As the scorching heat of El Nino continues to grip Malaysia, many Malaysians are seeking refuge indoors, relying on the cool comfort of air conditioning to survive the relentless sun. With weather experts predicting that El Nino will persist until the end of the year, people have been advised to minimise their exposure to the harsh rays by staying indoors as much as possible.
During this sweltering period, Malaysians have come up with creative dishes to beat the heat without incurring exorbitant electricity bills. And true to their cultural inclination, one of the popular coping mechanisms is turning to food for comfort and relief. Malaysians have always found solace and joy in their diverse culinary offerings, and this time is no exception.
To help fellow Malaysians combat the intense heat and avoid sunstroke, here are 10 delicious dishes you can find in the Klang Valley that are not only satisfying but also provide respite from the scorching temperatures.
1. Fatty Loong ABC – Ais Kacang
One of the best ways obviously is by chomping on some ice kacang! It has every quintessential item you need to beat the heat; shaved ice, syrup and nuts. If you’re in the Klang Valley on the lookout for some good ice kacang, where else but Fatty Loong ABC Ice Kacang in Kepong?
Fatty Loong has been a crowd favourite for its exceptionally smooth ice and special Gula Melaka. Apart from the traditional components like red beans and grass jelly, Fatty Loong takes their ABC to the next level by incorporating distinctive additions such as cendol and Nata de coco jelly. These unique fillings infuse the dessert with a playful and invigorating twist, elevating its overall flavour profile. The combination of various textures and a symphony of flavours culminate in a gratifying and delightful dessert, making it the ultimate antidote to combat the relentless heat.
Kepong Baru, 52100 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Daily: 4.30pm – 10.30pm
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2. The Table, iSetan – Cold Soba
Cold soba noodles have a high water content, which helps in beating the heat and keeping you cool. Staying hydrated is crucial during hot weather as it helps regulate body temperature and prevents dehydration.
If you happen to be in Kuala Lumpur and are looking for a delectable cold soba noodle experience, iSetan’s The Table Restaurant is highly recommended. iSetan is renowned for its exceptional culinary offerings, and its cold soba noodles stand out for their superior quality and taste. What makes them even more remarkable is that they are meticulously made from scratch in-house, ensuring freshness and authenticity.
At iSetan, the chefs take great pride in the art of soba–making. They skillfully craft the soba noodles using traditional techniques and top-quality ingredients. The result is a satisfying bowl of cold soba noodles with a delightful texture and flavour that is sure to please any palate. Whether you’re a soba aficionado or someone who simply appreciates a delicious and refreshing meal, iSetan’s cold soba noodles are a must-try culinary delight in Kuala Lumpur.
Lot 10 Shopping Centre, ISETAN The Japan Store 4th Floor, 50 Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+603 2141 7777
Daily: 11am – 11pm
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3. Thai Somtam Seafood – Som Tam
No dish helps you beat the heat like a fresh salad and steering away from regular salads is fresh salad, directly from Thailand. This Thai green papaya salad is spicy, tangy, and refreshing. It typically includes shredded green papaya, tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and a dressing made from lime juice, fish sauce, and chilli peppers.
To have the best som tam in Klang Valley, try Thai Somtam Seafood located at Jalan Alor. Thai Somtam Seafood is a hidden gem that offers an extensive menu of beloved dishes, expertly prepared by a team of highly experienced Thai chefs.
Thai Somtam Seafood stands out from its surroundings by capturing the essence of authentic Thai flavours. Despite its unassuming appearance, this restaurant has garnered a reputation for delivering mouthwatering Thai street food that transports diners to the vibrant streets of Thailand. The talented chefs at Thai Somtam Seafood bring their expertise and passion to every dish they create, ensuring an unforgettable culinary experience for patrons.
79, Jalan Berangan, Bukit Bintang, 50200, City Center , Kuala Lumpur
+6011 3333 5293
Daily: 1pm – 2am
4. Kung Jung Korean Restaurant – Bibim Naengmyeon
For the unversed, Bibim Naengmyeon is a Korean dish consisting of cold, chewy buckwheat noodles topped with a spicy sauce, julienned vegetables, and a boiled egg. It is a popular choice during hot summers in Korea and provides a flavourful and cooling experience.
There’s no dearth of good Korean food in the Klang Valley but bibim naengmyeon can be a slightly tough find. Well, turns out this humble little restaurant located in Jalan Brinjal is exceptionally famous for their Bibim Naengmyeon! Kung Jung Korean Restaurant, besides its authentic Korean BBQ, also prides itself on its niche Korean cuisine.
Kung Jung Korean Restaurant has earned its reputation as a go-to spot for Korean food enthusiasts seeking an authentic and satisfying dining experience. While their Korean BBQ steals the spotlight, it’s their dedication to serving Bibim Naengmyeon that has garnered significant attention.
