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Halal food is abundant in Malaysia since our country is dominated by Muslims. Unfortunately, there’s a disappointing lack of quality, making the foodie’s quest for good halal food challenging and tiresome. While it was challenging to discern quality from quantity, I persevered through my search for good halal food and found 15 of the best halal restaurants in Malaysia. Here we go!
With their signature “Ayam Penyet” dish, this restaurant is perfect start for those who want to sample Malaysia’s extraordinary cuisine. For those who don’t know, “Ayam Penyet” is actually a type of marinated crispy fried chicken which is then smashed, resulting in crispy skin with moist flesh. The word “Penyet” literally means being smashed.
If you are daring enough, dip the chicken meat in their hot and fiery chili sauce known as “sambal” in Malaysia. My lips were burning despite the fact that I love spicy food. Supplement your hot meal with several vegetables and you have a healthy and well-balanced meal. This restaurant also serves other Malaysian dishes such as “Assam Pedas” and “Laksa”.
Price range: RM11.90 – RM20.00
Location: Check available outlets at http://www.ayampenyet-ap.com/our-outlets/
Halal status: Certified by Malaysia Halal Certification Body
I recently visited this uniquely named restaurant to try one of their wallet friendly lunch sets. I personally dislike curry because of its overwhelming taste, but Satay Satay’s humble Thai Chicken and Beef curry delighted my taste buds.
The curry was very light yet full of flavour. The meat was also tender. Other than that, you can try their own local-inspired dish such as Satay and Borjari Rice, Penang Assam Laksa, Fried Kuey Teow and Nasi Lemak. I suggest ordering their specialty satay and while I didn’t get to try it this visit, I will do so the next time I return. This restaurant is a must-visit for those wishing to sample local Malaysian food.
Price range: RM9.90 – RM15.90
Location: 1 Utama and Paradigm shopping mall.
Halal status: Operated by Muslim employees.
Mouth-watering Briyani Rice becomes an additional dish into mosaic of local food in Malaysia. It always has a place in the heart of the locals. Usually, this exclusive rice can only be found at wedding receptions or traditional celebrations. Now, thanks to the kind owners at Briyani Gam, you can enjoy Briyani rice whenever you want to. It is difficult to find an outstanding restaurant but I can say the food here has always delivered.
Using an authentic recipe from Johor, chicken and beef are marinated for hours together with several spices. The rice is also marinated in a similar manner.
Price range: RM12.00 – RM15.00
Location: No. 10, Aras Bawah, Jalan Baiduri 1, Taman Salak Baiduri, Salak Tinggi, 43900 Sepang, Selangor
Halal status: Owned and operated by Muslim employees
Nelayan restaurant is quite a well-known eatery amongst buffet maniacs.. I love the manner in which various types of cuisines were being presented; it felt like a journey from one food station to another.
The buffet featured five different categories of food: Malay, Chinese, Steamboat, Chicken BBQ and Satay. It was an endless food paradise and I remember making at least six or seven rounds through the buffet till my stomach was about to burst. The spread was totally worth the price and I am not surprised to hear countless good reviews about this restaurant.
Price range: RM35.00 nett per person (adult), RM17.50 nett per person (child).
Location: Lot 1183, Batu 8 3/4, Jalan Gombak, 53000 Kuala Lumpur.
Business Hours: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Contact no.: 03-61858400 / 03-4043 9299/96
Halal status: Operated by Muslim employees
With a “French inspired Korean bakery” tagline, this bakery started gaining recognition selling a fusion of Korean and French pastries. Despite the fact that this bakery seemed to be just another shop riding on the Korean wave , I should give a credit to TLJ since the breads and cakes were absolutely delicious.
Honestly, I am not a big fan of coffee products but their tiramisu cake had good flavour with just a slight hint of coffee, just enough to taste but not overwhelm With just one bite, I could feel how soft and fluffy the cake was. The Strawberry milk bread was not bad as well. Apart from French inspired Korean breads the bakery also featured locally inspired breads made from pulut, a type of glutinous rice commonly used in Malaysian cuisine.
Breads aside, the interior design at Tous les Jours was also so good I felt like I was transported to a foreign country. In my opinion, this is the perfect place for a high-tea. Definitely worth a shot!
