$$$$
PeranakanBrickfields
Anak Baba has served Southern Peranakan-style nasi lemak in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, since 2018, and the Michelin Guide now lists it as Bib Gourmand.
OrderNasi lemak with turmeric fried chicken and crisp anchovies.
TipThe turmeric fried chicken nasi lemak is the signature; ask for extra sambal if you like it hotter.
$$$$
CantonesePudu
Wong Mei Kee roasts siew yok over charcoal on Jalan Nyonya in Pudu, Kuala Lumpur, and its Michelin Bib Gourmand pork sells out most days by 15:00.
OrderCharcoal siew yok, crackling roast pork belly, while it lasts.
TipArrive by noon when the day's roast pork comes out of the oven; it is often gone within three hours.
$$$$
Claypot riceJalan Ipoh
Jalan Ipoh Claypot Chicken Rice, an unnamed stall on Jalan Batu Ambar in Taman Kok Lian, Kuala Lumpur, cooks each claypot to order over charcoal.
OrderCharcoal claypot chicken rice with Chinese sausage and salted fish.
TipAsk for salted fish mixed into the rice; it adds an aroma the plain chicken version lacks entirely.
$$$$
NoodlesChinatown
Sin Kiew Yee Shin Kee Beef Noodles has boiled beef noodles on Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock in Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown since starting as a stall in 1949.
OrderDry beef noodles with springy beef balls and tripe.
TipOrder the dry version over soup; the minced beef sauce coats the noodles better than the broth does.
$$$$
MalayBukit Aman
Restoran Rebung runs Chef Ismail's heritage Malay buffet above a car park near Bukit Aman, Kuala Lumpur, with lunch and dinner daily and a weekend breakfast.
OrderBuffet-style rendang, ulam and grilled fish from the heritage spread.
TipCome for lunch on a weekday; the weekend dinner buffet draws large family groups and long waits for tables.
$$$$
HokkienPetaling Street
Kim Lian Kee has fried Kuala Lumpur Hokkien mee at the Jalan Hang Lekir corner of Petaling Street since the 1930s, and is now in its fourth generation.
OrderDark, wok-charred Hokkien mee with pork lard and prawns.
TipOng Kim Lian's first stall was in Dang Wangi and was damaged in the war; this corner shop dates from the 1930s. Outdoor tables fill after 19:00.