While local food may have its pros sometimes we just want something different to explore more food that are non-local. For those of you who need a break from Nasi Lemak, Wanton mee, roti canai, rojak or the usual suspects for Malaysian food, here are some of the best non-local food restaurants in KL & PJ you can explore!
Written by Natasha Christopher
1. Yarl Restaurant (Sri Lankan food)
Yarl Restaurant should be your top pick for non-local food if you’re looking for authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. A Sri Lankan owns this place, plus their chef is also Sri Lankan and uses recipes from their family. They have an array of food comprising breakfast, the Jaffna experience and more! Mainly regulars who come here will normally order their appam, kothu and this huge Sri Lankan crab curry. Plus, the portion of the food here can be a lot so it’s the perfect place for big groups. They have outlets in Brickfields, Heritage Row KL, TTDI and Ampang.
Address: Various outlets in Brickfields, Heritage Row KL, TTDI, and Ampang
Operation hours: Differs from each outlet
Status: Pork-free
2. Kalamata Cafe (Greek/Egyptian food)
Within the streets of the hustle and bustle of Desa Sri Hartamas, lies one of its best-kept secrets for non-local food. Kalamata Cafe is a Greek/Egyptian food restaurant that is located on the first floor. From mouthwatering beef ribs, exquisite lamb tagine, and beef mousaka to Greek salad, the Chef-curated selections will leave you wanting more! It’s warm colour and sultry lamps will transport you back to Greece. This is a cosy spot perfect for family gatherings, romantic dates, friendly meetups, and corporate events.
Operation hours: Tuesdays to Sundays from 12 PM to 3 PM Lunch Service, 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM, Dinner and After Hours.
Status: All recipes are pork free, alcohol free, meats are from halal-certified suppliers
3. Der Backmeister (German pastries)
Craving Apple Strudel, cold cuts for breakfast, croissants and other European pastries? This place is named Der Backmeister to the rescue. They bake fresh European bread here every single day! And you can even get traditional German breakfasts here like their Big Beckmeister. The portion is huge and it’s meant for 2 people. It’s served with over 5 different types of cold cuts, 2 different types of cheese and many different types of bread. Try also their Hungarian Ghoulash soup, bretzel and pain au chocolate. It’s located in TTDI so parking may be a bit of a hassle but it’s worth it when you come here.
Address: 40, Persiaran Zaaba, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operation hours: Opens Tuesday to Sunday: 8am – 5 pm, Monday closed
Status: Pork-free
4. Laguna Filipino Bar & Restaurant (The Philippines)
This is a popular spot amongst the Filipino community. Laguna Restaurant is located in SS2 and in city centre KL . It is owned by a Filipino himself so you can find an array of 100% authentic filipino dishes. Try their food like pork sisig, pork adobo, garlic rice, sinigang, halo-halo desserts and more. In The Philippines, it’s quite common to see a restaurant plus karaoke place together, fret not, this place is exactly like that. Although parking can be limited here, it’s best to carpool or use a e-hailing ride to avoid disappointment. This is one place that will make you say “Masarap!
Address: No. 14, Jalan 19/36, Seksyen 19 Along SS@ RD, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor (PJ outlet) ; No. 2-8, Jalan Gereja, City Centre, 55000, Kuala Lumpur (KL outlet)
Operation hours: Opens daily , 11 AM – 11 PM (PJ) ; 9 AM – 9 PM (KL)
Status: NON-HALAL
5. Joloko (African/Caribbean food)
Joloko has been around for about 6 years now and has been delighting customers with their African/Caribbean food. They serve unique food like Jamaican jerk chicken, grilled goat ribs, prawn tostadas, avocado dip with Turkish bread and more! Pair it with their signature (and fun) cocktails like this Paloma Faith cocktail and coconut-inspired cocktail, Woulinewa. The colourful hand-painted walls, outdoor seating surrounded by nature to its sun-kissed dining spot will make you feel you’re on an island. It’s located right beside Stripes Hotel in KL so don’t miss out.
Operation hours: 5 PM – 1 AM (Monday – Friday); 12 PM – 1 AM (Saturday & Sunday)
Status: NON-HALAL
6. Wartek (Indonesian food)
Indonesian food is pretty common here in Malaysia, however, have you ever had Bebek Madura (somewhat of a duck nasi lemak) or Nasi Uduk for a non-local food? Wartek offers some of the most authentic Indonesian dishes that you rarely find elsewhere. Plus, the owner of this place is from Indonesia. The Nasi Uduk allows you to choose over 20 lauk options too. This new Indonesian cafe is located in PJ with outdoor seating and air-conditioned indoor seating. Parking wise can be bit limited which may require you to take roadside.
Operation hours: Monday – Friday, 10AM – 10PM; Saturday – Sunday, 8AM – 10PM
Status: Halal-sourced ingredients
7. Kanbe Ramen (Japanese)
You may have seen this long queue restaurant that sells exceptionally viral Japanese ramen here. It’s Kanbe Ramen and you can find them at Mont Kiara. It’s owned by a Japanese person and the chef here name Yoshi San. When you enter this place, it feels like you’re a celebrity from how warm their welcome is. What to order here? Get their signature Shiro soup and the Tsukemen. Even the way to order is how people in Japan would do so. Keep a lookout for their seasonal menu as well. Be sure to come early here so you don’t have to line up so long.
Operation hours: Opens daily from 11am-9pm
Status: NON-HALAL
8. Luce Osteria Contemporanea (Italian food)
Did you know that Luce Osteria Contemporanea has been named one of the Best 10 Pizzarias in Asia? Not only that, they have over 60 pizzas to choose from! It’s an Italian restaurant located in a 100-year-old building with a view. Their bestseller is the La Maiala, a pizza topped with five different meats. The dough is fermented for 24 hours, and the tomato sauce uses San Marzano tomatoes, all the way from Emilia Romagna, Italy. Don’t leave without trying their Il Gran Tagliere, Risotto al Nero di Sepia con Bottarga, Pork Ribs and La Padellacia. This is a good spot for a romantic date spot too.
Operation hours: Open Daily from12PM – 1AM
Status: NON-HALAL
9. Le Gourmandin ( French food)
Le Gourmandin is an authentic French bistro cuisine that is located in Mont Kiara. Run by a French chef himself, they strive to open a French restaurant that is affordable for Malaysians. One of the must-try here is their Magret de Canard en Croute, Sauce Foie Gras which is Duck Wellington, Escargot & garlic butter, Filet de bœuf, creme brulee and more! With the quaint and cosy feel of the ambience, this restaurant is the perfect spot to eat out for dinner with your loved ones.
Address: D4-G4-01, 1, Jln Dutamas 1, Solaris Dutamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operation hours: Opens daily from 12 – 3PM, 6 – 10PM
Status: No-Pork, use Halal-certified ingredients
Which non-local food are you most excited to try?
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