Cheap food in Bukit Bintang
You’ll never run out of food options in Bukit Bintang. Beyond the streets, four shopping malls in the area have eateries packed on their basement and top floors – it’ll be almost impossible to try all of them even as a local.
But when it comes to budget-friendly meals in an area best known for droppin’ cash, you might just end up scratching your head and wondering where to go besides a mamak or fast food chain. To help you navigate KL’s popular shopping hub, we gathered list of 12 places in Bukit Bintang for under-RM12 eats, so you don’t have to skip meals.
Table of Contents
1. Nasi Kahwin Hari-Hari
Traditional Malay food
Image credit: @nasikahwinharihari via Instagram
Venture beyond the crosswalks of Bukit Bintang to the back streets of Jalan Berangan, and you’ll find hidden local gems like Nasi Kahwin Hari-Hari. The restaurant stands apart in the sea of international cuisine eateries there, offering homecooked-style traditional Malay food typically enjoyed only at Malay weddings.
Image credit: @nasikahwinharihari via Instagram
Like at a nasi kandar restaurant, diners have to place an order at the counter. Get started with a plate of herb-infused rice, or nasi hujan panas, and choose from five main proteins including sweet-and-spicy Ayam Madu (RM9), tomato-rich Ayam Rose (RM9), and spice-packed Daging Hitam (RM10). Diners can also enjoy a free-flow air sirap with their meals.
Walking distance from Bukit Bintang MRT station: 2 minutes
Bukit Bintang branch
Address: Jalan Berangan, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10.30am-9pm | Sun 10.30am-6pm
Contact: Nasi Kahwin Hari-Hari Instagram
2. Toong Kwoon Chye
Kopitiam since 1919
Image adapted from: @brandchen via Instagram
Toong Kwoon Chye remains one of the few traditional kopitiams still operating in Bukit Bintang. The restaurant, now in the hands of a 4th-generation owner, has been around since 1919. They’ve been satisfying locals with handmade wontons and noodles for decades, sticking to a century-old recipe passed down from generation to generation.
Image credit: @makanwarrior via Instagram
They prepare various Chinese noodles, but the one dish that has diners returning for more is the springy, handmade Wantan Mee, which can be enjoyed with lean roasted pork (RM10) or with a generous pour of mildly spicy potato chicken curry (RM10).
The dish earns stamps of approval from locals for sticking to old-school flavours and being consistent with it – no frills, just good ol’ wantan mee with nostalgic flavours.
Walking distance from Bukit Bintang MRT station: 5 minutes
Address: 9, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Thu-Tue 9am-3pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
3. 33 Food Court
Food court with local-approved nasi kunyit
Image adapted from: Ali, Fizi Zulkifli, via Google Reviews
If you’re looking for a variety of budget eats in one spot in Bukit Bintang, then 33 Food Court will be your best bet. The truly local, no-frills food court, tucked away from the public eye on the 1st floor of a shoplot, is a go-to lunch destination for workers in the area looking to avoid the pricier food fares at nearby malls.
Needless to say, longer lines and packed tables are to be expected from 12pm to 2pm, but not to fret, as service is usually quick.
Image credit: Stephen Abraham via Google Reviews
You’ll find local hawker foods here, including nasi campur, or mixed rice, nasi lemak, a selection of Thai food, and local fried snacks. A popular stall is Shedazz Ayam Goreng Kunyit. Their star dish, the Nasi Ayam Goreng Kunyit (RM9), is praised for being packed with flavours and having generous portions of fried chicken that will satisfy ravenous appetites.
Image credit: @ezarism.eats via Instagram
Walking distance from Bukit Bintang MRT station: 4 minutes
Address: 1st Floor, 56 & 58, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-5.30pm | Sat & Sun 10.30am-5.30pm
4. Mon Chinese Beef Roti
Crispy, meat-stuffed flatbread
Don’t be fooled by the size of the compact-sized, handheld flatbreads from Mon Chinese Beef Roti. The meat-stuffed crispy roti, which is soft and slightly chewy on the inside and ASMR-crispy on the outside, is a hearty affair that’ll stave off hunger pangs.
Each Chinese roti gets freshly rolled out at the front-of-house kitchen, stuffed with either minced chicken (RM5.50) or beef (RM6.50), and then deep-fried on the spot. If you’re lucky, you might just get your order fresh out of the fryer – hot, steamy, and incredibly crispy.
