Where to get the best lontong in KL and PJ for your Ramadan feast

Any Malaysian foodie has bound to come across the famed lontong. This hearty dish made of compressed rice cakes and creamy broth is a comfort food for many Malaysians. As Ramadan approaches, you may be wondering where to find this dish to quell your fasting cravings this coming Ramadan. Well, read on to find out our guide to finding the best lontong in KL and PJ.

What is lontong?

Here in Malaysia lontong is a dish that is made out of ketupat, a steamed compressed rice cake wrapped in pandan leaves. It is unclear if the dish originated in Indonesia or Malaysia, but it is fact that it was served traditionally when Islam was introduced to Java around the 12th century. In Indonesia lontong refers to the steamed rice in a cylinder. While in Malaysia the cylindrical rice cake is called nasi himpit (meaning pressed rice in Malay).

The dish itself contains sliced nasi himpit, sambal belacan, sayur lodeh (a coconut milk-based veggie soup), and boiled eggs. The main ingredients are served in a bowl and garnished with fried tempeh, tofu, and peanut sauce. Because of it’s close association with ketupat, it is also commonly eaten with satay.

During the fasting season, lontong is one of the go-to dishes when breaking fast with family. The restaurants that sell this classic dish have been around the KL and PJ area for years. It is also common for long lines and queues to form around this season, as lontong is best eaten fresh. If you’re looking to find the best lontong in KL and PJ that just hits the spot, read on to find out our recommendations.

8 places to get the best lontong in KL and PJ this Ramadan

(Hero image credit: Getty Images/Rozita Turut / Feature image credit: Instagram/ollella_singapore)

1 /8

Tucked in TTDI, Warong Din delivers a polished take on traditional Malay comfort food. Its lontong is well-balanced and restrained, featuring neatly cut rice cakes served with a creamy coconut-based lodeh that is aromatic without being overly rich. The vegetables retain their bite, and the sambal adds warmth rather than sharp heat. Served alongside other classic Malay dishes, this version of lontong is favourite among TTDI residents.

Operating hours: 7AM – 10PM

Image credit: Warong Din

2 /8

A cornerstone of Kampung Baru’s breakfast scene, Alfiyah Lontong Jawa Asli is deeply rooted in Javanese culinary tradition. The lontong here has firm, compact rice cakes immersed in a fragrant coconut gravy tinged with turmeric and spices. Toppings such as crispy tempeh, sambal, and vegetables create a robust interplay of textures and flavours. Rich yet comforting, this is a dish that leans heavily into tradition, served in a no-frills setting where the focus remains firmly on the food.

Operating hours: 7AM – 1PM (Closed on Mondays)

Image credit: Instagram/jaymuzahar

3 /8

This modest stall offers a straightforward, deeply satisfying rendition of lontong that prioritises substance over embellishment. The rice cakes are soft and generously portioned, paired with a coconut gravy that is savoury and gently spiced. The dish is often enhanced with classic condiments such as sambal, fried tofu, and vegetables, resulting in a hearty meal that feels homely and familiar. Its simplicity is precisely what makes it enduringly appealing.

Operating hours: 6:30 AM–12:30PM (Closed on Tuesday)

Image credit: Instagram/mohdhafizudin

4 /8

Gerai Mak Yah is synonymous with old-school lontong in Petaling Jaya, offering a version that is indulgent and generously portioned. The sayur lodeh is thick and creamy, coating the rice cakes with a lush coconut richness. Fried tempeh, tofu, boiled egg, and vegetables add depth and texture, while the sambal delivers a satisfying kick. Served early in the day, this is a scrumptious breakfast to keep you fueled throughout the day.

Operating hours: 7AM – 10AM (Closed on Monday and Tuesday)

Image credit: Instagram/esnorniza

5 /8

A stalwart in the gerai scene, Restoran D’Chow Kit presents lontong in a comfortable restaurant setting, ideal for those seeking traditional flavours without the bustle of a hawker stall. The lontong lodeh here is smooth and well-seasoned, with tender vegetables and evenly cut rice cakes that absorb the gravy effectively. The flavours are balanced and consistent, making it a dependable choice within a menu of Malay and Indonesian dishes.

Operating hours: 8AM – 12AM

Image credit: Instagram/restorandchowkit

6 /8

Located in the same food court as Gerai Mak Yah, Gerai Cek Nor Citra Rasa offers a more elaborate and topping-heavy version of lontong. The dish is layered with peanut sauce, serunding kelapa, sambal, and optional additions such as beef rendang or paru. The result is bold and deeply savoury, with contrasting textures that make each mouthful distinctive. This version caters to those who enjoy their lontong rich, complex, and generously garnished.

Operating hours: 7AM – 12PM (Closed Monday to Thursday)

Image credit: Instagram/azmir44

7 /8

Gerai Pak Samad serves a classic Kampung Baru-style lontong that is comforting in its simplicity. Soft rice cakes are paired with a lighter coconut gravy, sambal, boiled egg, and fried tofu, with optional seafood or offal additions. The flavours are strong and familiar, evoking a traditional kampung breakfast that can be savoured by the whole family.

Operating hours: 6AM – 6PM

Image credit: Facebook/Amal Omar

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Kafe Bawang Merah offers a cafe-style environment for enjoying lontong beyond the typical morning hours. Its version is lighter and more broth-forward, featuring a thinner coconut gravy complemented by spicy sambal and neatly prepared toppings. Served in a casual dine-in setting, this is a convenient and approachable option for those seeking authentic lontong in a cosy restaurant setting.

Operating hours: 9AM – 6PM (Closed on Sunday)

Image credit: Facebook/Kafe Bawang Merah