Bukit Bintang's Best: Jalan Alor Eats

Said to be a popular spot amongst chefs in KL to gather after dinner service, this low-profile restaurant offers an unlikely duo of steamboat and tai chow. Convince your friends to venture a little further down Jalan Alor where you will all be rewarded with incredible Roast Pork Noodles (RM11)! Topped generously with flavourful roast pork, these al-dente egg noodles tossed in dark soy sauce will take you to noodle nirvana. If it happens to be rainy night, put on a simmering hotpot for the likes of sliced meat and fuchuk with your noodles.
Avg Price: RM25

Hidden in hawker restaurant Beh Brothers is a dish worth waking up for in Jalan Alor. Locate the Sisters' Drunken Chicken Noodles stall in the middle left section, where a chirpy Chinese uncle will take your order with glee. A bowl of his Ginger Wine Chicken Noodles will cost you a whopping RM14 but rest assured, it's worth every buck. The cloudy stock is cooked over long hours with copious amounts of rice wine and ginger, resulting in an intoxicating broth that is ladled over soft, supple mee sua (vermicelli noodles), tender chicken and ginger omelette. Whether you're alone or with a friend, come on chilly mornings and this warming meal will thoroughly satisfy. Avg Price: RM15

Smack in the middle of Jalan Alor is well-lit Meng Kee, flanked by numerous hawkers for all sorts of local eats. Come with a few supper-loving friends and sink your chopsticks into their best bet — delicious grilled fish. The dependable servers will recommend you work through the Grilled Stingray's (from RM25) charred skin to reveal a moist, tender centre. Otherwise, the Grilled Chicken Fish (from RM25) is also sure to satisfy with its crispy skin and succulent chicken-like flesh. Fret not if fish is not your thing, there's bound to be something for you in that seemingly unending list of dishes. Bak Kut Teh, Hokkien Mee, Frog Porridge — you name it! Pro tip: You can place your order with any of the waiters regardless of differing hawkers.
Avg Price: RM20
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh

Imagine having late night bite after a few drinks. Now imagine it to be a perfectly oily plate of char kuey teow, brimming with wok hei — heaven! Bring your drinking buddies to Cu Cha for a fine rendition of Penang Char Kuey Teow (RM7). Boasting crunchy beansprouts, plentiful cockles and scrambled eggy bits with thin kuey teow noodles, there's nothing more to be desired of a post-drinks supper. The restaurant located at the head of Jalan Alor also serves tantalising Honey Glazed Chicken Wings (RM3 per pair). These are distinctively different than Wong Ah Wah's famous wings, but equally good.
Avg Price: RM15
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Veronica Phua

When late afternoon brings a little quiet to Jalan Alor, head to this corner stall at the hill for a pre-dinner treat. Order the namesake Curry Noodles (RM6.50) and bring out the best in the fragrant, coconut milk-laden noodle dish by laying on the extras! We recommend the bouncy Meat Ball (RM0.90), crispy Fried Taufu Skin (RM1.20) and the centrepiece that holds all curry noodles together — fresh, juicy cockles (RM3). The humble corner is a surprisingly condusive spot to have a warming meal while enjoying the evening breeze with a friend.
Avg Price: RM10
Photo by Burppler Rueann Dass

Of Jalan's Alor two Szechuanese restaurants, TKS is the favoured pick thanks to its specialty Braised Chili Fish (from RM42). The formidable dish sees a generous portion of fish fillets and beansprouts buried under gleaming red gravy overflowing with dried chili and Szechuan peppercorns. The tongue-numbing experience must be paired with a plate of steaming hot white rice. Alternatively, attempt another course of spellbinding spice with the Szechuan Dan Dan Noodles (RM10) — springy noodles topped with minced pork in a milder version of the former gravy.
Avg Price: RM25
Photo by Burppler Rueann Dass

Brightly decked in yellow tablecloths and red chairs, Sun Chui Yuen is where families go for a hearty tai chow meal in the area. The restaurant is made popular by its fresh seafood, so much so that the crabs are still happily walking side to side in their little glass box. Watch the chef pluck out these walkers and turn them into a gorgeous plate of finger-licking good Salted Egg Yolk Crabs (RM100 per kg). A less messy choice would be the Salted Egg Yolk Prawns (from RM28) but make sure to opt for the peeled ones. The evenly battered succulent prawns balance a hint of spice with rich, buttery salted egg yolk flavours.
Avg Price: RM35

A name synonymous to Jalan Alor, the over 70-year-old Wong Ah Wah has seen the test of time. Hit up this four-lot restaurant (with an air-conditioned section for big groups) after a merry drinking session with friends. Their main attraction, the Barbecued Chicken Wings (RM3.20 per pair), always arrive glistening and lightly charred to please. Order this goodie in ample amounts and prepare to get your hands dirty, as you also dig into spicy Kam Heong Lala that's priced at a super affordable RM10! While it may be tempting to slather that luscious kam heong sauce over a bed of rice, don't fill up on carbs as more of those delicious wings await.
Avg Price: RM20
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Esther Chai