs Food Catering
19 Jalan Travers, Brickfields
Tel: 03-2274 6819
This simple Chettiar family-run restaurant serves excellent traditional meals that are subtle blends of sweet, sour and lightly spicy. A typical meal offers rice on banana leaf with dhal and condiments such as puli kulambu (tamarind curry) and rassam (spicy soup), ending with sweet payasam (pudding). There is also a branch on the other side of Brickfields on Jalan Scott. $
International
Alexis BSC
Lot F51a, 1st Floor
Bangsar Shopping Centre
285 Jalan Maarof
Tel: 03-2287 1388
www.alexis.com.my/html/bangsar.html
Alexis serves fine examples from various cuisines: Italian (Napoletana and Margherita pizzas), English (fish and chips) and Malaysian (Sarawak laksa). Order the flavoursome herbed rice nasi ulam, with a spread of Malay-style dishes such as prawns on lemongrass skewers and jungle fern in chilli paste. $
Ben’s General Food Store
G17 & 18 Ground FloorBangsar Village 11 Jalan Telawi SatuBangsar Baru
Tel: 03-2284 8790
Salads, pies and sandwiches are the forte of this charming contemporary café in trendy Bangsar. Literally rub shoulders with locals at the canteen-style tables and cool down on hot days with a thick milkshake or frostie. Local favourites are also available. $$
Hakka Republic
Lot 2.05 Level 2, Menara Hap Seng
Jalan P. Ramlee
Tel: 03-2078 9908
Rub shoulders with the trendy in this creative bistro that also takes its wine seriously. Dine on East-meets-West signature concoctions like the tuna tartare with a Japanese twist entree and the Baked miso-marinated cod with mustard greens. Things liven up some nights with live music acts. $$$
Peter Hoe Beyond
2nd Floor, Lee Rubber Building
145 Jalan Tun H.S. Lee
Tel: 03-2026 9788
After shopping at Peter Hoe’s ambience-filled homeware store, head for his café. The staples are the quiches, salads, pastas and soups. Teatime features cupcakes and lemon pies. The café is open daily noon–6pm. $$
Marmalade Café
1F-18, 1st Floor
Bangsar Village II
Jalan Telawi 2
Tel: 03-2282 8301
This kids-friendly café serves breakfast, a healthy range of salads and sandwiches, limited Asian fare but imaginary kids’ fare served on BPA free plates. Leave some room for dessert. $$
RAW Café
Wisma Equity
150 Jalan Ampang
Tel: 019-313 8978
www.rawcoffee.my
A vegetarian and vegan haven, this coffee roastery serves up salad sandwiches, hummous wraps and vegan cakes. The ingredients are organic to boot. Serious coffee-drinkers will find their perfect latte or macchiato here. Follow the smell of roasting coffee across from the Petronas Twin Towers to this tiny café. Closes at 8pm on weekdays and 6pm on weekends. $
Stuff Your Face Café
Lot 4-09, Level 4
Bangsar Shopping Centre285 Jalan Maarof
Bukit Bandar RayaTel: 03-2287 3070
Serves Western and Asian cuisine with a healthy and imaginative menu for kids. For the adults, try the signature colonial-style chicken chop smothered with gravy or the Dad’s lamb stew cooked with potatoes and carrots. $$
Top Hat
7 Jalan Kia Peng
Tel: 03-2142 8611
A gorgeous old bungalow behind the nightspots, with excellent Malay, Peranakan and Western fusion fare such as the Peranakan “top hats” (pastry cups filled with shredded yam bean) chicken and mushroom pie, and grilled rack of lamb. The set meals are good; book ahead. $$$
Yogi Tree
F-237B, Level 1, The Gardens Mid Valley City
Tel: 03-2282 6163
This café serves juices, breakfast, and a Western and Asian cuisine that is tasty and healthy. Try the Hainanese chicken rice (brown rice and antibiotic- and hormone-free chicken) or the flavoursome quiche Lorraine with bacon strips. $$
Malay
Bijan
3 Jalan Ceylon
Tel: 03-2031 3575
A cosy contemporary setting decorated with Malay artefacts, contemporary paintings and heritage textiles. Sumptuous Malay offerings include the masak lemak udang tempoyak (prawns in fermented durian curry), chargrilled short beef ribs with sambal (chilli paste), and kerabu pucuk paku (jungle fern salad). Reservations recommended. $$$
CT Rose
Jalan Datuk Abdul Razak (opposite Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Baru)
When the craving strikes, droves head for this biggest nasi lemak (coconut rice) stall in the city, complete with a stunning view of the Twin Towers. The nasi lemak is served with sambal (chilli paste) and a variety of sides, such as deep-fried anchovies, quail eggs and fried chicken. $
Enak
LG2 Feast Floor
Starhill Gallery
181 Jalan Bukit Bintang
Tel: 03-2141 8973
Time-honoured family recipes are on the menu. The food is beautifully presented and the service is notable. The signature dishes include the prawns in tamarind sauce and slow-cooked beef with spices and herbs. The young coconut custard meringue is not to be missed. $$$
O’Mulia Satay
300–301 Jalan Tun Razak(intersection of Jalan Tun Razak and Jalan Semarak)
Tel: 019-371 3639
Named after Othman who runs this famous satay eatery, O’Mulia’s fame comes partly from the fact that the beef and chicken on the sticks are chunky when every other satay maker is paring down. The meat is tender, beautifully marinated and the peanut sauce packs a punch. No-frills but atmospheric. $
Malaysian
Coliseum Café
98–100 Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman
Tel: 03-2692 6270
A colonial setting so real it is easy to imagine bushy-moustached white planters at the bar complaining about the heat. Try a gunner or a gin sling – then have a sizzling rib eye steak, baked crabmeat, or an English potpie from the wood-fired oven. Chinese and Malay dishes are on the menu too. $$
