Cheap eats at restaurants in KL
Inflation, inflation, inflation. Living in an urban city like Kuala Lumpur is exciting – until we are confronted with hefty bills for meals at restaurants. RM18.90 for mee goreng and RM22.90 for laksa, excluding the 10% service charge? Finding a cheap meal in KL beyond the usual teh tarik and roti kosong combo can be difficult.
Yet, some eateries still serve delicious food at reasonable prices. They are often hidden from tourists’ eyes, but this guide is all about uncovering the local treasures for you.
Read on to find out the 11 best cheap eats in and near KL that let you enjoy a myriad of budget-friendly cuisines.
Table of Contents
1. Sanuki Udon
Handmade hot & cold udon from RM8
Sanuki Udon may be easily overlooked, as it’s nestled on the 1st floor of a modest shoplot in Taman Bukit Desa. But its affordable udon dishes can’t go unnoticed. The Japanese-run restaurant has a menu that unfolds a series of hot and cold udon dishes, with bouncy-thick noodles made from scratch by the chefs every day.
The ambience at Sanuki Udon boasts a welcoming tavern-like ethos.
Most of its udon offerings are priced under the teen. The Original Soup Udon, in particular, costs only RM8. It is a simple yet tasty ensemble of udon, soba broth, and vegetables. A smear of wasabi is added on the side to make your eyes water whenever you want to.
Another option at RM8 is the brothless House Special Udon. An onsen egg placed atop the nest of noodles has an exterior so translucent that you can spot the egg yolk inside. Pro-tip: the best way to indulge in this dish is by mixing all the components in the bowl together until the noodles are nicely egg-glazed.
Besides udon, there are Tonkatsu Ramen (from RM17), Karaage (RM8), and Fried Skewer (from RM3/stick) to try.
Address: 1st floor, 25A, Jalan Bukit Desa 5, Taman Bukit Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11.30am-3pm, 6pm-10pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 03-7980 3704
2. Nasi Kahwin Hari-Hari
Malay-style kenduri rice from RM9
Image credit: Abu Nawas via Google Review
Those who work in the Bukit Bintang area will be familiar with Nasi Kahwin Hari Hari. It is well-recognised for its nasi kenduri, a type of Malay fare typically served at Malay weddings. Despite its humble beginning as a lorong stall in a back alley, the eatery has now flourished into a spacious restaurant with plentiful of indoor seats.
Priced from RM9, a Nasi Kenduri Set comes with turmeric-steamed rice, pickled vegetables, and a meat of your choice.
The must-try meat options are the tangy-spicy Ayam Rose, sweet-savoury Ayam Madu, and the Daging Hitam, where the beef is coated with soya sauce-based gravy.
The serving is hearty enough to satisfy even a ravenous customer, but you can also add other dishes like fish, mutton, and egg to your meal.
Address: 4, Jalan Beremi, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10.30am-9pm | Sat 10.30am-10.30pm | Sun 10.30am-7pm
Contact: 016-232 9245
3. Ichiren No Tamashi
Omurice with fried chicken from RM10
Omurice is indeed a popular dish from Japan. But standing outside Alison Kopitiam in Sri Petaling, you’ll find Ichiren No Tamashi serving Japanese curry rice with a local spin.
Its signature Diced Chicken Omurice is only RM10, yet comes in a hefty portion. The swirly tornado omelette covers the mound of hot rice like a warm blanket. On the side is a pool of curry with chicken cubes straight out of the deep fryer.
Japanese curry typically carries a hint of sweetness, but the stall’s rendition resembles our locally-loved Indian-style curry with a more savoury and spiced flavour profile.
If you prefer chicken cutlets, try the Chicken Cutlet Omurice (RM12). The chicken is fried for just the right amount of time to acquire an orange-hued crackling skin, without sacrificing the juiciness of the meat.
Address: 70, Jalan Radin Anum 1, Bandar Baru Sri Petaling, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 3.30pm-9.30pm (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: 011-3106 6106
4. Sai Food Stall
Banana leaf rice with chicken & mutton curry from RM10
Those who love Indian cuisine deserve to know about Sai Food Stall, a family-run establishment that went viral for its affordable banana leaf rice, or thiruvilla sapadu. It is the kind of comfort food that’ll have you give way to your heart and momentarily forget about the calories as you jab away at yet another piece of mutton with your fork.
Merely priced from RM10, the Thiruvilla Sapadu lets you pair your preferred meat curry with white rice, a hard-boiled egg, and stir-fried vegetables.
The meat curry options include chicken and mutton, both sourced from halal meat suppliers. The rice is there as the perfect safety net, capturing all the scrumptious curry sauce running down the meat.
To level up your meal, consider getting their Prawn Masala, Fried Chicken 65, or Mutton Varuval, which are reasonably priced from RM10 per serving.
