Best Places To Eat In Brickfields

Tucked away on Jalan Vivekananda, Money's Corner and its select food court fare will come through for a penny-pinching meal. What's more, the location within a parking area means you'll never have to worry about finding a spot. It's essential you try Peter's Pork Noodle at least once, especially if you spot semi-retired proprietor Peter in action. A bowl of his Pork Noodles (RM6.50) features plenty of minced pork, mixed innards and the cloudy, comfort-giving broth that boasts a delicate sweetness. Although the same stall also operates in the nearby Restoran One Sentral, it is this Money's Corner 'original' that holds their claim to fame. For a rice alternative, Tastemaker Brian suggests hitting up Moorthy's Mathai for a handsome Banana Leaf Rice (from RM6.50) spread. The deeply flavoured curries — especially the fish and chicken — have the perfectly runny consistency to ladle over rice. Also consider upping your quota on greens with the Fried Bitter Gourd (from RM2), thinly sliced for an extremely crispy bite.
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burppler Amayzing

A quest to find Brickfields' best biryani brings us to Hyderabad Biryani House, an unassuming hideaway located off Jalan Berhala. There is no proper signage, so let the smell of spicy masala lead the way to the nondescript setup sporting large aluminium pots of freshly cooked biryani. Try the sought-after Chicken Biryani (RM12), ladled onto a plate with onions, cucumber, a lime wedge, peanut curry and raita on the side. Cooked in layers with masala mix, meat and a touch of milk and saffron, the yellow-tinted long grains emerge soft and aromatic. Every so often, you'll scoop up a large chunk of rice-dotted chicken that supplies a shock of umami. The secret lies with their Hyderabadi cook, who developed the recipe from scratch to replicate flavours from home using local ingredients. He also recommends their Brinjal Kurma (RM3), velvety eggplant in a spicy sauce. Pro tip: Small eaters should order their half-portion biryani, which takes RM4 off the bill for a cheaper, waste-free meal.
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh

Built upon years of dishing out his decadent pisang goreng, Uncle Chiam's reputation in Brickfields is nothing short of stellar. Come late afternoons, the deep-fried fruit (it almost sounds healthy!) is great fuel to get you through the day. The queue begins as early as 3pm but fret not, you won't have to wait long. Helped by his wife and kids, Uncle is constantly lifting fresh spoils off the wok. The Pisang Goreng (RM1.40) features local pisang raja known to crop sweeter flesh. We credit the sheer lusciousness of this humble snack to its perfect ratio of banana to batter. There are also irresistibly gooey Kuih Bakul (glutinous rice cake, RM1.30), Curry Puffs (RM1.50) and Sesame Balls (RM1.30), all hallmarked by their fresh quality. The latter earns a special mention for its rotund size and sugary filling of crushed peanuts, which Burppler Priska adores. Bonus: Uncle Chiam caters to events too, so if you can't get enough of these morsels, take them to your next shindig!
Avg price per person: RM5

Jazz up those nothing-special work days at Sin Kee, where lunch is promptly served between noon to 2:15pm. For those two hours, the old but very well-kept shophouse transforms into a bustling daytime dive serving their one-of-a-kind signature dish: Sin Kee Steam Rice (RM10). Carefully (it's hot) lift that overturned bowl to reveal a bed of sauce-smothered rice splendidly topped with pork, seafood, sausages, egg and greens — the poster child of comfort food. The sweet, briny flavours come through thanks to its winning sauce, stewed to perfection over long hours. Apart from the foolproof favourite, the stalwart restaurant also cooks up a ravishing Hainanese Chicken Chop (RM14) loyal to its name, doused in a tasty gravy alongside peas, fried potatoes and onions. On your return visit, go off-course and try some of Sin Kee's also delicious tai chow dishes — the Nam Yu Ribs (RM23), Butter Cream Chicken (RM25) or the market-fresh Sweet & Sour Fried Garoupa (seasonal).
Avg price per person: RM15

When it comes to banana leaf rice, one is spoiled for choice in these parts. But for us, it is Vishal Food & Catering that outshines the many other Chettinad-style restaurants with its excellent eats. The clean, orderly setting is a strong plus too! Since the space is set up mess-hall style with long tables, make this a group outing — perhaps with the whole family for a banana leaf rice blowout. Each Vege Meal set will set you back RM5.50, a small price to pay for the bounty of rice, vegetables, curries and papadam. The flavoursome rasam is an optional but free side, and we strongly urge that you go for it. For something with more spunk, try Vege Biryani Set (RM8) that comes with fragrant long grains, raita, dhal and papadam. From the tray of meat dishes, the tender, tasty Chicken Paratal (RM6) and Lamb Varuval (RM12) reign high on our list of must-haves. Guzzle down a glass of fresh, creamy Mango Lassi (RM5.50) for dessert.
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burppler Jonathan Ooi

This cosy little kopitiam in Brickfields makes us very happy, and not just because it's named as such. Albeit small, it houses a handful of reliable options for a no-frills workday meal. First off, the deliciously filled paus make for a quick breakfast fix. It's piping hot on the spot, but we like getting it to go — it allows more time to enjoy peeling the skin to reveal the warm fillings within. Choose between the subtly savoury Vegetarian Pau (RM1.90) or a more indulgent Char Siew Pau (RM2.20). As the morning dwindles, the mixed rice spread sees a surge in variety. Just before noon is the best time to hit this stall for first dibs. A balanced rice (or porridge) meal comprising a meat, vegetable and an egg or tofu dish should come up to RM6 or RM7 — what a steal. Alternatively, visit the roast meats stall for a simple Chicken Rice (from RM5.50), replete with add-on options like braised egg, tofu or some of that yummy gravy for dousing. The joint is always busy at lunch hour, which means knowing diners will waste no time lingering in here. Do the same and all shall be happy.
Avg price per person: RM10

Fronted by a teh tarik-pulling mascot (an old knickknack that once belonged to Steven's Corner), Little India's Chat Masala risks coming off as a tacky tourist spot. But from one Burppler to another, we say let their food prove otherwise. Stop by on slow mornings to have a Dosai (RM2.50) for breakfast. It's warm, a tad tart from fermentation and sufficiently crisp on the edges. In case gravy is not served with your dosai at once, don't forget to ask for dhal and some coconut chutney to seal the deal. The eatery also cooks up North Indian bites that are more affordable than most. The Gobi Manchurian (cauliflower, from RM8) covered in a mildly spicy red sauce is not exactly conventional, but nevertheless delicious. So is the Palak Paneer (from RM9), spinach gravy sporting bits of crumbly cottage cheese. Like the name suggests, there is also a supply of sweet 'chat' for those who enjoy a saccharine snack. All in all, the flavours and competitive prices will get you past the fact that everything is served on a flimsy plastic plate.
Avg price per person: RM10

Alongside some of Brickfield's oldest structures, this ABC stall has withstood the test of time. The convenient stop offers an afternoon tonic for pedestrians — in other words, the area's many students and tourists. At RM4.50 a bowl, the sweet delicacy conceals corn, red bean, cincau and cendol jelly hidden beneath an avalanche of syrupy shaved ice, all of which comes together for a wonderfully colourful and cooling treat. Ah Keong, his wife or a helper takes the wheel (at the ice machine), happily churning out countless bowls of ABC all day. For something less indulgent but equally refreshing, order the Cendol Ice (RM2.20) or even better, a glass of Coconut Juice (RM3). With a seating capacity of two tables in total, seats will be snapped up quick — don't hesitate to share a table with strangers. Who knows? Combating the heat over a cold dessert together might just be a very cool way to make new friends.
Avg price per person: RM5