Jalan Alor Hawker Street
Jalan Alor, off Jalan Bukit Bintang
Local street food is at its best here, down a bustling lane. Just sit down at any of the coffee shops and order away. Everything from grilled chicken wings and grilled fish (such as stingray and mackerel) to oyster omelette and chilli-fried cockles and satay. $
Little Penang Kafe
Lot F001 & F100, Mid Valley Megamall, Lingkaran Syed Putra
Tel: 03-2282 0215
Well regarded for its Penang-style noodles, from char kway teow (fried flat rice noodles) to the hot and sour asam laksa with a spicy tamarind fish gravy, to Hokkien prawn noodles. Order the multicoloured ice kacang, a sweet shaved ice treat. It has another branch at Suria KLCC (tel: 03-2163 0215). $$
Old China Café
11 Jalan Balai Polis
Tel: 03-2072 5915
Best time-trip café in KL, where the old-world ambience, vintage photos and memorabilia, and marble-topped tables provide the perfect location for just as memorable Nyonya cuisine. Specialities include laksa (noodles in spicy gravy) and fish head in tamarind sauce. Try the delicious sago dessert called gula melaka. $$
Precious Old China Restaurant & Bar
Lot 2 Mezzanine Floor, Central Market
Jalan Hang Kasturi
Tel: 03-2273 7372
The sister restaurant to Old China Café is as beautifully decked out and has super-fast service. Perennial Nyonya favourites served here include the tasty “top hats” (pastry cups) filled with shredded yam bean, and two relatively difficult-to-find concoctions: cincaluk (fermented shrimp) cooked in an omelette or chicken, and chicken with buah keluak (mangrove seed). End with the coconut durian meringue (santan durian). $$
Sin Seng Nam Restaurant
2 Medan Pasar
Tel: 03-2078 5359
Never mind the surly waiting staff and old decor. This Hainanese coffee shop has fabulous Hainanese chicken rice and chicken chops. Other must-tries include fish curry, mee rebus (noodles in a spicy gravy) and Indian rojak (salad). For breakfast, don’t miss the local-style breakfast of toast with kaya (coconut jam), soft-boiled eggs and coffee. $
Vegan
Woods Macrobiotics Restaurant
25 Jalan Telawi 2
BangsarTel: 03-2287 0959
This restaurant serves vegan macrobiotic organic food cooked without any preservatives, monosodium glutamate, colouring or chemical additives. Try the five-colour salad with mayonnaise and the popular rendang rice set, which is rice served with coconut chutney and a portion of sweet potato cooked in fragrant but spicy coconut sauce. $$
Selangor and Putrajaya
Batu Caves
Seafood Sin Kee
8 Jalan SG1/10, Pusat Penjaja
Taman Industri Bolton
Batu Caves
Tel: 03-6189 7972
Order the crabs in this Chinese eatery with a spicy-sweet sauce, best mopped up with deep-fried bread rolls. Try also mussels in superior stock and wine, prawns tossed in cheese, and belly pork in soy sauce. Open daily for lunch and dinner. $$
Klang
New Colombo Restaurant
2nd Floor, Sri Murugan Building
79B Jalan Tengku Kelana
Klang
Tel: 03-3371 3314
Good Ceylonese food is not easy to find in Malaysia, but this is one place that gets the thumbs-up from Sri Lankan Indians. The food might take a while to arrive, but it is worth waiting for the likes of the tomato-based Jaffna crab curry (wait time of 20 minutes). End your meal with tasty appa (hoppers). Closed every third Tuesday of the month. $
Sri Baratha Matha Vilas Restaurant
34 Jalan Tengku Kelana
Klang
Tel: 03-3372 9657
This is the place to have Indian mee goreng, spicy fried noodles that even the late sultan of Selangor used to order to bring with him to London. S. Govindasamy has prepared this dish for half a century. It is served on a banana leaf, with slices of crispy battered prawn cakes. Wash it down with a refreshing lime juice. $$
Kuala Selangor
Kuan Hwa Seafood Restaurant
1A Jalan Bagan Yu, Pasir Penambang
Tel: 03-3289 6719
Enjoy views of the river and mangroves while supping on specialities such as stir-fried clam vermicelli, steamed prawns with a zingy chilly onion dip and the excellent crab in salted egg; ask for deep-fried bread to soak up the gravy. Service is quick and the eatery clean. $$
Rahmaniah
80 Jalan Sultan Ibrahim, Kuala Selangor
Tel: 03-3289 7723
Near Bukit Melawati in Kuala Selangor, this simple food outlet has excellent Indian breads like roti canai (flaky bread), with curries. It also serves roti jala (lacy pancakes) with chicken curry, murtabak (flaky bread with minced meat filling) as well as mee goreng (fried noodles). $
River View Seafood Restaurant
1 Jalan Besar, Pasir Penambang
Tel: 03-3289 2238
Very popular with tourists, this family-run eatery serves quality seafood dishes cooked Cantonese-style. It is breezy, and offers commanding views of the bridge, Bukit Melawati and the village. You won’t go wrong with dishes such as buttered prawns, and fish in black pepper sauce. $$
Petaling Jaya
Avanti Ristorante
Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa
Persiaran Lagoon
Bandar Sunway
Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7492 8000
www.kualalumpur.sunwayhotels.com/eat/avanti.aspx
The cuisine is described as Italian-American, but expect traditional Italian favourites with a creative twist. The tenderloin with pan-seared goose liver and slipper lobster with pasta are recommended. With a good Italian and New World wine list. A live band plays from 7pm. $$$$
Grand City Restaurant
No. 51 Jalan 11/4Petaling JayaTel: 03-7957 3158
A great breakfast place close to Universiti Malaya with a nice spread of South Indian breads. The light and fluffy sweet appam (pancake) is a must-try. At lunch and dinner, the banana-leaf meals are superb, while the range of sweet and savoury teatime treats draws fans as well. $
