Ng Su Ann

Get in on the healthy food movement and start eating clean at these top restaurants for healthy eats in KL. We've also included a quick guide to meal portions and healthy-eating alternatives as recommended by some of the individuals behind these eateries. RECOMMENDED: Best salad bars in KL Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

Malaysia is often lauded as a melting pot of cultures. And we all know what that means: food galore for gluttons like you and I. Now, like most multiracial countries, there are certain issues that seem inevitable, but the one thing that we all share is our appreciatively diverse palate. Malays, Chinese, Indians, Eurasians, Peranakans (even the indigenous tribes of Sabah and Sarawak) have opened places for everyone to sample and feast on their own unique dishes and sometimes, even their take on national favourites.  As the capital of the country, Kuala Lumpur is home to many of these dining establishments and while some of these dishes are better known elsewhere, if you’re in the city, why not head to the places we’ve listed here to fix your cravings or maybe even have a new to-go place for these well-loved classics? RECOMMENDED: The top 20 things to eat in KL and The best restaurants in KL right now Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

We’ve done the work for you: from five-star luxe heavy-hitters to hip boutique hotels with plenty of charm and premier hospitality, these are our picks for the best hotels in Kuala Lumpur, all alongside excellent onsite dining, wellness, and entertainment options.READ MORE: Best spas in Kuala Lumpur for cheap massages under RM100 and the best shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur

KL's coffee culture is an expanding landscape of imported beans, state-of-the-art machines, hip baristas, and silky smooth pours. Pair that with some good grub like a sandwich or even a bowl of pasta, that perfect café day is attainable. Here are the best coffee shops in KL that call the shots. RECOMMENDED: Local coffee roasters you should know Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

In Kuala Lumpur, noodles are more than a comfort food — they’re a daily ritual, a shared language, a story of migration, memory, and meticulous technique. Across the city’s sprawling network of neighbourhoods, from alleyway stalls and kopitiams hawking red plastic stools to air-conditioned restaurants helmed by fine dining-trained chefs, you’ll find a bowl of noodles for every mood. A laksa — be it assam, curry, or Nyonya — fits neatly into any part of the day: breakfast, lunch, dinner, or an in-between snack. There’s Hokkien mee, glossy with dark soy sauce and smoky with wok hei. Even Kelantan’s delicate laksam, featuring rolled rice noodles in creamy fish gravy, makes an appearance. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it does spotlight some of Kuala Lumpur’s most iconic, slurp-worthy noodle dishes. We’ve prioritised authenticity, flavour, and the kind of local reverence that turns a bowl of noodles into a city landmark. If it made the cut, we think it’s awesome and worth a visit — and we hope you will, too. RECOMMENDED: The best cheap eats in KL and The best cafés for coffee in KL Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

For great restaurants in Kuala Lumpur, we’re spoiled for choice. After all, eating is practically a national pastime. From high-end fine dining restaurants to great neighbourhood joints, everywhere on our list serves up amazing food that you’ll enjoy. After much debate and delectation, we have compiled this updated and definitive list of Kuala Lumpur’s current greatest dining spots. Dig in! RECOMMENDED: The best bars in Kuala Lumpur and Best sushi restaurants in KL Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

There’s no such thing as bad pizza, so the saying goes, but making a good pizza requires patience, skilled hands and a generous amount of quality toppings. Here are some of the best pizza joints in KL to visit when you just need that slice of heaven.   RECOMMENDED: 20 things you have to eat in Kuala Lumpur and The best bars in Kuala Lumpur right now

Here in Kuala Lumpur, we sometimes take our green spaces for granted. No more! Our best-of guide includes hikes for all ages and fitness levels and features everything from views of the city skyline to birding hotspots, and a secret (sort of) lake in Shah Alam.  Pack a water bottle, snacks, and sunscreen. Let’s get trekking! RECOMMENDED: The best parks in KL and The best running trails in the city

You don’t have to travel too far for a great beach getaway. Consider this list for your next relaxing escape. Below, some of the best beach resorts near Kuala Lumpur with rooms and villas overlooking the sea, and only a short stroll away, stretches of soft sand, and an abundance of water activities.  There's something for everyone at these properties, whether you're planning a family get-together or you prefer to focus on poolside mai tais with a plus one. The best part: they’re all only a couple hours’ drive away from Kuala Lumpur (give or take maybe a ferry or speedboat transfer). READ MORE: The absolute best hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Best city hotels and hostels under RM200 in KL

Indie rock, acoustic folk, jazz – think you can’t find them in KL? These top live music venues play all that and more.

