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Local Traditional Restaurants in Kuala Lumpur

Malay cuisine reflects the rich historical heritage of the Malays - Malaysia's dominant ethnic group. Their cuisine has been influenced by neighboring countries such as the Thai and Indonesian cultures as well as the country's other ethnic groups such as the Chinese and Indians. It's this diversity that has given the Malay cuisine its exotic appeal.
There are countless Malay restaurants in the city; each bringing to the table a repertoire of dishes that combine the multiple ethnic influences, resulting in unique and delicious tastes and flavors. The Malay cuisine is noted for its use of fresh aromatic herbs and roots such as lemongrass, ginger, garlic, shallots, kaffir limes and fresh chilies. Dried chilies, santan (coconut milk), tamarind and spices like fennel, cumin and coriander further intensify and enrich its flavors.
Some of the signature dishes you'll want to order and sample include nasi lemak - rice cooked in coconut milk served with sambal ikan bilis or fried anchovies in spicy sauce, and garnished with cucumber slices, egg and roasted peanut; satay - chargrilled chunks of chicken or beef on sticks served with a cucumber and onion salad and to be eaten dunked in sweet, spicy peanut sauce; beef - a dry, spiced dish of tender chunks of beef in coconut; and rendangsambal udang - prawns cooked in spicy sauce.
Bijan tops our list as the most favorite place to go to for authentic, traditional Malay dishes - the restaurant's consistency, well-executed dishes and top notch service keep diners coming back for more. Ibunda makes it to the second spot for they've cleverly interpreted traditional flavors into modern dishes by incorporating ingredients such as foie gras. Chef Ismail welcomes us to his restaurant Rebung at third place - extending his warmth, hospitality and kampong (village) styled dishes. Makan Kitchen ends the list as the newest entry serving Malay food in the city.