This food walk with the wonderful Pauline from Simply Enak was an absolute fun journey. Her deep knowledge of the area and infectious enthusiasm made the entire experience even more memorable. She effortlessly connected each dish to the rich culinary traditions of Chinatown.
Our first stop was Hong Kee Claypot Chicken Rice at Jalan Sultan, a legendary spot loved by locals for its perfectly cooked claypot rice. Watching the steam rise from the claypot as we cracked the egg over the top was almost as satisfying as the first bite. The mix of salted fish, Chinese sausage, and tender chicken gave the dish a wonderful balance of salty, sweet, and umami. The crispy rice at the bottom, cooked to perfection in the claypot, was especially satisfying.
At Kim Lian Kee, one of the most iconic eateries on Jalan Petaling, we indulged in their famous Hokkien Bihun. This place has been serving up stir-fried noodles for generations. The pork lard gave the noodles a deep richness, perfectly offset by the fresh prawns and soy sauce. Every bite of the wok-fried vermicelli carried that irresistible smoky "wok hei," a reminder of why this dish remains a beloved street food staple in Kuala Lumpur.
At Fung Wong, another legendary spot for pastries, we tried the Husband Pastry and the Red Bean Pastry. With its unique filling of mung bean, winter melon, and five spices, it offered a delicate balance of sweet and savory. The Red Bean Paste Pastry, on the other hand, was instantly comforting, with its smooth, sweet filling enveloped in a flaky crust. It’s easy to see why this family-run bakery continues to be a go-to spot for locals with a sweet tooth.
Although we didn’t try lok lok ourselves, Pauline introduced us to this iconic street food concept. The sight of locals gathering around the lok lok stalls, dipping skewered meats and veggies into hot broth, and enjoying them with a variety of dipping sauces, showed us the fun, communal aspect of dining in Chinatown.
One of the most memorable stops was Yik See Ho, a local favorite for Bak Kut Teh, where the tables were filled with regulars savoring this comforting herbal soup. Known for its robust broth made with pork ribs and a fragrant mix of spices like star anise, fennel seeds, and clove, Yik See Ho’s Bak Kut Teh is the kind of meal that lingers in your memory. The flavors of the rich, earthy soup were deeply satisfying, making it easy to see why it has such a loyal following among locals.
We wrapped up the tour at Ruby Dessert House, where traditional Chinese desserts are turned into works of art. The Almond & Peanut Paste dessert was smooth and creamy, but what really caught our attention was the beautiful art drawn on top of each dessert. It added a creative touch to a traditional dish, making it a memorable end to our culinary adventure.
These legendary eateries not only served us incredible food but also connected us to the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s food culture, and thanks to Pauline’s guidance, every bite carried a deeper meaning.
