Best Places to Eat in Kuchai Lama

Make PapaSan Canteen your weekend pit stop for good food and great vibes. Crowd favourites include the Omu Curry Rice (RM18) with crispy fried chicken and the Signature Papasan Roll (RM24) that’s great for sharing. Finish the meal with a smooth and well-balanced Latte (RM10) before you hit the road.
Photo by Burppler Yung-hui Lim

With outlets in Glenmarie and Happy Garden, Meng Kee is the place for juicy and melt-in-your-mouth char siew. Enjoy the Char Siew Wantan Noodles (from RM6) or the Chicken Hor Fun (RM6), and pile on an extra order of the sweet Char Siew (RM17) because a few pieces are never enough. They're open from 7.30am, so bookmark this spot for an early and hearty brekkie.
Photo by Burppler Fabian Poon

Come for the tasty, well-portioned pasta that's worth the trek and, on weekends, the queue. Start with the savoury Mushroom Soup (RM7.90) that's redolent of wild mushrooms and olive oil. As for mains, don't miss the light, truffle oil-drizzled Cream and Pork Bacon (RM18.90), best had with spaghetti to soak up all that luscious sauce. Otherwise, go for a more adventurous Ox Tongue Ragu Bolognese (RM22.90).
Photo by Burppler Rueann Dass

One of the rare Vietnamese restos in KL to serve hot pot, Lucky Quan is also popular for their stellar take on classics like the Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup (RM14.80) and the Pork and Ham Banh Mi (RM10). There’s also a barbecue grill set up outside the restaurant, so fill the table (and your tummy) with mouthwatering grilled meats like BBQ Big Squid (RM20) and BBQ Pork (two sticks, RM10).
Photo by Burppler Alison K

Long-time neighbourhood favourite Restoran Goon Wah pulls in the crowds for two signature dishes: XO Fish Head Noodles (from RM15) and Claypot Lou Shu Fun (from RM15). The sweet Gingko Soybean Barley Soup (from RM15) makes for a nice finish after the wholesome meal. Pro tip: Swing by before noon as the place fills up quickly for lunch.
Photo by Burppler Ng Wan

Nestled in an old shoplot down the road from Goon Wah, Soon Lei is the lesser known but just as good (if not better!) spot for aromatic Fish Noodles (from RM13) and Claypot Lou Shu Fun (from RM8). Expect traditional Chinese grub rarely found on other menus, such as the Pumpkin Fried Glass Noodles (from RM9) and Stir-Fried Rice Cakes (from RM7).
Photo by Burppler Rueann Dass

Seafood is all the rage at Restoran Sin Chua Kee, so Crabs (from RM48) are a must-order. Go with the thick, creamy butter sauce, which the steamed mantaos will come in handy to help scoop up every last drop. Coming in a big group? Get also the Aromatic Spicy Fried Brinjal (RM20), Sichuan Chicken (RM55) and Ham Choi Braised Fish (RM64) to share.
Photo by Burppler Cherrie Tang

Open till 2am, this small restaurant doles out food big on flavour! Best-sellers include the Sichuan Spicy Chicken Dice (RM42) and Sichuan Boiled Fish with Pickled Cabbage (RM40), both of which go well with the Egg Rice (RM16). It's also a one-stop shop for Sichuan barbecue after 6pm, with a variety spanning goodies like Lean Sliced Pork (RM5) and Yellow Croaker Fish (RM8).
Photo by Burppler Alison K