The Perfect 3-Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary For Food Lovers

An incredible futuristic skyline, lush green forests, sandy beaches, and rather comforting weather, Kuala Lumpur (popularly called KL) should certainly top a discerning traveller’s bucket list. The cosmopolitan nature of the city also reflects in its food. For a gastronomic experience spanning varied cuisines and a river of street vendors selling local and authentic Malay dishes, KL is also a wonderland for foodies. Catch a three-day roundup for all the must-try restaurants, when on a trip to KL.

Day 1

Breakfast

A hearty breakfast can give the perfect start to your day. Being the first meal in KL, you must try Nasi Lemak (literally meaning fat rice), a traditional Malay dish, at Nasi Lemak Tanglin. Started more than seven decades ago in 1948, it has come to be a city favorite. Customers have been enjoying their dishes over generations. They like to enjoy their humble portion of Nasi Lemak with Ayam Goreng (deep fried chicken), Sotong (squid), and Daging. Tanglin is easy on the pocket yet will warm you for your first day in KL.

Lunch

Along with food, you can’t miss a shopping spree, when in KL. A visit to the gleaming Exchange TRX mall in KL is a one-stop shop. The mall oozes luxury with its ambience and brands. When it comes to food, you will find everything ranging from Japanese and Peruvian to Chinese, and Indian at the Mall. Saffron & Spices with a beautiful peacock painting on one wall and a krishna-yashoda painting on the other, serves north-Indian cuisine with options for vegetarians, non-vegetarians, and pescatarian. Nalli Nihar (slow cooked mutton curry), baingan kadhai, and Tandoori Prawn curry are some of the must-tries at the restaurant.

Dinner

After a tiring day of shopping, you must dine in comfort. Fuego is one of the finest al fresco experiences in the city that will help you to unwind, with great music, food, drinks, and hopefully good company. From Tacos and Ceviche to Guacamole and Pavlova, the open terrace restaurant is a great stop for all dishes South and Central American. Corned Beef Croquettes, Argentinian Squid, and Seafood Moqueca  are some dishes you must try. 

It also serves a wide range of non-alcoholic (Mango Tango and Red Passion are must tries) and alcoholic beverages. You will experience a slice of KL life at Fuego.

Day 2

Breakfast

Set in a lush green garden of a colonial bungalow, breakfast at Banglo 289 seems like a good idea. Serving authentic Malay and Thai cuisine, the breezy Banglo 289 is the perfect breakfast stop. Surrounded by high rise buildings, it will be a peaceful start to the day. In its elaborate menu, it serves everything ranging from fresh juices to local brews. Lempeng Pisang (banana pancake with steamed grated coconut), Ubi Kayu Rebus (steamed tapioca served with steamed grated coconut, and sambal hijau ikan bilis) are some of the most popular dishes from their breakfast menu.

Lunch

Claiming to use the best quality ingredients and serving a rustic Malay cuisine, is Bijan. It is just a stone’s throw away from Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC). Masak lemak ikan, ikan panggang and kerabu pucuk paku to everyday favourites like rendang daging, cucur udang and ikan masak asam pedas are some of the restaurant’s specialties. Their homemade ice creams in local flavours are to die for. The creamy durian cheesecake and pandan pudding are worth trying too.

Dinner

A street in the heart of Chinatown that comes alive in the evenings is Petaling street. You will come across some of the oldeseet food stalls from Malaysia, giving you a fleet of food stalls to choose from. You must stop by Lai Foong Coffee Shop, Kim Soya Bean and Kim Lian Kee on your visit to the buzzing Petaling street. 

Day 3: 

Breakfast

The bustling Etoile Bistro at EQ that also provides a refuge from KL’s pace is a great breakfast hault. The signature  Latte Tarik will give the correct start to your morning. ‘Hotel Equatorial’ is a must-try beverage too. It is inspired from Teh Tarik, the Malaysian hot beverage. The all-day breakfast selection also offers a host of dishes and desserts to choose from. This will certainly warm you up for you last day in this city. 

Lunch

A One of the very few restaurants serving authentic Nyonya cuisine in KL is Limapulo: Baba can cook. The comfort of delicious home-cooked food comes alive at Baba John’s restaurant. ayam pong teh, ikan gerang asam, and okra with sambal belachan are some of the most popular dishes. The thick and creamy Nyonya Laksa is Baba John’s family recipe that, according to him, is the best dish on his menu. Certainly, a must try!

Dinner

A fitting finale to your KL trip would be a three-hour dinner experience at the Dewakan. Through a tasting menu curated by the master chef Darren Teoh, you experience culinary at its best. This is coupled with a glittering KL cityscape that you can catch from the 46th floor where the restaurant is set.You must reserve an entire evening for the Dewakan experience. From a tour of their kitchen and an in-depth explanation to the ingredients used by the chef in the ten dishes that he will prepare for you, it will give the perfect close to a fulfilling trip to the Malaysian capital.