With a deep understanding of the dish’s traditional flavours and preparation techniques, the skilled chefs at Kung Jung Korean Restaurant ensure that each serving of Bibim Naengmyeon is a harmonious symphony of taste and texture.
Lot No 3.1 Level 3 PNB Perdana, Jln Binjai, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+603 2166 7181
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2pm & 5.30pm – 9.30pm
Closed on Sun
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5. Gado-Gado Enak – Gado-Gado
This classic Indonesian dish is perfect for our unnatural summer as it’s made with a variety of blanched or steamed vegetables such as bean sprouts, cabbage, green beans, and potatoes. The vegetables are dressed with a peanut sauce and garnished with fried tofu, tempeh, and boiled eggs.
Warung Gado-Gado Enak in Jalan Segambut is a Malaysian favourite for its bakso and gado-gado. A Google review mentioned that while the taste is authentic, the waiting time can be a tad bit long considering each dish is meticulously made.
Besides their gado-gado and bakso, patrons also highly recommend their satay, owing to its yummy meat and marinade.
22222, Jalan Segambut, Segambut, 51200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
+6013 807 6692
Fri to Wed: 10am – 10pm
Closed on Thu
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6. Chilled Tofu – DIY
Who doesn’t love a good, soft tofu right? So, chilled tofu is such a simple dish to help you beat the heat, we’d recommend you to DIY them at home (more reasons to avoid the heat!).To make the best-chilled tofu, start by draining a package of soft tofu and placing it on a plate. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and grated ginger to create a flavourful dressing.
Pour the dressing over the tofu, ensuring it covers the entire surface, and then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavours meld and the tofu chill. Before serving, garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or chopped cilantro for added freshness. Enjoy the chilled tofu as an appetizer or side dish, and consider pairing it with steamed rice for a more substantial meal. This simple recipe allows you to recreate the delicate and satisfying experience of chilled tofu in your own kitchen, avoiding the summer heat while indulging in its creamy goodness.
7. An Viet – Bún Chả
When it comes to Vietnamese dishes, we usually associate it with pho or banh mi but bún chả is a true hidden gem. This dish features grilled pork served with cold rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce. It’s a light and flavourful dish that is commonly eaten in Vietnam during hot weather.
To find yummy bún chả in the Klang Valley, we’d recommend you to try An Viet. Said to be the “closest to the one they’ve tasted in Vietnam”, this Vietnamese restaurant serves Viet food that has also been catered to the Malaysian palette. Best part? You don’t have to worry about travelling to an obscure location to secure your bún chả. An Viet has outlets across the Klang Valley from The Gardens Mall all the way to Paradigm mall!
8. Dindigul Thalappakatti Restaurant – Raita
Briyani on a hot day might be a little out there but you know what isn’t? Briyani’s best friend, raita! Raita is a yoghurt-based side dish or condiment made with grated cucumber, tomatoes, mint, and spices, aka the perfect dish to beat the heat!
You can typically find this at any Indian restaurant that serves briyani but hey if you’re searching for the best raita, you might as well search for the best briyani. Dindigul Thalappakatti Briyani has been serving special briyanis in Brickfields since 1957, so safe to say, they know what they’re doing.
130, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
+603 2272 1500
Daily: 10.30am – 11pm
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9. Rojak & Cendol Mustaffa – Cendol
Ok Penangites, we get it, the best cendol is in Penang but that doesn’t mean, those living in the Klang Valley need to drive down every time they crave a bowl of cendol. There’s an abundance of cendol options right around your neighbourhood!
Rojak & Cendol Mustaffa has been a crowd favourite for years in PJ. In the 1980s, Mustaffa’s humble beginnings can be traced back to a small roadside stall. However, due to its popularity and growing customer base, the thriving stall expanded and now operates out of 2 food trucks in the area.
Jalan 17/41, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
+6016 266 6456
Daily: 10am – 5.30pm
10. Restaurant Xun Qin Ji – Liang Pi
Literally called “cold sesame noodles”, Liang Pi is made from wheat or rice flour and served with a flavourful sesame sauce, cucumber, bean sprouts, and sometimes chilli oil.
Xun Qin Ji Restaurant in Puchong has gained a well-deserved reputation as the go-to place for handmade Biang Biang noodles and a variety of other mouthwatering dishes that showcase the unique flavours of the region.
The star of the menu is undoubtedly the Biang Biang and Liang Pi noodles. These wide, hand-pulled noodles are made with precision and care, resulting in a satisfyingly chewy texture. Tossed in a savoury sauce and garnished with fragrant spices, green onions, and other delectable toppings, this dish helps you beat the heat while also being both comforting and incredibly flavourful.
58, Jalan Puteri 2/4, Bandar Puteri, 47100 Puchong, Selangor
+603 5892 6380
Mon to Fri: 10am – 9.30pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
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