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Header images courtesy of Jeremy Tan (via Unsplash) and @leochan_kh (via Instagram)
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Whether it is a piping hot bowl of porridge or simply a cup of coffee, a great breakfast kickstarts our day the right way. Here are the best breakfast spots in Kuala Lumpur, just for you.
Camouflaged amidst the numerous stalls in Petaling Street, Hon Kee is a humble stall that has been specialising in porridge since 1959. Its most popular dish is the raw fish porridge (RM7), where the fish is thinly sliced and served on the side. Don’t be mistaken though—the fish is not supposed to be eaten on its own. Instead, it’s for you to dip into the hot porridge so that you can indulge in fresh, tender fish that’s not overcooked. Although Hon Kee’s signature dish is porridge, you should also try the chee cheong fun (RM3), served with a unique sweet red sauce.
Hon Kee Porridge, 93, Jalan Hang Lekir, City Centre, 50000, Kuala Lumpur | (+60) 16 666 0603
Open since 1963, Nasi Lemak Wanjo sells one of KL’s finest nasi lemak with an assortment of dishes from as low as RM3 upwards. Its owners start selling from 6 am in the morning until midnight, so there’s no need to worry about the crowd or queue. Some must-have dishes include squid, beef, and also fried chicken.
Nasi Lemak Wanjo, 8 Jalan Raja Muda Musa, Kampung Baru, 50300, Kuala Lumpur | (+60) 11 6336 1963
Mansion Tea Stall is a small eatery located within an old apartment block at Masjid India. Open 24 hours, this breakfast spot offers great options at affordable prices. Its claim to fame is the roti banjir special—flatbread smothered in dhal gravy, fish curry, sambal, and runny eggs, which can be yours for a princely sum of RM4.50.
Mansion Tea Stall, City Centre, 50100, Kuala Lumpur | (+60) 12 331 1456
Looking for a hearty brunch option for late risers? Head to Wizards at Tribeca. Not only is this restaurant incredibly photogenic, but it also offers an extensive selection of Melbourne-inspired brunch dishes that is sure to appease your palate. For the brunch menu, the top stars are the taro mish-mash (RM30) consisting of mashed purple yam, sourdough bread, and perfectly poached eggs, as well as the famous Oscar’s big brekkie (RM34), which features eggs, sausage, bacon, ham, tomatoes, sourdough bread, baked beans, and walnut salad.
Wizards At Tribeca, 215 Jalan Imbi, Imbi, 55100, Kuala Lumpur | (+60) 3 2715 5308
Yut Kee has been in operation for 93 years and is one of the oldest restaurants in Kuala Lumpur. Patrons flood the restaurant from 7.30 am onwards, and Yut Kee’s traditional Hainanese breakfast selections definitely live up to the hype even after all this time. We highly recommend the Hainanese chicken chop (RM10.50)—juicy boneless chicken thigh that’s coated in egg and deep-fried, then slathered in a thick brown gravy with vegetables and potatoes on the side. Also, try their homemade marble cake (RM1.80 per slice) that’s usually sold out quite quickly!
Yut Kee, 1 Jalan Kamunting, Chow Kit, 50300, Kuala Lumpur | (+60) 3 2698 8108
Operating from 5.30 am onwards, Ah Weng Koh boasts five decades of experience under its belt. Its signature Hainan tea (RM2.50) is a cup of smooth, aromatic milk tea that has been a crowd-pleaser for years. Similarly, the signature kaya butter toast (RM2.50) and kaya margarine bun (RM2.50) are also very popular orders. Both are smothered in homemade kaya, butter, and margarine. Add on some soft-boiled eggs for only RM2.40.
Ah Weng Koh Hainan Tea & Coffee, G85, ICC Pudu, Jalan 1/77C, Pudu, 55100, Kuala Lumpur
Lim Kee Café is a contemporary kopitiam (traditional coffee shop) located in the heart of KL on Petaling Street. It boasts a variety of local breakfast dishes including toasts, cakes, and coffee. Enjoy their classics, such as the roti kahwin (RM4) that comes with butter and coconut jam, the famous selection of affogatos (RM12), as well as ice cream (RM8 per scoop) that comes in Malaysian-inspired flavours like pandan and teh tarik.
Lim Kee Café, 66-68, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000, Kuala Lumpur | (+60) 3 2022 1131
For authentic masala chai, Aunty’s Home Foods is a must-visit. Wake yourself up in the morning with a shot of warm ginger chai (RM1.10). Besides the chai, other must-orders include puri (deep-fried bread), idly (savoury rice cake), vada (savoury fritters), and samosa (deep-fried pastry with a savoury filling), each selling for only RM1.10.
Aunty’s Home Foods, 66, Jalan Berhala, Brickfields, 50470, Kuala Lumpur | (+60) 16 371 4170
Nyonya kuihs (chewy steamed cakes) are bite-sized desserts, popularised by generations of Peranakan culture in Malaysia. Usually safe to eat even when left out overnight, people buy and keep them until the next morning for a sweet breakfast served with tea or coffee to start the day. Head to Nam Chun in Lucky Garden to find the best Nyonya kuih to satisfy your sweet tooth in the morning. Every day at 3 pm, you’ll find a motorcycle filled with Nyonya kuih situated just outside the restaurant. Starting from only RM1.20 for a piece, you will surely be spoilt for choice with the selections of kuihs available from the low-key stall.
Ah Mun Nyonya Kuih (Lucky Garden), 16, Lorong Ara Kiri 2, Lucky Garden, 59100, Kuala Lumpur
Diana has been a lifestyle blogger since 2012. Her ‘kryptonite’ are good food, games, and all things furry (try luring her into a van with puppies, it will work). Currently a full-time digital nomad, you may find her working in a quiet corner of an obscure café, with a latte in hand.
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