Known in the industry for building deep connections to local cultures, Darren Teoh takes us on a journey through some of his favourite places to visit in the vivacious metropolis that is Kuala Lumpur.
“Eating is less about the eatery itself and more about the cultural act of hosting and sharing with others. It is not necessarily about finding the best, most famous, or most talked-about spot.”
"Some of the places we go represent something we’d like our guests to experience, while others bring us closer to home, offering a familiar taste of comfort. It's about sharing its history and the stories surrounding it. They hold meaning because of the memories we associate with them," shares Teoh.
L-R: Dayi Wantan (Photo: Ethan Lau for MalayMail) and a Ramly Burger (Photo: Che Nom)
For a late night supper: Dayi Wantan and Daging Special Cheese Ramly Burgers
“My recent new discovery is Dayi Wantan. They had a sign saying 'close at 4 a.m.', which was something that drew my attention.
There’s also an old Ramly Burger stall on Jalan Bukit Bintang, just a few steps down the road from McDonald's, where I usually go for their Daging Special Cheese. A well-seasoned burger with its patty neatly wrapped-up in an egg — they know just how to get it right and neatly done.”
大一馄饨 Dayi Wantan is located at 402-Grd Floor, Jln Pudu, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Ramly Burger is located at near McDonald’s Bukit Bintang
For a hotel that captures the essence of KL: The RuMa Hotel and Residences
“Located in the heart of the city, just steps away from the iconic Twin Towers and KLCC, The RuMa Hotel and Residences combines thoughtful design, impeccable service, and proximity to the vibrant city centre.”
The RuMa Hotel and Residences is located at 7, Jalan Kia Peng, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Golden Triangle and KLCC
The KL Bird Park in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is a sprawling, lush sanctuary home to over 3,000 birds from 200 species, renowned for its walk-in aviary and free-flight zones.
For an "overrated" touristy place that's actually good: KL Bird Park
“The KL Bird Park is a tourist attraction that’s not overrated, in my opinion. It is a good place to go with family and kids. There is an open aviary where visitors can spend hours immersed in the natural beauty of various bird species. Kids will enjoy it, with plenty of activities and shows that let you observe and engage in a habitat that feels remarkably close to nature.”
Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is located at 920, Jalan Cenderawasih, Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
A Little Farm on the Hill in Janda Baik, Malaysia, is a charming organic farm and retreat offering farm-to-table dining, gardening workshops, and breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. (Photo: A Little Farm On The Hill)
For a day trip out of the city: A Little Farm On The Hill
“I would suggest A Little Farm On The Hill, a sustainable organic farm in Janda Baik. It could be a short weekend getaway, a go-to especially for their Sunday lunches where most of the produce comes from their grounds, and be sure to take a walk around their farms. The hosts, husband and wife duo Pete Teo and Lisa Ngan are great hosts, and you’ll be taken very good care of.
Alternatively, have a go at one of Native Discovery’s programs. They are a non-profit social enterprise that advocates for and partners with the orang asli (indigenous community) around Malaysia to curate indigenous experiences, community visits and programmes accessible to all.
Visit Native Discovery’s website here https://discovernative.org
A Little Farm On The Hill is located at Lot 161 Tanarimba, Persiaran Enderong, Kampung Janda Baik, 28750 Bentong, Pahang
The Classic Chendol from Makan Time (Photo: Makan Time)
For a delicious dessert to beat the heat: Cendol at Makan Time
“Cendol at Makan Time! It's not just because they make the cendol jelly (pandan flavoured rice flour jelly) themselves — it's all about how the whole Cendol dessert is put together: the choice of gula melaka, the right balance of ice, the use of the santan — everything is balanced.”
Makan Time is located at Jalan Teknologi 3/9, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
For your go-to local drink: Syut Cha or Limau Ais Kosong
“My two go-to local drinks are syut cha — a simple yet satisfying iced Chinese tea that’s quite novel to our country. The other one is limau ais kosong (limau ais is a fresh calamansi lime juice with ice, and kosong directly translates to 'empty' but colloquially means 'no sugar').”
Where to get local drinks in Kuala Lumpur: any kopitiams, Chinese restaurant, or hawker shop for syut cha; and mamaks or local Malay and Indian eateries, for limau ais kosong
A lunch plate at Sambal Hijau (Photo: Restoran Sambal Hijau)
For hanging out with friends who are visiting from overseas: Wong Ah Wah, Queen’s Restaurant, Sambal Hijau, and Pandian's Banana Leaf
“There are a myriad of places to go. Kuala Lumpur is a fusion of multiple cultures that intertwine and overlap. I often take overseas friends to places like Wong Ah Wah on Jalan Alor, where the bustling street offers a unique experience beyond just the food. I also enjoy exploring spots like Queen’s Restaurant on Peel Road for its hearty sup kambing (mutton soup) and nasi lemak.
Wong Ah Wah is located at No 1, Jln Alor, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Restoran Queen’s is located at 96, Jalan Peel, Maluri, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Pandian's Banana Leaf is located at Selera Wawasan, Stall 3, 4 & 5, Jln. SS 3/33, Taman Universiti, 47300 Petaling Jaya
Sambal Hijau is located at 2990, Jalan Sungai Penchala, Kampung Sungai Penchala, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysian Hokkien Mee is a dark, caramelised dish featuring thick yellow noodles stir-fried in a flavourful soy sauce with pork lard, prawns, squid, and cabbage, creating a smoky, rich taste.
For dishes that represent Kuala Lumpur and where to get them: Hokkien Mee in Seapark, Kudu Abdul’s Nasi Kandar, and Ais Kacang at PJ Old Town's Medan Selera Food Court
“One of my favourites is the Hokkien Mee in Seapark — a spot I’ve been returning to for three-quarters of my life. There’s something about the way the noodles are braised to perfection, with the bite and texture just right.
Then there’s Kudu Abdul’s Nasi Kandar, a spot serving Kuala Lumpur style Nasi Kandar so good that celebrated icon P. Ramlee used to frequent.
I love stopping by PJ Old Town's Medan Selera food court for an ABC (also known as Ais Kacang, which loosely translates to 'mixed bean ice' is a common Malaysian dessert). There are two stalls here that serve it, and both versions bring a sense of nostalgia. Whenever I’m in the area, it’s my little tradition to grab one.”
Lao Ping Hokkien Mee is located at Sea Park Restaurant, 23, Jalan 21/1, Sea Park, 46300 Petaling Jaya
Restoran Kudu Abdul is located at 335, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Chow Kit, 50100 Kuala Lumpur
PJ Old Town Medan Selera Food Court is located at Unit 32, Jalan Othman, PJ Old Town, 46050 Petaling Jaya
The vibrant and multi-faceted culinary city of Kuala Lumpur.
For the best Kuala Lumpur souvenir...
“Soggy shoes and a tan — that's how you know you’ve spent your time well in Kuala Lumpur. There's so much more to Kuala Lumpur than just visiting malls. What makes this city fascinating is the juxtaposition of old meets new and the cacophony of sights and sounds, and the opportunity to stroll through the alleys, popping into shops while engaging with local vendors."
“There’s a quirkiness to the city, a liveliness that’s perfect for anyone observing culture in action. Every walk down the street is an invitation to discover moments that you won’t find in any guidebook.”
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Header and thumbnail images are from Dewakan.