Paya Serai Restaurant
Hilton Petaling Jaya
2 Jalan Barat
Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7955 9122
www3.hilton.com
Deservedly recognised for its buffets, this restaurant is renovated regularly to remain beautifully contemporary. While pricey, this is a great way to try out well-cooked Malay dishes, although the almost overwhelmingly large spread includes other local and international dishes too. $$$
Putrajaya
Penang Village
Alamanda Putrajaya Shopping Centre, Presint 1
Tel: 03-8888 4268
Penang favourites in this chain eatery include the oyster omelette for lighter fare and the Malay tomato (tomato rice) with curry chicken for a bigger meal. The desserts are great to cool down with on a hot day – try the cendol, melon with ice cream or sago pudding. $$
Northwestern Peninsula
Cameron
Highlands
Gonbei
Cameron Highlands Resort
Tel: 05-491 1100
Excellent Japanese cuisine is served in a Zen-like setting that opens out to the rainforest. Has a sake bar with a range of traditional Japanese rice wines and whiskies. $$$
Kumar’s
26 Main Road, Tanah Rata
Tel: 05-491 2624
Located near Starbucks, Kumar’s serves Indian food at affordable prices. Naan, tandoori and banana leaf-rice are recommended dishes. $
Palm Leaf Garden Cafe
3 Bandar Baru Brinchang
Tel: 05-491 4208
In front of Rosa Pasadena, dishes up good Thai, Western and local dishes at reasonable prices. $
The Smokehouse Hotel
Tanah Rata
Tel: 05-491 1215
Delectable cream teas, lunch and afternoon teas on the terrace, which on a fine day offers a view of the peaceful hills. English fare includes steaks, pies, seafood; light meals all day long in the conservatory. $$$$
Uncle Chow’s Kopitiam
C2-G-01 Block C2 Taman Royal Lily
Tanah Rata
Tel: 012-205 2778
As the name kopitiam suggests, it serves a variety of local dishes and dessert (including local kuihs) in a café-style atmosphere. Favourites include nasi lemak and assam laksa. To get to the restaurant, go past Maybank (on your right) to the end of the road, and follow the signs to Uncle Chow’s. $
Fraser’s Hill
The Smokehouse Hotel
Jalan Jeriau
Tel: 03-362 2226
Excellent high tea with scones and apple pie on the garden patio or in the cosy tearoom. Dine in an elegant candlelit room on superb English pot roast with Yorkshire pudding, beef Wellington and home-made pies. Dress code applies. $$$
Ipoh
Fu Tien Vegetarian Restaurant
34 Jalan Medan 1B
Medan Ipoh Bestari
Tel: 05-549 9098
Vegetarian fare served with a modern twist, the menu includes vegetarian and fruit sushi rolls, seaweed salad and chicken rice. Located near Tesco. $
Indulgence Restaurant and Living
14 Jalan Raja Dihilir
Tel: 05-255 7051
Award-winning establishment serving Modern European-fusion cuisine, it takes pride in using the freshest ingredients to create an eclectic menu. Specials include Australian Wagyu and Japanese Kobe beef. Its ambience adds to the air of indulgence. $$$
Lucky Seafood
266 Jalan Pasir Puteh
Tel: 05-255 7330
This is a very popular restaurant where the seafood is fresh and of excellent value. It is really popular; bookings are recommended. Most of the locals come for the steamed fish. $$
Ming Court
36 Jalan Leong Sin Nam
Tel: 05-255 7134
This popular and good dim sum venue near Excelsior Hotel is packed during breakfast. $
Pakeeza Restaurant and Catering
15–17 Jalan Dato Sri Ahmad Said
Greentown
Tel: 05-241 4243
Good Indian food in an air-conditioned setting. Popular dishes include its nasi briyani and fish-head curry. $
Restoran Yum Yum
5 Persiaran Green Hill
Tel: 05-253 7686
Eateries on Ipoh’s gourmet lane, which is perpendicular to Excelsior Hotel, are more upmarket than those along Jalan Leech. Among them is this excellent outlet with great Chinese-Nyonya ambience; it serves an excellent grouper in basil, and Yum Yum fried chicken. $$
Sin Yoon Loong
Jalan Bandar Timah (near Jalan Silang)
This is the original Ipoh coffee shop, where a fragrant local coffee brew tastes its best. Try the excellent home-made coconut jam (kaya) and toast for breakfast. $
Thean Chun
73 Jalan Bandar Bijih Timah
Close to the market, this coffee shop has long been a favourite amongst locals and visitors. Famous for its Ipoh Koay Teow, chee cheong fun, spring rolls and satay. Be prepared for a long wait for tables at lunchtime. $
Maxwell Hill
Cendana Hut Café
There’s a limited menu but with not many eating options around, the food is still considered the best on the hill. Local favourites like nasi lemak, roti canai and fried noodles are available, as well as the staple Western fare of hot dogs, sandwiches and burgers. $
Penang
The Bungalow
Lone Pine Hotel
97 Jalan Batu Feringgi
Tel: 04-886 8566
Facing the hotel pool and the casuarina-lined beach, this restaurant housed in a colonial-era building has indoor and outdoor seating. At night, the atmosphere is very romantic. The Chinese menu concentrates on Hainanese dishes, but includes dishes such as fish curry, chicken rice and filet mignon. $$$
Edelweiss Café
38 Lebuh Armenian
Tel: 04-261 8935
Set in a beautiful 1890s shophouse, this café is a hangout for local artists. The diverse menu includes sandwiches, salads, macaroni and cheese, and local dishes like fried rice and mee soto (noodle soup with chicken). Affordable three-course set lunch menus and bottled beer available. Closed on Mon. $$
Hainanese Delights
227 Burma Road (at 1926 Heritage Hotel)
Tel: 04-226-1926
