Located on Petaling Street, Grandmother Tang’s muah chee dessert stall is a staple of Chinatown. This is evident not only from the numerous press articles displayed on her stall but also from the exquisite quality of her creations. The highlight is her Cantonese take on Japanese mochi—a soft, chewy rice cake coated in sesame seeds or a mix of peanuts and sugar. The secret to her perfect muah chee lies in the meticulous steaming of the rice batter followed by vigorous stirring, a technique Madam Tang has honed over decades.

This popular food stall in Chinatown gained fame for its exceptional salted roast duck, crafted from a recipe developed by its founder, Choong Feng Phooi, now in her seventies. The dish features crispy skin over succulent, moist meat served with a distinctive tangy sauce unique to this eatery. Dedicated patrons travel from across Kuala Lumpur to dine in or take away from here. Under the management of Choong Feng Phooi's daughter Amy, the menu has expanded to include a variety of additional offerings.

While Scots have been crafting porridge for thousands of years, it was the Malaysians who innovated by adding frogs' legs, stir-fried with zesty ginger-gravy and spring onions, to the silky-smooth base. This dish has been a favorite at a Petaling Street kiosk since 1959. Locals enjoy it for breakfast, and the stall is unmistakable with its bright signs and prominent “Hon Kee Famous Porridge” banners. For those who prefer alternatives, options such as raw snakehead fish are also available.

Madras Lane, despite its name, does not serve curries. Situated just off Petaling Street, this bustling stall is a beloved destination for yong tau foo in Kuala Lumpur. This Hakka specialty involves stuffing tofu and vegetables such as eggplant and okra with meat or minced fish, deep-frying them, and serving them alongside soup, bitter gourd, and fish sauce. It’s common to find long lines at Madras Lane, particularly early in the evening.

Shawarma, reminiscent of a doner kebab, comprises spit-roasted meat—typically lamb or chicken—wrapped in warm pita bread with onions, chili peppers, and other vegetables. Nestled in Kuala Lumpur’s Arab quarter behind Sungei Wang Plaza, this vibrant streetside spot is always bustling with both dine-in guests and takeout customers. While shawarma is the highlight, the menu features a wide range of Middle Eastern dishes.

A beloved fast-food staple in Kuala Lumpur, wantan mee consists of noodles and vegetables stir-fried in dark soy sauce, accompanied by wonton soup and slices of smoky roast pork belly. While you can find this dish throughout the city, none compare to the offerings at this simple family-run restaurant located near the Yulek Morning and Night markets in the Cheras Business Centre. Don't forget to request their homemade chili sauce, which perfectly balances the dish's savory flavors.

Another culinary gem in Kuala Lumpur is nasi lemak, a beloved staple found throughout the city. This modest eatery serves generous portions of aromatic coconut rice topped with sambal sotong (chili squid sauce), paru goreng (spiced fried beef lungs), a boiled egg, and cucumber slices. Settle down at one of the many blue plastic tables and take your time enjoying this delightful dish.

Nestled in the vibrant business district of Salak South, this family-operated Chinese coffee shop serves up plate after plate of char siew, which is their specialty. The eatery is often bustling with patrons eager to enjoy the succulent, charred pork, served alongside a delectable sweet sauce. While you're there, don't miss out on the crispy pork belly or siew yuk, which comes with chicken rice and an assortment of colorful vegetables.

Peel Road Nasi Lemak is a well-established stall offering Chinese-style nasi lemak, run by a husband-and-wife duo, easily identifiable by their bright yellow sign. With nearly 30 years of experience, they have become a go-to for hungry diners who enjoy meals at the tables set up outside the stall. Alongside the rice—an essential part of any nasi lemak—you'll find a variety of accompaniments. Their popular crispy deep-fried chicken is a must-try, as are other delights like chicken rendang, cockles, and mutton curry. Arrive early to ensure you get to enjoy the dishes, as they tend to sell out quickly due to their reputation for quality and flavor.

Located in Money's Corner Food Court in Brickfields, also known as 'Little India' for its high concentration of Indian residents and businesses, Peter’s stall is a must-visit. Grab a table in the busy dining area and visit Peter's stall where you can choose between dry or soup noodles topped with sliced or minced pork. They also offer liver, intestines, and other offals, so be sure to specify if you want an extra egg with your order.

Join the early morning lines in the lively Brickfields area to indulge in Mr. Chiam's famous pisang goreng, or fried banana fritters. The secret to their addictive flavor lies in the freshness of the bananas used, making this sweet treat a beloved choice among regular customers. These bananas are carefully peeled, battered, and fried right on the roadside, resulting in a hot, sweet, gooey, and crispy delight. What’s not to love?

You might think that only the adventurous—or those up for a challenge—would try the 14-day-old so-called stinky tofu. Yet, this dish is a cherished delicacy throughout Malaysia. Located in Uptown KL, Chew Chew Chow Tofu features a simple setting with dark wooden tables, and it offers both smoking and non-smoking areas. The stinky tofu is the standout item on the menu, available in regular or extra crispy options. The regular version comes topped with a variety of sauces, from cheese and mayo to chili sauce and tomato ketchup. The extra crispy version is served in styles inspired by different cuisines, such as Thai or Italian. If the strong smell proves overwhelming, a refreshing glass of soursop juice can provide some relief.

Take a moment to pause from your eating adventure and cool off with a cup of iced herbal tea. At the longstanding Air Mata Kucing stall, you can find a variety of herbal teas, including longan, luo han guo (monk fruit), and winter melon drinks. Affordable and delicious, this refreshing option is the perfect way to beat the Malaysian heat.

For a satisfying late-night treat, head to Nur Satay. Here, you’ll find skewered marinated meats grilled to perfection. Served with a rich, crunchy peanut sauce, this dish is worth every extra calorie. Options include chicken, beef, tripe, and liver, with prices starting at just RM0.80 per stick.

One of the favorite ways for Malaysians to cool off from the tropical heat is with a bowl of cendol. Ah Keong’s stall is conveniently located across from Brickfield's Pisang Goreng stall and Restoran One Sentral. Here, Uncle Ah Keong handcrafts his cendol, offering a delightful springy texture and a subtly aromatic flavor.