Price range: RM5.90 – RM25.00
Location: Find available locations at http://tlj.com.my/store-location/
Halal status: Operated by Muslim employees
Source: King’s Confectionery
Regardless of the occasion, my family constantly returns to this bakery when we need a cake. King’s Confectionary is a leading Malaysian household name with the largest number of franchises over the country.
I am so engrossed with their cakes especially the “Fancy Mousse” and “Black Forest” cakes.Their cakes are light and have the perfect ratio of sweetness in them. Just writing about it makes me salivate again. A wide assortment of breads and pastries are also available to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Price range: RM2.40 – RM10.00, for a whole cake – RM 30.00 to RM70.00
Location: Check available outlets at http://kings.com.my/outlet.html
Halal status: Certified by Malaysia Halal Certification Body
Food courts give you the opportunity to explore different cuisines at a time and to discover some hidden gems. I went to both branches of Quizinn and their food did not disappoint. You might have a headache choosing from over 300 food items offered.
Quizinn by RASA has 17 types of cuisine including Malaysian, Western, Italian, Chinese, Korean and Middle Eastern dishes. Try the “Nasi Lemak” (Coconut Rice), “Laksa” and “Nasi Campur” (Mixed Rice) here. I personally like the spacious seating and decor as well. Quizinn’s wide range of food makes it a suitable place for all meals of the day.
Price range: RM8.00 – RM 20.00
Location: klia2 and NU Sentral shopping mall
Halal status: Certified by Malaysia Halal Certification Body
Located by the sea, the cool breeze and swaying trees making dining here a scenic experience. The restaurant is famous for family dining and large group celebrations, so if you’re looking to go somewhere fancy, bring your parents here.
Chili lovers should definitely try the sambal base for delicious fiery goodness. Fresh seafood lining the racks practically scream “eat me!” to hungry customers. Dishes are also served with the restaurant’s own special tasty dipping sauce.
To avoid the frustration of this restaurant’s notoriously long queues, it is recommended to arrive early or make reservations.
Price range: RM50.00 – RM100.00 (Price varies depending on type of seafood)
Location: Gerai PLB No.1, Pantai Bagan Lalang, Bagan Lalang, 43950 Sungai Pelek, Selangor
Business Hours: 5.30pm onwards
Contact no.: 03-3141 2049 / 013-3849368 / 019-2597356
Halal status: Owned and operated by Muslim employees
Everytime I want to escape the temptation of fast food and yet find someone thing equally as gratifying I will visit this restaurant. My order would always be the same Hainanese Chicken Rice.
According to the Chicken Rice Shop, they use a traditional grandmother’s recipe originating from Penang. No wonder I could almost feel a maternal touch in their food. Compared to other chicken rice stores, their Hainanese chicken was on a different level. The meat was juicy and I feel the flavours of the marinade having a party in my mouth. They also offer several other “Nyonya” food choices. Till today, I continue to be a devoted fan of this restaurant.
Price range: RM15.50 and RM20.00, for family set and special set – up to RM99.99
Location: Check out their available outlets at http://www.thechickenriceshop.com/locations
Halal status: Certified by Malaysia Halal Certification Body
Regardless of countless established fast food brands available in Malaysia, Marrybrown has successfully distinguished itself by offering local cuisine such as Nasi Lemak (Coconut rice), Satay Burger, Curry and Chicken Porridge. Their own version of local cuisine has brought Malaysia brand of fast food to another level.
The crispiness of the chicken was well-matched to my liking. Their “Nasi Lemak” also came with a delicious “sambal”. You cannot eat at a restaurant in Malaysia without encountering “sambal”. This restaurant is a must-visit , particularly for anyone who is looking for a different style of fast food.
Price range: RM16.90 – RM20.00
Location: Check out their available outlets here.
Halal status: Certified by Malaysia Halal Certification Body
“Popiah” is considered one of Malaysia’s most iconic dishes. My best friend recommended this place to me and I have been addicted to Sisters Crispy Popiah ever since. One roll is never enough and chicken and cheese is always my favourite choice of stuffing.
You can find different versions of Malaysian “popiah” here with distinctive fillings. Some people stick into the original recipe that use only fresh vegetables such as carrots and bean sprouts. Other inventions include cheese, chicken, crab and even shrimp. Apart from their remarkable “popiah”, the restaurant is also well-known for serving quite a number of Chinese home-style cooking. Other Malaysian local delicacies are also on the menu including our famous “Nasi Lemak”, “Rendang” and curry.
Price range: RM5.40 – RM10.00 (based on different types of dish).