Family-run restaurant serving dishes cooked in Hainanese style such as Inche Kabin (fried chicken), chicken rice and chicken pie. Closed Mondays. $
Hameediyah Restaurant
164A Lebuh Campbell
Tel: 04-261 1095
Six generations of an Indian Muslim family have run Hameediyah’s. Famous for its chicken curry, murtabak (flat bread filled with minced meat) and mutton biriyani (rice cooked with spices and ghee). $
Kapitan’s
93 Lebuh Chulia
Tel: 04-264 1191
Open round the clock, this eatery serves up North Indian fare. The fresh naan and sweet or mint chutneys best accompany the mild tandoori chicken, marinated in the signature spice mix and cooked in ovens. An iced fruit lassi (yoghurt drink) is the perfect complement to the spicy food. $
Lily’s Vegetarian Kitchen
98 Noble House, Madreas Lane
Tel: 04-226 3810
Serves oriental, Nyonya, Western and fusion-style vegetarian dishes. In addition to the variety of cooking styles, it provides two distinct dining moods – on the first floor, food is served in a restaurant atmosphere, while the ground floor fare caters to the fast-food crowd. Closed Mondays. $
Mama’s Nyonya Cuisine
31D Abu Siti Lane
Tel: 04-229 1318
A family-owned restaurant specialising in traditional Nonya (Peranakan) cuisine. A complimentary appetiser of ikan bilis with onion and chillis with a kerabu twist is the start to a delicious meal. Mama’s speciality dishes are tau eu bak (pork cooked in dark soya sauce) and perut ikan (stewed fish stomach with vegetables – tastes better than the name suggests). Closed Mondays. $
Sigi’s Bar and Grill by the Beach
Shangri-La’s Golden Sands Resort
Batu Feringgi
Tel: 04-886 1852
Guests have the option of having their meals in the air-conditioned dining hall, open-air patio or its upper-deck dining area with a view of the beach. A wide selection of prime meat, salads and Asian dishes cater to the palates of children and adults alike. Seafood dishes such as fish & chips and pan-fried cod are amongst its signature dishes. The wine list leans towards New World vintages. $$$
Tajuddin Hussain
49 & 51 Lebuh Queen
Tel: 04-262 5367
Having been around for 45 years, Tajuddin Hussain has perfected its nasi kandar (Penang-style rice and curries). The huge dining area is simply furnished, with wooden tables and plastic chairs. While the outlet specialises in tomato rice and roast chicken, the nasi briyani is also worth trying. $
That Little Wine Bar
54 Jalan Chow Thye
Tel: 04-226 8182
Warm, cosy European-style wine bar and restaurant housed in renovated former government living quarters. As the name suggests, carries a fine selection of wine. Open for dinner only. Closed Sundays. $$$
Langkawi
Beach Garden Resort Bistro & Beergarden
Pantai Cenang
Tel: 04-955 1363
Tables on the beach offer great sunset views. Excellent steaks, buttered potatoes, herb salad, waffles and cream, and coffee, not to mention the fabulous margaritas, possibly the best on the island. The menu changes nightly. $$
The English Tea Room and Coffee Bar
Pantai Cenang (in front of Landcons Hotel)
Mobile tel: 017-556 1573
Try the Devonshire cream tea set – a tall cup of tea and delicious scones served with Australian fresh double cream and home-made strawberry jam. A range of sandwiches like tuna and chicken are available, but they will also make you an eccentric sandwich using any of these fillings: Marmite, Vegemite, Nutella, or even ketchup if you so wish. This is a halal establishment, so don’t expect to see ham in your sandwiches. $
The Loaf Bakery & Bistro
C9 Perdana Quay
Telaga Harbour Park
Pantai Kok
Tel: 04-959 4866
Co-owned by one of Malaysia’s former prime ministers, this bakery churns out premium breads and pastries using traditional Japanese techniques. Its upmarket bistro serves Western fare. Try its Tuba Isle harvest grilled mixed seafood. Although it has several outlets nationwide, this is the first one. Outside seating area has a view of the marina. $$$$
Nam Restaurant
Pantai Cenang
Tel: 04-955 6787
Located at Bon Ton Resort, this restaurant has a menu featuring tantalising “West-meets-spice” cuisine. The Nyonya platter is the house speciality – nine different types of meat and seafood cooked in a variety of spices and served with rice on a banana leaf. Leave room for dessert if you can. Also caters to animal-lovers, vegetarians and children. $$$$
No. 7 Sup Corner
Jalan Penarak
Even if you miss this self-service restaurant at the road bend after the surau (mosque), you will not miss the number of cars parked at the road shoulder or the locals heading to it during lunchtime. Serves an assortment of Malay dishes buffet-style and soup. First get your plate of rice, and then take whatever you would like to eat. Present your food plate to the lady at the counter and pay for it. You can also order ABC, a sweet dessert topped with ice shavings. Open Sat–Thur 10am until the food runs out, closed on Fridays and during Ramadan. $
Passage thru’ India
8 Jalan Pandak Mayah 6
Kuah
Tel: 04-4966 7384
This popular Kuala Lumpur restaurant now has a Langkawi branch in Kuah town. Serving South and North Indian, and vegetarian cuisine. Try the prawn or pomfret masala and tandoori chicken with biryani rice. $$
PayaWorks
21 Baronwalk
Jalan Pantai Cenang
Tel: 017-276 2168
Caters to both vegetarians and meat-lovers. Its signature dish is the gourmet burger with your choice of vegan or beef. Or you could opt for either the organic roast chicken or one of their many salad varieties served with an array of juices. $$$
Privilege Restaurant & Bar
