Food bloggers share local knowledge in the January 2007 issue of UK's Olive magazine, guiding readers to the tastiest eats in Hanoi, Munich, Auckland, San Francisco, Paris, Madrid, Stockholm and - courtesy of moi - Kuala Lumpur. I haven't seen the issue yet, but I think you'll find a few of Dave's photos accompanying my writeup.
Malaysians, being a highly opinionated folk when it comes to their makanan (food), will no doubt take issue with my choices for Kuala Lumpur's 'Top Five' foodie experiences: Yut Kee, laksa (curry mee at Jalan Alor, assam laksa and laksa Johor at Deena's in Ampang Plaza shopping center), night markets (Lorong TAR and Bangsar), Malay food (Pinang Masak), and Nyonya cuisine at Precious in Kuala's re-habbed Central Market.
Locals, before you chime in with your five cents' worth, please consider my editorial strictures. I was asked to choose five -- only five! -- worthwhile chow experiences from a city that boasts hundreds, if not thousands. A pretty Herculean task, wouldn't you agree? I had to keep in mind that not every traveller is inclined to limit their meals to hawker stalls and open-air coffee shops. Finally, I thought it best to confine myself to spots within easy reach of Kuala Lumpur's downtown, where most travellers stay. Let's face it, not many folks are disposed to investing 45 minutes or more in a cab ride out to the hinterlands simply for a bowl of noodles (especially in KL, where dealing with cab drivers can be a challenge).
Happily, I can pad my Olive writeup right here on EatingAsia. So, Olive readers (and anyone else) thinking of heading to what is arguably Asia's best - yes, that's right, BEST - food city (Ipoh and Penang don't really fall into the 'city' category), consider adding these must-try spots to your nosh itinerary. Some will require a cab ride, but I can guarantee the effort will be worth it.
Curry laksa (curry mee) without peer, in Petaling Jaya.
Pan mee (chewy flattish noodles) with poached egg and a zippy chile sauce in Chow Kit (see the second entry) and - for those who revel in a substantial, doughy noodle - 'regular' pan mee with pork and cloud ear fungus, served with a fantastically limey and spicy sambal, in Petaling Jaya.
Sang har meen, a giant prawn dish that must be tasted to be believed, in PJ. Go for dinner.
Superb ikan bakar - grilled fish - at the edge of the Lake Gardens, a popular tourist attraction in KL. Lunch only, and arrive by noon to assure a good selection of fish! See a neighboring stall for nasi lemak (coconut-scented rice with a choice of curries), or head to Pinang Masak for the same.
Char kuey teow, a delectable plate of stir-fried rice noodles with cockles and prawns that vies with nasi lemak for status as Malaysia's national dish, in Damansara Heights. Take a cab, and be there by 2pm.
Absolutely authentic (read: not toned down or prettied up for local tastes) northern Chinese food behind Berjaya Times Square on Jalan Bukit Bintang (downtown) at Restoran Dongbei, an unassuming treasure inexplicably excluded from Malaysia's Flavours magazine's most recent food guide. The place will most likely be empty; don't be concerned.
An argument for lard as regular part of your diet in Pudu (not far from Jalan Bukit Bintang, downtown).
Yet another laksa - coconuty and spicy, hailing from the Malaysian Borneo state of Sarawak - in Bangsar.
A favorite spot for an Indian banana leaf meal - do supplement your meal with a fried fish or two - in PJ. And delightful southern Indian vegetarian dishes not far from Merdeka Square.
Need more suggestions? See the 'Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley' category to your right.
And now seems as good a time as any to share some of our favorite posts from the last 16 months: what we (EatingAsia) are about; odes to Malaysia, to Kuala Lumpur's old-fashioned Chinese coffee shops, and to Sumatra's village-y city of Padang; a tale of love for Sichuan preserved vegetable; an exposition on frog capture and consumption in rural Thailand and a photo essay illustrating pork's place in northern Thai cuisine; and an illustrated how-to for teh telur, or tea and eggs the Indonesian way.
Reminds me of the time the stupid Asian Wall Street Journal asked its readers to decide: which was Asia's best Food City: HK or Singapore. HK or Singapore? Seriously?
Posted by: phiz | 2006.12.15 at 23:01
Only five? That is not possible! I'd say at least 50 to do justice to the tastiest eats in KL. LOL!
By the way Robyn, have you tried the Ikan Panggang plus Sotong Portuguese style (wrapped in aluminum foil) in Petaling Street? It's tucked in this dark corner...it's the best thing ever! But the last time I was in KL and it was closed. :(
Posted by: Bee@Rasa Malaysia | 2006.12.16 at 08:56
Congrats on the article and Dave's pixs! Must look out for that issue with an eagle eye as I'm sure it will be sold out once it hits the KL bkshops.
Posted by: boo_licious | 2006.12.16 at 17:49
Whatever suits your fancy ma'am.We'll support you on your choice.Really,they are stretching things a bit too far isn't it?
Posted by: Jem | 2006.12.18 at 08:33
Thanks all!
Phiz - I know what you mean. Sing and Hong Kong ... is there any contest? Hong Kong wins of course and I know you'll agree! ;-)
Bee - I did try that fish/sotong on my first visit to KL 3+ years ago and I agree it's yummy. Haven't been back since though; thanks for reminding me, we should check it out.
Posted by: Robyn | 2006.12.18 at 17:24
And many, many thanks for working on this Robyn. Hope your receive mag an payment soon. Mags went out today, or so I'm told.
Posted by: graham | 2006.12.18 at 20:41