Walking distance from Bukit Bintang MRT station: 1 minute
Address: 82, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 9am-12am, Daily
5. 9.9 Ramen
Muslim-friendly, pork-free ramen
Image credit: @yoshiko_lifeistravel via Instagram
In KL, an order of ramen will likely set you back at least RM15. But the aptly named 9.9 Ramen has something for the penny pinchers like us: five different types of no-frills, decently portioned ramen, all priced at just RM9.90 a bowl.
Image adapted from: @yoshiko_lifeistravel via Instagram
Tucked inside Lot 10’s Japanese-focused J’s Gate Dining, the pork-free ramen joint offers all the classic broth options: Shiro, Sukiyaki, Spicy, Spicy Miso, and Black Garlic Oil. Each order comes with flavourful soup and bouncy noodles, but if you’d like more additions, top up with deep-fried fritters like tori karaage and fish balls for RM2.50/piece.
Other mains, including Curry Rice and Maze Soba, are affordably priced at RM9.90 too.
Walking distance from Bukit Bintang MRT station: 3 minutes
Address: Level 4, Lot 10, J’s Gate Dining, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 9.9 Ramen Instagram
6. Nasi Lemak Alor Corner
Nasi lemak since the 1980s
Image credit: @nasilemakalorcorner via Instagram
Nasi Lemak Alor Corner has become an institution in the Bukit Bintang area. The family-run operation has been around since the 1980s, feeding commuters and tourists alike their staple nasi lemak – think hot fragrant rice with a pour of sambal, and a side from the lineup of over 40 dishes that they have prepared daily at their roadside food stand.
Image credit: @nasilemakalorcorner via Instagram
A pack of nasi lemak, with the usual suspects – hard-boiled egg, sambal, crisp anchovies, and peanuts – will set you back just RM3. If you’re looking to level the dish up with sides like fried chicken, fried egg, and rendang, these typically cost between RM1-RM8.
Walking distance from Bukit Bintang MRT station: 2 minutes
Address: Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 8am-11.30am (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: Nasi Lemak Alor Corner Instagram
7. Kuafood Fried Chuan
Variety of Beijing-style skewers
Image credit: Tan Adrian via Google Reviews
Kuafood Fried Chuan is for anyone craving a taste of China. They’re a franchise from Beijing, offering the local speciality in Bukit Bintang – seafood, red meats, and vegetables on skewers, that are fried on the spot and seasoned with traditional Sichuan spicy flavours.
Image credit: JiraC via Google Reviews
The restaurant operates on a self-service basis, just outside Lot 10. Pick from a wide variety of skewered items from the fridge, with prices per stick ranging from RM1.60 for chicken gizzards to RM9.90 for 5 pieces of streaky pork. Other must-tries include the Mutton (RM4.30) that’s marinated with authentic spices and Taiwan sausage (RM3.30), a China street food staple.
Image adapted from: Regine Tan, Li Mem Chang via Google Reviews
Once you’ve got what you need, you can choose to have it drenched with a non-spicy or spicy in-house sauce. There’ll also be other China-speciality dishes to order at the counter if you’ve worked up an appetite, including Crispy Milk Rolls (RM12.80/4pcs) and Stinky Tofu (RM13.80/6pcs).
Walking distance from Bukit Bintang MRT station: 3 minutes
Address: Lot 10, Bintang Terrace, Shopping Centre, LTC/T5, 50, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11.30am-3am | Sun 11am-3am
Contact: Kuafood Malaysia Instagram
8. Vinh City
Authentic Vietnamese dishes
Vinh City used to operate at the food court in BB Park. They’ve since moved into Sungei Wang Plaza, with the same lineup of reasonably priced Vietnamese food.
Image adapted from: Vinh City via Google Reviews
While the classic pho fare will be slightly out of budget, with the Beef Noodle Soup priced RM18.50, Vinh City has a good number of under-RM12 dishes that are worth ordering too.
They include Vietnam-style fried noodles and rice all priced RM12 a plate like the aromatic, fish-sauce flavoured Fried Mee Hoon and Seafood Fried Rice that comes with squid and prawns.
Image credit: JA Lee via Google Reviews
There’s also the Fried Egg Banh Mi (RM12), or bánh mì trứng, that’s a good breakfast sandwich or lighter lunch option.
Image credit: Kevin Yeoh via Google Reviews
Walking distance from Bukit Bintang MRT station: 4 minutes
Address: TC033-032, 3rd floor, Sungei Wang Plaza, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 016-648 7798
9. Nasi Ayam Hainan Chee Meng
Halal-certified chicken rice
Image adapted from: @fromdtable via Instagram
The Halal-certified Nasi Ayam Hainan Chee Meng has several outlets in Klang Valley, including one in Bukit Bintang that feeds diners from all walks of life the same fare of authentic Hainanese chicken rice and a collection of Chinese dishes at reasonable price points.
