Michele's Kitchen (米雪小馆)

There’s so much about this homely restaurant that locals keep coming back for: hearty Hakka grub, generous portions and efficient service. Order the signatures to share, such as the Mooi Choy Kao Yoke (pork belly with preserved mustard greens, RM22), Hot & Sour Kai Choy (from RM12) and Nyonya-style Steamed Fish (RM42). Though the latter isn't strictly a Hakka dish, it's delicious and worth its salt anyway. On weekdays, come for the homemade Hakka Yong Tau Fu (RM2 per piece) stuffed with fish paste, minced pork and salted fish.
Photo by Burppler Blueskies Cottonclouds

Michele's Kitchen marks the spot for family-style dining over homely Hakka fare and more. For first-timers, the friendly owner recommends the house specials, like the tender Mooi Choy Kao Yoke (pork belly with preserved mustard greens, from RM22) and the asam-heavy Nyonya-style Steamed Fish (RM42). Also look out for traditional dishes like the Colourful Cold Platter (RM120) featuring painstakingly made jelly chicken — this requires advance ordering.
Photo by Burppler Alison K

You can’t dine here and not order this traditional Hakka dish – pork belly with preserved mustard greens. The pork has a perfect meat-to-fat ratio, and I love the tang from the vegetables. We should have gotten a bigger portion for the table.

Thick slices of eggplant – they just melt in your mouth – are cooked in a light and aromatic soy and garlic-based sauce with fishcakes. It’s simple but very tasty.

Not very Hakka, but you MUST order this dish when you dine here. The fish was fresh, so meaty and absolutely well-cooked. But that sauce though; it’s heavy on the asam and is so savoury. It’s worth ordering an extra bowl of rice just to eat with the gravy.

I’ve not enjoyed a meal this much in such a long time. Every dish (no lie) on the table was delicious! Am bookmarking Michele’s Kitchen for all my Chinese food cravings.