Best Places To Eat In Section 17, Petaling Jaya

Choon Yien takes up two lots in Section 17's Happy Mansion and yet, seats fill up fast come lunch hour. The crowds are here for their Roasted Chicken (from RM7), which is what you should come for. The smooth, fleshy chicken gleams with perfectly browned skin and a sprinkling of fried garlic that adds a delicious dimension to the dish. Beneath the chicken lies a bed of beansprouts, imbued in soy sauce. Save this spot for a long lunch break with your colleagues because it's bound to end up a full-on feast. We say that with knowledge of Choon Yien's also stellar Char Siew (from RM7), sporting well-rounded layers of flesh and fat as well as a smoky char on the edges. Get also the Kai Lan (RM5), doused in the same garlicky soy sauce as the chicken. Ordering is easy — simply let the helper know how many of you are dining and she'll portion meats accordingly, alongside seasoned rice and soup for each of you.
Avg price per person: RM15

Spacious kopitiam Say Huat is laden with all-day hawker options but if you're a regular or an informed Burppler, the choice is a cinch — head straight for star stall Robert's Char Kuey Teow. Hardy hawker Robert dishes out a delectable rendition of the Penang favourite, and speaks fluent English too (a strong plus for the younger crowd). An order of Char Kuey Teow (RM7) sports plenty of prawns, lap cheong (waxed sausages) and cockles, whipped together with thin flat rice noodles and flavour-packed pork lard. This is also one of the rare stalls that open for long hours( (from 11am - 10pm), so either whizz over on your lunch break or grab a quick dinner here after work. We recommend the latter for a more enjoyable experience, since the chef often has his hands full during the lunch rush.
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burppler Anna Wong

Situated next to the morning market square, this neighbourhood stalwart draws an early crowd for its excellent variety. Catch a break on breezy mornings here with a cup of their hot Kopi (RM2.30) to jolt your senses. For breakfast, there is Kolo Mee (from RM6) that sees a tweak on the traditional Sarawakian recipe with extra garlic, pepper and charcoal-cooked char siew. Come afternoons, the queue forms for Hong Seng's Chicken Rice (RM6.50) that has developed a cult following over the years. What makes it special is the lashing of char siew sauce, a caramel-like gravy that heightens the flavours of regular roast chicken. The family rotisserie also churns out crackling Siew Yuk (roast pork, from RM7) and tender, caramelised Char Siew (from RM7), proven delicious by the sheer amount of patrons ordering them.
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burppler Rueann Dass

Every night, locals swarm Section 17's Wai Sek Kai, or food street, in search of cheap and good food with a side of hustle and bustle. For a fun supper, hit up this merry scene with a foodie friend. Adventurous first-timers will have much to try, from fusion-style Kimchi Wan Tan Mee (RM5) to warm and hearty Herbal Pan Mee (RM5.50). But if you're here for a light bite, scour the chee cheong fun stall for your favourite picks. Apart from the usual selection of Fish Ball, Fu Chuk and Chee Cheong Fun, the spread also includes blanched greens like crunchy Kangkung, all to be doused in their sweet sauce. End your night on a sweet note with Hong Kee's tong sui. From RM2.20 a bowl, the traditional dessert soups range from red bean to sweet potato, all capable of warming the belly for a good night's sleep.
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burppler Anna Wong

Amidst PJ's many banana leaf rice restaurants, Kanna Curry House holds its own with a favoured reputation. The restaurant's ample seatings — be it in the air-conditioned indoors or the leafy open-air area — add to its allure, especially for big groups. A default Banana Leaf Rice Set (RM6.90) comes with three vegetables of the day, your fill of curries (get the chicken!) as well as some papadam to boot. No meal here is complete without a side of their famous Fried Chicken (RM6.30), a massive batter-free chicken leg marinated to juicy perfection. To share, order the Squid (RM14.90), which is deep-fried upon order along streaks of sweet onion. Kanna's food are known to come with a rather hefty price tag, but the sizeable portions and spot-on flavours are well worth paying for. Burppler Shan Kow offers a pro saving tip for carnivores: "If you don't eat vegetables, order the plain rice set with curries for RM2.90."
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burppler Shan Kow

Parked by the market food court, Mustaffa's truck is a familar sighting to all of Section 17. Burpplers working nearby, zero in on this sunny afternoon stopover for rojak and cendol. Blanketed in a delicious, nutty gravy, the Rojak (from 4.50) replete with crunchy chopped fritters, hard-boiled egg and julienned cucumbers, make a great teatime snack to share. Otherwise, its mid-sized portion also passes it off as a decent light lunch. Whether you're having your bite to go or savouring it on the spot, don't forget to get an order of Cendol (from RM1.20) too! The small bowlful of plump green cendol jelly and shaved ice steeped in coconut milk and palm sugar nails a delightfully refreshing level of sweetness.
Avg price per person: RM5
Photo by Burppler Cindy Chen

If your idea of a satisfying breakfast involves a mountainous plate of chee cheong fun, you're in luck. Low-key chee cheong fun stall Tuck Kee is found in Lucky Restaurant, where it continues to be one of the coffeeshop's most-loved hawkers. The mother-son duo makes a mean Curry Chee Cheong Fun (from RM3). Expect the flat noodles to be exactly the way they should be: slippery smooth and soft to the bite. It's then embellished with your choice of add-ons (from RM0.80 per piece), from tender fu chuk to tau fu pok and even scrumptious yam cake, topped with fried shallots and dried shrimps. Runny but deeply flavoured, the curry gravy takes credit for the dish's addictive quality. We're also happy to report that on the spicy spectrum, this comes closer to sweet. In case curry doesn't suit your taste, go ahead and order it with sweet sauce (chilli optional) — it's almost as good. Other standout fare here include the Pork Ball Noodles (RM6.50) and the hand-pinched Pan Mee (RM5.50)
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burppler Taufulou Bok