Amidst the throng of dim sum joints dotting Puchong, it is Foo Hing that wins the favour of most. Come weekend mornings, the large hall setting fits the bill for all dim sum devotees, be it with families or friends. Take your pick from a menu of made-to-order morsels, which includes delicious classics like juicy Siew Mai (RM5) and Fried Fish Balls (RM4.50) laced with chillies. It is, however, the sharing plates that shine here. Order the Fried Radish Cake (RM6) that sees large, moreish radish cubes fried with beansprouts and chives to wok hei perfection. The Steamed Golden Paste With Custard Buns (RM5.50 for three) also nails it with firm golden buns coddling a sweet-salty oozesome centre. For a finale, get the Portuguese Egg Tart (RM2.30). Tastemaker Ben Gee describes the dessert to be a "buttery and flaky pastry shell with a creme brulee-like custard filling." These tarts are sure to leave you wanting seconds, so snag a few more to bring home with you!
Avg price per person: RM20
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Calie Tang
Tucked away along an industrial belt in Puchong, New Woo Ng is born out of the 70-year-old Woo Ng Restaurant that sees its roots in Kepong. Although this new offshoot is relatively unknown, it strives to serve stalwart Cantonese dishes in this part of town. Regulars often return citing their affordable prices, so bring a group for this treat — the colleagues for weekday lunches or the whole family for a weekend get-together. The Mellow Steamed Fish Head (RM28) is true to its name, and a dish to order here. The fleshy fish head boasts tip-top fresh flavours in a soothing concoction of herbs, rice wine and white fungus. Mellow indeed, but also delicious! For a good kick, get the popular Claypot Kangkung (RM18), crunchy water spinach tossed in the tastiest prawn paste gravy that bubbles as it arrives at your table. We also like that the menu sports a flurry of dishes we've never heard of, like the quirkily named Destructive Friends (RM28) that features pork knuckles cooked with a secret herb-heavy recipe, as well as the tasty Fried Meat (RM18) — sliced pork belly deep-fried to crispy, bacon-like curls.
Avg price per person: RM15
Recognisable by its bright green signboard, this bustling coffeeshop in Pusat Bandar Puchong houses some of the area's best hawker eats. For tasty lunch breaks with a few colleagues, head here for excellent variety and condusive seatings — arrive early if you want sit with the cool kids in the air-conditioned wing. The Wanton Mee (RM9) steals the show with its eggy noodles doused in dark soy sauce, and topped with a sprinkling of pepper. The other thing to look out for is their generous side of char siew, which straddles translucent layers of fat and smoky, charred edges. In the same section, spot the pork noodles stall with a cult following. Priced from RM6, each bowl delivers with a light but flavourful pork broth and yummy meat and offal trimmings. This remains one of Puchong's best pork noodles so expect a short wait (or a long one if it's peak hours). If the usual noodle fare doesn't cut it, go for the Nasi Lemak (from RM4) and bolster it with Luncheon Meat (RM1.50) or Pork Rendang (from RM2)!
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burppler Rueann Dass
Kong Sai reigns as Puchong's top chicken rice contender, so here's where you should go for your next family dinner! The environment is favourable, whether you get a table in the air-conditioned indoors or outdoors where it's cool in the evenings. Head straight for the Village Chicken (from RM14), a no-frills poached chicken that relies on its silky smooth flesh to arouse tastebuds. Topped with heaps of fresh coriander, the dish is a perfect companion to their deeply flavoured oiled rice. For a flavour boost, look to the restaurant's specialty sauces. Both the trademark chicken rice chilli sauce as well as a unique concoction made of chopped ginger, scallions and coriander are key to Kong Sai's success. Apart from chicken, there is also a popular dish of Braised Curry Pork Ribs (RM13) that comes in a lush curry sauce. Otherwise, finish dinner with nourishing soups. The soothing Herbal Black Chicken Soup (RM8) is quick to sell out, thanks to its sweet, soothing notes sure to remind you of home.
