For the first time ever, 15 restaurants in Malaysia have been awarded the exclusive Bib Gourmand award by the elusive MICHELIN Guide. We, at Have Halal, Will Travel have done the work for you so you don’t have to — here are the 10 Muslim-friendly restaurants that were included in the list! Check it out!
Disclaimer: Do note that some of these restaurants may serve alcoholic beverages. We recommend that you dine at your own discretion.
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1. Aliyaa
Aliyaa is the perfect place to experience Sri Lankan cuisine. From an assorted array of light bite appetisers to a full assemblage of tasting sets, this popular Bukit Damansara restaurant has you covered when it comes to running the gamut of Sri Lankan cuisine. While Amma's Crab is a firm favourite, the fish cutlets and the Flaming Appam is a sweet ending to a lovely night.
Another good choice is the award-winning Wattalapam Dessert, a delectable Sri Lankan pudding crafted from coconut, brown palm sugar, eggs and spices such as cinnamon and cardamom. It's heaven in every bite. Service was delightful and the wait staff were pleasant, attentive and very helpful, whether it was with regards to dish recommendations or food pairings from the menu. Come with an empty stomach and prepare for an enjoyable night of balanced flavours and textures!
Address: No 48 G&M, Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm (Daily
2. Anak Baba
Anak Baba gets a nod from the MICHELIN Guide inspectors for authentic Peranakan cuisine that melds Indo-Malay flavours with Chinese influences. The nasi lemak with fried chicken is the highlight of the menu here. Another notable dish that you must try while you’re here includes pai tee, a Nyonya traditional ‘top hat’ snack filled with turnip stuffing, cucumber slices, egg strips, and topped with fried shallots. Yum!
Address: 159, Jln Sultan Abdul Samad, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (Daily)
3. Congkak (Bukit Bintang)
Congkak (Bukit Bintang) nestled in a residential area not far from the city centre, is worth visiting for its classic local flavours. The nasi ambeng platter, popular among locals, offers a multitude of textures and combinations that go nicely with sambal. In addition to that, they also offer irresistible delicacies such as soto medan and rendang tok.
Address: 24, Jalan Beremi, Off, Jln Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12pm - 10pm (Closed on Monday)
4. Dancing Fish
Dancing fish presents classic Malay-Indo flavours that will keep you coming back. Needless to say, “Dancing Fish” is the unmissable signature here in which the fish is nicely fried with tender meat in crunchy batter. The enticing sambal and savoury sauces are also the favourites of many for good reasons! We recommend trying the satay too — full of flavour and tender meat!
Address: Lot T120 &121, 3rd Floor, Bangsar Shopping Centre, Jalan Maarof, 59000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11.30 - 10pm (Daily)
5. De. Wan 1958
De. Wan 1958 is held dear by its local flavours made by the infamous Chef Wan so this restaurant needs no further introducrion. Be it pomelo salad with crispy prawn cheeks in kerabu lime dressing, or bakar-bakar that comes with a choice of appetising sauces. It’s like your mum’s cooking but better!
Address: The Linc, 360, Jln Tun Razak, Taman U Thant, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11am - 3.30pm, 6pm - 9.30pm (Daily)
6. Nasi Ayam Hainan Chee Meng (Jalan Klang Lama)
Nasi Ayam Hainan Chee Meng (Jalan Kelang Lama) has been a staple of the local dining scene since 1965. This family business is now run by the second and third generations. They use local birds to make their signature Hainanese chicken dish. There’s a reason why this restaurant has survived many generations —- the chicken skin is crispy, the rice is fragrant and the soup is flavourful ? This restaurant is also halal-certified!
Address: 1, Jln Klang Lama, 58000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11am - 7pm (Daily)
7. Rasa Rasa’s
Had enough of nasi kandar in Penang? Then head over to Rasa Rasa Nyonya for a — yep, you guessed it — authentic Nyonya food. Potted plants are set nicely against a background of exposed brick walls and industrial accents here. On top of the short à la carte menu, the Nyonya combo set built around pandan nasi lemak with your choice of toppings is especially popular. The rice is plated on a banana leaf and topped with mildly hot homemade sambal. Another speciality is Siam bihun – turmeric rice vermicelli with shredded omelette and sauces. Mmm… so yummy!
Address: 59 Gat Lebuh Chulia, George Town, 10300, Malaysia
Opening hours: 8am - 3.30pm
8. Sardaarji
Colourful drapes add a cheerful vibe while live performances of Indian instruments creates a vibrant ambiance. This restaurant in Little India serves authentic Northern Indian dishes, such as the must-order fish amritsari made with red snapper in a thick, spicy curry of balanced flavours. Dal makhani, or black lentil soup, is best enjoyed with an extra serving of plain chapati. Lastly, save room for gulab jamun that bursts with milky goodness.
Address: 6 Lebuh China, George Town, 10200, Malaysia
Opening hours: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm (Daily)
9. Thara
Credit: Thara
The high-ceilinged, comfortable room’s green colour scheme has a soothing effect. The Thai kitchen team makes authentic Thai food with the freshest ingredients, especially seafood. Miang kam is a must – the fresh betel leaves with seven condiments and sweet miang kam sauce make for a great appetiser. The aromatic tom yum seafood soup is equally unmissable, and you can choose between creamy and clear versions.
Address: 5 Lorong Prangin, George Town, 10300, Malaysia
Opening hours: 12pm - 3pm, 4pm - 10pm
10. Theeni Pandarams
Credit: Theeni Pandarams on Facebook
In a heritage circa 1940s building stands this tiny gem selling biriyani on a banana leaf. This space used to be a Chinese clinic and that slice of history is vividly retained in the décor. The name means “a good eater” and they promise to feed you well. The menu may look overwhelming, but you can’t go wrong with ordering your favourite biriyani first. Then consider trying the fish served in clay pot – choose between stingray, shark and king mackerel.
Address: 82A Lebuh Penang, George Town, 10200, Malaysia
Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (closed on Monday)
So, which one are you going first?