Nyonya food, also known as Peranakan cuisine, comes from the Peranakans, the descendants of early Chinese migrants. They mostly settled in Penang, Malacca, Singapore and Indonesia, inter-marrying with local Malays. Thus, Nyonya food is the result of blending Chinese ingredients with various special spices and cooking techniques used by the Malay or Indonesian community.
A beautiful mix of sweet, sour, and spicy flavours sits at the heart of Nyonya cuisine, creating a symphony of tastes that stimulate the tongue. Aromatic spices like lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, and kaffir lime leaves add a distinct smell to foods. Traditional Nyonya cuisine are captured in Nyonya restaurants by using authentic ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques. Hence, here are the 10 best Nyonya restaurants in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
What Are Some Popular Dishes in Nyonya Cuisine?
Ayam Pongteh (braised chicken in fermented soybean paste), Laksa (spicy noodle soup with coconut milk), Otak-Otak (spicy fish cake wrapped in banana leaves), Kuih Pie Tee (crispy pastry cups with vegetable and shrimp filling), and Babi Pongteh (braised pork in soybean paste) are some popular dishes in Nyonya cuisine. These dishes highlight the distinct blend of Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian flavours that characterise Nyonya cuisine, with a delicious balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavours.
What Makes Nyonya Food Unique?
Nyonya cuisine is noted for its complex flavours, which arise from a fusion of Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian culinary traditions. The use of fragrant spices, herbs, and a balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavours distinguishes and makes the food noteworthy.
Are There Vegetarian or Vegan Options in Nyonya Cuisine?
While meat and fish are prominent in Nyonya cuisine, vegetarian and vegan options are available. Some Nyonya dishes can be made vegetarian or vegan by substituting tofu, tempeh, or vegetables for meat or seafood. It is advisable to check with the restaurant or chef, who will be able to advise you on appropriate selections.
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10 Best Nyonya Restaurants in KL & Selangor 2023
1. Limapulo: Baba Can Cook
Limapulo: Baba Can Cook is worth a visit because it strives to provide the highest level of authenticity so that its customers can taste the most genuine flavour of Nyonya cuisine at a fair price. You should taste their Cendol loaded with Gula Melaka here; it’s the ideal dessert after Laksa! Icy cool feeling with aromatic Gula Melaka will definitely make your day!
Operating Hours:
11:30 am – 3:00 pm (Monday-Wednesday)
11:30 am – 3:00 pm, 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm (Thursday-Saturday)
Closed on Sunday
Address: 50, Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-26983268
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Review: Here
2. Aunty Nat
Aunty Nat is a restaurant that serves delicious yet authentic Nyonya home-cooked dishes and various desserts. Although Nyonya food is spicy, its taste is milder and preferable for kids; thus, it is an ideal place for you to bring your kids to have a meal. Moreover, the clean and cosy environment here creates a pleasant dining experience for you.
Operating Hours:
11:00 am–3:00 pm, 5:30 pm –9:00 pm (Monday- Saturday)
Closed on Sunday
Address: 7, Jalan Sri Hartamas 7, Taman Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 0362011833
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Review: Here
3. Peranakan Place, One Utama
Peranakan Place is located in One Utama Shopping Mall and serves a wide range of Peranakan cuisine, also known as Nyonya cuisine. Its interior is well designed with the Nyonya heritage feel, which makes you easily feel the unique ambience with delectable dishes. Their Nasi Pandan Ayam Berempah is a must-try; well-marinated yet juicy chicken pairs perfectly with the crispy anchovies and aromatic rice, making it an excellent dish to eat!
Operating Hours:
11:00 am–9:00 pm (Tuesday- Sunday)
11:00 am – 10:00 pm (Monday)
Address: Lot F221C, 1st Floor Promenade 1 Utama Shopping Centre, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 0377319977
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Review: Here
4. Little Heritage House
Are you looking for a place to have delicious Nyonya cuisine while wishing to find an Instagrammable spot too? Little Heritage House is here for you! Aside from the tasty Nyonya dishes, the deco here is rich in antiques and loaded with Baba Nyonya furnishing. Hence, these make the restaurant’s ambience genuinely unique and worth visiting!
