The past week has indeed been a historic one for fellow Malaysians – for those still living in caves, you’ll be glad to know that the mega RM21 billion MRT project has finally completed its second phase!

An incredibly efficient route that runs along a 51km journey and spanning a total of 31 stations, the Sungai Buloh-Kajang line is expected to cater to a daily ridership of 150,000 people. If you’re looking for a reason to explore this newly-launched service, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had just announced a 50 percent discount for all MRT, LRT, and Monorail users until Merdeka (31st August) in conjunction of the double joy celebration!

Being a typical Malaysian, I had only one thing in mind – FOOD TRIP! Do keep in mind this article only covers newly-opened stations from Phase 2 development, which starts from Muzium Negara and ends at Kajang.

Food, I choo-choo choose you!

Pasar Seni Station

1. Hon Kee Porridge

Opt for a traditional breakfast as a perfect kickstart to your food journey – it fills the stomach nicely without being overbearingly jelak. An establishment with a history that dates back to 1959, pair the signature Cantonese-style pork porridge along with a side order of youtiao for a deliciously sinful treat.

2. Madam Tang Mua Chee

All nuts about peanuts? One chomp on Madam Tang’s sugary coated glutinous balls is akin to eating the perfect midday snack – the soft and chewy texture guarantees for instant addiction.

3. Petaling Street Air Mata Kucing

Keep an eye out for Hong Leong Bank and you’ll reach the confines of this humble roadside stall. Wash your thirst away with the refreshingly cool lo hon gor (mata kucing) and rock sugar combo – there’s nothing like a cup of ice cold herbal tea to fuel back the energy.

Bukit Bintang Station

4. Jalan Alor

Don’t be confused if you’re walking down the street during daytime – the food offerings may be completely different from their night-time open air hawker concept. Satiate that grumbling tummy with some succulent meat from Pin Chen Hainanese Chicken Rice or opt for a deliciously slurpy feast in the form of Restaurant Gou Lou‘s signature fish head bee hoon or tomyum seafood noodle for spicy affectionados.

5. Lot 10 Hutong

Serving up a plethora of old-time hawker favourites, navigating through the maze-like layout is already an adventure on its own. All under the convenience of an air-conditioned environment, devour strands of heavenly noodles from Kin Kin Chili Pan Mee or opt for the mouth-watering fried crab meehoon dish from Wong Wok. A relatively newcomer to Lot 10 Hutong, this daichow stall’s credibility is further backed by the owner having a previous working history as Tan Sri Francis Yeoh’s personal chef!

Cochrane Station

6. Jalan Peel

Welcome the calorie overload with a finger-licking plate of Peel Road’s famous Nasi Lemak, a Chinese-style concoction of wild boar curry meat, sambal cockles, squid, and fried chicken. Burp out an aromatic whiff and proceed to dessert with a sinfully sweet bowl of lukmei from Madam Hoong’s drinks stall.

7. IKEA Cheras

When the opportunity for an IKEA food hunt presents itself, you do not back down. Chomp on signature Swedish meatballs drizzled with savoury brown sauce and lingonberry jam, or opt for the surprisingly excellent chicken chop with a side of fries and broccoli – complete with the benefits of refillable drinks, you can literally park yourself here for hours.

Maluri Station

8. Chuan Kee Hakka Restaurant

 

If you’re seeking for some authentic Hakka fare, Chuan Kee promises to live up to expectations. Do not underestimate its humble beginnings of a lowered shack – a combination of vinegar pork trotter, claypot braised mutton and Four Heavenly Kings (stir-fried long beans, okra, and brijal) is all it takes to convince you for a second visit.

9. Restaurant Char Siew Yoong

Pork lovers, unite! The mouth-watering char siew is the obvious crowd-pleaser, with melty fat caramelized into a crisp dark brown around the edges for a crackling pop in the mouth. The crispy siew yoke proves to be a worthy contender with the equal parts of lean and fatty meat delivering a satisfyingly juicy bite.

Batu 11 Cheras Station

10. Coco Steamboat

Ask any of Coco Steamboat’s regulars and they’ll recommend the pork bone broth without hesitation. A deliciously milky concoction from simmering fresh pork bones, its savoury flavour is further enhanced with Chinese cabbage, fried beancurd, yam, and evaporated milk for a creamy consistency.

11. Restaurant Red Gold Steamboat

There’s no need to take the trip down to Kuala Selangor whenever the craving for seafood hits – Red Gold Steamboat is your best bet if you’re a fellow KL-lang. Doubling up as a fresh seafood distributor, there are absolutely no qualms when it comes to the freshness and quality of their ingredients.

Must-try: Pork lard claypot crab, steamed razor clams, ala-carte fresh oysters (prices start from RM9 per piece).

Stadium Kajang Station

12. Restoran Sate Kajang Hj Samuri

A mere 2-minute walk once you disembark at the Stadium Kajang station, give yourself a pat on the back for making it this far and reward yourself with some sinfully scrumptious meat skewers.

Each stick offers a chunk-sized bite and is perfectly charred without the bitter aftertaste. Well-marinated and tender to the bone (in this case, stick), dip it in peanut sauce and chili oil for some glorious calorie coating.

13. Hong Kong Lat Thong

True to its name, Hong Kong Lat Thong serves up arguably one of the best pepper broth concoctions in the region. Regular patrons have raved about the Fah Tiew Gai (claypot chicken) dish that is further enhanced with a drizzle of aromatic Chinese rice wine.