Take the pressure off Valentine’s Day with our list of things to do for the weekend. Love is all around – from a glam night out at the orchestra (lovebirds, we’re looking at you), a Galentine’s party at the club with your besties, or speed-dating for the singles.  It’s not too late to book a dinner resy for two, too. Check out our list of the most romantic restaurants in Kuala Lumpur. READ MORE: Best spas and massages in KL and Best luxury hotels in KL

From upscale restaurants offering breathtaking city views from 48 floors up to sultry venues serving up vibrant Sri Lankan plates, these are some of the best places in town for date night – and a certain February holiday.  READ MORE: The best restaurants in KL and The best bars in KL

Tucked into Plaza Damas, Tiny Food serves up plant-based meals with plenty of soul and zero preach. Founded in 2020 (and no, it’s not named after someone tiny), the eatery champions small, intentional steps toward kinder living — “one tiny step with one tiny person at a time” — for yourself, others, and the planet. The vibe: Bright, minimalist, and laid-back. A cosy corner that’s as cheerful as the food. The food: Start with the char siu tofu pasta featuring overnight-marinated tofu grilled in a sticky-sweet glaze, paired with a creamy curry sauce. Other standouts include the eggplant crunchies, which are onion- and garlic-free but bursting with umami from a house-made Asian sauce; and the Not So TINY Breakfast stacks smoked tofu “ham,” hash browns, baked beans, sautéed mushrooms, avocado, and more onto one flavour-packed plate. If you crave comfort, the herby, crispy gluten-free falafels served with creamy hummus and pops of pomegranate are a fan favourite.  The drinks: Expect solid coffee, premium matcha from Niko Neko, fresh detox juices, and one of the best watermelon lychee coolers in town. Kombucha fans, take note: Wild Kombucha is always chilled and ready. Time Out tip: On-the-go? Grab their overnight oats, each under 500kcal and perfect for busy mornings.

At Roots, good food doesn’t cost the earth. Founded by three brothers, this modern, meat-free eatery bakes sustainability into every detail — from slow-fermented sourdough to locally sourced produce and low-impact supply chains. Set on the former Cziplee corner, Roots reimagines vegetarian dining with bold, flavour-forward plates and a grounded philosophy: eat well, tread lightly, and reconnect with what matters. The vibe: Light-filled and laid-back, the space pairs denim blue and burnt orange walls with wickerwork chairs and soft lighting. A glass-fronted counter displays sourdough breads and pastries made by one of the brothers, alongside vegan cakes and oat milk ice cream.  The food: No meat, no problem. At the heart of the menu: artisanal sourdough pizza, especially the Five Cheese, is a house favourite. But there’s more: Laksa Angel Hair brings spice and finesse, while Nasi Lemak Risotto rethinks a national classic with creamy coconut grains and sambal heat.  The drinks: Mocktails, kombucha, juices and oat milk lattes take centre stage. No alcohol, but enough complexity in the ferments and infusions to keep things interesting.  Time Out tip: For those looking to celebrate milestones or host private events, the restaurant offers full AV facilities and plant-based catering in a setting that is both intimate and refined.