Image credit: @fizah88 via Instagram
Like at most chicken rice shops, your pick of tender, juicy chicken parts to enjoy with fragrant rice, tangy chilli, and rich, chicken-based soup will determine the price of your meal. The chicken wing and breast go for RM12, while the drumstick, thigh, and boneless options are priced just slightly more at RM13.
The restaurant is a hit among locals, having earned a spot on Michelin’s Bib Gourmand list in 2023, so it’s highly recommended to come around 2pm after the lunch crowds have died down to avoid the queue for a table. Expect to wait around 10-15 minutes during peak hours.
Walking distance from Bukit Bintang MRT station: 2 minutes
Bukit Bintang branch
Address: 50, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-8.30pm | Sat & Sun 11am-9.30pm
Contact: 03-2110 5663 | Nasi Ayam Hainan Chee Meng Instagram
10. Uncle Soon Fried Rice
Popular fried rice in KL
Just across Pavilion KL, you’ll find Wisma Cosway – an old-school building housing a plethora of eateries that are well-haunted by workers in the area, including an outlet of the popular Uncle Soon on the 1st floor.
The no-frills, no-fuss restaurant delivers just a star dish: satisfying wok-licked fried rice, enjoyed with just a side of fried egg and sambal belacan for RM7, or with additional toppings like char siew, or roast pork, and prawns for RM10.
While almost always packed with diners, the restaurant has several dining areas located in the maze-like hall, along the corridors and inside shoplots – enough for hungry workers and curious foodies alike. Simply place an order at the restaurant’s main shop, then grab a seat – a waiter will deliver your meal to your table.
Walking distance from Bukit Bintang MRT station: 9 minutes
Wisma Cosway branch
Address: Lot 1.26, 1st Floor, Cosway Guesthouse, 88, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10.30am-3am | Sun 10.30am-8pm
11. Halab Gate
Highly rated shawarma in Bukit Bintang
Image credit: @halabgate via Instagram
There are several Middle Eastern restaurants in Bukit Bintang, but for shawarmas packed with proteins and dripping with meat juices, there are just two spots that fit the bill. Making our list is Halab Gate, a Syrian restaurant that has under-RM12 shawarmas on their menu.
To enjoy the more affordable prices for shawarmas, you’ll have to skip the dining options upstairs for a takeaway meal on the ground floor. As shawarmas are best enjoyed hot, freshly wrapped in chewy flatbread with freshly carved meats, this won’t be much of an issue – the wait time for to-go meals is typically shorter too, around 20-30 minutes.
Image adapted from: @halabgate via Instagram
Order the Chicken or Falafel Shawarma Wraps, priced at RM12 each. They’re the most affordable options on the menu but don’t lack in flavours or portions. The first comes with generous and tender bits of juicy chicken carved on the spot, while the falafel has a flavourful, garlicky hummus.
Walking distance from Bukit Bintang MRT station: 3 minutes
Address: 51, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10.30am-5am, Daily
Contact: 018-280 8747 | Halab Gate Instagram
12. Hawker Chan Kuala Lumpur
Michelin-approved chicken rice
Image credit: @hawkerchankl via Instagram
There are only so many street food spots in the world that have a Michelin star. Hawker Chan is one of them. Originally from Singapore, where it received a coveted Michelin star in 2016, the eatery has since expanded globally, including a branch in KL that has reasonably priced, Hong Kong-style dishes.
Image credit: @hawkerchankl via Instagram
These include the Michelin-recognised Braised Soya Sauce Chicken (RM10.50). The dish comprises juicy and tender chicken marinated with a soya sauce-based concoction, to pair with fragrant garlic rice and tangy chilli sauce.
Walking distance from Bukit Bintang MRT station: 16 minutes
Address: LG1-06, LaLaport, Bukit Bintang City Centre, 2, Jalan Hang Tuah, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 016-284 1814 | Hawker Chan KL Facebook
Where to find cheap food in Bukit Bintang
If you’re on a budget while in KL’s bustling Bukit Bintang, there’ll be no need to head to the convenience store for cheap food. There are options for affordable eats in the area that will fill your bellies up so you can continue on with your shopping spree or remaining work hours on the clock.
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Cover image adapted from: @yoshiko_lifeistravel, @fizah88, @makanwarrior via Instagram