Gua Lepak in Selangor
When it comes to unreal dining experiences, you’ll find some pretty unique ones in Klang Valley. Take this restaurant in Ampang for example, which lets diners soak their feet in a cool river while dining on grilled meats.
A new spot in Klang Valley that folks have been flocking to for local food and a one-of-a-kind dining experience is Gua Lepak. While we typically associate cave dining with the state of Perak, this food centre is hidden within a limestone cave in Batu Caves – just a corner away from the famed Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple.
Hidden street dining in a limestone cave
Image credit: Mun Choon Chan via Google Maps
When you enter Gua Lepak, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into another local food court in Malaysia. Typical plastic tables and chairs are set out for diners and plenty of food options are available from food stalls – not unlike at a regular hawker stall.
But that’s certainly not the case here. This spot happens to be hidden inside a limestone cave that has been around for over a hundred years, with rock formations all around you as you dine.
Image credit: @lauralin.yh via Instagram
True to its name, Gua Lepak has become a go-to lepak and dining spot among friend groups and families in the area, as it opens late till 1am.
Besides the charm of dining inside an actual cave, there are several visually appealing spots to discover too. These include street art murals and a neon-lit restaurant signage that have become popular photo spots among diners.
Image adapted from: @lauralin.yh via Instagram, @tengkuridzuanbehruz via Instagram
Gather around the tables and chairs provided with your friends, while chatting and enjoying food from the various food stalls. The cave dining area accommodates just over 80 diners, and while it’s already airy, there are fans scattered around to further ensure the comfort of patrons.
Image credit: @gualepak via Instagram
Over 15 stalls serving local and Western dishes
Image credit: Mohd Arif Ibrahim via Google Maps
Street dining is a concept that never runs out of style in Malaysia. At Gua Lepak, you can dine on a plethora of food at just one table. There are over 15 stalls serving local and Western dishes, so you’ll be spoilt for choices.
Visitors can place their orders at the stalls located outside the limestone cave, at ground level, and have their food served to their chosen table inside the cave.
Image credit: Haji D via Google Maps
For diners who prefer local food, there are dishes to order such as Nasi Ayam Penyet (RM12), Nasi Goreng Cina (RM10), Kerang (RM10), and the highly raved nasi lemak with fried chicken (RM12) from Nasi Lemak Gua.
Seafood lovers can check out Mr Cinderella Shellfood, which serves single-portion Shell Out Single (RM27) and Shell Out C (RM165), which feeds up to 8 pax. Choices of sauce are: kam heong, chilli, butter salted egg, and peanut butter.
If you’re looking for a lighter bite, there’s Roti John with tuna (from RM7), triple eggs (from RM6), or beef/chicken (from RM6) fillings.
Image credit: Facebook
As for Western food, you can munch on Original Coney Dogs (RM8), Waffles (from RM9), and Smash Beef Burger (RM10) – just to name a few.
Dine on local food inside a cave at Gua Lepak
Malaysians are pampered with an array of delicacies, and heading to a food centre is our answer to indulging in all of them without having to settle on just one cuisine. So, to savour comforting local food and experience dining in a cave, drop by Gua Lepak.
Address: Jalan TIB 1/3, Taman Industri Bolton, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor
Opening hours: 5pm-1am, Daily
Contact: 011-1230 9034 | Gua Lepak Instagram
Cover image adapted from: @lauralin.yh via Instagram, Mun Choon Chan via Google Maps, Haji D via Google Maps