Kuala Lumpur’s ramen scene is nothing if not stacked — rich broths, long queues, and loyal devotees. But Towzen stands apart. Two words: vegan ramen. The vibe: After two decades of perfecting the art of vegan ramen in a quiet Kyoto backstreet, Towzen has made its first international leap, landing in Kuala Lumpur’s leafy Ampang neighbourhood. Inside, things are suitably pared-back: warm wood, and the kind of minimalist restraint you'd expect from a Kyoto café (if it served truffle ramen). It’s tranquil, thoughtful, and unpretentious — a welcome contrast to the city’s faster-paced eateries. The food: At the core of Towzen’s menu is a concept still rare in the ramen world: a soy milk-based broth. Go for the eponymous noodle dish. The broth is ultra-creamy, made by slowly boiling soy milk with a touch of baking powder, then rested overnight and finished with dashi and soy sauce. Toppings include mizuna, yuba, radish, enoki and shimeji mushrooms, umeboshi, and a hint of sansho. The noodles are firm, chewy, and built to carry the flavour. Another standout is the miso and gac ramen, blending hearty miso with the earthy sweetness of gac fruit — a Southeast Asian superfood — balanced by a walnut milk broth. Brighten things up with the Yuzu Kosho Ramen, which offsets the richness of the broth with a zingy citrus hit. If you’re not in the mood for noodles, there’s a supporting cast of udon, rice dishes, and light bites — but trust us: you came for the ramen. The drinks: Matcha is seriou

From the team behind Kusa, with Summer Ng at the helm, Kuki is a quiet triumph of plant-based Japanese dining in the heart of Taman Tun Dr Ismail. The vibe: Inside, Kuki is serene. A circular marumado window frames the space like a painting. Shoji screens filter sunlight across earthen textures and pale wood, while a curated bonsai collection adds sculptural charm. If you wish for a little privacy, a private dining room evokes the calm intimacy of a Kyoto teahouse.  The food: Dishes feel considered, both in composition and execution. A standout: the crispy layered potato with yuzu chickpea mayo, a clever take on the humble snack, where potatoes are twice-fried and served on a skewer, accompanied by a ten-ingredient dipping sauce. The Goma Miso Ramen is an equally compelling signature — a broth-forward bowl of handmade noodles, bok choy, baked tomatoes and mushrooms, finished with chilli oil and a hint of ginger. The sushi and maki mono are served with beet tartare, tomato natto, wild mushroom, and more. The drinks: Drinks are just as carefully concocted. The bar, which sits adjacent to the main dining space, serves kochi, cold-pressed juices, and a list of zero-proof cocktails that hold their own beside the food: refreshing, balanced, and quietly inventive. Time Out tip: For a more structured experience, opt for the five- or eight-course tasting menus — a well-paced introduction to the kitchen’s capabilities and Kuki’s subtle brilliance.

On the ground floor of Chinatown’s Four Points, LaGula — from the team behind The Hungry Tapir — is rewriting the rules of what a vegan eatery can be: part brunch spot, part resto-bar, and entirely unlike anything else in the city. The vibe: Run by Makissa Smeeton and her mother, Cynthia Rodrigo, the quirky, maximalist bakery-bar is washed in the decade’s most defining colour: pink, in every shade and shimmer. There’s also a d-floor. At night, the room pulses with a nightclub-quality sound system, with Makissa’s brother, Tristan, holding down the DJ booth as the house selector. The food: Buttery pastries (yes, vegan!) and plant-forward mains: a pulled ‘pok’ bap that tastes just like the real thing; sourdough pizza topped with marinated hedgehog mushrooms and kuah kacang (a playful riff on satay); and tortillas brightened by mango and mushroom ceviche. Save stomach space for bakes and sweets.  The drinks: Come for breakfast smoothies, stay for cocktails and natural wines.  Time Out tip: On Friday nights, the space transforms into a stage for the city’s best jazz, blues, and soul musicians. Check LaGula’s Instagram to stay up-to-date with the latest lineup and programming; it could be Bollywood-themed one night, and stand-up comedy the next.

