KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 28 — The year was a flurry of takeaways which eventually gave way to dining out more often after restrictions were lifted.
With rising inflation though, many places have had to raise prices. For some, quality has also been compromised.
But not all is lost. Here's my top picks on where you can get a satisfying meal for below RM10 around the Klang Valley:
Kiew Yee Teochew Fried 'Kuey Teow'
Located within the touristy belt of Kuala Lumpur, you will find a stall that fries up one of the best char kway teow in town.
While it's not the more popular Penang style, this dark horse labelled as Teochew style beats their rivals hands down with that elusive wok hei.
It takes great skills to wield the wok to infuse simple noodles with such taste and aroma that you really don't need much ingredients. The small portion feeds you well enough for just RM7. The large portion is RM8.
If you're feeling indulgent, throw in a fried egg with an oozy centre for RM1.50 to bulk up your lunch. You won't regret it.
Tang City Food Court, 21-27, Jalan Hang Lekir, Kuala Lumpur. Open:6.30am to 2pm. Days off not fixed so call +6012-6657683 to avoid disappointment.
Hema's Kitchen
Ditch the "glamour" of dining on banana leaves for this better and more wallet-friendly option. This stall sells homestyle Indian Mixed Rice where you get a tummy satisfying meal from RM7.50 onwards.
Your plate of rice will be drizzled with your choice of curry, chicken and vegetables for RM7.50. There's also a poppadom too.
Select from three types of chicken from their chicken varuval, chicken curry or a mint chicken. The chicken varuval is my pick for its fragrant spices.
Or if you prefer, there's also ikan kembung for RM7.50 with your choice of vegetables. And if you're willing to up your budget to RM10, there's babi hutan to indulge in.
In the morning, they serve nasi lemak. Lunch is served from 10am onwards.
Restoran Hong Kee, 13, Jalan 2/27, Section 2, Petaling Jaya. Open: 7am to 3pm. Closed on Sunday. Tel:+6012-5154282
Al-Baraq Nasi Kukus Ayam Dara Berempah
With a price tag of RM7 — nasi kukus ticks the right boxes — you can fill your stomach with soft fluffy grains drizzled with gulai, sambal belacan and topped with fried chicken.
However, inflation has left a mark on this stall. Even though their price has not been adjusted upwards, the size of your fried chicken has shrunk.
Nevertheless it's still great to see people queueing up for their lunch. Just dollop more gulai and sambal belacan to amp up the flavour of that steamed rice.
Gerai No. 3, Medan Selera MBPJ, Jalan SS20/10, Damansara Kim, Petaling Jaya. Opem: 11am to 3pm. Closed on Sunday. Tel:+6011-12265765
Mee Jawa
Seek out this stall for an appetising mee Jawa where yellow noodles are paired with a sweet, spicy and sour gravy garnished with crackers and toasted peanuts. The price for the mee Jawa has been adjusted since May, it's now RM7.50 in comparison to the previous price of RM7.
The price of the big portion remains the same at RM8. If you wish to add on ingredients like pork ribs, sotong or crispy pig skin, it's an additional RM1.50. They also serve prawn mee.
Restoran Wan Shoon, 47, Jalan SS20/11, Damansara Kim, Petaling Jaya. Open: 6.30am to 2pm. Closed alternate Wednesday of the month. Tel:+6012-5758236
Danjin Dumplings 丹记 水饺面
Well hidden in the depths of Pudu, this humble one-woman operated stall churns out homestyle noodles and dumplings that have become a viral sensation.
With such dedication, the noodles are springy and delicious. Each dumpling is plump with juicy fillings and it is served in this thick, flavourful ABC soup that tastes like home.
You can also order the noodles with braised pork ribs or pig's intestines but it's the dumpling noodles for RM9 that hits the spot perfectly. Expect to wait for your food here as it can take time.
291K, Jalan Pudu, Kuala Lumpur. Open: 9.30am to 5pm (Monday to Friday), 11.30am to 5pm (Saturday and Sunday). Tel:+6016-2399961
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