The Tatler team share their go-to spots for chicken rice in the Klang Valley in 2025
Call it comfort food for the ages, chicken rice is one of those hearty Malaysian staples that unites hearts while pleasing tastebuds. A simple, but winning combination of juicy chicken dropping with sauce placed upon a cup of rich flavourful rice, chicken rice is the choice of everyone from top chefs and CEOs to students on a budget.
Read more: Crispy delights: 10 famous fried foods across Asia that aren’t fried rice
So devoted is the Tatler team to this humble dish that we couldn’t pass up the chance to pen down our favourite restaurants for a good plate of nasi ayam, from modern establishments with a nostalgic twist to neighbourhood institutions that will never grow old.
Chong Tong Kee
This place in Taman Tun is better known for their hor fun and wantan but if you’re lucky enough to a) find parking and then b) get a table, just order everything on the menu.
They only do steamed chicken here and it is impossibly silky and smooth and drenched in a deeply umami sauce. Throw on a side of wantan which are extremely simple—a single prawn wrapped in a slippery skin—but impossible to say no to.
- Emma Chong, managing editor, Tatler Malaysia
Chong Tong Kee, 18 Jalan Wan Kadir, 1 Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
Restoran Satellite

Above Restoran Satellite in Jalan Gasing (Photo: Jason Ng)
An institution on Jalan Gasing, this will always be my go-to for pak chum kai (poached white chicken) with their smooth, juicy chicken, fragrant oil rice, crunchy taugeh, and hot, hot soup. The outdoor patio, with its shady tree and the owner’s oldies playlist, always creates a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.
- Jennifer Choo, regional managing editor, Tatler Homes and Celeste Goh, senior writer, Tatler Homes
Restoran Satellite, 103, Jalan Gasing, Pjs 10, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
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Restoran Wong Mei Kee
While Restoran Wong Mei Kee is typically known for its roast pork, its chicken rice should definitely not be overlooked. Chicken here is roasted, with tender meat and deep golden skin, served alongside fragrant rice.
- Katelyn Tan, dining editor, Tatler Malaysia and Indonesia
Wong Mei Kee, 30, Jalan Nyonya, Pudu, Kuala Lumpur
1977 Ipoh Chicken Rice
As a PJ-native that has spent many family brunches on Jalan Gasing after service at the nearby SFX Church, 1977 Ipoh Chicken Rice is my definitive pick for chicken rice.
Coincidentally right next door to Restoran Satellite, their roasted chicken rice is bursting with flavour that sinks into the flesh and comes on a generous bed of crunchy tauge. As far as cuts go, I’ve always found the pieces to be lean and fleshy, much more than at many other places.
In terms of atmosphere, the restaurant underwent renovation many years ago (sadly eliminating the iconic "Ipoh come to PJ" signage in the process) to provide a nice air-conditioned environment, but one of the reasons I love this particular chicken rice is that it travels well via Grab Delivery, ideal for those days when you just don't feel like venturing out but want comfort food.
- Kiran Pillay, deputy print editor, Tatler Malaysia
1977 Ipoh Chicken Rice, 107, Jalan Gasing, Pjs 10, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Seng Kee Chicken Rice
From a small hawker stall in Skudai to a thriving F&B business with branches in Solaris Mont Kiara and Paradigm Mall in Petaling Jaya, Seng Kee Chicken Rice delivers with bells and whistles—think a trio of ginger paste, chicken rice chilli and kicap sauce served aesthetically in a row accompanied by gleaming roast chicken topped with coriander and green onions.
The chicken rice set for one is priced way more than what you’ll find in coffee shops, but it’s nevertheless a treat for a hearty chicken rice lunch with all the air-conditioned convenience of my neighbourhood shopping mall.
- Tania Jayatilaka, digital editor, Tatler Malaysia
Seng Kee Chicken Rice, 2F-32 & 33, Second Floor, Paradigm Mall, 1, Jalan SS 7/26a, Ss 7, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
PJ Khao Man Gai
PJ Khao Man Gai is famed for their crispy fried chicken and poached chicken (you can get both in one plate!). Both are juicy and tender, as well as extremely flavourful, served with soup and an array of sauces to pair with your chicken rice. Have it with a Thai milk tea and finish off with a mango sticky rice, and you’ll be golden.
- Keandra H’ng, writer, Tatler Dining
PJ Khao Man Gai, B-G, 23, Jalan PJU 1a/3j, Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
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