Sai Food Stall @ Puchong
Address: 35, Taman Putra Perdana, 47130 Puchong, Selangor
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11am-12am (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: 013-288 8379
Sai Food Stall @ Kepong
Address: Lot 6, Jalan Kuang Bulan, Taman Kepong, 52100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 7.30pm-12am (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: 010-200 5083
5. Chiba Ramen
Tonkatsu ramen with pork belly from RM11
Image adapted from: VA|是吃货也是酒鬼 via XiaoHongShu, @joeyfym via Instagram
Befitting the name of the restaurant, Chiba Ramen’s menu dives deep into ramen dishes.
Its Tonkatsu Ramen (RM12) checks all the boxes for a delectable bowl of ramen. It features fresh noodles paired with a flavourful and creamy pork broth, and topped with slices of well-rendered pork belly. The nice layering of fat and lean meat makes the pork belly simply irresistible.
Image adapted from: @chibbites_ via Instagram
The Karamiso Ramen (RM16) also earns a thumbs-up stamp on the menu. Rather than pork belly, sweet corn and minced pork are used as the toppings. The broth is miso-based and infused with a bunch of chilli peppers to make your tongue buzz.
Also consider ordering the restaurant’s decently priced Mazesoba (from RM18), aka brothless ramen, Udon (from RM12), or Don (from RM14).
Address: 105, Block-P/F, 105, Lorong Durian, Taman Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Fri-Wed 10am-3pm, 5pm-8pm (Closed on Thursdays)
Contact: 011-1182 2281 | Chiba Ramen’s Facebook
6. Thai Camp
Pork leg rice & tom yum noodles from RM10.90
Image adapted from: @pohkemon via Instagram
Thai Camp is your passport to Thailand’s bustling food markets. Its menu includes iconic Thai street food such as Thai-style pork satay, tom yum noodles, and papaya salad.
The Special Pork Leg Rice (RM11.90), or khao ka moo, is an all-time customer-favourite. The pork leg is braised until moist and tender, to the point that it slips right off the bone and can be easily pulled apart with a fork. It is served over white rice, accompanied by pickles, a braised egg, and Thai chilli sauce.
Another must-try is the Tom Yum Noodles (from RM10.90). Choose between seafood or fried pork belly to go with MAMA mee and tom yum soup.
Image adapted from: @ulric5 via Instagram, Thai Camp 泰国小吃 via Facebook
For sides, the Thai-style Pork Satay, or moo ping, costs only RM10.90 for three sticks. The Thai Milk Tea is especially affordable, priced at RM4.90 for a regular-sized cup and RM5.90 for a large.
Address: 3, Jalan Perisa 2, Taman Bukit Indah, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30pm-10pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 018-292 7198 | Thai Camp’s Facebook
7. Ara Vietnamese Noodles
Beef pho & pork vermicelli from RM12.50
Ara Vietnamese Noodles is a no-frills, mom-and-pop eatery that does what it does best: dishing out classic Vietnamese food with a homely taste. Every bite will take you back to the food scene in Vietnam.
Image credit: Jen Chong Wong via Google Review
Many patrons come for the Beef Stew Noodles (RM12.90) – flat rice noodles and tender beef slices served swimming in a clear broth of various herbs. You can add a squeeze of lime to cut through the meatiness.
Yet, the Special Beef Mix Noodles (RM19) will be the ultimate bowl for any die-hard beef lover. It’s slightly pricier, but features everything beef: beef slices, balls, briskets, tendons, and tripe.
Image credit: Jen Chong Wong via Google Review
For Vietnamese dry vermicelli, opt for the Lemongrass Pork Vermicelli (RM12.50). Pieces of pork, marinated with lemongrass and stir-fried till caramelised, are placed over a bed of rice noodles, accompanied by fried spring rolls, peanuts, and fresh greens.
Image credit: Adam Ng Channel via Google Review
For desserts, dive into a sweet la la land with the Caramel Flan (RM6) – a custard pudding doused in a luscious caramel sauce. With a texture jiggly-soft like a baby’s butt cheek, the flan can be dangerously addictive.
The owner is a coffee connoisseur himself and uses his own coffee blend to curate each cup of Drip Coffee (from RM6). That being said, their coffee is also worth a try.
Address: 45, Jalan SS 22/11, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 7.30am-3pm, 5.30pm-9pm | Sun 10am-3pm, 5.30pm-9pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 03-7499 3952 | Ara Vietnamese Noodles’ Facebook
8. Laos Thai 5 To 9
Thai-style Hainanese chicken rice for RM5
It can be difficult to find a hearty meal in KL for just RM5, beyond our beloved mamak spot. At Laos Thai 5 To 9, you can get a local-favourite plate of chicken rice for just that. This restaurant has gone viral among locals for the affordable price of its Thai-style Hainanese Chicken Rice (RM5).
