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If you’re near KLCC and uncertain where to have lunch, here’s a helpful suggestion: simply observe the swarm of office employees to discover the most popular and budget-friendly dining options! Wisma Central‘s Central Steak Restaurant consistently draws a bustling crowd of office workers during the lunchtime rush.
Wisma Central offers a diverse array of dining options, ranging from nasi campur to Western cuisine. Nevertheless, if you ascend the stairs to the first floor, you’ll stumble upon Central Steak Restaurant, nestled between a costume shop and a hair salon.
Arriving just ahead of the lunch rush, I secured a pleasant table and was attended to by a lovely uncle. Initially, I was uncertain about the menu as there were no visible displays. Thankfully, the uncle kindly provided a detailed explanation of their offerings.
He informed me that on Thursdays, their special feature is mushroom chicken, piquing my curiosity in what unique offerings might await on different days.. Nonetheless, he assured me that the menu included choices like Hokkien noodles, fried rice, lunch sets, and even chicken chop!
What I tried at Central Steak Restaurant
Beginning with the Black Hokkien Mee (RM10), I was pleasantly surprised by the generous portion of noodles that graced my table. Given that I was dining in the bustling heart of KL, my expectations for smaller servings had been misplaced.
The bihun noodles exhibited a delightful springiness, although I had to give them a thorough mix to ensure that every strand was evenly coated in the delectable sauce. This dish featured tender chicken pieces, fishcakes, kailan, and succulent prawns, accompanied by a side of sambal.
Having meticulously infused the noodles with the rich soy sauce, I took my first bite. The flavours were truly appetising, with the savoury and sweet notes of the Hokkien sauce permeating each mouthful.
As for my personal taste, I typically favour standard stir-fried noodles over Hokkien noodles. However, this experience completely altered my perspective. With each subsequent bite, I found the dish to be truly heavenly, thanks to the inclusion of tender chicken bits and succulent prawns that contributed a delightful twist to the overall flavour.
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While the Hokkien bihun noodles were the dominant element, I believe that the dish could reach even greater heights with an increased presence of chicken pieces and fishcake.
Subsequently, my companion at the table decided to go for the Regular Fried Rice with Fried Chicken (RM18.60). For reasons unknown, he made an unusual request to omit any vegetables from his fried rice, a choice I personally think is criminal.
The fried rice exuded a piquant flavour, boasting deep umami notes with a subtle, lingering saltiness. I suspect this exquisite umami essence arises from the harmonious blend of oyster sauce and soy sauce. I must admit that despite its unassuming appearance, the fried rice was undeniably delicious.
Turning our attention to the freshly fried chicken, its aroma was nothing short of mouthwatering. As we sliced into the chicken, billows of steam gracefully emerged.
Upon the initial bite of the chicken, there was no doubt that it was the star of the show. Its interior was remarkably tender, encased in a perfectly crispy skin. The exact blend of seasonings applied to the chicken remains a mystery to me, but it was undeniably exceptional— both of us savoured every morsel of the chicken within mere seconds!
Final thoughts
In the heart of KL, Central Steak Restaurant qualifies as what I would call a hidden gem. With its affordability and generous portions, it’s a place I’m inclined to revisit.
A piece of advice: avoiding the lunch rush is advisable, as a swarm of hungry office workers descends, and there’s only one uncle handling orders and payments.
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