Best Places To Eat In Old Klang Road

Located wayside from the busy road that sees city centre workers heading home, Peng Hwa makes a strategic supper spot, especially for those who pulled a late-nighter. The small eatery embraces its rustic charm with red neon lights, a wooden signboard and a ready-to-serve plethora of Teochew-style small plates with porridge. Here's a classic venue to get cosy with your favourite colleague. With a bowl (or two) of their warm, runny Porridge (RM1), order the Braised Peanuts (RM3). Typically served at Chinese restaurants as a tidbit, the instinctively simple, melt-in-your-mouth peanuts are perfect with plain porridge. The soft yet crunchy slices of Braised Intestines (RM4) make it a must-order for all fans of offal. Don't forget your greens — go for the deeply flavoured Mui Choy (preserved mustard greens, RM2) or zesty Cha Choy (pickled vegetables, RM2)! If supper has space for one more dish to share, make it the Chinese Sausage (RM3.50). These greasy morsels supply an umami hit to the meal. Pro tip: Ask for a bowl of their tasty soy-based braising liquid, it’s perfect for spooning over your porridge.
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Alyssia Yu

To call Pu Yuan a hidden gem would be an understatement. This covert location, tucked in an inconspicuous alley off Old Klang Road, gets its reputation from serving traditional true-blue Hokkien dishes. Spot a white door along the alley facing SJK (C) Choong Wen to find your way here. Take the family out for an excursion and try the Chao Shu Fen (fried tapioca noodles, from RM7). Sliced into neat rectangles, the noodles have a soft, slightly chewy texture that hits it off with wok hei, pungent dried shrimp and pork lard. The Fried Tang Hoon (from RM7) comes a close second, but also merits an order for its abundant trimmings, including prawns, Chinese cabbage and mushrooms. To truly experience Pu Yuan, also order several tai chow dishes to share with the fam. The lady boss will gladly recommend a Signature Fried Homemade Beancurd (RM12) that's deep-fried to a golden crisp whilst retaining its velvety texture within. Those who prefer meat would relish in the Oatmeal Popcorn Chicken (RM18). The order of chicken popcorns coated in crunchy oatmeal flakes is foolproof. Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burppler jionghui lim

For rainy day group dinners in Old Klang Road, Coco Steamboat comes to mind. The restaurant is set in a super spacious warehouse, while an efficient queue system makes the guaranteed wait here bearable. When seated, it's essential you start off with an order of Coco Double Stewed Soup with Whole Bone (RM22.2). Packed with collagen and meaty goodness, this rich broth is what draws the crowds. Go for simpler sides to satisfy, such as the Set Menu (RM39.80 for two) that comes with the usual steamboat suspects like prawns, dumplings and meatballs. Apart from the basics, treat yourself to additional orders for sharing! The Crispy Fish Skin (RM16.90) is a luxurious pop of crunch while the Sliced Pork (RM13.70) will emerge from the broth curled up in thin, tender slices that are absolutely tantalising. While waiting on the bubbling broth to cook up a feast, order the scrumptious Crisp-Fried Pork Belly With Shrimp Paste (RM15) to tide you over. Wash dinner down with a sharing jug of cooling Sugarcane, Couch Grass Root & Carrot herbal drink (RM9.50).
Avg price per person: RM30
Photo by Burppler Su-Ann Khaw

Spot Meng Kee opposite Scott Garden by its bright red signboard sitting out on the road — your reward will be delicious tai chow done right. For a weekday lunch, gather your colleagues for this affordable meal that stars seafood as its mainstay. The great-for-sharing Steamed Fish With Ginger and Soy Sauce (RM28) soothes with sweet, fleshy fish smothered in chopped ginger and a sauce redolent of rice wine. Order also the Steamed Lala (RM16). Cooked in a similar style, the shellfish is delicious in its own juicy, toothsome right. The quality extends to their meat dishes, including the Pork Ribs In Soy Bean Paste (RM16). Slicked in a spicy, saltish sauce, the tender ribs are sure to be gobbled up in a flash. A plate of Stir-Fried Kangkung In Belacan goes for only RM8, so don't skimp on greens here! The one thing this streetside stall lacks is parking space — hop into an Uber or Grab ride instead.
Avg price per person: RM20
Photo by Burppler Kelvin Chan