B8, 1st Floor Perdana QuayTelaga Harbour Park
Pantai Kok
Tel: 04-956 1188
An upscale eatery that serves Malaysian fusion cuisine as well as a few vegetarian and gluten-free choices. Try their Australian beef rendang with jasmine rice or the prawn sambal served with three types of rice (brown, turmeric and jasmine). $$$$
Red Tomato Restaurant & Lounge
5 Casa Fina Avenue (opposite Underwater World)
Pantai Cenang
Tel: 04-955 4055
Has a good selection of Continental breakfast choices so get there before 10am or it can be busy. Try their speciality Farmer’s Choice, a generous serving of potatoes, mushrooms, beef bacon or turkey ham topped with egg and cheese served with home-made bread. For dinner, the pasta is a crowd favourite. Pay a little extra and you can have gluten-free penne and pizza. $$$
Rose Tea 2
Lot 1054, Kampung Pantai Cenang
Tel: 017-514 9986
Serves tasty Thai cuisine, and one of the cheapest along this beach. Try the green curry or the fried fish with Thai sauce, but you can’t go wrong with the other choices on the menu. Vegetarians welcomed. $$
Scarborough Fish ’n’ Chip Restaurant
Lot 1388, Jalan Tanjung Rhu
Mukim Ayer Hangat
Tel: 04-959 4667
Try the signature English-styled dory fish and chips served with vinegar and a slice of lemon. If you are not a fan of fish, they also have chicken chop and home-made chicken nuggets. The New Zealand rib eye steak is very reasonably priced. With a limited selection of beers, it’s a good spot to catch the sun disappearing behind the hill. $$
Sun Café
8 Sunmall, Jalan Teluk Baru, Pantai Tengah
Tel: 04-955 8300
The menu features hearty sandwiches, thin-crust pizzas, vegetarian meals and spicy local fare. The crème brûlée and milkshakes are delightful. $$
Wonderland Food Store
Lot 179-181,
Pusat Perniagaan Kelana Mas
Kuah
Mobile tel: 012-494 6555
This riverside eatery is popular for its good-value Cantonese seafood. Try the stir-fried fresh greens with garlic, oyster egg omelette, squid stir-fried with dried chilli, and shrimp in batter cooked in a spicy tamarind sauce. Pork-free. $$
Pulau Pangkor Laut
Guan Guan
Pangkor town (near jetty)
Chinese seafood eatery that is good but pricey. $$
Pangkor Island Beach Resort
Teluk Belanga
Tel: 05-685 1091
Enjoy Western dinners at the Pacific Terrace, happy-hour cocktails at the bar, seafood barbecue on Wednesday and Saturday, and buffet with daily themes at the poolside Hornbill Terrace Restaurant. You can also dine and watch the sunset on a beautiful beach (upon request). $$$$
Taiping
Bismillah Restoran
(opposite the Town Market)
Enjoy fresh roti canai (flaky bread) with tea for breakfast. For lunch, try Indian biryani istimewa (rice and curries). $
Jalan Kota
A number of Chinese seafood restaurants line this road, with fresh produce from the Kuala Sepetang fishing area. $
Jalan Panggung Wayang
There’s a multi-ethnic food centre beneath Fajar Supermarket, serving local delicacies such as popiah, satay, rojak sotong (squid salad with peanut sauce) and fresh ginger tea. $
Southern Peninsula
Johor Bahru
Anna’s Kitchen
18K Jalan Abdul Samad
Tel: 07-224 2168
Western and fusion dishes served in a cosy ambience within walking distance of the Thistle Hotel. $$
Chez Papa French Bistro
38–40 Jalan Jaya
Taman Maju Jaya
Tel: 07-333 4988
Excellent food, friendly service and welcoming decor make this a favourite. Its signature dish is its sirloin steak with pepper cream sauce. Lamb shank, foie gras chaud and pan-seared duck are other favourites. Open for dinner only. $$$
New Hong Kong Restaurant
69A–C Jalan Sultan Ibrahim
Tel: 07-222 2608
Located in the Stulang Laut area, this restaurant opened its door in 1954. Signature dishes are its charcoal roasted meat, chilli crab, dim sum and mooncakes. $$ (dim sum), $$$ (à la carte dishes)
Restoran Singgah Selalu
36-F, Jalan Skudai
Danga Bay
Tel: 07-237 7255
Located opposite Tune Hotel, this 24-hour eatery serves local and Western dishes. Recommended dishes are its black pepper crab and steamed sea bass. $$
Tepian Tebrau Food Centre
Jalan Skudai
Danga Bay
A favourite among locals for its seafood steamboat, nasi biryani (rice with mutton or chicken) and ikan bakar (grilled fish). $
Melaka
Calanthe Art Café
11 Jalan Hang Kasturi
Tel: 06-292 2960
www.calantheartcafe.blogspot.com
Friendly staff serve a variety of local and Western cuisine with sinful desserts to finish. Their set menu is good value; try the Calanthe laksa (noodles in curry coconut milk) or coffee from any of the 13 Malaysian states. $
Hoe Kee Chicken Rice
4 Jalan Hang Jebat
Tel: 06-2833 4751
There are many shops selling Melaka’s famous Hainanese chicken and rice balls, but this shop is by far the most popular. If you come at the height of lunchtime, you will have to wait at least half an hour or more for a seat. If you don’t fancy rice balls, try the Assam fish head (served in a spicy tamarind based soup) with rice. $
Limau Limau Café
9 Jalan Hang Lekiu
Mobile tel: 012-698 4917
A tiny café that serves good milkshakes, sandwiches and breakfast (9.30am–noon); try the special toasted ciabatta sandwich with roasted chicken for lunch. If it is in season and you are a fan, try the durian milkshake or else the coffee. $$
Little Momma Fresh Fruit Juice & Café
52 Jalan Kampung Pantai
Tel: 606-286 2993
This Peranakan-run family café serves reasonably priced Malaysian and Western cuisine. They have daily specials, but the speciality here, however, is their fruit juice concoctions. Try the dragon fruit with lemon juice. $
Restaurante San Pedro
4 D’Aranjo Road
