Kuala Lumpur’s top 5 cheap eats
They say that the fastest way to someone’s heart is via their stomach! But for the cheapest way to get there quickly, head to Kuala Lumpur, the food lover’s capital of South East Asia.
A rich melting pot of flavours, Malaysian cuisine ranks amongst the most delicious and tastiest in Asia. And one of the best places to experience it in all its glory is the Country’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. The beauty of eating in KL is that it doesn’t have to be expensive if you know where to look! To save you some of the guesswork on where to sample the most delicious and authentic local dishes for the least amount of money, here are our top five cheap eats in KL – and they are all under RM10 (AUD3.5)!
At the top of the list…
SATAY
Interestingly, the term ‘satay’ means ‘three pieces’ in the Hokkien dialect. This Malaysian version of ‘kebab’ is often treated as an entrée in Australia, but it’s considered a stand-alone meal in Malaysia. Satay is designed to be enjoyed with peanut sauce and its tradition to refresh your palate with cucumber or tomato in between bites. Locals claim that Sate Zainah Ismail probably has the meatiest satay you’ll find in KL. Its beef satay is beautifully smoked and once you get started, you will be sure to ordering one stick after another.
WHERE? Sate Zainah Ismail, 3437 Jalan Keramat, 54000 Kuala Lumpur
CENDOL
The quintessential Southeast Asian dessert, Cendol’s core ingredients include coconut milk, green starched jelly noodles with pandan flavoring, and palm sugar. When the weather gets hot in Malaysia, locals make for the nearest Cendol stall. Also known for its traditional Nyonya laksa, Baby Low’s 486 is considered one of the best places to try this uniquely Asian treat. Delicious and refreshing, its Cendol is a real showstopper. “One bite and you’ll understand why Cendol is a local favourite, “according to Tourism Malaysia Director Roslan Abdullah.
WHERE? Baba Low’s 486, 11 Lorong Kurau Bangsar Kuala Lumpur 59100
LAKSA
No visit to Malaysia is complete without tasting Peranakan/Nonya cuisine. One of the best-known and most popular Nyonya dishes is the famous Laksa noodle soup, with its rich coconut curry base. The veritable minestrone of South Asia, Laksas can feature anything from tofu puffs, fish shrimps through to chicken pieces and of course, noodles and lots of delicious Asian vegetables. The curry laksa at the 17-year-old Bakeri Joy is a somewhat of a KL institution – and must try for all food lovers. It is much lighter and than traditional laksas found elsewhere. Want an extra spice kick? If you dare, stir some of Bakeri Joy’s famous dry chilli paste into your bowl, savour the satisfying chilli hit and slurp down your laksa until the very last drop.
WHERE? Bakeri Joy, 4 SS24/13 Taman Megah Kelana Jaya Petaling Jaya 47301
KUIH
If you ask a local “What is Kuih?” or “How many types of Kuih are there?” you are most likely to be rewarded with a very confused look. And this is because, like a great many Malaysian dishes, Kuih comes in countless variations and permutations, and it can be savoured at any time of the day. Not only does it come in all manner of colours and flavours, it can also be prepared in any number of ways – steamed, grilled and baked. Most Kuih consist of firm puddings or custards that can be cut into pieces. A’Han Nyonya Kuih, a family-run business in Seapark, has mastered the art of preparing Kuih over many decades of practice. Its steamed blue glutinous rice cakes and red tortoise cake will be sure make your followers on social media turn green with envy. And did we mention they are delicious too?
WHERE? A’Han Nyonya Kuih, 16 Jalan 21/22 SEA Park Petaling Jaya 46300
NASI LEMAK
Last but by no means least on our list of Malaysian cheap eats, Nasi Lemak is considered by many Malaysians to be part of their national heritage. The basics? Steamed rice combined with Pandan leaves and coconut cream, partnered with sizzling spicy sauce or sambal. Try this fragrant dish at Warung Rindu, a hidden gem, which has been around for almost 20 years. According to locals its Sambal Ikan Bilis – the traditional accompaniment to Nasi Lemak, is what makes its version of this popular dish such a winner. Taking 3 – 4 hours to cook, experts say that Warung Rindu’s Sambal Ikan Bilis really brings out the flavour in the chillies, meaning that one bowl of their Nasi Lemak is rarely enough!
WHERE? Warung Rindu, Jalan Kubur Off Jalan Pantai Dalam Bangsar South Kuala Lumpur 59200
Aside from delicious food, Malaysia is a great place to visit at any time, with adventure, culture, beaches, jungle, nature and accommodation to suit every budget, friendly locals and year-round sunshine to boot. So, food lovers, if you can feel your tummy rumbling already, visit tourismmalaysia.com.au, be inspired and book a holiday that is sure to satisfy more than just your palate.
Latest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!