For a barbecue dinner that doesn't involve you doing the work, head to BBQ Thai. The bustling outdoor environment sporting tuk tuks and other Thai features make this place a frontrunner for your next meetup with the gang! Head straight for their great made-to-order grills. The BBQ Pork Neck (RM28) is found on every table, and it definitely deserves a spot on yours too. Though priced on the steep side, the sliced pork neck spells perfection with its flavour-packed marinade and smoky, tender finish. The spicy green chili dip that comes with it is also hot stuff. The Tom Yum Seafood (RM25) doesn't overload on heat, so even if you're not a fan of the spicy soup, its gentle zing should still satisfy. Also good to munch on between mains are the Thai BBQ Cockles (RM12). For dessert, order the traditional Tako (RM12 for six pieces) that comes set in banana leaves. The one-bite sweet made of coconut milk, jelly and corn is a refreshing way to end the meal!
Avg price per person: RM40
Photo by Burppler Jessica Lau

Every evening, an uncle and domestic helper duo sets up shop outside Restoran Wai Kei to sell pan mee, which outshines most of the other offerings along the food street. Many couples stop by for a simple, satisfying dinner on their way home from work, and you should too. From Lian Kee's humble metal cart, order the Pan Mee (RM7). There are two versions of this dish — soup and dry, and both are done with stringent standards to satisfy. Served in a large ceramic bowl, the soup is best enjoyed with mee hoon kueh or 'pinched' pan mee. The handmade noodles boast a good bite, while the clear broth teems with anchovy fragrance. On the other hand, the dry rendition delights with its dark brown sauce skillfully seasoned for a balance between sweet and salty. We recommend getting the thick, toothsome pan mee for this! The best part is, both pan mee dishes are topped with copious amounts of crispy ikan bilis, mushrooms and tender pork slices. Rest assured, you will not be leaving hungry.
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burppler Rueann Dass

This coffeeshop surrounded by car workshops is a brunch stalwart for residents nearby. The old-school vibes and limited seatings mean that all tables are up for sharing, so swing by for a solo meal and maybe, meet the neighbours while you're at it. Of the several food stalls in operation here, our vote goes to the famous one that sees its heritage in Cheras. The couple serves up a mean bowl of Fish Head Noodles (from RM8.50), which arrives in piping hot milky fish soup jewelled with large deep-fried fish head chunks. What gives this dish its edge is the side of chilli sauce that supplies a tinge of tangy heat. Tuck into the fish head with confidence, tackling the tasty meat hidden in each nook and cranny — an adorable origami paper saucer is provided to dispose of bones. If you don't feel like powering through fish head, opt to have your noodles with fish paste instead.
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burppler Rueann Dass

Famous for their halal chicken rice, Chee Meng set along Old Klang Road is a gem for quick lunches with your colleagues — Muslim or otherwise. The space is lacklustre, but what matters is that there are more than enough tables to accommodate the crowd. Having been in business for over 50 years, the restaurant has got their recipe for authentic Hainanese Chicken Rice (from RM9) down pat. The steamed chicken sports smooth skin and tender flesh, flavoured by a dash of light soy sauce and paired with fragrant oiled rice. Put up an additional RM1 for the fuss-free boneless option! Chicken rice aside, the menu also features tasty dishes from the wok. Try the Sotong Sambal (RM13) with extra spicy sauce to ladle over rice and the Terung Goreng (stir-fried eggplant, RM11) that's crisp and yummy.
Avg price per person: RM20

Run by a rather rotund gentleman of its namesake, Fatty Bak Kut Teh reigns supreme with the best of the both worlds — think a Chinese-style surf and turf of bak kut teh and steamed fish. For family dinners or late night outings with a few friends, this airy outdoor restaurant hits the spot. Order the Bak Kut Teh (from RM17), served in a claypot chock-full of pork belly, pork balls and innards (the latter is optional, but highly recommended). The broth is on the lighter side, so be sure to help yourself to condiments. A combination of chopped bird's eye chillies, garlic and thick, dark soy sauce complements the meal with robust flavours. Heed bossman's recommendation for their house specialty Ginger Steamed Fish Head (from RM43). The fresh fish head comes in a whopping size that feeds up to four, and its ambrosial minced ginger sauce bolsters the fish to its ideal flavours. If a man approaches with a different menu for grilled lamb and seafood, take up his offer for Grilled Clams (RM23). Steeped in a spicy, ginger-laced soup within the foil wrapper, these clams of the thicker shell variety are a delicious addition to the meal!
Avg price per person: RM25
Photo by Burppler Rueann Dass