10 Michelin Bib Gourmand KL spots to check out in 2025

1. Leen’s

136, Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000, Kuala Lumpur
Open: Monday to Sunday (6pm to 10pm)

Why visit? As a KL dweller, Leen’s is a personal favourite — this casually elegant restaurant is not only deft at combining Middle Eastern flavors with contemporary flair, but is also great at taking classic ingredients and elevating them into something extraordinary. Whether it’s its charred kebabs, creamy hummus (the absolute best, in this writer’s opinion), or spiced seafood, every dish at Leen’s is a testament to the kitchen’s dedication to flavor and culinary expertise. 

The menu is packed with vibrant, shareable plates, allowing you to explore a variety of rich, aromatic dishes, while ensuring your wallet doesn’t feel the pinch. The combination of affordable dishes and variety makes this the ideal pick for anything from casual meals or an intimate dinner. 

Crowd favourites: If you like sticking to the classics, the smoked hummus (RM29 or S$8.70), served with freshly baked Arabic bread, comes highly recommended — it’s lush, creamy and everything you’d basically want and need in a hummus.  

Follow that up with the samak (RM68) from the list of mains if you enjoy a good fish dish. The dish features a fresh piece of halibut paired with chickpea puree, peas, and a delicate French butter and lemon sauce, finished with pomegranate seeds for a burst of bright freshness. 

2. Aliyaa

No.48, Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, 50490, Kuala Lumpur
Open: Monday to Sunday (12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 11pm)

Why visit? Another personal favourite of mine, out of all the Kuala Lumpur Bib Gourmand awardees is Aliyaa, a must-visit if you love authentic Sri Lankan flavours. At Aliyaa, the menu is thoughtfully curated to showcase Sri Lanka’s rich culinary heritage, and you can expect big, bold dishes here, such as its Jaffna crab curry (market price), string hoppers (a Sri Lankan breakfast staple made with wheat or rice flour, RM10), and delicious, fiery sambols (Sri Lankan coconut sambal). 

Aliyaa takes pride in using traditional techniques and only the freshest ingredients from Sri Lanka, promising high-quality, authentic flavours no matter when you visit. The excellent food paired with its refined interior and ambience makes it the perfect place to visit for lunch or dinner. 

Crowd favourites: On special occasions, the Jaffna crab curry (market price) and tiger prawn varuval (RM30 for 100g), a dry prawn masala dish, are a must-have, especially if you love a fresh catch from the sea. 

If you love your appam (a type of thin pancake), Aliyaa is known for its flaming appam (RM18), essentially a brown sugar appam with flambeed brandy liquor — fancy and oh-so-yummy! 

3. MTR 1924

69, Jalan Thambipillay, Brickfields, 50470, Kuala Lumpur
Open: Monday to Sunday (8am to 10.30pm)

Why visit? Vegetarian eatery MTR 1924 brings nearly a century of South Indian culinary tradition to the heart of Brickfields in Kuala Lumpur. The menu is inspired by the flavours of Bengaluru, giving customers a taste of quintessential south Indian cuisine. 

The space is casual and usually teeming with people from breakfast to dinner. You can expect anything from crispy dosas to fluffy idlis and even a stellar masala tea. If you ever find yourself in the vicinity, it’s a great spot to dine at, no matter the time of the day.

Crowd favourites: The rava idli (RM13) is a popular choice at MTR 1924, loved for its rich flavour profile, fluffy texture, and unique twist as idlis is commonly made with rice instead of rava (semolina flour). This steamed goodness is made with a mix of yoghurt, coriander, cashews and served with a potato sagu and green chutney. 

For something hearty, the bisi bele bhath (RM16), a traditional rice dish cooked with lentils, vegetables, spices and tamarind served with a refreshing side of raita, also comes highly recommended by regulars. 

4. Roti by d’Tandoor

82, Jalan Damai, Kampung Datuk Keramat, 55000, Kuala Lumpur
Open: Monday to Thursday (11am to 3pm, 6pm to 10.30pm), Friday to Sunday (11am to 10.30pm)

Why visit? For deep, vibrant flavours of north India, you’ll want to head to Roti by d’Tandoor, which is a more casual, contemporary offshoot of the well-established d’Tandoor restaurant, famed for its breads and meats cooked in a tandoor oven.  Rumour has it that anyone who steps into the doors of this eatery will definitely leave with a food coma, so make sure you head here hungry and ready to feast. 

As its name suggests, Roti by d’Tandoor specialises in all things bread, so you can expect fresh rotis paired with hearty curries and grilled meats here. The menu is wide and varied, offering something for every palate — whether you’re after a flavour bomb biryani, a meaty lamb shank, or a delicately spiced prawn Kashimiri, it’s got it all. 

