Cover Egg appam (Photo: Instagram / @yarlrestaurant)

The chef shares his favourite spots in the Klang Valley for curry noodles, breakfast, and more

When dining in Kuala Lumpur, it is common to find yourself lost in a sea of good eats, from local street food favourites to a myriad of late night supper spots. And who better to recommend their favourite restaurants in town than Lee Zhe Xi of modern Malaysian restaurant Eat and Cook and grill Barkar? 

Lee gives us the lowdown when it comes to his favourite haunts, from the best places for curry noodles or a local breakfast to his go-to dai chow spot. Read on to discover some of the Klang Valley’s best hidden gems.

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Simmei Seafood Restaurant

“Simmei Seafood Restaurant is my go-to dai chow, as it always delivers on very authentic flavours.” Located in Cheras, the restaurant is known for pork wantan mee and grilled chicken wings. 

Simmei Seafood Restaurant

Address: 14, Jalan Mutiara Raya, Taman Mutiara, 56000 Kuala Lumpur. +603-9132 7420

Afloat Coffee Roasters

“I always like to go to Afloat Coffee Roasters because it is close to me, in the OUG area. Visit for very, very good coffee.” Amongst the selection of beverages, diners can also pick up pastries here, which the café does exceptionally well. 

Afloat Coffee Roasters

Address: 2-15, Second Floor, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 13, Arked Esplanad, 57000 Kuala Lumpur. +6019 727 1699

See also: CNY 2025: Where to feast in Klang Valley

Yarl

“The morning is not complete without some lovely dahl, appam and thosai at Yarl, which is my go-to spot for breakfast.” With multiple outlets, Yarl delivers when it comes to flavourful Sri Lankan cuisine. 

Yarl

Address: 46, Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad 1, Taman Tun Dr Ismail TTDI, 60000 Kuala Lumpur. +6017 987 1761

Lao Ma Curry Noodles

“For curry mee, I typically visit Lao Ma Curry Noodles, which is also located near me, in OUG Plaza.” The curry sauce here is both thick and packed with flavour, ideal for a comforting and decadent meal.

Lao Ma Curry Noodles

Address: 16, Jalan 16, Taman Overseas Union, 58200 Kuala Lumpur. +6012 678 5248

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Reka:Bar

“I have two favourite bars for a drink—Reka and Penose. At Reka, my order is the Dusun cocktail, which is made with durian.” At Reka, the talented team also serves up other local-inspired cocktails, utilising the best of Malaysian produce. 

Reka:Bar

Address: 67M, Jln Setia Bakti, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur. +6010 287 8908

Penrose

“At Penrose, my order is always the smoked honey!” Helmed by Jon Lee, Penrose is a go-to for many, having built its name in the local bar scene in just a short period of time.

Penrose 

Address: 149, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur. instagram.com/penrose.kl

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Katelyn Tan
Dining and Travel Editor, Malaysia & Indonesia, Tatler Malaysia
Tatler Asia

About

Katelyn is the dining and travel editor of Malaysia and Indonesia. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she offers readers an inside look at the movers and shakers in Asia’s growing food and beverage industry.