Portuguese Settlement
Ujong Pasir
Tel: 06-284 2170
Serves authentic Portuguese cuisine. There are various styles of cooking the seafood, chicken or vegetables, but the recommended dishes are the baked fish (sea bass or red snapper), curry debal chicken (can be quite spicy), fried brinjals and the black pepper crabs. Call ahead to reserve a table (and your fish), because once their stock of fish runs out, they will close for the day. $$
Veggié Planet
41 Jalan Melaka Raya 8
Taman Melaka
Tel: 06-292 2819
Serves healthy vegetarian and organic food that is free of MSG (monosodium glutamate), artificial colouring, preservatives and microwave cooking. Try the local curry handmade ramen noodles or the cheese (made from vegetable oil) sandwiches. $
Zheng He Teahouse
3 Jalan Kampung Kuli
Mobile tel: 016-764 0588
The owner grew up on coffee but instead opened up a teahouse in the heritage area. For a fee, you can ask for a tea ceremony that lets you taste the various grades of teas. Lunch is a set menu – of a main dish and a soup; you can request if you want vegetarian or pork-free. $
Peninsula’s East Coast
Kota Bharu
Central Market
The bustling first floor is packed with food stalls selling local Malay rice and curries – try the nasi kunyit, a yellow, turmeric-flavoured glutinous rice concoction. There is also a large variety of local kuih (cakes) that cannot be found outside Kelantan. $
Kedai Kopi Hai Ping
No. 3735, Jalan Sulaimani
Cukai, Kemaman
Tel: 09-859 7810
Drop by for its famous coffee and kaya toast – the home-made kaya is a local jam made from eggs, sugar and coconut milk, while the coffee is a blend of Arabica coffee beans from Indonesia, Brazil and Colombia. $
Kedai Kopi White House
Jalan Sultanah Zainab
Located opposite the State Mosque, this is the best place to enjoy nasi dagang – long-grain rice and glutinous rice cooked with coconut milk and eaten with tuna curry and vegetables. Serves traditional charcoal-toasted bread with kaya for breakfast. $
Kow Lun
Jalan Kebun Sultan
09-744 7839
Chinese coffee shop with a variety of dishes including piping-hot noodles, bak kut teh as well as beer. $
Ulang Corner
Jalan Wakaf Mek Zainab
A Chinese food stall specialising in Kelantanese-style cooking, it is a local favourite. The nasi kerabu at this restaurant is cooked with 40 different herb extracts. Nasi dagang is another favourite dish. $
Kuala Terengganu
Good Luck Restaurant
11Y & Z Jalan Kota Lama
Tel: 09-622 7573
Popularly known as Lucky Restaurant, it is centrally located, next to a bak kut teh (herbal pork ribs soup) eatery, and serves seafood specialities and Cantonese-style frog legs, as well as one-dish noodle and rice meals. Air-conditioned upstairs. $
Nils Restaurant
Pantai Batu Buruk
Renowned Malay seafood restaurant, famous for its ikan bakar (grilled fish with sambal sauce), right on the beach. Favourite dining spot with locals, including royalty. $–$$
Madam Bee’s Kitchen
177 Jalan Kampung Cina
Mobile tel: 012-988 7495
Located in Chinatown, Madam Bee is well known for local Peranakan dishes, which are different from those found in Melaka and Penang. Here, they are blended with Kelantanese budu sauce with an emphasis on spice and seafood. Try also the laksa Terengganu, noodles in a creamy coconut gravy with shredded fish meat and herbs, and its signature dish – rojak cerenang – a mixed fruit salad served with fish crackers in a Chinese-based gravy. $
Restoran Meka
66/16 Taman Seri Intan
Tel: 09-623 1831
Traditional Terengganu-style Malay cooking with mainly fish dishes in various spicy coconut concoctions, and ulam, traditional salads eaten with a prawn paste-based chilli condiment called sambal belacan. The dishes are laid out in trays. $
Kuantan
Crocodile Rock Pizza and Grill
Lot 4360B, Jalan Datuk Mahmud
off Jalan Teluk Sisek
Tel: 09-567 5757
Located in an old colonial bungalow, it serves excellent pizza and other Western dishes such as pasta and steak. Great dining place for families, with a live band on Thursday evenings. $$
Kampung Restaurant
Hyatt Regency Kuantan
Teluk Cempedak
Tel: 09-518 1234
A casual restaurant with teakwood chairs and tables. Enjoy good Malay and Continental food and excellent pizzas in this restaurant built on stilts over the sea. Features an open kitchen and ravishing views of the South China Sea. $$
Pak Su Seafood Restaurant
Batu 6 (6th mile)
Kuantan–Beserah Road
Tel: 09-544 8025
About half an hour north of Kuantan, just before De Rhu Beach Resort, sits this breezy Chinese restaurant overlooking the sea. It is well known for its stuffed crabs, salad lobster and spicy-sour asam (tamarind) steamed fish. Air conditioned. $$
Pulau Tioman
Babura Sea View Chinese Restaurant
Babura Sea View Resort, Kampung Tekek
Breezy beachside Chinese restaurant with excellent seafood and good beers. $
Liza Restaurant
Kampung Tekek
Good selection of Malay and Western dishes. $
Mekong Restaurant
Kampung Paya
Good Chinese-style seafood. $
Nazri’s Place II
Kampung Air Batang
Tel: 09-419 1329
Set amongst green surroundings, Nazri’s serves Malaysian and Western food. $
Sunset Boulevard
Kampung Salang
Built on stilts over the sea. You can jump off your boat onto the restaurant itself. Good seafood. $
Sarawak
Kuching
Benson’s Seafood Centre
Jalan Chan Chin Ann, off Jalan Abell
Tel: 082 255 262
Located behind City Inn and beside the Sarawak river, Benson’s is famous for its fresh seafood and relaxed atmosphere. Simply point to the vegetables and fish, crabs or prawns of your choice and say how you’d like them cooked. $$.