Crowd favourites: You can’t visit a roti establishment and not try its rotis. The mixed bread basket (RM37.90) is a great one to start with — it has a variety of rotis for you to try, such as garlic naan, butter naan, and tandoor roti. But if rice is your vice, the mandy rice (masala lamb rice, RM48) is for you. The rice is well and evenly spiced and paired with soft, succulent pieces of lamb, marinated in a lovely masala gravy. 

5. Sao Nam

25, Tengkat Tong Shin, Bukit Bintang, 50200, Kuala Lumpur
Open: Monday to Sunday (12pm to 2.30pm, 6pm to 10pm)

Why visit? Located in the heart of the Kuala Lumpur city centre, Sao Nam is a casual and authentic Vietnamese eatery housed in a bright yellow colonial-style house. Opened in 2022, Sao Nam is known for its commitment to authentic recipes, bold flavours, and dishes that are so photogenic that you’ll want your camera to eat before you do.

From warm comforting bowls of pho to beautiful French-inspired orange duck(RM32), Sao Nam’s menu is studded with hearty options that’ll immediately transport diners to the bustling streets of Saigon and the countryside of Hanoi, with its immaculate flavours.  

Crowd favourites: It would be remiss of you to go to a Vietnamese spot and not try its pho options. Here the beef pho (RM29) or pho bo (chicken pho, RM29) are popular choices, featuring rice noodles served in a lusciously delicious stock that’s gently simmered for at least 10 hours. If you opt for the beef pho, you can expect quality beef slices imported from Australia or New Zealand — quick a bang for your buck considering everything is below RM30. 

If you’re craving some greens or fresh sides, pair your pho with the goi cuon (fresh prawn spring rolls, RM36), where a medley of chicken, prawns, chives, lettuce, mint and vermicelli come wrapped in rice paper, served with a hoisin dipping sauce.

6. Hing Kee Bakuteh

121, Jalan Kepong, Metro Prima, 52100 Kuala Lumpur
Open: Wednesday to Sunday (3pm to 2.30pm) and Tuesday (11.30am to 2.30am)

Why visit? Hing Kee Bakuteh is a popular go-to spot in KL for late night comfort in a bowl. The bak kut teh here has been simmered for hours to produce an aromatic broth, that is also light on the palate with a hint of sweetness from the herbs. Its pork ribs here are also said to be fall-off-the-bone tender. 

It has two outlets in Kepong, but even the more spacious of the two tends to be at full capacity, especially after 8pm, so make sure you head down early if you’re coming for a hearty bowl of bak kut teh! 

Crowd favourites: The traditional bakuteh soup (RM21) comes with a generous portion of meat and soup, best enjoyed piping hot. You can pick your cuts of meat depending on your preference, with many opting for a mix of pork ribs and lean meat. 

Some bak kut teh sides that are a must-have to complete the meal are the fried tofu skin (RM4) and enoki mushrooms (RM4.50)

If you’re not feeling like a bowl of soup but still want some delicious pork, try the braised pork (RM21), commonly known as the dry bak kut teh. The meat is simmered in a thick soy-based braising liquid, packed with umami flavours, and best enjoyed with a bowl of fluffy white rice. 

7. Lai Foong Lala Noodles

99, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000, Kuala Lumpur
Open: Monday to Sunday (9am to 11pm)

Why visit? Lai Foong Lala Noodles is a family-run restaurant that first began in 2008 as a humble hawker stall selling rice and noodles before its owners decided to specialise in its lala (clam) noodles. In less than two decades, the brand has since grown to a total of three outlets across KL and Selangor, complete with a Bib Gourmand to its name. 

It’s easy to see how this brand rose to its current popularity — no matter the outlet you patronise, you can be sure that your made-to-order bowl of noodles will come with fresh clams and a broth brimming with wok hei.  In fact, once you’ve tried a bowl of its aromatic, flavourful soup that combines Chinese rice wine, ginger and lala, it’ll leave such an impression, you will find yourself thinking about it every cold, rainy day long after you’ve left the city.  

Crowd favourites: As its name suggests, the lala soup noodles (RM22) is what you must order. Delicate beehoon or vermicelli is served in an aromatic broth, rich with Chinese wine, ginger and a generous portion of fresh clams. 

To complete the experience, order a serving of the “not too sweet” yet satisfying longan tofu (RM9) from the dessert menu for a refreshing finish to your meal. 

