Interesting food combos in Klang Valley
They may have started out as experiments, but unusual food combos like roti maggi and milo dinosaur are now staples at most mamaks. There are also some that didn’t take off – we’re looking at you petai mooncake and nasi lemak ice-cream. However weird these dishes may sound, you can bet that us curious Malaysians would want to taste it for ourselves. If you’re an adventurous eater, here are some weird food combinations you can try in Klang Valley:
1. Wildflowers – mapo tofu nachos dip
Image credit: @adrianfong86
You can never go wrong with a plate of nachos and guac – it’s the safest menu item to order when you’re dining out as a group. But at Wildflowers, they serve their nachos with an oriental twist by pairing the Mexican tortilla chips with a bowl of Szechuan mapo tofu.
Their Mapo Tofu with Nachos (RM26) comes with creamy chunks of silken tofu and minced chicken. You’ll start to feel the heat creeping in once you’re a couple chips in, and that’s from the peppercorn powder.
Image credit: @klfooduo
Wildflowers is the latest addition to Petaling Street. But instead of taking up an old school look like many of the other cafes in the area, their classy interior helps them stand out.
The black furnishing sets an elegant contrast to the white pillars and walls while the plants add a touch of vibrancy to the place
Image credit: @wildflowers.kl
Address: 153, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon, Thu & Sun 12PM-10PM | Fri-Sat 12PM-12AM (Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Telephone: 03-2856 3369
Website
2. Guang – a Japanese twist on Hokkien Mee
Image credit: @guangbar_my
No Malaysian can resist a plate of saucy Hokkien mee, especially when the uncle at the hawker throws in an extra handful of pork lard. While it’s good enough as it is, Guang’s Japanese take on the dish is a refreshing one that tastes as flavourful as the OG one.
The Hokkien Udon (RM22) swaps out the usual egg noodles for udon, and is topped with a signature Japanese-style onsen egg for you to break and mix in.
Knock back a drink or two with your pals while enjoying Guang’s modern Japanese food
Image credit: Guang Restaurant & Bar
Guang Bukit Jalil
Address: C-16-G, Jalil Link, 2, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 7, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur|
Opening hours: 12PM-2AM, Daily
Telephone: 012-281 8342
Guang Subang
Address: G28, The 19 USJ City Mall, Persiaran Kewajipan, USJ 19, 47620 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 2PM-2AM, Daily
Telephone: 012-281 8342
Website
3. Li – sambal beef tartare
Image credit: @lidamansarajaya
We can all agree that beef tartare is usually classed as an atas food that you’ll only see on menus at posh restaurants. But at Li, you’ll find a homelier version that has sambal thrown into the mix. We can’t imagine the Beef Tartare (RM28) turning out unpleasant no matter how strange of a pairing it is, simply because sambal goes well with everything.
If you’re not sure how to feel about eating raw beef, the addition of sambal actually makes it more inviting. The mix of chillies, garlic, and shrimp paste masks some of the bolder flavours of raw beef.
Image credit: @a1denotes
Address: 47, Jalan SS 22/23, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 11.30AM-5PM & 6.30PM-10PM | Sat 10.30AM-5PM & 6.30PM-10PM | Sun – 10.30AM-5PM
Telephone: 03-7733 7692
Website
4. Lucky Tora – foie gras and salmon cheong fun
Image credit: @babysumo
Chee cheong fun is a must-order at any dim sum restaurant – right after siu mai and har kow. While Lucky Tora’s Japanese fusion cuisine is a far cry from the Cantonese delights we’re used to having, they’ve come up with their own rendition of cheong fun.
Their Foie Gras Salmon Cheong Fun (RM26) is filled with salmon sashimi, crab meat, foie gras, and okra. The delicate salmon and tender pieces of crab meat meld well with the smooth rice noodles, while the okra adds a nice crunch. To make this reinvented dish extra luxe, foie gras is added in to contrast the mild-tasting seafood.
Image credit: @hezra
Address: 25, Jalan Mesui, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12PM-3PM & 5PM-1AM | Sat-Sun 12PM-1AM
Telephone: 012-679 0489
Website
5. Powerplant – kimchi & luncheon meat pizza
Image credit: @mypowerplant
The hype for all things Korean is still going strong but it’s not just good-looking boy bands we’re after – we’re also obsessed with Korean food.
Powerplant is a modern Korean bar and restaurant that offers some of the usual fare like Korean fried chicken (from RM24) and also unique fusion creations like Galbi Quesadilla (RM27) and Korean-inspired pizzas (from RM31).
The Powerplant Luncheon Meat and Kimchi Pizza (RM31) is slathered on with a gochujang red pepper paste marinara sauce that’s sweet and spicy. It’s then topped with copious amounts of mozzarella for a satisfying cheese pull. The sour tang from the kimchi complements the salty, savoury chunks of luncheon meat.
Image credit: @paperspace.com.my
See all their locations here.
