Joanna James
As one of the Malaysian capital's top food hubs the Jalan Alor Night Market is a treat for foodies touring KL. Here are 5 dishes that every diner should experience on a night in Jalan Alor.
While one may think one has savoured the best oyster omelettes in the region in sunny Singapore, the best incarnation of this popular Chinese dish is served at the Restoran Meng Kee Grill Fish in the Jalan Alor night Market.
Visitors based in The Westin Kuala Lumpur or any other hotel in Bukit Bintang will not only have the opportunity to dig into this deliciously juicy dish every night but enjoy the flavorful meal for a fraction of the cost of what an oyster oblate would cost in high-end restaurants. Crispier in texture than what is served in Singaporean hawker streets the Kuala Lumpur incarnation of the oyster omelette also has a touch of Wok Hei and is less soggy than those elsewhere. The oysters used in the letter are small but flavorful and the creamy rich texture of the omelette is enhanced by the egg which been fried to a crisp and not left runny like in most seafood omelette varieties.
When it comes to the perfect dessert or the ideal refresher before digging into some of the wholesome meals available at Jalan Alor, there's nothing quite like a scoop of coconut ice cream that does the trick. Head to Sangkaya for the best variety of local ice cream flavours which includes preserved plum ice cream or Asam Boi, Kaya and even Gula Melaka and pick out everyone's favourite, coconut ice cream. Served in both small and jumbo cones and cups or in a waffle bowl, there's no better way to beat the Kuala Lumpur heat and whet one's appetite than with a scoop of this creamy coconut treat.
Diners in search of the best Hainanese chicken rice in town should look no further than Pin Chen, which is incidentally located right next to Sangkaya ice cream parlour. The aromatic rice dish is truly worth the price as the filling and wholesome meal is delicious and simply the best version of this well-known Singaporean and Chinese favourite in the Malaysian capital. Only available for lunch, diners should head down to the restaurant before 3 pm as the stocks run out quite fast.
Jalan Alor is also the best place to get your fix when it comes to authentic Szechuan dishes as there are several eateries specializing in the regional cuisine. Kedai Minuman & Makanan TKS is arguably the finest Szechuan food hub in Jalan Alor and it serves some of the best local dishes in the city. Don't forget to tell the waiter that you don't mind the spices as the restaurant is known for reducing the spiciness of certain dishes to appeal to western visitors. Open from 5 pm to 2 am the venue is packed with locals as well as tourists.
The most delectable bowl of Fish Head Noodle at Jalan Alor is available at Restaurant Gou Lou. The mouth-watering soupy noodle dish is not only one of the most sought-after items on the menu but a refreshing treat that inundates the senses. Using rice noodles and fish heads steamed to perfection, diners in search of authentic Chinese fare should not miss the chance to dig into this unique local speciality.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
