If you’re a true Malaysian foodie, you’d definitely heard debates on where to get the best Ipoh hor fun. The noodle soup dish is one of Malaysia’s most iconic dishes alongside laksa and curry noodles. Luckily, Ipoh hor fun (also known as ‘Kai Si Hor Fun’) is widely available around KL and Selangor, and you don’t have to travel far to savour the best. Here are our picks of the most authentic kopitiams and hawkers serving it in the Klang Valley.
‘Kai Si’ Hor fun is a dish consisting of kuey teow noodles, a strong chicken broth, shredded chicken, and prawns. The soup gets its signature orange colour by being boiled with prawn heads. The noodles are cooked with the boiling broth and are topped with shredded chicken, shrimps, chives, and shallots. The dish is usually eaten with a portion of Ipoh steamed chicken and bean sprouts.
This deceptively simple dish has left a lasting impression on generations of Malaysians. It’s origins from Ipoh have also generated interest in the state’s food scene, becoming a source of pride for every Ipoh-rian. It is also the favourite Malaysian dish of Oscar-winning Ipoh-born actress Michelle Yeoh.
When visiting Ipoh on a food pilgrimage, hor fun is definitely a dish you must try. People often visit famous hawker restaurants that have perfected the recipe for generations. Some of these spots include Thean Chun Coffeeshop, Kong Heng Coffeeshop, and Restoran Moon De Moon.
However, what if you don’t want to brave the three-hour drive to Ipoh this weekend? Thankfully, there are many restaurants in KL and Selangor that serve the best Ipoh hor fun that can match the original! Read on to find out where you can enjoy this homey comforting bowl of Malaysian cuisine.
8 places to get the best Ipoh hor fun in KL and Selangor
(Hero image credit: Instagram/fanny_ho3021 / Feature image credit: Instagram/wong_zhi_noodle_house_balakong)
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Restoran 2323Restoran 2323 specialises in a pure, clean-white ribbon of flat rice noodles. The broth carries a gentle sweetness and a subtle umami that pairs well with the shredded chicken and shrimp. The shredded chicken is tender and fibrous, offering a delicate chew that contrasts with the silkiness of the noodles. Eating a bowl here is a smooth experience, with a warm and comforting broth, making it feel like a refined version of the classic Ipoh style. This place opens and closes early, so we’d recommend you come here in the morning so you don’t miss a bowl.
Operating hours: 7AM – 2:30PM (Closed on Sundays)
Image credit: Instagram/pingcoombes
Website here
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Wong Zhi Noodle HouseAt Wong Zhi Noodle House the signature kai-si hor fun delivers an aromatic broth, rich with prawn oil and a deep savoury base. The flat rice noodles are sourced from a trusted factory in Ipoh and feature a smoothness and slippery texture that complements the broth beautifully. The shredded chicken sits lightly atop the noodles, complemented by bright spring onion slivers, and prawns add bursts of briny flavour. Wong Zhi also has outlets in SS15 and Puchong Jaya, making it a welcome spot among Subang-ites.
Operating hours: 7AM – 3PM
Image credit: Instagram/wong_zhi_noodle_house_balakong
Address : 6, Jalan 10/125d, Desa Petaling, 57100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala LumpurPhone : 017-807 3188
Website here
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Restaurant Chong Thoong KeeRestaurant Chong Thoong Kee has been serving up classic Ipoh hor fun for a long time. The broth offers a medium-sweet prawn essence, layered with chicken stock warmth. The combo of sliced chicken (rather than heavily shredded) makes it a heartier meal, the prawns are plump and juicy. Fried shallots or spring onion garnish adds a light crisp. Many have called this place their go-to for Ipoh kai si hor fun in KL and it’s not hard to see why.
Operating hours: 11AM – 4PM
Image credit: Instagram/wendyfullworld_
Address : 18-2 JLN WAN KADIR 1 TMN TUN DR ISMAIL 60000 KUALA LUMPUR townships, 16g, Jalan Wan Kadir 1, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala LumpurPhone : 012-390 3707
Website here
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Restoran MJ WangLocated in Sea Park, Petaling Jaya, Restoran MJ Wang is famous around town for their signature kai si hor fun. It’s hearty broth is elevated through chicken stock with bones and herbs. With fresh prawns and shredded chicken the noodles here are well balanced. Among the other famous dishes served in the hawker stall like char kuey teow, beef noodles, and nasi lemak, people still turn to this comforting bowl for a satisfying lunch.
Operating hours: 6AM – 6PM
Image credit: Instagram/blueskiescottonclouds
Address : 1, Jalan 21/17, Sea Park, 46300 Petaling Jaya, SelangorPhone : 019-222 5198
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Chan Hainam KopitiamIn the heart of Cheras, Chan Hainam Kopitiam is another place famous for its kai si hor fun. Served in a generous portion with lots of broth and prawn juice, it is quite famous among Cheras foodies. The soup is flavourful and packed with hearty chicken flavour and the noodles give this dish a wonderful texture. The prawns served are also fresh and juicy. Served in a clean environment where you can enjoy other classic kopitiam snacks and drinks, this makes it a perfect brunch spot.
Operating hours: 6AM – 3:30PM
Image credit: Instagram/chanhainamkopitiam_2020
Address : 1, Jalan Cengkeh, Taman Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala LumpurPhone : 010-367 9896
Website here
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Makan TimeThis family-run restaurant in Kota Damansara serves up local delights with a lot of heart. Their hor fun is served in a large metal bowl and is known for the broth’s prawn flavour. Leaning more into briny notes, the broth is not too salty and not too spicy either. It’s a much more subtle base to allow other ingredients like the noodles and prawns to shine. This place is another wonderful brunch spot if you’re craving classic Malaysian dishes.
Operating hours: 7:30AM – 12:30PM (Closed on Sunday)
Image credit: Instagram/makantime2.0
Phone : 013-323 9366
Website here
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Yat Yat Seng RestaurantWith outlets at Megah Rise Mall, 1Utama, and TrionKL, Yat Yat Seng is a familiar restaurant to PJ folk. Their bowl of hor fun is praised for its smooth noodles and well-balanced flavours. The flat rice noodles are silky yet firm and their broth offers a nice sweetness with a strong body of chicken flavour Fresh prawns and shredded chicken rest on top, the former offering a crisp bite and the latter a soft, yielding texture. Overall, it feels like a classic version of the dish: crisp, comforting, and fully-flavoured.
Operating hours: 10AM – 10PM
Image credit: Instagram/kevin_laich
Address : Lot G619 & G620, Ground Floor, E Street, One Utama Shopping Centre, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, SelangorPhone : 012-511 3043
Order here
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O&S RestoranAnother popular kopitiam in Petaling Jaya, O&S Restoran is also known for its hor fun stall. Served with a broth that registers clearly of prawn and chicken, offering a flavourful base without being to heavy. The flat rice noodles are smooth and allowed the broth to coat each strand nicely. Their prawns were also surprisingly fresh and gave a wonderful texture that complemented the shredded steamed chicken. O&S may be known for its Penang char kuey teow and wan tan mee, but do not miss out on it’s Ipoh hor fun!
Operating hours: 6AM – 3PM
Image credit: Instagram/ipohchicken_horfun
Address : 39, Jalan 20/14, Taman Paramount, 46300 Petaling Jaya, SelangorWebsite here
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