In a sun-dappled upstairs hideaway on Jalan Telawi 3, Fittie Sense has quietly spent the past decade reimagining what healthy tastes like. The vibe: The space is warm and wood-toned, made for lingering — especially at noon, when light pours in through a sunroof. Whether you’re dining solo, on a date, or with your fitfam, this is wellness with heart, not hype. The food: On the plate, the mission is clear: real food, zero fakery. No deep frying, no refined sugars, no highly-processed hydrogenated oils. Just seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients; think Pulau Ketam seafood and produce that hasn't flown halfway around the world. There are thoughtful options for every diet — gluten-free, vegan, keto. Macros are broken down for the detail-obsessed: protein, fats, net carbs all counted. Signatures include steak and eggs done the Fittie way, a protein-rich, macro-balanced classic redefined for the gym rat with taste. Or go full veg with the cauliflower steak glazed in harissa spice, dressed with dreamy sweet potato mash and salsa. Even the bolognese here is adapted for a keto diet. The drinks: Drinks lean bubbly, earthy, and gut-friendly. House-brewed kombucha? Check. Fresh juices and smoothies blended with extra protein? Definitely. Almond, oat or soy milk lattes with beetroot, charcoal or matcha? Of course. Time Out tip: For those who prefer their wellness by the slice: gluten-free, vegan, and keto cakes are baked in-house. Sweetened with dates, prunes, or honey, they’re decadent wi

Datin Isma — founder, chef and the culinary force behind the popular @masakwithpassion account — taps into her east coast roots to craft authentic Kelantanese dishes rarely found in Kuala Lumpur.  The vibe: Kantan draws steady crowds that spill out come mealtime, a sure sign it’s one of the city’s top spots for Kelantanese fare. Casual and cheery, there’s no better place for a hearty, satisfying meal with family and friends.  The food: It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that almost everything is excellent at Kantan, but the standout is the nasi kerabu; it’s plated with fragrant yellow rice (not the usual blue), paired with traditional ulam like bunga kantan and daun kesom (no cabbage here), budu, sambal, tumis, grated coconut, half a salted egg, crispy ikan masin, and crunchy keropok. Pick your protein: ayam percik, ayam bakar, ayam goreng, daging bakar, or kambing bakar. Other must-tries include the nasi ulam with sup daging and the rich, creamy laksam — a Kelantanese classic done right. The drinks: All your local favourites are accounted for: hot or iced kopi and teh, refreshing barley and cincau, sirap, and the standout ‘Sabarjala’, a mix of sirap, barley, and lychee that’s as fun to drink as it is to say.   Time Out tip: Be sure to save room for dessert - the lompat tikam, a traditional Kelantanese sweet featuring pandan pudding, pulut, coconut cream, and gula Melaka syrup, is well worth it. 

For many years, this husband-and-wife char kuay teow stall in Brickfields had no name — only a string of affectionate monikers coined by regulars: 7-Eleven CKT, Sports Toto CKT, YMCA CKT, even Ais Kacang CKT (a nod to the neighbouring dessert stall). That changed when a patron took matters into his own hands; he christened it ‘Best Fried Kuay Teow’ and even designed and printed a bunting banner to make the title official. Today, the name remains, proudly displayed — though among locals, the nicknames still linger fondly. The vibe: It’s a makeshift stall set up streetside with half a dozen tables with red plastic stools. Adjust your expectations.  The food: It is a truth universally acknowledged that char kuay teow should, first and foremost, have char. Here, each plate arrives with a smoky depth that speaks to 30 years of seasoned wok work — and includes kuay teow (the standard, but you can opt for yellow mee too), eggs, cockles, fishcake, shrimp and lapcheong, alongside chives and taugeh. The drinks: In an icebox, there is bottled water and bottled herbal tea. If Ah Keong’s, the neighbouring dessert stall, is open, you can order coconut juice or grab a drink from a convenience store around the corner.  Time Out tip: Make it a meal with ais kacang and cendol from neighbouring Ah Keong’s, and don’t leave without tapao-ing pisang goreng from the stall down the street. It’s Brickfield’s best.    

