Many are unfamiliar with Nyonya cuisine despite being a ‘distant relative’ to Malaysian flavours. We’d like to term it that way because Nyonya cuisine is a fusion of Chinese ingredients and cooking techniques utilized by Malaysians and Indonesians in the past. It is also called ‘Peranakan cuisine’, and there are many KL Nyonya restaurants that still serve this unique cuisine.
Whether you’ve tried Nyonya cuisine or not, a bit more information won’t hurt! Once you read this guide, you’ll know where to find the best Nyonya joints in Kuala Lumpur.
1. Baba Ho Liao
Baba Ho Liao calls themselves the ‘purveyor of original Baba Nyonya cuisine’, and that might be true once you check out their extensive menu of Nyonya dishes. You’ll find many Nyonya dishes such as their Itik Tim, Nyonya Chap Chai, Ayam Buah Keluak, Acar Ikan Asin Kurau and many more. However, regulars vouch that their Ayam Limau Purut and Ikan Lemak Nanas are the most recommended among all menu items. Whether these are dishes that you’re familiar with or not, they taste delicious and are worth the try.
Address: 129, Jalan Aminuddin Baki, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours:
Monday – 11:30am to 3:00pm & 5:00pm to 9:30pm
Tuesday – 11:30am to 3:00pm & 5:00pm to 9:30pm
Wednesday – 11:30am to 3:00pm & 5:00pm to 9:30pm
Thursday – 11:30am to 3:00pm & 5:00pm to 9:30pm
Friday – 11:30am to 3:00pm & 5:00pm to 9:30pm
Saturday – 11:30am to 3:00pm & 5:00pm to 9:30pm
Sunday – 11:30am to 3:00pm & 5:00pm to 9:30pm
Contact Information: 03-7731 6122
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ZAfkGxcPRnJEuBGJ6
2. Baba Low’s
Baba Low’s is a great place for affordable Nyonya cuisine. In fact, this restaurants originated from Melaka! Regulars enjoy Baba Low’s because of aspects such as good service, affordability and last but not least, delicious food. Have a try of their Mee siam, which is perfect for those who cannot take too much heat! Their Mee siam is on the savoury side instead of spicy and is filled with flavour. Their Nyonya laksa is also a must-try because it is rich in flavour.
Address: 2, Jalan Abdullah, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours:
Monday – 7:00am to 9:30pm
Tuesday – 7:00am to 9:30pm
Wednesday – 7:00am to 9:30pm
Thursday – 7:00am to 9:30pm
Friday – 7:00am to 9:30pm
Saturday – 7:00am to 9:30pm
Sunday – 7:00am to 9:30pm
Contact Information: 03-2201 4788
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/EG72tz29Dmu3E1DZ6
3. Limapulo: Baba Can Cook
Limapulo: Baba Can Cook has a charming old-school aesthetic that suits their decade-old recipes. Uncle John prepares their delicious good eats and people adore the sense of nostalgia invoked by Limapulo: Baba Can Cook. Have a taste of their Chicken Pongteh which has a thick flavour profile that goes well with rice and omelette. Their Nyonya Laksa is also one of the best because some say it “tastes like home”!
Address: 50, Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours:
Monday – 11:00am to 3:00pm
Tuesday – 11:00am to 3:00pm
Wednesday – 11:00am to 3:00pm
Thursday – 11:00am to 3:00pm & 5:30pm to 9:00pm
Friday – 11:00am to 3:00pm & 5:30pm to 9:00pm
Saturday – 11:00am to 3:00pm & 5:30pm to 9:00pm
Sunday – Closed
Contact Information: 03-2698 3268
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/GBkZbvpNB4n2eCMr6
4. Peranakan Place
Peranakan Place stays true to their name by celebrating the mingling of Chinese, Indian, Indonesian and Malays through the preservation of Nyonya cuisine. Fans of the establishment enjoy the reasonable prices that come with generous portions. If you’re curious about recommendations, regulars suggest their Ayam Goreng, Ayam Pongteh, Asam Fish or Honey Sotong! These are their best dishes.
Address: 201, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours:
Monday – 10:00am to 9:00pm
Tuesday – 10:00am to 9:00pm
Wednesday – 10:00am to 9:00pm
Thursday – 10:00am to 9:00pm
Friday – 10:00am to 9:00pm
Saturday – 10:00am to 9:00pm
Sunday – 10:00am to 9:00pm
Contact Information: 03-2276 5199
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/trB7FDBgXTrWxqC97
5. Old China Cafe
Old China Cafe was established in 1857, and they’re dedicated in conveying the nostalgic Chinese-Malaysian atmosphere in their restaurant. They go the extra mile by preserving age-old shophouses and adding traditional feng shui, such as two mirrors facing each other. Stepping into this restaurant invokes a feeling of nostalgia and transports anyone back to the olden Malaya times. A bestseller that we highly recommend is their Gula Melaka, which is rich in coconut milk and the sweetness of gula melaka as a fitting palate cleanser.