8. De Wan 1958 by Chef Wan

The Linc, 360, Jalan Tun Razak, Taman U Thant, 50400, Kuala Lumpur
Open: Monday to Friday (11am to 3.30pm, 6pm to 9.30pm), Saturday to Sunday (11am to 5pm, 6pm to 9.30pm)

Bangsar Shopping Centre, F1 & F6, 285, Jalan Maarof, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur
Open: Monday to Friday (11am to 3.30pm, 6pm to 9.30pm), Saturday to Sunday (11am to 5pm, 6pm to 9.30pm)

Why visit? Helmed by award-winning Malaysian celebrity chef Redzuawan Ismail, more commonly known as Chef Wan, De Wan 1958 is a love letter to Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage serving up rich, traditional flavours with fun, modern twists. 

With multiple outlets across the city (though only the one at Taman U Thant has the Bib Gourmand acoloade), the menu at De Wan 1958 is studded with a range of delights from common local dishes such as Nyonya curry laksa (RM36) and daging dendeng (RM98), to unique items such as green chilli lamb shank (RM88)and braised Sabah lobster (RM138).

Dishes here are crafted with only top-tier ingredients, and all come with a touch of Chef Wan’s big personality, in terms of their flavours and presentation. It’s also worth mentioning that a handful of its mains are made to share, so you’ll want to come with a group to try more items.

Crowd favourites: To get your appetite going, the cucur udang (RM38), a deep-fried snack of prawns and vegetables is a good place to start. Here, the cucur is made with tiger prawns and served with a peanut sauce. 

When it comes to mains, the udang harimau or tiger prawns, in English  (RM78) is highly recommended. Diners can choose their preferred cooking style from gulai lemak kailo that serves up a rich coconut milk based broth to udang steamed aneka rasa that serves the prawns steamed and topped with a house special sauce and a medley of aromatics made from ginger, lemongrass, chillies, coriander and tomatoes. Safe to say, a meal here requires downtime for a food coma after. 

9. Heun Kee Claypot Chicken Rice 

9, Jalan Yew, Pudu, 55100, Kuala Lumpur
Open: Monday to Sunday (11am to 9pm)

Why visit? Heun Kee Claypot Chicken Rice is a beloved institution that has been around for three decades, which draws both locals and tourists in with its no-frills vibes and rustic clayout chicken rice, cooked the traditional way, over charcoal. Each claypot is painstakingly made to order, and comes sizzling hot, packed with deep flavours and plenty of wok hei. 

In addition to the assortment of claypot dishes, the menu also offers a variety of leafy greens, and a handful of side bites to add to your meal. 

Crowd favourites: The signature claypot chicken rice (RM16) is arguably the best in the city. Every claypot comes with a well-formed base of crispy golden rice, while the rest of the rest of the rice is delightfully fluffy, flavoured with the tender pieces of chicken, Chinese sausage, salted fish and a generous drizzle of soy sauce — make sure you scrap all the burnt bits at the bottom of the pot! 

For an extra burst of protein, the homemade seafood tofu (RM15) from the side menu is a popular choice, and serves as a good complement to the heavier claypot flavours. 

10. Sek Yuen 

313, Jalan Pudu, 55100, Kuala Lumpur
Open: Tuesday to Sunday (11am to 2.30pm, 5pm to 9.30pm)

Why visit? Heritage Cantonese restaurant Sek Yuen is an iconic homage to classic Cantonese fare, well-known for its nostalgic charm, timeless recipes, flame-kissed dishes thanks to its use of wood fire stoves. Said to be the oldest Cantonese restaurant in KL, having been founded in 1948, Sek Yuan’s dishes, decor, and vintage charm makes it a great spot for multi-generational dinners and shared meals with friends and family. 

The menu is packed with heritage dishes that have stood the test of time — while it is best known for its pei pa duck, you will also find a nice variety of chicken, seafood, pork, and stir-fry vegetables dishes that’ll cater to every palate. 

Crowd favourites: The roasted pei pa duck (from RM50) is a house signature and an absolute must-try! In this dish, the skin is roasted to crispy perfection, while the meat is impeccably tender. 

Another popular item is the Eight Treasure duck (market price), which requires you to preorder the dish a day ahead thanks to its meticulous preparation process. The duck is stuffed with eight ingredients including chestnuts, pork, yam, gingko nuts and more. It’s slow cooked for hours, allowing the flavours of the stuffing to penetrate through the meat. 

For more eats in Malaysia, check out our ultimate KL food guide, or read more about the new cafes in JB. 

You can also book a ride to get around these Michelin Bib Gourmand spots in Kuala Lumpur.