Meals Under RM15 in SS15

SS15 folks will be happy to vouch for Uncle Soon's fried rice in corner coffeeshop Restoran Foh Foh. A popular pick in the day, the place sees crowds swarming at lunch, so make this a dinner destination instead — it's also much cooler at night. Always — we repeat — always order the Char Siew Fried Rice (from RM7). Fried in a searing hot wok, the rice is packed with fragrant wok hei in every grain. You can count on a perfectly fried oozy egg to blanket the rice, while the luscious char siew bits give it a yummy meaty flavour. The dish is plenty delicious on its own, but also try it with the side of homemade sambal belacan. Recommended by Uncle Soon himself, the gleaming red sauce adds a saltish, spicy edge to the meal.
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burppler Justin Lim

This long-standing hawker centre is a sterling stop in SS15 for lunch, especially when dining in groups. Kwai Sun's two shoplots offer plenty of space to seat your party, and the hook here is its variety in meatless mains (great for #MeatlessMondays!). The economy rice stall serves students well, with a friendly aunty doling out big portions of tasty vegetarian eats like mock char siew and braised egg. A plate of rice with three dishes will set you back between RM6-9 — a steal to fill up hungry bellies after class. Hidden in here is also a stellar stall for no meat-Nyonya noodles. Try the Mee Rebus (from RM4) that features yellow noodles drenched in a flavoursome potato gravy, topped with beancurd, fritters and fried shallots. The soupy dish is a dream on rainy days, but if you prefer your noodles fried, the Mee Goreng (from RM4) is pleasantly moist and boasts similar punchy flavours.
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burppler Erica Jioe

Having operated in the same spot for over 20 years, these guys are incredibly experienced, so it's no wonder their rendition of rojak is touted one of KL's best. Despite its sunny, streetside setting, the stall sees snaking queues every afternoon — you'd be wise to join the line for a quick, pocket-friendly lunch! Bring a colleague who doesn't mind roughing it out for good food. The rojak comes in several sizes, with options to add cuttlefish and egg for RM1 each. Go all out and get the one with the full works — after all, it's only RM6! The dish combining fried beancurd, prawn and dough fritters, julienned cucumber and turnip is slathered in an irresistible spicy nut sauce. It will be messily assembled, but delicious. For a perfect companion to your rojak lunch, order the Cendol (RM1.80) from the adjacent stall. It's simple but good, churned to refresh with a good balance between sweet palm sugar and rich coconut milk.
Avg price per person: RM10

For pork noodles in SS15, Ooi Noodle House comes to mind. Here, the owner insists on cooking each bowl on its own to preserve quality, and we can attest that the effort translates well into taste. It's also why the stalwart shop warns diners of a 40-minute wait (minimum) at lunch. Thankfully, the air-conditioned setting makes it a bearable one. Show up early before 11am to cut the waiting time short and bring a few of your foodie friends for company! Priced from RM8, each bowl is a trove of minced pork, lean pork slices, liver, intestines and crispy pork lard. These trimmings are tasty and portioned well, but the secret is in the soup. Deeply flavoured, its cloudy consistency reminds us of pork-based ramen broth. Add an egg to your bowl for RM1 — when stirred in, the wobbly yolk helps bring the soup to its full potential.
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burppler Amy Yeoh

If the idea of crispy fried chicken and curry rice makes you squeal in delight, a visit to Lim Fried Chicken is in order! This time-tested name used to operate out of a hawker stall, and has since expanded to over three standalone restaurants. The focus is on its feel-good food, so the space sees a simple and practical setup. Make it your go-to for a no-frills dinner with a friend when you need a sumptuous meal that's also affordable. Order the namesake Lim Fried Chicken Signature Combo (RM9.80), which comes with a whole chicken leg fried to juicy perfection. The rice is doused in their delicious curry gravy, and then topped with a dollop of spicy sambal to boot. For greens, choose between stir-fried cabbage and crunchy long beans with preserved soybeans — we prefer the plain cabbage for the balance it gives the already flavour-packed meal. This combination spells comfort!
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burppler Edric Lee

Set along a stretch of popular food stalls in SS15, Silva Tandoori Corner holds its own with breakfast and supper favourites alike. This airy mamak spans two lots, and the large, sharing tables make it a condusive environment for a meal with your family. If you're here in the morning, get the Appam Telur (RM2.70), an elusive dish that has become a rare find in local mamaks. Silva does the pancake plenty of justice — the appam is thin and crisp on the edges, while the soft, pillowy centre holds a delightful runny egg. When had with a side of sweet milk, this hits the spot. Also good is their Roti Jantan (RM2.20), a slightly crisp roti telur with double the eggs for a protein-loaded breakfast. This mamak's name reveals a worthy Chicken Tandoori (RM7.50), which packs a punch with its intense spice. Have this with the Garlic Naan (RM3.70) for a satiating duo that's best enjoyed at suppertime!
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh

Uncle Seng's handmade noodles are unlike any other, which is why this neighbourhood favourite commands a constant crowd. The restaurant is a stone's throw away from colleges nearby and its tables fit four comfortably — mark it down for an after-class lunch with a few mates. If it's your first time here, try the Char Siew Wanton + Deep Fried Pork Noodles (RM8). The dish presents value with a trio of meaty toppings. Expect their famed, secret recipe-noodles to be slightly thick with a chewy, udon-like texture. These are made to taste bland, which allows their housemade chili sauce to shine in flavour. Lay on, or add this sauce sparingly (depending on your tolerance for heat), and mix it with the noodles thoroughly. The result is a transformed dish, finished with a subtly spicy kick.
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burppler Priska Rafel

Located in a quieter part of SS15, this relatively new restaurant has fast become a favourite for chapati in our books. Warm, friendly service couples with charming ethnic murals, making it a suitable spot for a casual lunch with your colleagues. Look out for their set meals, with a good handful accessibly priced under RM15! Each set comes with a choice of two chapatis, naan or biryani. Without a doubt, go for the chapatis. These are quality breads, made to order and served fresh from the flat-top stove. The Tandoori Set (RM14.90) is a great choice for the tender tandoor-grilled chicken, redolent of spices. Their dhal is of the runnier sort, but be assured that this onion and lentil-filled gravy lacks little in flavour. Alternatively, pile on more gravy with a Paneer Set (RM13.90) that comes with any paneer dish of your choice. The classic palak paneer (cottage cheese with spinach) is luscious.
Avg price per person: RM15