Strike up a conversation with any Malaysian foodie and chances are, they’d have at least one place in mind to recommend where the best fish head noodles can be had in KL and Selangor. And that’s no surprise when the dish has quickly become a staple comfort food for so many in the realm of Chinese cooking, easily becoming a go-to lunch order.
But don’t be fooled, the humble, hawker centre staple is by no means easy to prepare. The key lies typically in the richness of its broth, which combines fish stock, pickled vegetables, and evaporated milk to achieve a silky smooth fish flavour in every slurp. The soup is then doused over rice vermicelli noodles (meehoon or bihun) and served with either fish meat or fish paste with tofu and tomato slices to complete the dish.
The precise origins of fish head noodles remain unclear at best, with many restaurants and stalls often associating it with those of Teochew descent. On the other hand, some sources claim that the most recognisable iteration of the fish head noodles recipe hails from across the Causeway in Singapore. Regardless of its origins, the popularity of fish head noodles among locals on both sides of the border remains unchallenged.
Luckily there are many hawker stalls and restaurants in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya that specialise in serving the best fish head noodles in town. From decade-old establishments to newer restaurant chains, here is where you can get the best fish head noodles in town.
18 places to get the best fish head noodles in KL and Selangor
1. Goon Wah XO Fish Head Noodle Restaurant
Ranking high on the list of many fish head noodle spots in Kuala Lumpur, Goon Wah XO Fish Head Noodle Restaurant is easily a fan favourite by a considerable margin. The original outlet in Kuchai Lama continues to draw in long lines that crawl out from its shopfront, teeming with first-timers and returning faces who need no further convincing of the restaurant’s appeal.
Served in a clay pot filled to the brim with a rich broth that is laced with vibrant acidity, each serving naturally comes with all the typical accompaniments such as fried fish head pieces, yam slices, salted vegetables, and tomato slices. But it’s the addition of XO sauce, which contributes to an added layer of umami sweetness that brings gastronomes back for more.
Address: G13, Jalan 3/115c, Taman Kuchai Jaya, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 8.30AM – 4PM (closed on Sundays)
Contact: +6 012-297 7284
2. Norway Salmon Fish Head Noodles Restaurant
As one can imagine, the type of fish used plays a significant component in preparing a bowl of fish head noodles. Most conventional recipes make use of groupers, flounders, or snakeheads by default. However, for one fish head noodle stall in Kepong, their proprietors have opted to take a road less travelled where this is concerned and have been incorporating the use of salmon fish heads instead.
The soup is predictably redolent, with a creamy body courtesy of a combination of fish broth and evaporated milk. And while leaning away from the typical, the incorporation of fried salmon fish here surprisingly doesn’t taste out of place on the palate. Not a fan of fish? Well, you can also have your noodles with fish paste, fish meat, or even prawns.
Address: G4, Jalan Jambu, Jinjang Selatan, 52000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 8AM – 3.30PM
Contact: +6 010-432 6867
3. Woo Pin Fish Head Noodles Restaurant
Another common recommendation for fish head noodles within the Klang Valley area would be Woo Pin, located in Taman Danau Desa. Occupying a corner lot, you’ll know you’ve arrived when you are greeted with packed tables teeming with diners. As is the case with other fish head noodle restaurants that have been met with rave reviews, the true star here is in the soup and quality of their fish head pieces.
Speaking of the latter, word of mouth confirms that the fried fish served here is both fresh and yielding. One will no doubt note the gentle flaking of each piece that while browned on the outside, retains a great deal of moisture in its flesh. We recommend dipping it in the restaurant’s signature sambal belacan sauce for an added kick that also helps cut through the richness of the soup.
Address: 37, Jalan 1/109f, Taman Danau Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 8 AM – 9PM (closed on Fridays)
Contact: +6 017-209 9020
4. Soon Soon Lye Salmon Fish Head
Rest assured that if you didn’t find the first salmon fish head noodle restaurant to your liking, you can always try another interpretation of the same recipe at Soon Soon Lye. Relatively unassuming in its setup, the restaurant sports a penchant for using only premium varieties of fish in their fish head noodles.
This includes the namesake salmon fish as expected, but adds to the sumptuousness by also offering cod fish for those looking to turn their meal into a proper indulgence. Predictably, the inherent sweetness of cod further enhances the potency of the soup, making it a de-facto favourite for regulars.
Address: Restoran Wai Wai, 149-G, Block J Tanming Boulevard, Jalan Meranti Jaya 3/1, Taman Meranti Jaya, 47120 Puchong, Selangor
Operating hours: 8AM – 9PM (closed on Fridays)
Contact: +6 012-711 1066
5. Kaki Bola XO Fish Head Noodle
Here are two non-negotiable aspects of fried foods — it needs to be cooked crisp, and it needs to be served fresh. At Kaki Bola XO Fish Head Noodle, they know this well enough to attract a considerable fanbase around their servings of fried fish that go alongside piping hot bowls of fish head noodles.
