6 Fantastic Chinese Restaurants in Kuchai Lama [You Wouldn’t Typically Find in Blogs]
Want to chow down on some authentic Chinese food in Kuala Lumpur but don’t know where to start? Look no further than Kuchai Lama!
This vibrant yet unassuming neighbourhood isn’t typically marketed in blogs and brochures so we’ve decided to do it ourselves—after all, it’s one of our go-to spots for food hopping!
One of this neighbourhood’s best traits is that it houses some amazing Chinese restaurants that offer authentic dishes. Whether it be Cantonese, Sichuan or anything in between, you can expect to find them all here so let’s take a closer look!
Goon Wah Restaurant
— Media credit: superjoshie
Address: G13, Jalan 3/115c
Contact details: +60 12-297 7284
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Cost: $$
Goon Wah Restaurant is a humble Chinese spot that offers some of the most amazing fish head noodle soup we’ve ever tried in Kuala Lumpur. The broth itself is amazing on its own, as it doesn’t feature that strong fishy taste, and the best part is that they’re refillable!
Furthermore, the fish head is deep-fried, which we prefer because of its crunchiness—plus it’s much easier to eat it this way. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for something more exotic, you can order their famous stir-fried pork intestines!
Don’t worry though, as they also offer familiar dishes like chicken wings. These wings are marinated with Guinness and drizzled with sweet honey.
Pro tip:
Opt to commute instead of driving when visiting this place, as you may have a hard time finding a parking spot since they’re very limited in the area. You can either ride a Grab or take the bus and drop off at the KL1264 SMK Seri Sentosa Bus Stop.
GS Club – Golden Sun Restaurant
— Media credit: sum8824
Address: 35604, Jalan Kuchai Lama
Contact details: +60 16-293 6551
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Cost: $$
Golden Sun is one of the fancier authentic Chinese restaurants in Kuchai Lama, offering air-conditioned rooms, comfortable seating and elegant interior decor. That said, the main star of this show remains to be the selection of amazing Chinese dishes.
Starting with their light snacks, some of their highlight-worthy dishes include deep-fried cuttlefish, crispy eel with balsamic vinegar and crispy fried chicken wings. These are best paired with their appetisers, more specifically, their prawn salad with sesame sauce.
However, you can’t leave without ordering at least one of their barbequed offerings, namely their crispy roasted duck and suckling pig. Both are amazing because of their super crispy skin and flavourful meat!
Pro tip:
If you’re not a huge fan of meat, you can indulge in rich seafood flavours by ordering their braised assorted seafood served in a clay pot. Furthermore, you can order a platter of their poached prawns!
De Hunan Restaurant – Kuchai Lama
— Media credit: dehunan
Address: 2, Jalan Kuchai Maju 6
Contact details: +60 3-7987 9318
Operating hours: Daily from 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM
Cost: $$
If you want a no-frills experience and just want to enjoy some authentic Chinese food, then De Hunan should be on your radar! This place will provide you with a clean and comfortable place to eat and a wide variety of authentic dishes both vegetable and meat-based!
One of their bestsellers here is the sizzling skewered lamb, which is made much more special thanks to their seasoning. This meaty dish, paired with their stir-fried cabbage is one of the best combinations you can order from their menu!
If you don’t eat meat, however, you can opt for one of their vegetarian-friendly dishes. One of the best examples of this is their spicy Chiba tofu, which features a tangy flavour thanks to its aromatic spices.
Pro tip:
If you’re looking for something that’s a bit more familiar to your taste, we recommend ordering their deep-fried chicken with dried chilli.
Luckypot Kuchai Restaurant
— Media credit: shelinakoo_nana
Address: 21-G, Jalan Kuchai Maju 1, Kuchai Entrepreneurs Park
Contact details: +60 12-276 8714
Operating hours: Daily from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $$
Luckypot Kuchai Restaurant is one of the best places to check out if you’re craving fish noodle soup or just fish, in general. We were immediately drawn to their chopped pepper steamed fish and by the look of the abundance of green and red chillies, we knew we were in for a treat.
If you’re not into spice that much, however, you can order their tomato grilled fish, which features a much tamer flavour. You can also order their taro fish pot to accompany your meal with some corn, tofu and fresh veggies!
Meanwhile, you can order their platter or prawns if you’re coming with a big group! These aren’t your typical steamed prawns too, as they’re marinated perfectly in their signature sweet chilli sauce making them all the more lip-smackingly good.
Pro tip:
If you’re allergic to seafood, don’t worry! They also offer non-seafood dishes by preparing lamb and beef in various ways, such as fried, braised, etc.
Granny’s Mansion Kuchai Lama
— Media credit: grannys_mansion
Address: 3, Jalan Kuchai Maju 5
Contact details: +60 16-211 2818
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $$$
Granny’s Mansion really does live up to its name as eating here always makes us feel like we’re back in gramma’s house and enjoying her home-cooked meals. These meals take the form of various Chinese cuisine staples like fish noodle soups, porridges and more!
One of their best sellers is their sour soup, which is exactly what it sounds like! It has a distinct kick but it’s not too sour to the point where your face will pucker up after sipping the broth—plus, it features delicious pork balls that perfectly absorb the flavour!
It’s also one of those places where you can go when you’re feeling a bit under the weather, as their warm bowls of porridge will set you right. Just a quick pro tip though, make sure to order a side of crispy tofu with your porridge to add some texture and flavour to the dish!
Pro tip:
If you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up in the morning, we highly recommend ordering their iced white coffee! It pairs perfectly with their dishes and it features a nice milk frothing on the top, which is nice.
Sin Chua Kee Seafood Restaurant
— Media credit: stacey_kok
Address: No.47, 1, Jalan Kuchai Lama, Taman Lian Hoe
Contact details: +60 12-688 8022
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Cost: $$
Something that Chinese cookbooks deliver exceptionally is its seafood selection, and Sin Chua Kee is one of the living testament to this. It’s locally renowned for its wide variety of fresh seafood delicacies, which are then prepared in a myriad of dishes.
You can’t go wrong with fresh seafood but if you want the best of the best, order their crabs, especially with their sweet and sour sauce. This slightly tangy sauce perfectly complements the sweet meat of the crabs, whether it be their claws or their bodies.
They also offer Nyonya steamed fish, which is just as flavourful but less spicy—perfect for pairing with a cup of rice! If you’re looking for something other than rice, however, you can order a side of their stir-fried vegetables.
Pro tip:
If you or someone in your group doesn’t like seafood, you can order their delicious marmite pork ribs, which are super tender and lip-smackingly good!