The.Dyak
29 Ground Floor
Panovel Commercial Complex
Jalan Simpang Tiga
Tel: 082-234 068
Learn more of the Dayak culture while enjoying Iban and Orang Ulu cuisine. In addition to food, Dayak music, art and culture are displayed prominently within the decor. Try the tuak (rice wine) to accompany your meal. Vegetarian meals available too. $$
Jambu Restaurant and Lounge
32 Jalan Crookshank
Tel: 082-235 292
Housed in a pleasant converted colonial-era bungalow with a patio and a lounge with TV screen, this restaurant-cum-tapas bar is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. The tapas bar has live jazz on Friday nights, while the restaurant offers a mix of Western and fusion Borneo cuisine. $$
The Junk
80 Jalan Wayang
Tel: 082-259 450
Noted for its Western dishes including steaks and pastas, which come in generous portions. An eclectic decor adds to its attraction. It is located in Kuching’s city centre. $$
Li Garden
1st Floor, Hock Lee Centre,
Jalan Datuk Abang Abdul Rahim
Tel: 082-340 785
A local favourite for refined Cantonese cuisine, this is open for both lunch and dinner. If you yearn for a good Peking duck, this is the place to come to, even though the restaurant’s location will mean a taxi ride. Booking is essential for dinner. $$
Lyn’s Thandoori
7 Jalan Song Thian Cheok
Tel: 082-234 934
Serves authentic North Indian tandoori dishes and naan and has over 200 items on its menu. It also has a wide selection for vegetarians. Located close to the MAS building in the city centre, it is within a 10-minute walk of most major hotels in the city. $
Magenta
Sarawak Tourism Complex
Old Court House, Jalan Tun Abg Hj Openg
Tel: 082-254 500
Popular for its Western dishes with an Asian twist. Fine examples are seafood bouillabaisse, and grilled salmon with salsa and potato ragout – all artfully presented and served in generous portions. $$
Minoru
Lot 493G, Section 10, Rubber Road
Tel: 082-251 021
Regarded by many as Sarawak’s best Japanese restaurant, Minoru offers a selection of fine Japanese cuisine for both lunch and dinner set in a traditional Japanese decor, and is known for its attentive service. $$$
See Good Food Centre
53 Jalan Ban Hock
Tel: 082-232 609
Excellent seafood, fresh and affordable, served in a simple, open-sided eatery with some tables outside. Don’t miss the curried bamboo clams if they’re available, and assam steam fish. Delicious noodle dishes are served between main meal times. $$$
The Steak House
Hilton Hotel, Kuching
Tel: 082-223 888
Although this place has the best steaks in town, it is even more popular for its sophisticated international cuisine served in elegant surroundings. Try the set meal for really good value. River view adds to the ambience. Dinner only. $$$
Ting Noodle House
117B, Lot 132, Jalan Ban Hock
Tel: 082-232 250
Located not far from the end of Jalan Soon Thian Cheok, this air-conditioned and moderately priced restaurant is packed at lunchtime. Open from 8am to 8.30pm, this is the place to come for all kinds of noodle dishes (the Taiwanese beef noodles are recommended) and interesting dumplings, as well as rice-based dishes. $
Toh Yuen
Top Spot Food Centre
5th Floor, Jalan Bukit Mata Kuching
An open-air seafood plaza where half a dozen eating outlets vie for business with tempting displays of fresh seafood on ice. $
Waterfront Café
Hilton Kuching
Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman
Tel: 082-223 888
Gaze out across the Kuching river in air-conditioned comfort as you enjoy excellent espresso, freshly baked bread, salads and sumptuous buffets, as well as à la carte Japanese dishes. The café features different food promotions each day. $$
Zhun San Yen Vegetarian Restaurant
Lot 165, Jalan Chan Chin Aun
Tel: 082-230 068
Vegan-friendly restaurant that serves buffet-style lunch and dinner. Some meals contain eggs. Serves a wide variety of food and juices. Closed Sundays. $
Miri
Al Fresco Sidewalk Café
Ground Floor, Pelita Commercial Centre, Jalan Bulan Sabit
Tel: 085-428 928
One of a cluster of casual restaurants in a popular district a short taxi ride from downtown. This friendly spot has fish and chips, pizzas and grilled dishes. $$
Apollo Seafood Centre
4, Ground Floor
Jalan South Yu Seng
085-420 813
A local favourite. Customers can choose their own fish or crabs on display. Popular dishes are butter prawns, claypot seafood, curry fish head and stewed pork leg. $$
Café Miri
Taman Yakin Shopping Centre
Jalan Bulan Sabit
Tel: 085-425 122
A few kilometres from the town centre, this relaxed café run by a local Chinese man and his Australian wife serves a great array of drinks and Western dishes. Closed on Tue. $$
Imperial Restaurant
Jalan Pos
Tel: 085-431 1133
Located at the Imperial hotel, this dining establishment serves both Asian and Western cuisine. Peking duck is one the items on the menu. $$
Sibu
Blue Splendour
5th Floor, Wisma Sanyan
Jalan Sukan
Tel: 084-323 366
A budget-priced place in an air-conditioned shopping complex, serving a range of ready-cooked Chinese dishes with rice at lunchtime. $
Esplanade Seafood & Café
Rejang Esplanade, Jalan Maju
This friendly, open-air eatery on the esplanade offers local dishes such as steamed river fish and stir-fried jungle fern, as well as Western food. Open in the evening only. $
Golden Palace
Tanahmas Hotel
Jalan Kampung Nyabor
Tel: 084-333 188
Cantonese and Szechuan dishes and plenty of seafood. Favourite dishes include king prawns in spicy sauce and local river fish, steamed or fried and served with a Thai-style sauce. $$
Hock Chu Leu Restaurant
Jalan Blacksmith
Tel: 084-316 523
A popular Chinese restaurant specialising in Foochow dishes; particularly popular for its duck, meatball soup, siew mai (dumplings) and fried noodle dishes. $$
New Capital Restaurant
46 Jalan Kampong Nyabar
Tel: 084-326 066
This Chinese restaurant, near Tanahmas Hotel, is known for its deep-fried fish and butter prawn dishes. $$
Pepper’s Café