One of the oldest stalls in the city, operating since ’49, Shin Kee is a beloved institution known for its beef noodles. The vibe: A no-frills stall inspiring a nostalgic atmosphere, though not necessarily by design. It simply looks the way it always has for decades – and therein lies its charm. Since 1949, Shin Kee has seen several generations of families pack into its shop, seated elbow-to-elbow on little red stools, slurping up beef noodles.  The food: We are here for one thing only: beef noodles served in a savoury sauce of minced meat or swimming in broth. Diners are offered a choice of bihun, yellow mee or hor fun noodles alongside the stall’s signature beef meatballs known for their satisfying bounce, tender slivers of beef, or thick-cut tendon and tripe.  The drinks: Chinese teas, herbal teas, and a selection of soft drinks stocked in the fridge.   Time Out tip: Expect a queue at peak hours, and to taap toi (share a table) with other diners.

There’s spicy, and then there’s Super Kitchen’s chilli pan mee. Turn up the heat at the chain specialising in chilli pan mee. There are multiple locations in the valley, and one in Singapore, too.  The vibe: Tucked in a shop lot in an oft-underappreciated corner of Chow Kit, Super Kitchen is sparsely decorated. But we’re not here for its interiors, are we? Still, it’s clean and brightly lit by way of fluorescent fixtures. Service is quick.  The food: A dish of dry pan mee topped with pork mince, a poached egg, fried ikan bilis, fried onions, and – crucially– a dollop of dry chilli mix is a bestseller. But the eatery also puts out pan mee served with pork chop, mee hoon kueh, and more, with a section of the menu dedicated to rice, soup, and deep-fried mains such as fu chuk (dried beancurd) and sweet and sour pork.  The drinks: Kopi and teh, soft drinks, herbal tea, and the like. Time Out tip: Newer Super Kitchens feature slick, modern fit-outs in glitzy air-conditioned malls.     

A modern Malaysian noodle bar that celebrates its Chinese roots. Founders Aaron Phua, Bimmy Soh, and Aaron Khor draw inspiration from the cultures of dialect groups, such as Cantonese, Teochew, Hokkien and even Peranakan.  The vibe: The team, when designing the restaurant, wanted “to instil a sense of home.” Fifty Tales has a style that hints at its cuisine: it’s inviting with warm textures and tones, pulled together by lighting sculptures reminiscent of Chinese lanterns,  at once contemporary and traditional. The food: It’s all about the noodles. Texture: bouncy, springy. Taste: fresh, rich. Here, they’re handmade with eggs, high-protein flour, oil and water — and not alkaline water or kan-sui either.  The drinks: A selection of Chinese loose-leaf teas, sodas such as fizzy lou han gou (monkfruit) or kok fa ginger, low ABV beers, cocktails with a Fifty Tales twist, and a short sake and wine list.  Time Out tip: If you’re after something heartier, the restaurant serves a dinner menu titled ‘cincai’ – meaning casual, and slang for ‘whatever’ – that stays true to the essence of comforting Malaysian Chinese cuisine. Expect elevated staples such as steamed golden pomfret, roasted corn-fed chicken leg, and triple pepper wagyu belly, all best enjoyed with a bowl of noodles or pork lard rice.

A fixture of the Taman Paramount neighbourhood since 1990, this hawker centre – just a short stroll from LRT Taman Paramount – may house only 15 or so stalls (several run by longtime owners and cooks doing brisk business for decades), but it punches well above its weight in flavour and following. The vibe: O&S buzzes with activity from morning till the late afternoon, a lively, no-frills hawker centre that’s popular with nearby residents and office workers as a one-stop shop to sample everything from curry laksa to char kuay teow. The food: Tuck into timeless hawker treats. We recommend the mom-and-pop stall slinging out asam laksa and curry laksa, as well as the char kuay teow (opt for the duck egg version!). As for the other options, you can’t go wrong with beef noodle, chee cheong fun, yong tau foo, chicken rice, prawn mee, wan tan mee, and the sam kan chong pork noodles. The drinks: Top it all off with a glass of cold Chinese tea, herbal tea, barley, sugarcane juice, or kopis and tehs.  Time Out tip: Chances are you’ll be waiting a bit for your main meal, so you might as well have a snack while doing so. Order the popiah: fresh spring roll stuffed with stewed soft turnip, crunchy taugeh, and a generous topping of crushed peanuts, sweet sauce, and chilli. Also try: apam balik, pisang goreng, and nian gao.