6. Kaiju – Japanese tuna tataki with Thai mango salad
Image credit: @miraclesb_19
Japanese and Thai cuisines may seem like worlds apart, but Kaiju has managed to bridge these two together with their fusion menu. Yoyoki Tuna Tataki (RM26) is one of the restaurant’s most daring match–ups. The tuna is seared on the outside but raw in the middle, and it’s meant to be eaten with the Thai mango salad on the side.
The mango slices balance out the drizzle of honey while the mix of herbs and chillies give it a kick of heat. When the tuna, mango salad, and garlic sauce are eaten together, it’s a burst of tropical flavours that give the mild-tasting tuna an extra oomph.
There’s a 30-metre origami dragon that hangs on the ceiling of Kaiju
Image credit: @tengkushamel
Address: 29, Jalan Riong, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 12PM-2.30PM & 6PM-10.30PM (Closed on Mondays)
Telephone: 03-2788 3796
Website
7. Rata – wok-fried tuna pan mee
Image credit: @rata_subang
Most hawker centres in Malaysia have a resident pan mee stall, which proves that it’s a staple local dish. You don’t usually get much variation from the original recipe, but Rata is here to shake things up with their Wok-fried Pan Mee with Spicy Tuna (RM28).
They stir fry freshly-made egg noodles with a mix of Yellowfin Tuna, homemade chilli sauce, tomatoes, and kaffir lime leaves. It’s then served on a banana leaf with sambal, and prawn crackers. Tuna may seem like an odd choice given its strong taste and smell, but thanks to the marinade, its spiciness that complements the fish and noodles.
Image credit: @rata_subang
Address: 25, Jalan SS15/5A, SS 15, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 12PM-12AM, Daily
Telephone: 010-916 3446
Website
8. Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt – a yoghurt beverage with purple sticky rice
Image credit: @mishytales
If you’re trying to cut back on bubble tea for health’s sake but find it hard to curb your cravings, go for Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt. All their drinks come with fresh yogurt which is made in-house at their outlet A.K.A. mini yogurt factory. Yomie’s Purple Rice Yogurt (RM13.90) is their signature drink that comprises only 2 ingredients: yogurt and purple rice.
The glutinous purple rice topping is like cendol pulut, where you get to munch on bits of sticky rice while slurping it up. Yomie has just opened their first outlet in SS15 but they’ve already managed to stand out from the 15 other bubble tea shops in the area with their new concept.
Address: 43, Jalan SS 15/4, SS 15, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 11AM-12AM, Daily
Telephone: 016-612 2060
Website
9. Sipping Corner – avocado & lime tart
Sipping Corner is a hidden gem in Puchong that you wouldn’t have known about unless you’re a regular day tripper to the area.
Image credit: @klfooduo
This hidden cafe is tucked in a corner of a plant shop, though you won’t have problems looking for the place – all you have to look out for is loads of potted and hanging plants at the storefront. They only serve coffee and cakes, but you’ll still have plenty to choose from as you peek through their cake display counter.
Image credit: @ulric5
Their Avocado and Lime Tart (RM16) will immediately snatch your attention from all other cakes. We’re used to having our avocado on toast and salads, so seeing it in a dessert is refreshing. The avocado custard is mild in flavour, and pairs well with the lime-infused cream for that citrusy zing.
Other cakes for you to try include Earl Grey Grapefruit Cake, Smoked Duck Quiche, and Burnt Chessecake.
Image credit: @yencpy
Address: 78G, Jalan Puteri 5/5, Bandar Puteri, 47100 Puchong, Selangor
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 9AM-6PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Telephone: 018-919 6311
Website
10. If Only – duck egg kaya balls with Milo ice cream
Image adapted from: Jesuis Enamourez
Duck eggs aren’t a common ingredient in local food, but those of us who have tried them can agree that they have a richer taste compared to regular chicken eggs. Which is why it’s a smart move for If Only to make their kaya with duck eggs instead.
Their Kaya Balls (RM15) are an upgrade of our favourite childhood snack, from the homemade duck egg kaya to the scoop of Milo ice-cream on the side. They’re fluffy to the touch and once you go in for a bite, the thick kaya filling will come oozing out. When eaten with the Milo ice-cream, it’s reminiscent of eating roti ice-cream as a kid.
The wooden tabletops, rattan chairs and lamp shades, as well as the hanging plants give off an aesthetic that’s similar to a Balinese-style resort
Image credit: @ifonlykl
Address: Ground Floor, Regal House, 1, Jalan U Thant, Taman U Thant, 55000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 8.30AM-5PM, Daily
Telephone: 03-2181 2882
Website
Weird food in Klang Valley
As Malaysians, we’re fiercely proud of our food. So when local chefs sport the can-do attitude and whip up strange dishes like mapo tofu nachos, most of us wouldn’t mind ordering it just to try it out. More often than not, we’d find that these seemingly weird concoctions are actually really delish.
If you’re a foodie looking for new haunts, check out these articles:
- Pints & Putts
- Foong Foong Yong Tau Foo
- Dim sum buffets in KL
- Affordable bubble tea in KL
- Korean food in KL
- Spicy food in KL
Cover image adapted from: @miraclesb_19, @lidamansarajaya, @klfooduo, and Jesuis Enamourez
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