No meagre plate, it comes with a generous amount of fragrant rice, succulent slices of chicken breast, and fragrant Thai chilli served on the side.
Each bite of rice and chicken guarantees a flavour explosion, with garlic, ginger, and chicken fat all melding together satisfyingly. The tangy-spicy chilli is just as fragrant, with strong notes of ginger and lemongrass.
Address: 69, Jalan Segambut Pusat, 51200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11am-10m (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 016-264 9199 | Laos Thai 5 to 9’s Instagram
9. Restoran Sing Pao Dim Sum
Late-night dim sum from RM1.50/plate
Image credit: Pohboon Yeo via Google Review
Dim sum is traditionally enjoyed over breakfast or brunch, but Restoran Sing Pao Dim Sum is here to flip the script. Operating until 2.30am, the restaurant serves traditional fried and steamed dim sum for your late-night hunger pangs.
Image adapted from: Carmen Lee via Google Review, Nicha นิชา via Google Review
The fried Dim Sum is priced as low as RM1.50 per plate, with options such as carrot cakes, sesame balls, and taro pork dumplings. The steamed category, on the other hand, is priced from RM4.80 per plate. Har gow, siew mai, and pork ribs are the popular picks.
The menu also covers sweet and savoury Chinese Steamed Buns (from RM1.20/piece), such as kaya bao, sayur bao, and char siew bao.
Address: A-16, Old Klang Rd, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 5pm-2.30am (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: 017-622 3227
10. Restoran Tuck Cheong
Old-school dim sum from RM4.70/plate
Image adapted from: 开心就好啊 via XiaoHongShu, Donald and Daisy via XiaoHongShu
Restoran Tuck Cheong is the kind of dim sum parlour you want to bring your parents to for a true taste of nostalgia. Customers usually start coming in around 7am as the shop opens at 6.45am. Upon securing a seat, you can queue up in front of the huge steamers to place your order.
Image credit: Jessica Koh via Google Review
The shop’s Dim Sum (from RM4.70/plate) leans towards the old-school choices that we are familiar with, such as siew mai, chicken feet, fishcake rolls, and deep-fried shrimp rolls.
Many also rave about the Lo Mai Gai (RM5.70), where sticky rice is seasoned with soya sauce and steamed with diced chicken, Chinese sausage, and dried mushroom. It looks small in portion but can be very filling.
Image adapted from: Swee Yeo via Google Review, 咸蛋超人 via XiaoHongShu
The irregular round shape of the Chinese Steamed Buns (from RM3) is the telltale sign that the paus are handmade – the kind of detail we appreciate. Some of the options include he ye pau filled with sweet lotus paste, pork dai pau that needs both hands to hold, and the oldie but goldie char siew pau.
Address: 29, Jalan Kancil, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 6.45am-10am (Closed on Mondays)
11. 来一碗面
Chinese mee tarik & bean noodles from RM8
Image adapted from: 想不到名字 via XiaoHongshu
Every country has its take on noodles – think Italian pasta, Japanese ramen, and Vietnamese pho. At 来一碗面, you get to savour authentic Mainland-Chinese noodle delights at just RM8 per bowl.
Image adapted from: 想不到名字 via XiaoHongshu, Ashley Seow via Google Review
The restaurant’s best-selling Lan Zhou Beef Mee Tarik is a compelling bowl of meaty and spicy flavours. It has hand-pulled noodles and beef slices swimming in hot beef broth and seasoned with chilli oil. Amidst the savouriness, a sprinkle of green onions and corianders is added for a refreshing earthy touch.
Another must-try is the Bei Jing Zha Jiang Mian, where the true essence lies in the heap of brown sauce at the centre of the bowl. Made with a blend of ground meat and fermented soya beans, the sauce brings all the elements together with its distinct sweet taste.
Image credit: Shawn Ong via Google Review
The list of sides is short and sweet. There are Chinese-style gyozas pan-seared until golden brown, pork-filled steamed dumplings, and duck necks stir-fried with numbing mala seasoning – all priced from RM3.
Address: 9A, Jalan Besar, Kampung Baru Balakong, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor
Opening hours: Fri-Wed 8.30am-2pm, 5pm-8.30pm (Closed on Thursdays)
Contact: 018-312 1724
Affordable Thai food, dim sum & ramen in & near KL
Finding budget-friendly and satisfying meals in Kuala Lumpur isn’t as challenging as it seems – you just need to know where to look. So bookmark this guide, and head to these restaurants in KL the next time you are craving Thai food, dim sum, or even Japanese ramen.
For more food guides like this, check out these 9 best restaurants in Pudu and these 10 best restaurants in SS15.
Cover imaged adapted from: @chibbites_ via Instagram, 咸蛋超人 via XiaoHongShu, 想不到名字 via XiaoHongshu, @pohkemon via Instagram, @ulric5 via Instagram