The 10 Best Restaurants in Changkat, Kuala Lumpur

For a traditional experience, head to Southern Spice and try banana leaf Indian food. For around RM35 ($9), customers get huge portions of rice and curry with popadoms and various sides served on a banana leaf. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available, as well as old favourites such as naan, roti and biryani. Southern Spices is one of the best restaurants in Changkat for tourists looking to try this style of food. Don’t be alarmed if spoons and forks aren’t on the table; most Indians simply use their right hand. Ask and they’ll bring cutlery or be adventurous and copy the locals.

This Thai restaurant in Changkat provides some of the city’s tastiest cuisine. An extensive menu features soups, noodles, meat dishes and several types of fried rice. But the biggest highlight is the Mieng Kam, an appetiser of tidbits wrapped in a leaf found in no other Thai restaurant in Kuala Lumpur. With bright decorations and a casual atmosphere, Baan 26 tends to cater more towards the refined palate. The restaurant’s bar is a favourite drinking spot in Changkat too.

Another licenced Thai restaurant with a selection of favourites such as tom yams, green curry and Thai fried rice. The food is on the expensive side in this comfortable yet elegant mid-range restaurant in Changkat. And for those who aren’t keen on Thai, head down to Som Tam and check out their comprehensive seafood menu. An average meal for two costs between RM70 ($18) and RM120 ($31).

Craving pork in Kuala Lumpur? Look no further than El Cerdo, one of the best restaurants in Changkat for Western and Spanish food. Expect relatively higher prices compared to others in the area. Though the selection and availability of pork make it worthwhile. El Cerdo’s signature dishes include German crispy knuckle, ribs and roast pork as well as a variety of other Spanish dishes. The typical crowd is usually a mixture of expats, Western tourists and middle-class Chinese Malaysians. Reservations are advisable.

Pinchos Tapas & Bar in Changkat uses imported ingredients to create an excellent selection of tapas. The restaurant claims to have the most authentic tapas in Kuala Lumpur, if not Malaysia. Walk inside the slightly dimmed interior and sit at the tall tables while soaking up the Spanish-like ambience. The bar includes a variety of wines, beers and cocktails to compliment the food. Pinchos is an ideal environment to catch up with friends, bring a date or have a romantic evening.

For authentic Mexican food such as burritos, tacos, fajitas and nachos, check out fully-licenced Loco. Customers dine or imbibe al fresco on tables stretching across the pavement or inside a comfortable upstairs area. The delicious fusion of flavours isn’t the only factor driving swarms of tourists and expats to this restaurant in Changkat. Loco boasts an impressive list of exotic cocktails, Mexican beer and, of course, tequila. Few places in Kuala Lumpur will satisfy cravings for Mexican cuisine, but this restaurant/bar consistently exceeds expectations.

From full-course Italian dishes and pizzas to pasta and tapas, customers will find it at The Italian Market. With an Italian chef, an extensive menu and a fully-stocked wine cellar along with an exceptional standard of service, there’s little wonder why this restaurant in Changkat is part of Kuala Lumpur’s 2018 gastronomical trends. Ask their knowledgeable staff for wine-pairing recommendations for an evening of sophistication, or get a snack at the sports bar with an Italian beer and watch live football games.

English-style pub grub often gets overlooked in Malaysia’s culinary scene. But The Green Man Pub conveniently fills this gap, providing English expats and tourists with a taste of their homeland. Set lunch menus are available on weekdays as well as the traditional Sunday Roast for just RM55 ($14). Other snacks include pork crackling, an old favourite found in most pubs in England, at RM10 ($2.60). Live sport and all EPL games are shown on their big screens. Come and join the faithful for a cold pint, a plate of grub and watch the big game.

What can be more British than fish and chips with a pint of beer? The Magnificent Fish and Chips Bar, established in 2006, epitomises the traditional British pub. The British flag decorates the walls. A Mini Cooper car sits on the upstairs balcony, which warrants a drink just to see it. Food-wise, expect hearty fish fillets with home-made batter and thick chips. The owners claim to serve the best fish and chips in Kuala Lumpur, so why not head down and put their claim to the test? Prime ribs, lobster and a Sunday Roast are also on the menu.

While Lima Blas isn’t strictly in the neighbourhood, it does deserve a special mention in the top restaurants in Changkat. Located just three minutes from the busy entertainment district on Jalan Mesui, customers can find traditional Nyonya food and have an experience like no other in Malaysia. The Nyonya, also called the Peranakan, are descendants of Chinese sailors and immigrants who married local Malay women in Malacca. Dishes use Chinese ingredients and a combination of Malay and Portuguese styles of cooking to give a distinct and rich flavour. Lima Blas’ interior has decorations and knickknacks on display, generating an antiquated ambience with its old spice jars and typewriters as well as vintage posters. Check out this restaurant in Changkat for a somewhat different culturally-infused dining experience.