The reviews speak for themselves online with many commending the quality of the fried fish, in addition to a tangy soup emboldened with X.O sauce that isn’t muddled by the cloying fullness of evaporated milk. You may also choose to have your noodles with a more acute kick with their tomyum soup, or a clear soup for those with a less intrepid palate.
Address: 6 1, No. 23, Jalan Manis 7, Taman Segar, 2 Miles, Jln Cheras, Wilayah Persekutuan, 56100 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 8AM – 2PM
Contact: +6 017-349 0828
6. Soon Soon Pan Mee & Fish Head Restaurant
Damansara Perdana residents are most likely to be familiar with Soon Soon for their wide ribbons of pan mee, prepared true to tradition. But as their name would imply, the fish head noodles also happen to be one of the best in KL, and a specialty that you shouldn’t miss out on.
In most instances where fish head noodles are concerned, the use of evaporated milk results in an instantly familiar off-white soup that promises a velveteen mouth-feel. But owing to the generous use of tomatoes in their soup, every bowl here carries a hearty tinge of joyful orange that is ever so slightly more acidic than comparable fish head noodles served elsewhere.
Address: 18-1, Jalan PJU 8/5c, Damansara Perdana, 47820 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: 7.30AM – 3PM
Contact: +6 012-634 6662
7. Moon Kee Fish Head Noodles Restaurant
If indulgence is key and you’re not big on salmon or cod, then Moon Kee Fish Head Noodles makes their case as a strong contender on this list. Each bowl is complemented by either your choice of threadfin fish, grouper, or even dragon grouper for the diner with deep pockets.
Naturally, the restaurant’s team doesn’t skip a beat where cooking technique is concerned, expertly bringing out the best qualities in the premium cuts of fish used. Do anticipate slightly longer wait times if you’re planning to join the lunch crowd, though.
Address: 48, Jln 19/3, Seksyen 19, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: 9.30AM – 7.30PM (Mondays to Saturdays), 9AM – 4PM (Sundays)
Contact: +6 03-7954 1518
8. Fish & Noodle House Restaurant
No points for accurately guessing what Fish & Noodle House Restaurant is best known for. Found within the budding food enclave of Damansara Kim, this entrant easily stands shoulder-to-shoulder alongside its nearby contemporaries (Kompassion, The Swimming Cow, Sweet Inn Restaurant come to mind).
Each bowl is cooked to order to ensure consistency of quality, with diners commending the richness of their soup as a reason to make return visits. Another key highlight comes by way of pan-fried salmon slices which strike the coveted balance between texture and flavour without compromising either.
Address: 77, Jalan SS 20/11, Damansara Kim, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: 8AM – 4PM (closed on Mondays)
Contact: +6 016-395 8737
9. Mr Fish Fish & Seafood Noodles
If convenience is high on your list where hunting down a bowl of fish head noodles is concerned, then you’ll want to visit Mr Fish Fish & Seafood Noodles’ chain of outlets across the Klang Valley. Located in six different retail hotspots, this makes them the most accessible recommendation on our list by a wide margin.
But don’t be fooled by their spick-and-span commercial appeal, for the success of their business has been reliably built upon a consistent output of tasty fish head noodles that are now known across KL and PJ. What’s more, they also serve other Teochew staples including Teochew porridge replete with fried fish slices.
Address: Outlets can be found in 1 Utama, Damen Mall, Gamuda Walk, Atria Shopping Gallery, Bandar Botanic, and Setia Eco Park
10. Yvonne Fish Head Noodles @ May Mey Seafood Restaurant
A relatively obscure entry on our list would be the fish head noodle stall which operates exclusively during the day at May Mey Seafood Restaurant in Kuala Ampang. Operated by the namesake Yvonne who mans the stoves herself, the stall has reportedly been running for a whopping 14 years.
Of course, you can choose to have your fish head noodles with either fried slices of grouper, carp, or salmon. But from our personal experience, consider doing yourself the favour of asking for a few pieces of fried fish paste as well. These delightfully springy morsels are sure to have one asking for seconds.
Address: May Mey Gourmet Seafood Restaurant, 2, Lorong Awan 6, Kuala Ampang, Ampang, Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 8AM – 2.30PM (closed on every second Wednesday of the month)
Contact: +6 012-6439733
11. Kopitiam LCL 99
A new addition among neighbourhood kopitiams in KL, Kopitiam LCL99 draws a loyal lunchtime crowd with its time-honed take on fish head noodles. The dish leans on a classic broth, milky, tangy, and gently perfumed with preserved vegetables. It is served with your choice of fried fish head, fish paste, or fillet.
Many regulars swear by the fried fish head option, which arrives crisp at the edges but tender within, soaking up the broth without disintegrating. With generous portions and an unpretentious, old-school charm, it remains a dependable destination for those who favour a traditional, full-bodied bowl.