Address: 11, Jalan Balai Polis, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours:
Monday – 11:00am to 10:00pm
Tuesday – 11:00am to 10:00pm
Wednesday – 11:00am to 10:00pm
Thursday – 11:00am to 10:00pm
Friday – 11:00am to 10:00pm
Saturday – 11:00am to 10:00pm
Sunday – 11:00am to 10:00pm
Contact Information: 03-2072 5915
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/owDpW33CakuCPUbm9
6. Sarang Cookery
Sarang Cookery says that Malaysian food is similar to a potpourri of cuisines from multicultural ethnic groups such as the Malays, Indians and Chinese. In fact, the best representation of Malaysia’s colourful ethnicities is the preparation of Nyonya food. Although Sarang Cookery serves Malay, Indian and Nyonya cuisines, there is no doubt that they are one of the go-to places for Peranakan food. One of their signature dishes is their Nasu Ulam, which is filled with various herbs and spices such as lemongrass, pepper leaves, shallots and many more.
Address: 8, Jalan Galloway, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours:
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – 11:00am to 8:00pm
Wednesday – 11:00am to 8:00pm
Thursday – 11:00am to 8:00pm
Friday – 11:00am to 8:00pm
Saturday – 11:00am to 8:00pm
Sunday – 11:00am to 8:00pm
Contact Information: 012-332 7638
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/aiK6NgE6LdsYDeGo8
7. Aunty Nat
Nestled in Sri Hartamas, Aunty Nat is another homely Nyonya restaurant that serves Nyonya cuisine as a speciality. They’re also one of the go-to places for lunch in the neighbourhood of Sri Hartamas because their food is simply delicious. You can find food such as Marmite chicken, Sambal Belacan fried rice, Otak-Otak and many more. Moreover, all their food is homemade so that customers can feel “like home”.
Address: 7, Jalan Sri Hartamas 7, Taman Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours:
Monday – 11:00am to 3:00pm & 5:30pm to 9:00pm
Tuesday – 11:00am to 3:00pm & 5:30pm to 9:00pm
Wednesday – 11:00am to 3:00pm & 5:30pm to 9:00pm
Thursday – 11:00am to 3:00pm & 5:30pm to 9:00pm
Friday – 11:00am to 3:00pm & 5:30pm to 9:00pm
Saturday – 11:00am to 3:00pm & 5:30pm to 9:00pm
Sunday – Closed
Contact Information: 03-6201 1833
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/kCs9XjmGBPPH81rw5
8. Nyonya Tingkat
Nyonya Tingkat is another excellent place to have Nyonya food. This restaurant also originates from Malacca! In fact, this branch is not their only outlet, and they are rapidly growing around Klang Valley. Their success is no surprise because they only use the most authentic, specifically chosen spices and ingredients for a strictly Nyonya meal. Their menu also updates seasonally, so customers will never get bored with their offers!
Address: Lot L5.12, NU SENTRAL SHOPPING CENTRE, 201, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours:
Monday – 10:00am to 10:00pm
Tuesday – 10:00am to 10:00pm
Wednesday – 10:00am to 10:00pm
Thursday – 10:00am to 10:00pm
Friday – 10:00am to 10:00pm
Saturday – 10:00am to 10:00pm
Sunday – 10:00am to 10:00pm
Contact Information: 03-2276 1327
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/dhiLnAKAgeSuNqhAA
9. Just Nyonya
Just Nyonya stays true to their name because they’re solely dedicated to Nyonya cuisine only! Moreover, Just Nyonya’s Chef Tan is a master of Nyonya food with over 30 years of experience, and he gained his expertise from his grandmother-in-law of Nyonya descent. A few recommendations are their Chicken Kapitan, Perut Ikan, Kerabu Ladies and Ayam Pongteh. In fact, their Ayam Pongteh is cooked for over two hours for the best flavours and textures!
Address: 25, Lorong 5/62a, Bandar Menjalara, 52200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours:
Monday – 12:00pm to 2:45pm & 5:45pm to 9:00pm
Tuesday – Closed
Wednesday – 12:00pm to 2:45pm & 5:45pm to 9:00pm
Thursday – 12:00pm to 2:45pm & 5:45pm to 9:00pm
Friday – 12:00pm to 2:45pm & 5:45pm to 9:00pm
Saturday – 12:00pm to 2:45pm & 5:45pm to 9:00pm
Sunday – 12:00pm to 2:45pm & 5:45pm to 9:00pm
Contact Information: 03-6279 9996
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/PoznfPSTZxdj4YaYA
10. Big Baba
Big Baba is a hidden gem for Nyonya food. Even the restaurant itself is a hidden gem because they have a worn-out appearance that many people dismiss. Although they may seem worn down, don’t be fooled! Big Baba makes delicious Nyonya food that will surely surprise you! The dishes on the menu are prepared by their head chef, Uncle Baba, and he only uses recipes that are generational secrets. Have a try of their Asam Pedas set that comes with rice and fish. The dish may seem simple, but the tangy sourness will make you wag in your seat.
Address: 34, Jalan 2/109e, Taman Desa Business Park, 58100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours:
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – 11:00am to 3:00pm & 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Wednesday – 11:00am to 3:00pm & 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Thursday – 11:00am to 3:00pm & 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Friday – 11:00am to 3:00pm & 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Saturday – 11:00am to 3:00pm & 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Sunday – 11:00am to 3:00pm & 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Contact Information: 03-7987 7755
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/YjZ32EPp5xrckv7U9
These restaurants are the best in their craft, so be sure to visit these Peranakan restaurants for a dose of pleasant nostalgia! We guarantee that you’ll feel at home.