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh
It takes intentional effort to find this hidden gem of a banana leaf house, but trust us, the meal will prove worthwhile. A spinoff from Chakra Catering, the mess hall takes up a small second-floor space that fits 20 people at most. Come with a friend for company, and be prepared to share the long table with (usually) friendly strangers. Once seated, a Banana Leaf Set (RM6) is swiftly served alongside your choice of white rice or Indian parboiled rice — we suggest the latter for a healthier alternative that's still very fulfilling. The set comes with four vegetables of the day, all on rotation except the mango patchadi (chutney) that's a permanent favourite. Pray that the curry of the day is crab, for its fresh, spicy flavours are stunning. For sides, be sure to get the Mutton Varuval (RM5) if it's available. The mutton chunks are tender, flavoursome and tell-tale of the aromatic spices they've been cooked in. Pro tip: Visit on Fridays, when the set comes with two additional vegetable dishes as well as vadai and payasam (vermicelli with sweet sago) for just an extra RM1.
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burppler Rueann Dass
Here's an unassuming nook for foolproof breakfasts in Puchong! Kopitiam Kaki Bukit was first opened to cater to nearby hikers but has now become a regular spot for breakfast buffs from all walks. Located by the hill, the cafe-like space is blessed with breeze and zen vibes that are perfect for quiet mornings with a loved one. The must-order here is a Roti Goyang (RM4) that sees two wobbly soft-boiled eggs atop a thick, crisp toast slathered in margerine. For an even heartier Malaysian breakfast, grab a packet of Nasi Lemak Bungkus (RM2). The warm mound of fragrant rice meets spicy sambal and half a hard boiled egg — simple yet oh so satisfying. Also slurp on a cup of hot Kopi O (RM2.50) to jumpstart the day. The locally roasted beans lend its robust tastes to awaken senses. If not, a Kopi Peng (RM3) that melds sweet condensed milk, coffee and ice cubes will do the trick. In the afternoon, daily set lunches like pasta and rice meals (from RM8.50) are available.
Avg price per person: RM5
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh
This oldtime Chinese restaurant in Bandar Puteri is where delicious roasts and tai chow meet under one roof. While previously a little rundown, the shoplot has since gotten a revamp and now boasts air-conditioning and large round tables to accommodate group lunches! Come for the Herbal Roasted Duck (from RM23) that tempts tastebuds with crispy-skinned duck steeped in a herbal broth. This is the only place in Puchong to offer this dish, so don't be afraid to up the portion and savour it while you're here. The Char Siew (from RM15) also deserves a mention for its lustrous, caramelised cuts. From the wok, order the crowd's perennial favourite La Chi Prawns (RM25). The affordable seafood dish comes glazed in a bright orange spicy sauce that beckons for another bowl of rice — we warned you! Asking for seconds will be easy. As a quaint feature, waitstaff push a small cart around to dole out steaming hot rice.
Avg price per person: RM15
Despite being nestled in the deeper parts of Puchong in Batu 14, this yong tau foo restaurant still garners a consistent crowd. Weekends here will guarantee a wait in the snaking queue and, considering its hot location under the sun, we recommend you swing by on quieter weekdays instead. Gather the colleagues for the tasty, pocket-friendly lunch. Yong Tau Foo (RM1.40 a piece) options run from an ultra-crispy fried fuchuk to melt-in-your-mouth soft tofu and positively greasy fried eggplant, all beefed up with their fresh, handmade fish paste. Have these with rice or jazz it up with the establishment's many noodle options — there is Chee Cheong Fun (RM1), Curry Noodles (RM6) and even Pan Mee (RM5.80). For a place that prides itself on its yong tau fu, the pan mee is surprisingly good, swimming in a broth filled with sweet potato leaves. Try also their Bowl Cake (RM1.60), steamed rice cake with preserved radish, set in a yin-yang mixture of sweet and chilli sauce.
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burppler Penny Wong