Wawafish in Petaling Street, KL
When your usuals become repetitive, and you need a break from the usual Malaysian flavours, there’s nothing quite like discovering a whole new cuisine.
In KL’s Petaling Street, Wawafish is a newer spot on the block where Guizhou cuisine, sharing plates, and housemade drip wines shine from lunch till late. Whether it’s pouring outside or you’re just looking for a cosy spot past dinner hours, it might just check all the boxes for a comforting meal with belly-warming drinks.
A raw and earthy setting
Sometimes, even comfort food at a restaurant can’t quite capture the feeling of just being at home. But at Wawafish, it comes pretty close. Featuring light-wood furnishings and a flood of natural light, the 2-storey restaurant along the busy Petaling Street feels open yet grounded.
With raw materials and repurposed fabrics, and a view overlooking the bustle outside to boot, it’s a calm little enclave that lets you slow down and linger – even if just for a meal.
Comfort Guizhou cuisine at Wawafish
Owned by Elmo and his wife, who are part of the Miao minority in southern China, Wawafish has a menu of dishes that’s a tribute to the flavours that they grew up with. It spans mains, beverages, and a handful of desserts.
For mains, there are flavour-packed brothy options such as the Rice Noodles with Beef (RM25), which you can order with mala-spicy Lushui Broth or tomato-tart Red Sour Soup.
Opt for the latter if you just want a slight kick of heat.
The umami-rich broth is made from fermented local tomatoes, or maolaguo, and the tangy heat of fermented chillies. It’s a good switch-up from local favourites like asam laksa or tom yum, with a sourness in this Guizhou dish that has a distinct fermented edge.
Though portions are on the smaller side, the broth is packed with flavours that’ll take up space in your belly. The thin, slippery noodles soak up the broth almost too well upon being served, but the bites of sliced beef will add a nice chew back to each bite if you’re a slower eater.
From the Guizhou Snacks on the menu, there are dishes such as Popping Tofu (RM15). The bite-sized tofu has a subtle crisp on the outside and a soft centre, with a spice mix sprinkled on each that elevates the tofu. Likewise, the not-oily, crisp Spiced Drumettes (RM22) had a nice layer of spice blend on each that’s reminiscent of mala. It leaves a lingering tingle on the tongue.
The sides are humble, but perfect when you’re having it with an order of Wawafish’s housemade drip wines that are crisp, clear, and clean. Some in-house creations include the Flower Mantis (RM55/glass), made from elderflowers and bitter gourd with whiskey, and the Crispy Orange No. 1 (RM47/glass), which is a twist on a whiskey sour with hints of orange and lemon.
Otherwise, you can go with non-alcoholic options such as the refreshing, fermented-tang Green Apple Sour (RM22) and mild Ice Puer Milk Tea (RM18).
Image adapted from: @don’tpanicgalaxy via Instagram, Mia
Authentic Guizhou flavours at Wawafish in KL
Wawafish is a place quite different from the rest on the block. The Guizhou flavours here bring a sense of comfort and warmth you didn’t think you needed.
Places like these are a reminder that food is more than just eating – it’s a portal for experience and culture. Even if you don’t get the chance to travel often, there are still places in Malaysia that let you taste the world.
Address: 137, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Sun-Thu 12pm-2am | Fri & Sat 12pm-3am
Contact: 010-899 6213 | Wawafish KL Instagram
Also check out these spots nearby:
- 16 best cafes in Petaling Street
- 50-year-old asam laksa stall in KL
- 9 must-try foods in Petaling Street
Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal Malaysia
Photography by Mia.