What to eat in KL? — the most common question asked by Singaporeans on long weekends. Many of us frequently travel to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia over weekends, be it for business, couple staycations or hens’ trips.
We just took a weekend trip there and thought it’d be nice to share – just enough for a 2D2N food itinerary in KL without feeling like you’ve missed a thing.
Day 1 Brunch at VCR
Most budget flights from Singapore land in Kuala Lumpur at midday or slightly after — brunch is therefore mandatory. For something more out of the way (not in shopping district) yet still fairly accessible, visit VCR. We recommend taking a Grab car there. From city centre, it costs about 6RM.
VCR
Address: 2, Jalan Galloway, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur
Opens 830am to 11pm daily
Chill out at the outdoor benches for a quick coffee and cigarette, and drinking in the lovely sun.
Recommended: Turkish Style Eggs (RM25) The pistachio topping is brilliant! We had a flat white each too and picked a peanut butter chocolate banana cake from the cake counter to share. Yes, save room for coffee and cakes! They do really good ones here at VCR.
There are two levels at VCR. We preferred the upper level as it was less crowded, though level one most definitely gives off great cafe vibes! Servers are super friendly and cool people you’d think they’ll make great friends.
Day 1 Dinner at Kim Lian Kee Hokkien Mee
There are now many imitations of Kim Lian Kee Hokkien Mee, which is the original? Head to Jalan Petaling. While they did open a branch that is cleaner and newer looking just a few minutes away, we chose to visit this very first stall opened in the 1920s. To locate, head to the junction between Jalan Petaling and Jalan Hang Lekir, right opposite the Air Mata Kucing drink stall.
Kim Lian Kee Hokkien Mee 金莲记福建面
Address: Jalan Petaling, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opens 6pm till late
We are absolutely in love. The oodles of fat yellow noodles drink in the luxurious fats of fried lard, each bite juicy, smokey, charred.
In this video below, we learnt that they insist on using charcoal rather than electric stove for cooking, as they believe that charcoal is ‘live fire’ while electricity produces ‘dead fire’. Only with live fire can the noodles absorb all the flavours of the sauce, oil, flame. What an art!
Its green storefront and light blue and white mosaic tiles in the kitchen are a good hint you’re at the right stall.
Day 2 Brunch at Acme Bar & Coffee
Day 2 would be all about shopping, so we recommend you heading to a nice cafe Acme in the shopping district to save time and make bellies happy.
Acme Bar & Coffee (ABC)
Address: The Troika, Persiaran KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Opens 11am to 12am (Opens earlier at 930am on weekends, closes late at 1am on Fridays and Saturdays)
Chic chic entrance you can’t miss. Also superbly friendly staff who get you the best seats in the cafe. There are four sections to the cafe. Choose wisely 😉
We picked this area because it was the most quiet and suitable for dining. There are luxurious couches for coffee or cocktail sipping afternoons too!
Coffee comes with a biscotti. In our honest opinion though, the milk does taste a tad bland and didn’t add levels of flavour to the espresso. Does its job of keeping you awake for a day of shopping despite so.
Needed something hearty and so this creamy smoked duck breast pasta certainly hit the spot. Pasta was al dente and cream was light yet full. The duck breasts had a smokey, charred taste and its savouriness was well balanced by the little mushrooms. Loved it!
We loved this spicy salad bowl of chicken, quail eggs, refreshing crunchy veggies.
Of course we couldn’t leave without ordering the sizzling brownie with a large scoop o ice cream on top. Widely raved on the internet and drawing much attention when served, this dessert was rich, not too sweet, and definitely gave energy for the rest of the day!
Day 2 Early Dinner at Merchant’s Lane Cafe
KL is fast becoming a hipsterville with its secret bars and shophouse cafes. Along this street we found Merchant’s Lane Cafe and Chocha Foodstore. While Chocha Foodstore has a fascinating ambience (think neon lights, raw concrete walls and century-old floor tiles), we picked Merchant for its less pricey food options.
Merchant’s Lane Cafe
Address: 150, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opens 1130am to 10pm daily
An absolute delight — the Kai Fan 2.0 of grilled chicken leg and pandan rice. The chili tasted homemade!
But this takes the trophy. The name is Kg. Sg. Tua, which we simply know it to be deliciously grilled salmon served with butter herbed veggies, nasi lemak chili padi sauce and the best bit — sweet potato mash. These ingredients all worked so well together!
We complemented our meal with flower tea for two and fried brioche balls with lemon ice cream and kaya (coconut spread), cutely called Kalau Aku Kaya. Best!
Day 2 Drinks at PS150
Pop by next door after dinner for cocktails in a pre-war shop lot. At times, they require a password to enter, which you may find on their website or Instagram.
PS150
Address: 150 Ground Floor, Jalan Petaling, City Center, 50000 Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opens Mondays 7pm to 1am, Sundays 4pm to 12am, and 6pm to 2am on all other days
The store front is seemingly innocent — displays of old school toys. That was what caught our eyes. On closer inspection, we realised we’ve stumbled upon a hidden bar, PS150. Here’s us, learning that this is a bar and being escorted in.
Because it’s all dark and mysterious inside, we took no photos. But here’s one from PS150 Instagram feed. This is the main bar where all the action is. On the way in, we passed through a tight corridor called opium den for twos, and an outdoor courtyard to drink and smoke the night away.
Our trip came to a surreal close as we imbibed bespoke cocktails. The pineapple coconut tiki was a favourite. I lean towards smokey cocktails and had Lady O, a smokey, floral and citrusy mix. Or request for a customised cocktails with your favourite flavours.
Prices are extremely affordable without any compromise on service, quality or ambience. What an magical way to end the night (or trip) 🙂
Let us know if you’ve enjoyed your food journey in KL!
