Wat tan hor is the ultimate Malaysian Chinese comfort food, known for its soothing texture and smoky wok hei. It is traditionally consists of flat rice noodles (hor fun), seafood, chicken or beef, and an opulent egg sauce. It is a popular dish among Chinese restaurants in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya. But which of them serves the best of the best? Here are our picks for the best wat tan hor in KL and PJ you can get today.
Its recipe has been passed down by each generation of Chinese-Malaysian cooks for a uniquely Malaysian taste. Wat tan refers to the egg’s soft, slippery texture (wat means “soft,” and tan means “egg” in Cantonese), while hor is a shortened version of hor fun, the wide flat noodles required in the dish. It is essentially a thicker, saucier version of char kuey teow.
The origins of the dish
Wat tan hor fun originated in late 19th and early 20th century with Cantonese immigrants in Malaysia. From the traditional Cantonese chau hor fun (stir-fried flat rice noodles), local cooks adapted the dish to include local flavor and ingredients. After evolving over the years, the dish finally included a characteristic egg-drop gravy (which is more thicker and richer in flavor than in Hong Kong) which was usually garnished with local seafood, pork or chicken.
Whether wolfed down as a spontaneous weekday lunch or a indulgent midnight snack, wat tan hor is a fixture in kopitiams and Chinese restaurants in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya. But then there are those few places that raise it to another level by combining technique, wok hei, quality ingredients, and consistency.
(Hero image credit: Instagram/paparichaus / Feature image credit: Instagram/eat.jom)
7 must-eat Chinese restaurants to savour the best wat tan hor in KL and PJ
1 /7
Located in The Sphere in Bangsar South, Oriental Treasure is known as a Chinese restaurant that serves dim sum and Chinese dishes. Their wat tan hor is one of the highlights of their noodle dishes. With a chewy texture and silky smooth egg sauce, the noodles are flavourful comforting and full of wok hei. The comforting bowl of noodles is perfect for sharing or a solo indulgence.
Operating hours: 11 AM–3 PM, 6PM–11 PM
Image credit: Lifestyle Asia KL
2 /7
A well-known spot among Bangsar residents, Venicia is a Muslim-friendly Chinese restaurant that offers solid Chinese classics. Their wat tan hor is one of their popular menu items. It’s the kind of noodle dish that reminds of you of home, with it’s strong wok hei flavour despite not using pork fat. The dish also has a good variety of chicken, vegetables, squid, and prawns.
Operating hours: 12PM–2:30 PM, 6PM–10PM (Closed on Tuesday)
Image credit: Instagram/pstwtw
One of the most popular Chinese restaurants in TTDI, Mini Tanker is often crowded and packed and for good reason. Among their noodle dishes, their wat tan hor is known for the its stronger egg taste and its thicker sauce. They are also not shy with the side ingredients with shrimps, beef, and vegetables.
Operating hours: 8AM – 10PM
Image credit: Instagram/thokohmakan
4 /7
A classic noodle shop for Ipoh hor fun, this restaurant also serves fine wat tan hor among other dishes. Served with abalone, shrimp and squid, the dish also leans towards featuring more seafood on the plate. Served with a touch of vinegar, their noodles have been highly praised by reviewers. If that sound like just the way you like your noodles, then this is the one for you.
Operating hours: 4:30AM – 1:30PM
Image credit: Instagram/happycampermars
With a legacy of serving the best noodle dishes since 1963, Ipoh Tuck Kee has opened a branch in the vibrant food hub of Damansara Uptown. Ipoh Tuck Kee’s interpretation of wat tan hor is served in bowl and features more of a garlic taste. The addition of fried garlic is its unique signature taste, we also noted the freshness of the ingredients used like the shrimps, beef, and vegetables.
Operating hours: 1PM –10:45 PM
Image credit: Instagram/ipoh_tuck_kee
6 /7
A classic spot among KL residents, Sang Kee is one of the most iconic wat tan hor places in town. With its signature egg-yolk wobbling above the noodles, it brings back memories in the hearts of Malaysian foodies. What makes Sang Kee’s wat tan hor unique is their one-of-a-kind wok hei and shrimps. Its a well-known taste that has kept hungry customers back for generations.
Operating hours: 11 AM – 2:30 PM (Closed on Sunday)
Image credit: Instagram/danielfooddiary
Located in Batu Caves is another well known wat tan hor shop. Pan Heong is loved among local KL foodies for its wat tan hor, which is served in a grand manner with signature prawns. The wok hei of the noodles is the taste of legends and the restaurant is run like a well-oiled machine. Their service and speed is impeccable and keep crowds of hungry patrons coming back for more. Despite its viral status, this place definitely deserves the hype.
Operating hours: 8AM – 3:30PM
Image credit: Instagram/kenhuntsfood