What’s the first thing that comes to your mind about Cheras?
If never ending traffic is your answer, you’re missing out. A true resident of Cheras will tell you that it’s all about the food. This neighbourhood in Kuala Lumpur will never fail to satisfy your sinful food cravings. From melt-in-your-mouth char siew, to satisfying street side nasi lemak, here’s a local’s guide to the best things to eat in Cheras.
There’s nothing better than teh tarik to help you function early in the morning. Throw in some roti canai, potong, banjir, kari ikan and you have a true Malaysian breakfast. A short 10-minute drive from Leisure Mall, Thoulath Maju offers all this and more. Parking here is never a problem and the open-air concept offers enough breeze, making it a comfortable dining experience.
The nasi lemak ayam here is the pick of the bunch. The chicken is crispy and juicy, while the sambal is not too sweet. However, if you’re heading over for supper, the cheese naan is a must-have. This overload of cheese is perfectly complemented with their smoky tandoori chicken and mint chutney.
Address: No. 32, Jalan BS9, Taman Bukit Segar, 56100 Batu 9 Cheras, Selangor.
Opening hours: Daily, 24/7.
Getting to Khunthai Village Restaurant feels like a mini road trip, as the restaurant is somewhat hidden in a maze of factories, deep in the Balakong area. But its authentic Thai cuisine – the kind which does not hold back on flavour and spice – is well worth the drive.
Their tom yam (RM 23, ~S$7.50) comes in the classic hotpot, generously served with mixed seafood and vegetables. As for the green curry (RM 18, ~S$5.9) it comes with chicken pieces that are juicy and tender from soaking up all the flavours of the curry.
Image credit: @fei_yu.fish
Khunthai also comes out tops for its lovely ambience. A fish pond sits in the middle of the restaurant, along with a large dining area – making it a great place for large family dinners.
Address: Kawasan Perindustrian Cheras Jaya, 43200 Cheras 9 Miles, Selangor.
Opening hours: Daily, 11AM-12MN.
Sun Ming is now more than just a restaurant; it’s a landmark. Situated in the heart of Taman Connaught, this establishment dishes out some of the best roast duck in KL. Don’t trust us? We’ll let the never ending lunch time crowds speak for us.
Get a plate of their duck rice (RM 6.50, ~S$2.10) – the meat is wonderfully tender and juicy, and the skin provides an added crunch. Don’t leave without getting the char siew either. Priced at RM 6.50 (~S$2.10), it’s packed with that addictive smoky flavor and a hint of sweetness.
The chicken and roast pork are decent options, but it’s advisable to dive straight for their signature dishes especially if you’re a first-timer.
Address: 137, Jalan Sarjana, Taman Connaught, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Opening hours: Wed-Mon: 10.30AM-6PM. (Closed on Tuesdays)
Chapati Recipes is Cheras’ only North Indian eatery. Start off by teasing your tastebuds with an appetiser of deep fried amritsari fish that’s crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside.
Image credit: @ashadrazvi
Garlic Naan (RM 4.90, ~S$1.60) is freshly made here, and it goes perfectly in hand with the creamy Butter Chicken (RM 19.90, ~S$6.50). The chicken is first cooked in the tandoor, which adds a touch of smokiness, before a thick creamy gravy is added. The Mutton Rogan Josh (RM 21.90, ~S$7.20) is another option for meat lovers, and it does not hold back on spice, something which many North Indian restaurants in KL are guilty of.
Image credit: @msia_foodiary
For vegetarians, the Dal Makhani (lentil curry) (RM 11.90, ~S$3.90) and Palak Paneer (spinach puree with cottage cheese) (RM 17.90, ~S$5.90) are great choices. End your dinner with their signature masala tea. It takes a while to arrive, but that’s because there are no shortcuts taken. Hands down, the best masala tea in KL.
Address: 5, Jalan Menara Gading 1, Taman Connaught, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Opening hours: Daily, 11AM – 11PM.
Tiny roadside stall Ayam Maya has timelessly stood and earned itself legendary status among hungover night crawlers. There’s no signboard here, so just look for Domino’s. The stall is tucked in the alley right next to it.
Like any typical mamak, this humble establishment serves up the usual suspects. But we’re here for the nasi lemak ayam. The sambal is fiery with a sweet aftertaste, and the egg, perfectly runny, oozes out to coat the rice. As for the chicken itself? Well, for a place that’s named after two different orientations of the word “ayam”, Ayam Maya surely cooks the bird right.
Image credit: @sukibeiibii
Address: 137, Jalan Sarjana, Taman Connaught, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Opening hours: Sunday, 8PM- 12MN. Monday – Saturday, 8PM – 4AM.
Taman Connaught has some of the best food in Cheras. Situated just a stone’s throw away from one of KL’s longest pasar malams, Restaurant Shawarma serves up great Middle Eastern cuisine at affordable prices.
A must-have here is the chicken fajita (RM 10, ~S$3.30). The chicken is juicy, tender and sliced into perfectly bite sized pieces. As for the lamb shawarma (RM 8, ~S$2.60), the meat is perfectly spiced. However, the incredible garlic sauce is what brings both these dishes to life. If we could tapau the sauce, we’d bring along a pail or two.
Finally, end your meal with a pot of their adani tea (RM 8, ~S$2.60) – a strong, addictive Middle Eastern version of teh tarik.
Address: 8, Jalan Menara Gading 1, Taman Connaught, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Opening hours: Daily, 11AM-11PM
Yulek Wan Tan Mee is the most popular wan tan mee spot in Cheras – so popular, in fact, that it’s grown from a humble stall at the Meng Shian coffee shop down the road, to a restaurant. The noodles are thin, springy and perfectly coated with soy sauce and sesame oil.
However, the real winner here is the char siew. Priced at RM 6 (~S$2), the signature dish comes delightfully charred and in generous slices. For something different, opt for the pork ribs or siew yoke (RM 7, ~S$2.30).
Address: 19, Lorong Durian, Taman Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Opening hours: Wed-Mon: 7.30AM-4.30PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
A Cheras food hunt is incomplete without an unpretentious Chinese restaurant, and Restaurant Brotherhood certainly fits the bill. Their spicy Thai-style steamed tilapia topped with coriander is the real winner, with gravy that’s neither too runny or thick. And boy, does it pack a punch – it’s spicy, with a touch of sourness which gives it that authentic Thai taste.
If you’re looking for something a little milder, opt for the crispy butter prawns, with an egg yolk and butter sauce that adds creaminess to the dish.
Brotherhood’s spacious second floor that also accommodates a private room makes it a great place to host a family gathering.
Address: 25 & 25A, Jalan Midah Timur, Taman Midah, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Opening hours: Daily, 11AM-3PM, 6PM-10.30PM.
There you have it, 8 stalls with mouthwatering eats in Cheras for your next visit to Kuala Lumpur. Do tip us off if we’ve missed out on any hidden gems!
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