Tanahmas Hotel
Jalan Kampung Nyabor
Tel: 084-333 188
Casual dining in one of Sibu’s top hotels. Both Western and local dishes are available à la carte or buffet-style. Good selection of desserts as well. $$
Sabah
Kota Kinabalu
10AM Café
Lot 10 Block B,
Lorong Plaza Permai 1
Alamesra, Sulaiman Coastal Highway
Tel: 017-332 2619
Cosy restaurant ambience. Serves consistently good-quality Asian, Western and fusion food, with a nice selection of desserts if you have room to spare. Try the delicious rum fruitcake. $$
Borneo 1945 Museum Kopitiam
24 Jalan Dewan
Mobile tel: 019-883 3829
An atmospheric coffee shop where coffee is served in old-style cups, and charcoal-toasted bread is slathered with rich coconut jam (kaya). Lunchtime specials are as flavourful as they are nostalgic. Located on the site used by the Australian Armed Forces during the rebuilding of Sabah after World War II, the coffee shop displays many historic photos. Pork-free. $
Fatt Kee Coffee Shop
28 Jalan Bakau
Jalan Pantai
Located within Ang’s Hotel Restaurant, it serves popular Chinese food. Try its oyster-sauce chicken wings and sizzling Japanese tofu or ask for the chef’s recommendation. $
GRAZIE Ristorante
Lot 2-1-30G Ground Floor,
Level 1, Wawasan Plaza
Mobile tel: 019-821 6936
www.grazierestaurantkk.webs.com
Try one of their four Italian specialities – the spaghetti lobster, spaghetti vongole, gnocchi served with meatballs in tomato sauce or the rib eye steak special – and you can’t go wrong. $$$
Kohinoor North Indian Restaurant
Lot 4, The Waterfront
Tel: 088-235 160
The only North Indian restaurant in the city, Kohinoor offers air-conditioned dining as well as tables on a seaside boardwalk. An extensive menu with plenty of vegetarian options, with inexpensive yet generous set lunches and lavish set dinners for four. Good food in unprepossessing surroundings. $$
Liew Chai Vegetarian
Lot S24 Basement
Centre Point Sabah
1, Jalan Centre Point
Mobile tel: 012-833 7768
Located in the Wan Chai Food Corner, Liew Chai attracts a local crowd to the buffet-style spread of curried or stir-fried vegetables, tofu and mock meat (some dishes may contain eggs). $
Little Italy Pasta & Pizza Corner
Ground Floor, Hotel Capital
Jalan Haji Saman
Tel: 088-232 231
Located in the heart of town, this offers Italian favourites (with emphasis on pastas and pizzas) at reasonable prices. Outdoor and air-conditioned indoor dining available. $$
Luyang Seafood Restaurant
Shop No. 1, Luyan Phase 1
Jalan Kolam
Tel: 088-252 431
Located 3.6km (2.2 miles) from the city centre, just before the Esso petrol station on the left, is this reasonably priced restaurant. Seafood is fresh and excellent; try the stir-fried Sabah vegetables, braised garoupa in claypot and spicy-sour noodles. As locals like to eat dinner early, plan to arrive before 7pm for a table. $$
Nagisa Japanese Restaurant
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu,
Jalan Datuk Salleh Sulong
Tel: 088-221 234
Fine Japanese restaurant in the city offering Japanese favourites. It is tastefully furnished and has a separate sushi bar and teppanyaki counters. With views of the sea and Gaya island. $$$
Suang Tain Seafood Restaurant
No. 12 Ground Floor, Block A Sedco Complex, Kampung Air
Tel: 088-223 080
Open daily from 3pm to 1.30am, this seafood restaurant dominates a popular open-air evening eatery. A large range of fresh seafood is available, and the restaurant is known for its reasonable prices. Try the butter prawns, deep-fried clams with spring onions and the cuttlefish cooked in black sauce. $$$$
Supertanker
Lot 12 & 13, Grand Industrial Estate, Jalan Bundusan (off Jalan Penampang)
Tel: 088-717 889
This large and popular restaurant, located about 10 to 15 minutes by taxi from the city centre, serves some of the best Chinese food in town. $$
Wisma Merdeka Food Court
2nd floor, Wisma Merdeka, Phase 1
Jalan Haji Saman
Always busy, this collection of food stalls offers an amazing variety of Malaysian food, plus a few Western favourites such as pastas, pizzas and hamburgers. The large Malay stall near the exit offers some of the best Malay and Indonesian food in town. Some stalls open for breakfast; closes around 9pm. $
Sandakan
Balin Roof Garden Bar & Bistro
Jalan Pelabuhan Lama
Tel: 089-272 988
Located at the NAK Hotel, this Western restaurant and bar has a breathtaking view of Sandakan Harbour. Enjoy refreshing drinks and cocktails while watching the sunset. It is located at the top of the NAK Hotel. $$
The English Teahouse and Restaurant
Jalan Istana
Tel: 089-222 544
This beautifully restored colonial-era bungalow overlooks Sandakan and the bay. English favourites, including bangers and mash, and selected Asian cuisine. You can even play croquet. $$$
Ocean King Seafood Restaurant
Jalan Batu Sapi (4.5 km), Pasir Putih
Tel: 089-618 111/616 048
A large open-sided restaurant built on stilts over the bay. There is a vague menu/price list written on a board on the veranda, but basically, if it swims, you can order it. Fish, crabs, prawns, lobster, squid and various shellfish are all available, and the beancurd and vegetable dishes are good. $$
Restoran Habeeb
There are at least eight restaurants in this chain featuring Indian and local Muslim cuisine. One of the most convenient is located directly in front of Wisma Sandakan on Lebuh Empat (4th Avenue). $
Tawau
Kam Ling Seafood
24 Sabindo Open-Air Food Stall
Tel: 089-756 457
A simple restaurant that is a Sabah legend with its wide range of live fish, crustaceans and other seafood. Despite the unprepossessing surroundings, eager diners flock here for seafood at its best – and for the very reasonable prices. $$
Pearl City Restaurant
1 Jalan Kastam
Tel: 089-781 099
Built on stilts atop the sea, this restaurant serves local and Western seafood. When the seafood is based on weight or “market price”, for example fish or crabs, it is best if you agree on the price before they cook it. $$$–$$$$