Address: 44a-44b, Jln Pudu, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 6AM – 6PM
12. Madam Fish Noodle House (Mont Kiara)
Popular among Mont Kiara residents, Madam Noodles offers a polished yet comforting rendition of fish head noodles in KL. Its broth is lighter and cleaner on the palate, tailored to diners who prefer a more refined balance of creaminess and acidity. The kitchen serves both fried and non-fried fish options, though the silky, lightly battered slices are often cited as the standout.
Thanks to its modern setting and consistent bowls of soup goodness, the shop has become a convenient go-to for those seeking a fuss-free, quality fix in an otherwise busy neighbourhood.
Address: G5, Mont’ Kiara Meridin, 19, Jln Duta Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 9AM – 8PM
Contact: +6 011-3922 2088
13. Restoran Choy Kei
A staple hawker stall for fish head noodle soup in KL, Restoran Choy Kei’s fish head noodles has gained cult status for their bold, hearty profile. The broth veers richer and more robust than most, bolstered by generous portions of fish head and vegetables that lend additional sweetness.
Regulars praise the stall’s frying technique, which ensures that each piece of fish maintains structural integrity even after a long soak. Simple, satisfying, and reliably executed, Choy Kei remains one of the area’s most trusted mainstays.
Address: 73, Jalan Lazat 1, Taman Bukit Indah, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 7AM – 10PM (closed on Wednesday)
14 Soon Soon Pan Mee & Fish Head
Although better known for its pan mee, this SS2 institution in Selangor is also home to a surprisingly accomplished bowl of fish head noodles. The broth is aromatic and layered, with the kitchen known to prepare ingredients in small batches to ensure consistency throughout the day.
Diners may opt for fried fish head, fish fillet, or fish paste, though the fried option remains the runaway favourite. Visitors often remark on the stall’s efficiency and the honest, home-style flavours that underscore every bowl.
Address: 18-1, Jalan PJU 8/5c, Damansara Perdana, 47820 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: 7:30 AM – 5PM
Contact: +6 012-634 6662
15. Fish & Noodle House (Damansara Kim)
No points for guessing what Fish & Noodle House specialises in an establishment that has earned its reputation through dedication to a single craft. Nestled within Damansara Kim’s cluster of respected eateries, the shop serves bowls cooked individually to order, ensuring that the broth arrives piping-hot and full of character.
Many diners return specifically for the pan-fried salmon, celebrated for its caramelised edges and moist centre. The combination of freshness, consistency, and thoughtful execution places this spot firmly among the area’s most reliable contenders.
Address: 77, Jalan SS 20/11, Damansara Kim, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: 8 AM – 4PM
Contact: +6 016-395 8737
16. SS20 Fish Head Noodle
A long-time favourite among PJ residents, SS20 Fish Head Noodle epitomises the appeal of a humble, well-run neighbourhood stall. Expect a deeply flavourful broth that strikes a careful balance between creamy richness and a pleasant sour lift.
The stall offers fried fish head, fish slices, and fish paste, though the fish head remains the key draw for its crisp exterior and clean-tasting flesh. Crowds during peak hours are common, a testament to how this decades-old spot continues to deliver consistent, no-frills satisfaction.
Address: 28, Jalan SS 20/10, Damansara Kim, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: 8:30AM–3PM, 5:15PM–8:30PM
Contact: +6 012-628 8896
17. Kip Fish Head Noodle
Operating from a modest shoplot, Kip Fish Head Noodle has become a quiet favourite for locals in search of a hearty, value-packed bowl. One of the best fish soup purveyors in KL and PJ, the broth here leans slightly sweeter, a result of long hours simmering with tomatoes and preserved vegetables.
Diners often appreciate the thick, well-fried slices of fish head that hold up admirably in the broth without losing crunch too quickly. Straightforward, comforting, and portion-generous, this spot has carved out a loyal following through homey comforting flavours.
Address: Persiaran Kip 3, Taman Perindustrian Kip, 52200 Kuala Lumpur, Selangor KIP, 52200 Kepong, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 7AM – 4PM (Monday to Saturday), 7AM – 3PM (Sunday)
Contact: +6 013-207 2682
18. Hometown Fish Head Noodle (Setapak)
Among Setapak’s many kopitiams, Hometown Fish Head Noodle in KL stands out for its robust, home-style preparation methods. The broth is unapologetically bold rich, fragrant, and imbued with a depth that suggests meticulous simmering.
Fried fish head is the signature choice, though the kitchen also offers fish fillet for those preferring something lighter. What sets the stall apart is the consistency of its output, with regulars frequently returning for the familiar, homely flavours that anchor their bowls.
Address: Shop 4, Pusat Perniagaan Palet, 2, Jalan 3/23a, Danau Kota, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 9:30AM – 3:30PM, 5:30PM – 10PM (Closed on Tuesday)
Contact: +6 03-4131 9089
Feature and hero image credits: Mr Fish Fish & Seafood Noodles/Facebook
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
