Kuala Lumpur Food Review: Shawarma, Chicken Rice and Burgers
Part of The Digital Nomad City Guide: Where to Stay, Eat and Get Around
What we liked
- Huge variety at low prices
- Strong Middle Eastern and Indian options
- Fast delivery around Chow Kit
What we didn't
- Delivery fees add up
- Halal-only at many spots means no pork
- Quality varies by branch
Quick take
I ordered from around a dozen KL spots on GrabFood while staying near Chow Kit. The range is huge, and Middle Eastern food is one of the city’s best-value categories.
The spots
- Shawarma Baba, Habibi Damascus, Qazi. Shawarma, grilled meats and Middle Eastern plates; generous portions.
- Chicken Rice 988. Hainanese chicken rice, one of Malaysia’s signature dishes.
- NZ Curry House. Indian-Muslim curries and rice; a 24-hour KL institution.
- Sushi Tokyo. Budget sushi sets.
- NY Patty ‘n Toast. Burgers and toasties; ordered three times.
- Sausage KL, Twelve Burger, JS Western, Heritage Bites, Nomi Kitchen. Western comfort food at local prices.
- Boost Juice. Smoothies when you need something cold.
Price & value
Most meals run about RM 10 to 45 (roughly $2 to $10). Excellent value for the variety.
“In KL, order the chicken rice and the shawarma. Then explore everything in between.”
Reggie R.
Why KL is a food city for remote workers
Kuala Lumpur blends Malay, Chinese, Indian and Middle Eastern cooking, and delivery covers almost all of it cheaply. For long stays, that variety keeps meals interesting without a kitchen. Stay central at Chambers Residence and order via Grab.
Ordering smarter in KL
Many restaurants are halal, so pork dishes are rarer; Chinese spots fill that gap. Order Middle Eastern platters for two, check promos in the app, and try hawker centers in person for even lower prices.
FAQ
What should I try first in KL?
Hainanese chicken rice and a nasi lemak breakfast.
Is food delivery cheap?
Most meals land around RM 10 to 45.
Is there good Middle Eastern food?
Yes, it’s one of the city’s best-value categories.
My pick
Order Chicken Rice 988 for KL’s signature Hainanese chicken rice, then a Shawarma Baba platter for two, the city’s best-value category.
How I scored it
The 4.5-out-of-5 score combines my own orders with what diners report across delivery apps and review sites, weighed on taste, value and how well the food travels. Read the full method on the editorial policy page.
3 tips to get the most out of it
- Order chicken rice ‘roasted and steamed mixed’. You get both styles in one plate.
- Get shawarma platters for two. They’re cheaper per person than single wraps and travel better.
- Order from NZ Curry House late. It’s open 24 hours and still fast when everything else closes.
Who it’s for (and who should skip it)
Good for anyone staying in central KL. Skip delivery if you’re near a hawker center; it’s even cheaper in person. This is one piece of the Digital Nomad City Guide, which covers where to stay, eat and get around in a new city.
Bottom line
KL delivers some of the best-value food in Asia. Start with chicken rice and a shawarma platter.
Our experience, in combination with what others say.