Location: Check available outlets at http://www.sisterscrispypopiah.com.my/outlet.php
Halal status: Certified by Malaysia Halal Certification Body
Tupai Tupai restaurant has received tons of positive feedback. Known as a buffet and steamboat restaurant, they serve a medley of delicacies from Malay, Chinese and Western cultures. With so much love from food adventurers, this place has expanded into four outlets to reach more customers.
Their specialties are the Special Grilled Fish, Golden Chicken Chop and Satay. If you want to have lunch here, you are very welcomed to go for their numerous Malay dishes that you have together with white rice. Reviewers have been spreading optimistic responses that the dishes were tasty and tasted authentically Malaysian.
Price range: RM28.00 for adult, RM15.00 for children (4 – 11 years old)
Location: No. 551 A & B, Jalan Bukit Petaling, Off Jalan Istana, 50460, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel : 03-2143 2525 Fax : 03-2144 5921
Halal status: Owned and operated by Muslim employees.
“Nasi Arab” has been quite a phenomenon among local foodies. One of the more popular ones is “Nasi Arab Damsyik”. At this restaurant, they serve authentic “Nasi Arab” also known as “Nasi Mandi” which is a definite must-try. Both the chicken or beef options were beautifully marinated in Middle Eastern spices and herbs. The result is a stunning mix of flavours dancing in your mouth.
The dishes are complemented with two delicious sauces – chili paste and sour yogurt. The Middle Eastern decor also contributes to a stimulating dining experience. The food also comes in large serving plates that make it perfect for sharing.
Price range: RM7.00 – RM20.00
Location: No. 1, Jalan Bourgainvilla 1, Taman Bourgainvilla, Senawang, 70400 Seremban.
Business Hours: Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat & Sun – 11.00am till 11.00 pm | Fri – 4.00pm till 11.00pm and closed on Tuesday
Contact no.: 019-4217930 & 014-2657313
Halal status: Owned and operated by Muslims employees
This eatery is famed for Malaysian East Coast specialities such as the authentic Kelantanese delicacies such as “Nasi Kerabu”, “Nasi Tumpang” and “Nasi Dagang”. Healthy and flavourful “Nasi Kerabu” would be my top list, since I prefer to have plenty vegetables with rice. It has a nice aroma with some additional accessories such as coconut crumbs, salted egg and fried chicken.
You can pour little bit of “Budu” which is a Kelantanese fermented fish sauce, giving the dish an extra zing. Then, the final step is to mix up all those things and you can taste how spectacular it is, the tastes were ranging from salty, savoury, spicy and sweet.
Of course, you can find other various exclusive side dishes, compatible to be eaten with “Nasi Kerabu”. Particularly if you visit “Pasar Malam” or Night Market in Malaysia. There were eight to ten side dishes to choose from. Other than that, some people remarked that their version of “Nasi Tumpang” is the real one, originated from Kelantan.
Price range: RM8.00 – 20.00
Location: The Gardens Mid Valley, Empire Subang Gallery and The Intermark
Business Hours: 10.00am – 10.00pm
Contact no.: 019-4217930 & 014-2657313
Halal status: Owned and operated by Muslims employees
Malaysian cuisine is also well known for their diversity of interesting traditional sweets and desserts known as “kuih-muih”. Furthermore, diverse cultures and races have produced lots of remarkable and lip-smacking “kuih-muih”. At Nyonya Colors,, you can savour all those delights in one place.
I would like to recommend the “bingka ubi”, “sri muka”, “ondeh-ondeh” and “ketayap”. If you want to know more about the traditional sweets, the staff are more than happy to tell you about it. The restaurant also offers local cuisine such as “Nasi Lemak”, “Mee Hoon”, “Otak-otak” and Chicken Samosa.
Price range: RM1.00 – 20.00
Location: 1 Utama Shopping Centre, The Curve Shopping Mall, The Gardens Mid Valley, Empire Subang Gallery, Suria KLCC, Jaya Jusco Klang, gateway@klia2 and First World Plaza Genting Highlands.
Contact no.: 03-7728 2288 & 012-5158822
Halal status: Certified by Malaysia Halal Certification Body.
I hope the 15 halal restaurants and cafes I recommended sound delicious enough to trigger your appetite in Malaysia. I’m sure some of you have your own favourites that did not make the list as well. Feel free to share those with us in the comments below! Happy eating everyone!
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