Operating Hours:
11:30 am–10:00 pm (Sunday-Friday)
11:00 am–10:00 pm (Saturday)
Address: 23, Jalan 17/56, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 0379321810
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Review: Here
5. Nyonya Tingkat NU Sentral
Nyonya Tingkat, NU Sentral intended to provide you with the experience of eating in the Baba & Nyonya heritage century; they used to serve their meals with Peranakan food that was thoroughly infused with the aroma of spices and fresh Asian herbs. Besides, you can be assured of their food quality and taste as their foods are made of carefully chosen, authentic ingredients and spices!
Operating Hours: 10:00 am–10:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Lot L5.12, NU SENTRAL SHOPPING CENTRE, 201, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 0322761327
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Review: Here
6. Baba Low’s @ Lorong Kurau
Baba Low’s original restaurant is in Tengkera, Melaka, and this is another branch located in Lorong Kurau. Although their food looks simple, it is super duper delicious, which will linger on your discerning taste buds. It is undoubtedly worth a visit for its hearty meal with an affordable price tag.
Operating Hours: 7:00 am–10:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 11, Lorong Kurau, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 0322848486
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Review: Here
7. Tanjung Bungah Nyonya
Tanjung Bungah Nyonya is a restaurant with a simple but clean interior design that provides a wide range of delicacies. Their Fish Head Curry is a must-try; it is rich, spicy, and true to Nyonya style. Also, it comes with plenty of vegetables and even mint leaves. Most importantly, it is available in three sizes: small, medium and large, which you may choose based on your needs and preferences.
Operating Hours:
12:00 pm–3:00 pm, 6:00 pm–9:00 pm (Monday-Wednesday, Friday)
12:00 pm–3:00 pm, 6:00 pm–9:30 pm (Saturday-Sunday)
Closed on Thursday
Address: 129, Jalan SS 2/6, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 0378774531
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Review: Here
8. Big Baba
Big Baba serves authentic Peranakan dishes and recipes from the Wee family of Kampung Lapan, Tengkera Melaka. Uncle Baba, the restaurant’s executive chef, enjoys cooking and takes satisfaction in preparing traditional meals using family recipes. Most remarkably, he uses only the best ingredients and takes pride in serving only his best creations. Thus, you can surely enjoy your Nyonya meal here pleasantly.
Operating Hours:
11:00 am– 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm–9:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 34, Jalan 2/109e, Taman Desa Business Park, 58100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 0379877755
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Review: Here
9. Just Nyonya
Just Nyonya is another excellent spot if you are craving delectable Nyonya dishes. Some of their signature dishes include sambal prawns, belacan potato leaves, cendol, Nyonya laksa and more. Their food is reasonably priced in generous portions. Most notably, the food here is not overly spicy, which is suitable for kids.
Operating Hours:
12:00 pm– 2:45 pm, 5:45 pm– 9:00 pm (Wednesday- Monday)
Closed on Tuesday
Address: 21, Lorong 5/62a, Bandar Menjalara, 52200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 0362799996
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Review: Here
10. 66 Nyonya Secrets, SS2
66 Nyonya Secrets is famous for its delectable Nyonya Kuih; it would be an ideal place if you are a Kuih lover. They always ensure their Traditional Nyonya Kuih are made fresh daily and never kept overnight. They stand by this belief that only the freshest food is served from their kitchen to you; thus, you can surely be assured of the taste of their delicacies!
Operating Hours: 7:00 am–6:00 pm (Daily)
Address: No. 151, Jalan SS 2/6, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 0123136018
Google Map: Navigate Here
Google Review: Here
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