Kuala Lumpur · Food

Eating in Kuala Lumpur

My notes from eating around KL: a first try at Malay food, the best Thai food I have ever had, and a bakery stop before anything else.

Malai Thai — 10/10

The best Thai food I have ever had. I liked it enough that since I got back, I have been cooking pad prik gaeng almost every day. That is a very high compliment and a sign I need to learn another recipe.

Pandan chicken at Malai Thai

Pandan chicken.

Mango and sticky rice on a banana leaf at Malai Thai

Mango and sticky rice to finish.

Molina — 9.5/10

Molina is Michelin starred, and it lived up to the occasion. The food was innovative and delicious, the staff were awesome, and we even got a balcony tour. It felt personal from start to finish. Easy 9.5.

A decorated table at Molina with a carefully presented dessert

The only food photo I got at Molina. Presentation: 10/10.

Anak Baba — 8.5/10

This was my introduction to Malay food, and I liked it a lot. The atmosphere was super chill and lowkey, which made it an easy place to settle into. 8.5/10.

Anak Baba's painted floral wall and sign

A very lowkey corner at Anak Baba.

A meal with rice, sambal, vegetables, and a bowl of noodles at Anak Baba

My first proper introduction to Malay food.

Sri Nirwana — 7.5/10

Authentic South Indian food, and eating off a banana leaf was pretty cool. The food was great. The restaurant was also packed enough that it got a bit overstimulating for me, so I left very full and slightly ready for some quiet.

A banana leaf meal with rice, curries, vegetables, and fried sides at Sri Nirwana

A banana leaf lunch at Sri Nirwana.

Samad Al-Iraqi Restaurant — 7.5/10

It was close to my hotel and had great reviews, so I gave it a shot. The food was wholesome, the atmosphere was really nice, and the whole meal was very complete and diverse. A solid 7.5 out of 10.

A table full of shared plates and breads at Samad

A very generous spread at Samad.

Lai Fong — 6/10

This was the Michelin Guide stop that fit into the itinerary after a long day. I wasn't the biggest fan of the food, but the whole visit was a great experience and I appreciate having gone. 6/10.

A table of noodle soup, shellfish, coconut, and empty bowls at Lai Fong

Noodles, shellfish, and coconut at the end of a long day.

Levain — 7.9/10

Levain was the first thing I had in KL. The pistachio croissant was really good, and the brunch dishes were good enough too. A 7.9 overall; an excellent first stop.

A pistachio-covered croissant and a slice of cake at Levain

Pistachio croissant, with tiramisu in the background.

A cup of coffee with latte art at Levain

Coffee after brunch.