Ampang is a charming neighbourhood with a good balance of nature reserves, 70s art deco houses and a modern cityscape. In fact, its location is rather unique – half in Selangor (where all the old-school nostalgic lifestyle takes place) and the other half in Kuala Lumpur (where the latest urban developments are taking place).
With a mix of old and new, Ampang is quite the food haven in its own right. Many restaurants thrived when the town was booming in the seventies and eighties. A few decades after, these restaurants – most of which have been taken over by the next generation — continue to offer some of the most authentic food in town. Some also take pride over family secret recipes passed down through generations.
Ampang is not just about yong tau foo. Some traditional Chinese restaurants including Soo Kee Restaurant and Ampang Loke Yun Chicken Rice — have been around for over 40 years — are still being patronised by locals.
But what else is there in Ampang? Many still don’t see this neighbourhood as a haven for foodies, much like Bangsar or Damansara Heights with its breadth of cafes and restaurants. But tucked within the inner roads of Ampang are hidden gems worth exploring – from the quaint neighbourhood of Ampang Jaya and Taman Cahaya to the new stretch of restaurants along Persiaran Ampang.
(Hero and feature images credit: Instagram/ @backalleypasta)
Your ultimate guide to the best eats in the Ampang neighbourhood
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If you’ve been looking for halal Hainanese chicken rice, your search ends here. Loyal patrons, some even grew up eating at Kim Kee Nasi Ayam Hailam, rave about its authentic Hainanese chicken rice. What’s the real deal? Smooth and tender chicken meat — choose between poached or roasted — served with fragrant buttered rice and condiments that tie the flavours together. The restaurant, located behind Ampang Puteri Hospital, also serves Hainanese chicken chop if you don’t fancy eating rice.
Operating hours: 10.30 AM – 10 PM (closed on Sundays)
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Many may not be aware of its existence along MRR2 highway, despite being there for over 50 years but New Heong Kee Restaurant is actually a hidden gem in Ampang. Local folks will recommend the famous Beggar’s Chicken – something that is not easily found in Kuala Lumpur these days.
The bird is stuffed with herbs and carefully wrapped with waxed paper, covered with clay and shove in a burning charcoal pit for eight hours. When served, simply tear open the paper and enjoy the layers of aromatics wafting through the dining table. Another exciting dish is the ‘reconstructed’ fish – a whole fish, deboned and stuffed with fish paste. New Heong Kee’s rustic ambience is certainly something unique for a change of environment.
Operating hours: 12 PM – 8 PM (weekdays, closed on Tuesdays), 12 PM – 9 PM (weekends)
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If you are around Ampang Point, make a detour to Nong & Jimmy which comes highly recommended for dinner – expect authentic Thai cuisine especially its barbecued offerings. Husband and wife, Nong and Jimmy have been known as Ampang’s BBQ specialists for over 20 years and take their seafood seriously. Be unapologetic about getting your hands on freshly grilled crabs, prawns, squid and other shellfish, served with its signature dipping sauce.
Order also their signature Thai fried rice, pandan chicken and Thai-style steamed fish or clams. Wash it all down with the quintessential mango sticky rice.
Operating hours: 12 PM – 10.30 PM (opens daily)
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Two years into the business, 28 Fireplace is one of the earliest hippy cafes in Persiaran Ampang, which was previously known for the many watering holes in the area. It is a great place to spend your mornings with friends or just having a quiet time alone with a book, accompanied by coffee, an all-day brunch menu, and cakes from mille crepes to burnt cheesecakes. This is also a pet-friendly cafe — their resident cat, Saturday will also keep you entertained with its antics.
Operating hours: 8 AM – 6 PM (Mondays to Thursdays), 8 AM – 7 PM (Fridays to Sundays)
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This speakeasy-style pasta bar has developed a following thanks to its bold flavours and inventive take on Italian classics. Think tagliatelle with aged salmon, deep-fried potato gnocchi, and standout dishes like kimchi risotto with jumbo prawns. A must-visit for modern pasta lovers.
Operating hours: 5.30 PM – 10 PM (weekdays, closed on Monday and Tuesdays), 11.30 AM – 10 PM (weekends)
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A crowd-pleaser for Korean food lovers, Sweetree is halal-certified and serves everything from Korean barbeque to tteokbokki and crispy Korean fried chicken. The airy, plant-filled dining space makes for a relaxing meal whether you’re dining solo or with friends.
Operating hours: 11.30 AM – 10 PM (opens daily)
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One of Ampang’s long-standing Italian restaurants, La Risata has been serving up authentic Italian food for nearly 30 years. From burrata and smoked duck tortellini to wood-fired pizzas, this is where you go for a touch of Europe in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
Operating hours: 11 AM – 3 PM, 6 PM – 11 PM (opens daily)
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A hidden gem for Japanese cuisine, Fugu KL features a teppanyaki grill and an extensive menu including sushi, sashimi, bento sets, and chirashi bowls. Tucked away in Liberty Arc Ukay, this stylish spot is perfect for Japanese food enthusiasts.
Operating hours: 4 PM – 11 PM (closed on Mondays)
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A household name in Ampang, Foong Foong is famous for its freshly made yong tau foo. Each piece is wok-fried and simmered in a flavourful broth to highlight its freshness and natural sweetness. Despite the crowd, service is fast — and the food is well worth the wait.
Operating hours: 9 AM – 4 PM (closed on Tuesdays)
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Stylish and pet-friendly, Nost Coffee is a rising star in Ampang’s cafe scene. Beyond coffee, the menu includes fusion dishes like miso pesto mushroom udon and kimchi rice bowls, along with beautifully crafted desserts such as ichigo daifuku and strawberry danishes.
Operating hours: 10 AM – 6 PM (closed on Wednesdays)