These 5 Must-Try Chinese Restaurants in KL Share Over 200 Years of History Combined!

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Malaysia has been around for quite some time now, and we all share a history that spans many, many decades. In the same vein, our food is also a part of that rich history, from pre-Merdeka to post-tanggal 31. Consider this a crash course on some of the oldest Chinese eateries to still be serving makan in 2019. With Chinese New Year coming up, there’s no better time to visit these restaurants that share over 200 years of history combined!

1. Soong Kee Beef Noodles, Chinatown

 

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Located not far from the Petaling Street entrance, Soong Kee’s famous minced beef noodles have been a staple since 1947. Today it occupies a corner shop that is teeming with customers. Run by the son of the original founder, Soong Kee’s recipe for Hakka minced beef noodles remains unchanged. Full of flavor and springy in the mouth, these noodles are guaranteed sedap! 

Address: 86, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: Mondays to Saturdays (11AM – 10PM); closed on Sundays
Contact: 03-2078 1484

 

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2. Soo Kee Restaurant, Medan Imbi

 

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Not to be confused with Soong Kee from above, Soo Kee is another stalwart name in the KL Chinese food circuit. Established almost 8 decades ago, it is well known for its sang har mee (freshwater prawn noodles) and ngau yok hor (beef noodles in egg sauce). Buyer beware however, as the freshwater prawn noodles while delicious, can be quite expensive!

Address: 14, Medan Imbi, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: Daily (12PM – 3PM, 5PM – 1AM)
Contact: 012-392 3563

 

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3. Yut Kee Kopitiam, Jalan Kamunting

 

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Yut Kee needs almost no introduction, considering its history and repeated appearances on many ‘must-try’ lists. According to food blog Spring Tomorrow, the restaurant was founded in 1928 (that’s even before World War 2!). Although no longer occupying their old store, the recipes and dishes that its famous for are still served daily for a faithful crowd. Most notably the roti babi and Hainanese chicken chop, which are just as mouth-watering as when the restaurant was founded.

Address: 1, Jalan Kamunting, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: Tuesdays to Sundays (7:30 AM – 3PM); closed on Mondays
Contact: 03-2698 8108

 

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4. Sek Yuen Restaurant, Jalan Pudu

 

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Sek Yuen is another old-school Chinese restaurant that has been around for over 71 years, having been established in 1948. It continues to occupy its original building, serving authentic Cantonese recipes that have remained unchanged. Cooked over a wood-firing stove and served by old-uncles in Pagoda-brand white undershirts, this restaurant is almost like a blast from the past from simpler times.

Address: 315, Jalan Pudu, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: Tuesdays to Sundays (11AM – 2:30PM, 5:30 PM – 10PM); closed on Mondays
Contact: 03-9222 0903

 

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5. Coliseum Cafe, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman

 

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This is by far the oldest restaurant still running that we have on this list. Established in 1921, the Coliseum Cafe and Hotel is an icon of Kuala Lumpur. Serving authentic Hainanese Western fare that had made it a favourite of English businessmen since before Merdeka, it continues to cater to KLites to this very day. Signature dishes include their trademark Hainanese chicken chop and sizzling steaks seared to a juicy finish. Hochiak!

Address: 98, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, City Centre, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: Daily (10AM to 10PM)
Contact: 03-2692 6270

 

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Also read: Hawker Center in a 5-Star Hotel

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