Kuala Lumpur Food
Malaysia's capital claims, as do many other large cities, to be a food paradise and to be able to provide an unparalleled range and diversity of both local and international cuisines.
Although at an international level of comparison, Kuala Lumpur is probably not the pinnacle of culinary magnificence, it is certainly true that for many Malaysians, Kuala Lumpur (or KL as it is commonly known) is a national demonstration of top quality food.
It has been said that eating could be considered a national sport, for example, and catering is certainly something that the Malaysians take great pride in. However, you will have to make an effort if you want to eat KL-style, as the array of Western chains can make it easier just to end up in TGI Friday's.
A deliberately Malaysian food diary in KL might consist of breakfast at a traditional coffee shop, or kedai kopi, which usually also have a number of hawker-style stalls, ensuring a wide variety of dishes to choose from.
These do tend to be Chinese or Indian in style, but it is worth rooting out the occasional Malay kedai kopi if you can, just to try their nasi lemak. This traditional breakfast combination is made up of coconut rice, beef 'rendang' and sambal with crisp-fried anchovies and roasted peanuts.
Brunch is often a big deal for the KLs, for which a kedai kopi is also a good spot. For something different at lunchtime, head to a city restaurant serving a buffet ? a brilliant way of trying a variety of dishes for a set (usually inexpensive) price. It is likely that there will be local dishes on offer as well as the standard international mix.
In the evening, try one of the Chinese night stalls, where the rocketing cooking flames are part of the attraction. You may even receive table service in the evening, which can be very helpful in ensuring that you're getting the best local mix of dishes and that they are served in the most appropriate way. These night hawkers often serve through the night and serve a similar purpose for clubbers as kebab shops do in London.
Geographically, must-see locations to eat in are the landmark Petronas Twin Towers, where you will be able to find the quaint Cafe Aseana. The Golden Triangle is a very Malay experience as well. It contains several 'restaurants', which each serve a multiplicity of purposes ranging from the many food stalls to karaoke and live jazz.
Further out of the city centre is the Little Penang Cafe in Mid Valley Magamall. This kedai kopi is as close as you will get to the pure Malay experience. Try the Asam Laksa or the Nasi Lemak Penang.
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Eating & Drinking
