Xi Jinping in Malaysia: 8 places the Tatler team would bring China’s president to eat in the Klang Valley

Nothing beats a good hawker center, with so many options to choose from, it’s a great introductory meal to an everyday eating experience of Malaysians. A foodie paradise, it houses curry mee, yong tao fu, popiah, wantan mee, dim sum, and so much more. 

Whether he's looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—if the goal is to try as many foods as possible, this might have to be the spot. 

— Brian Cheong, Regional Managing Editor of Tatler GMT

The cornerstone of Malaysian food, and perhaps the most universally agreed upon meal in Malaysia might just be nasi lemak. If you’re bringing a visitor around to eat, in this case the President of China, their trip would be incomplete without trying our national dish.

The fare at Nasi Lemak Shop is simple, with a focused menu, a must try would be their Nasi Lemak with Ayam Goreng Berempah with refillable sambal, and a nice, frothy Teh Ais to be served alongside in their iconic insulated metal cups that keep your drink cold and icy throughout the meal. 

— Nicole Andres, Senior Account Director, Commercial

When thinking of a nice send off meal, I would think of a large round table, a red tablecloth with frayed edges and some burn holes, sometimes layered below a plastic sheet, sat atop plastic chairs in a bustling dai chow restaurant. 

In Cantonese, it directly translates to ‘big fry’, and that’s exactly what it is. Mostly cooked with large flames and woks, it’s elevated Chinese home cooked fare (because not many households have that kind of flame at home). The seasoned wok gives all the food it touches a good ‘wok hei’—a key ingredient for complexity in flavour. Get seafood, meat, vegetables, soup, noodles, and rice, paired with the best Chinese tea in your collection. The world is truly your oyster in a dai chow restaurant, and we hope this would be right up the Chinese president’s alley.

— Keandra H’ng, Dining Writer

Short for Universiti of Malaya Academic Club, UMAC House serves up Sri Lankan style fare. The curries here are spicy, something we’re sure President Xi is accustomed to, and a must try is their Kerala fish curry that reaches the bottom of the pot early in the day.

Operating from an old bungalow, this restaurant is tucked away and hidden within a residential neighbourhood. With parboiled rice drenched in curries, an array of side vegetables, meat, and rasam, it wouldn’t be a terrible way to introduce Sri Lankan Tamil cuisine to him and his team. 

— Tania Jayatilaka, Digital Editor

Malay-Indo cuisine is the name of the game here, and it would be a large mistake and downplay of Indonesian cuisine and culture and its influence within Malaysia. 

Must haves must obviously include their Fried Dancing Fish, along with their gulais and fried vegetables. Let’s hope President Xi is a fan of pucuk paku! 

— Raisa Zulqaisar, Dining Writer 

Now, what is a trip to Malaysia without going to a mamak? Mamaks have been making their rounds in Chinese social media, with Roti Tisu having its moment in the spotlight. 

Perhaps after a late night meeting and he’s feeling peckish, this would be the number one spot. Some roti canai, mee goreng, tandoori chicken, and a refreshing teh o’ ais limau to let him cool off; this would be a trip of flavour and cultural immersion. 

— Natalia Hussain, Account Manager

Imagine after a night of eating with your friends, but you still want to chat the night away, maybe craving a sweet treat to really cap off your night. President Xi might just be feeling the same way.

Paolo Paolo Gelato carries a rotating flavour menu that is sure to impress. Maybe a waffle to be super indulgent, or a chocolate covered cone. If he’s super adventurous, he might try their Super Vanilla and Garlic Chilli Oil flavour. 

—Jennifer Choo, Regional Managing Editor, Tatler Homes

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