The menu at this restaurant is unlike any other — think sharkfin mee sua, fried seafood rolls and abalone porridge! For tasty comforts on a rainy night, take your partner here for a warm, hearty dinner. Order the Sharkfin Mee Sua Tow (RM13 per pax). Reminiscent of real shark fin's soup, the soupy, silken noodles topped with imitation shark's fin beats the former with inviting flavours. This only gets better with a dash of vinegar. In the large crockpot, also expect to find hidden seafood gems like large prawns, fish slices and luxurious fish maw — all for just RM13! Apart from the mee sua, a must-order here is the Octopus (RM13). Steamed for a fresh, bouncy bite, the squiggly snack is invigorating when dipped into the spicy sauce it's served with. We just have to warn you that it's insanely addictive and will likely warrant another order!
Avg price per person: RM20
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh
Having been in operation for over 30 years, Village Chicken Restaurant has maintained its stellar reputation since the first day. The neighbourly haunt is decked out in red-clothed round tables and Chinese paintings — traditional vibes fit for special-occasion family dinners. The menu takes you straight to the Village Chicken (from RM18), perfectly poached and redolent of gingery flavours. This star of a dish is why oiled rice is served at this restaurant, instead of white rice, to complete the combo alongside the trademark chicken rice chili sauce. Also get the Village Stuffed Fish (from RM35). Tediously prepared, this Teochew-style interpretation of boneless ma yau yu is tasty and especially enjoyable if you're one who cringes at the thought of picking out bones (we feel you). The restaurant also makes a mean Braised Pork with Preserved Vegetables (RM22) that evokes the familiar comforts of homey eats. Avg price per person: RM25
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh
Waking up in the morning is a-ok if it is for Restoran Okay's Penang curry noodles. This stalwart stall run by a Penangite father and son duo opens early at 7.30am and sells out as soon as 9.30am. Swing by for breakfast with a colleague and 'curry' on to work! Despite its small portions, regulars come back religiously for this Curry Mee (from RM7) — an authentic representation of the popular Penang dish. Its milky orange broth meets a spoonful of potent sambal for a spicy, creamy concoction that's sure to win hearts. Coupled with a mouthwatering medley of prawns, coagulated pig's blood and cockles, the result is a noodle dish of dreams. If you arrive to a sight of uncle tilting the pot, it means you'll have to try again (earlier) next time. Thankfully, the Wanton Noodles (RM5.50) make a decent breakfast alternative!
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burppler I-Hua Lim
Set in a spacious, air-conditioned shoplot along Jalan SS2/24, Hoi Peng is where locals go for fresh seafood feasts — you should do the same, and bring friends! The decades-old restaurant specialises in crabs, bringing in the crustaceans from Indonesia where they're known to be meatier. The chef-recommended Sweet and Sour Crabs (RM7.50 for 100g) is tasty, but we adore the Ginger and Chinese Wine Steamed Crabs (RM7.50 for 100g) for complementing the crab's innate sweet flavours with fragrant rice wine and ginger. When ladled over rice, the eggy strands swimming in a slightly intoxicating broth also win points for the dish. In case you don't get enough of this soothing soup, there is also a Ginger and Rice Wine Lala (from RM15) of similar satisfaction. You will be pleased to know that like the crabs, the lala doesn't fall short of freshness. They're plump, juicy and well-worth an order.
Avg price per person: RM30
Photo by Burppler N. Keong Kao
When it comes to Chinese-style breakfast and brunch, SS2's Tang Pin Kitchen hits the spot. The cosy space offers some peace and quiet on early weekend mornings, so it's a perfect place to bring the parents! Their signature Mee Pok (RM7) comes in petite bowls, boosted by mounds of minced meat and crispy pork lard — a smooth order for noodle and pork-lovers. To seal the dish, add a runny egg for an additional RM1.20 and finish with a dollop of the housemade chili dip. For something unique, try the Fried Porridge (RM13 for two). A recipe rarely found in KL, it is done very well here to the effects of robust umami flavours. Options don't run short in their menu, so you can even start your day with Tang Pin Toast Bread (RM2.50), Yam Cake (RM3.50) or more. Just make sure to cap it off with a Signature Hainan Tea (RM3.80) — aromatic milk tea beautifully topped with a layer of fluffy foam.
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Sok Chien
Known for their wide variety and incredibly speedy service, New Paris makes the list for a tasty tai chow dinner in SS2. The thriving restaurant spans three shoplots so there is ample space for all — mark this down for your next group gathering. Be sure to order the Champagne Chicken (from RM28). Served in a watermelon bowl, the sweet-sticky chicken is delicious with rice, while the side of watermelon balls will help to refresh your palate. Also favoured here is their Salted Egg Yolk Soft Shell Crab (from RM28). The trendy dish bears pronounced salted egg yolk flavours and crunchy textures that make it great for snacking between dishes. But what really sets the restaurant apart is their unprecendented housemade sauce. The concoction sees lime, chillies, onions (and more secret ingredients) come together for a flavour-packed condiment that whets appetites! Have this with everything.
Avg price per person: RM20
Photo by Burppler Yung-Hui Lim