KTZ Food in Kepong
Kepong’s Wai Sek Kai needs no introduction to most KL folks. The “glutton street” stretch along Jalan Kepong Baru boasts over 40 vendors that have been serving loyal patrons from zinc-roofed shops for decades, hence its name.
One of these stalls is the popular KTZ Food, which began welcoming patrons in 1992. Short for kai tak sek, or “remember to eat” in English, the Chinese dessert eatery even has an outlet in SS2. But their OG roadside corner shop on Jalan Antoi remains a go-to food attraction for locals and people passing through Kepong.
Food at KTZ Food
For most Asians, there are two requirements for a good dessert: not cold and not too sweet. The answer to this seems almost impossible when we typically think of things like ice cream and cakes for dessert.
But then there’s the undefeated tong sui.
On any day, there are 14 types of tong sui available at KTZ Food. It’s testament to the love of hot desserts that truly warm the soul among locals.
At just RM3.60 a bowl, the tong sui you can find here ranges from the traditional Red Bean to the extravagant Double-Boiled Honey Dew with Coconut Meat. The latter is the only tong sui on the menu priced at a slightly higher RM8.90.
The bestselling tong sui here is the Black Sesame. But don’t let this stop you from ordering the simple, yet done well, classics like the Red Bean – which comes with smushed chunks of red bean in a smooth, not-too-sweet soup.
The Peanut Butter, on the other hand, might sound like an order reserved for those with a sweet tooth. It’s more of a smooth paste rather than a spread as we know and love it, with the viscosity of a thick chowder without the chunks.
As for taste, it won’t hit you like if you were to spoon Skippy peanut butter straight from the jar and into your mouth. Rather, it has that pure taste of creamy peanut paste with just a hint of added sugar to let its OG taste shine.
For bubble tea fans who appreciate a little chew in each bite, the Barley with Gingko Nuts that’s been simmering for hours will be perfect for you. With this, you’ll find plumped grains and gingko nuts, fat from soaking up the soya bean-based sweet soup.
Fried snacks
If you’re looking for something to pair with warm desserts, you can never go wrong with crisp fried foods.
KTZ Food has 11 options of crispy snacks, spread enticingly across a stainless steel counter. To order, just let the aunty behind the counter know which ones you want, and she’ll cut them into bite-sized pieces and heat them up for you.
As for prices, you’ll find them displayed on a sign just to the right, above the selection of snacks.
The Crab Roll (RM6.60/each) is a comfort snack food that’ll be a nostalgia-hit for the grown-ups and a treat for the kiddos. It comprises crab sticks rolled up with ham, cheese, and dough that’s been fried.
If actual crab is what you crave, go for the Bake Crab (RM6.60/each). This comprises a filling that’s a mix of pork and crab, stuffed inside a crab shell. The pork definitely dominates the flavour of the crab, but this doesn’t make the snack any less delicious than it looks and sounds.
Aside from the seafood offerings, there’s the Deep Fried Taofu (RM8.60) – a soft, chunky deep-fried tofu with a lightly crispy crust, served with mayo. You’d expect tofu to be bland, but this savoury version will have even a tofu-avoider going back for seconds and thirds.
Ambience at KTZ Food
Even though KTZ Food has been around for decades, the old-school wooden stools and tables remain a fixture here. There are over a dozen tables at the premise, easily movable and joinable to accompany even big groups of diners.
Multiple strong-blowing fans hang over the dining tables, so you won’t have to scramble to finish a bowl of hot dessert to escape the heat.
The verdict
There are many places to get tong sui in and around KL. Though we all have our favourite spots for an after-meal or late-night snack, it’s hard to say no to trying new places every now and then.
In a food haven like Kepong, KTZ Food has managed to keep serving delicious desserts and snacks for over 30 years. Though the prices of its menu items have hiked up over time due to the economy, the stall’s tong sui in particular has amassed enough loyal patrons to keep KTZ Food’s status as the go-to Chinese dessert stall.
So, the next time you’re in or passing through Kepong, drop by this spot.
Address: 66, Jalan Kepong Baru, Kepong Baru, 52100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12pm-11.30pm, Daily
KTZ Food is not a halal-certified eatery.
You might also enjoy:
- 40-year-old wantan mee stall in Kepong
- 50-year-old asam laksa stall in Petaling Street
- Modern Kepong cafes
Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal Malaysia
Photography by Janet.