It’s tough when you are away from your friends and family, and with the pandemic, some of us haven’t been able to see our loved ones in a long time. Although there are video call options available, nothing beats the feeling of meeting them in person.
That being said, what else can we do to cure our homesickness when technology can no longer help? Eat, of course!
And no, don’t take it in an ‘emotional or stress eating’ type of way. It simply means that food is the cure-all to homesickness.
So fellow Malaysians living in the Klang Valley, cheer up! Here are some restaurants you can dine at when you’re hankering for some home-cooked food. They might not be exactly like the one at home, but they’re definitely close enough.
1. Sabah Keratang (Sabah)
Looking for Sabahan cuisine can be pretty daunting, especially in the Klang Valley. Fret not, Sabah Keratang has got you covered.
This restaurant, which is a popular haunt for those living in Kota Kinabalu, has opened a franchise here in Ara Damansara. They cook up a wide selection of Sabahan dishes, and their famous fish head noodles are also on the menu for those unable to go home anytime soon.
Address: Ground Floor, No. A-G-21, Block A, No. 8, Jalan PJU 1a/20a, Dataran Ara Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
2. Non-halal: Pau Kee (Ipoh)
Yes, Ipoh may just be a short drive away and considering that interstate travel is now allowed, you can just pop over for a meal or two. But for those with no time to spare and a ferocious craving to satisfy, head to Pau Kee to get your fix.
They’ve got everything you would want in an Ipoh restaurant here, from Kai Si Hor Fun to steamed chicken with beansprouts.
Address: 10, Jalan Utara, Off, Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
3. Non-halal: Old China Cafe (Melaka)
If you’re looking for Baba Nyonya cuisine to devour over the weekend, look no further than Old China Cafe. Centrally located in the heart of the city, Old China Cafe offers a wide range of Baba Nyonya food for you to choose from. Not only does this joint serve you delectable meals, but it also takes you back in time with its antique decorations.
Address: 11, Jalan Balai Polis, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
4. Warung Wok (Kelantan)
Looking for some good ol’ kampung cuisine to feast on? Warung Wok is your kampung within the city.
Whether it’s nasi kerabu, nasi dagang, ayam goreng kunyit or the nasi tumpang that won you over, the richness of flavours have been perfectly recreated in this restaurant and will remind you of home.
Address: 1-2, Jalan Kenari 12a, Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47100 Puchong, Selangor.
5. Dayang Sarawak Corner (Sarawak)
If you’re from the East or just looking to try out some Sarawakian food, you’re in luck. Dayang Sarawak Corner cooks up authentic Sarawakian cuisine right here in the Klang Valley.
You can expect to have a selection of popular Sarawakian dishes here like Kolo Mee, Sarawak Laksa, Bihun Belacan and more.
Address: R-G-23, Kompleks Permaisuri Q, Jalan Sri Permaisuri, Bandar Sri Permaisuri Cheras, 56000 Kuala Lumpur.
6. Non-halal: Ai Jiak Penang Food (Penang)
Honestly, it is hard to replicate Penang’s authentic cuisine but Ai Jiak Penang food rekindles the exact flavours of the beloved foodie city.
Located in Petaling Jaya, this gem serves you Penang specialties like Hokkien noodles, Char Koay Teow, Lobak and other favourites. Expect Ai Jiak to give you that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when eating home-cooked food.
Address: 9, Jalan 21/12, Sea Park, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
7. D’Timer Cafe (Johor)
Those with true Johorean taste buds should try this place out. Tucked right in the heart of Damansara, D’Timer cafe offers a wide variety of dishes like Laksa Johor, Asam Pedas and many other Southern delights.
D’Timer is the best cafe to go to if you’re craving some comfort food. After all, you are in need of much comfort!
Address: 44G, Jalan SS 21/35, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
8. Moh Teh Nasi Dagang (Terengganu)
This quaint restaurant located at Wangsa Maju will immediately transport you to Terengganu and ultimately cure your cravings for homecooked food.
Moh Teh serves you authentic Terengganu cuisine and its Nasi Dagang will instantly put a smile on your face.
Address: 50, Jalan Wangsa Delima 6, Pusat Bandar Wangsa Maju, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
9. Non-halal: Famous Seremban Favourites (Seremban)
You might not know that Negeri Sembilan’s delights are aplenty but the ones that truly stand out are their traditional Hakka dishes like beef noodles and loh shi fun.
If you want to relive the rich flavours of Hakka dishes in Klang Valley, Famous Seremban Favourites is ready to welcome you with open arms (and doors).
Address: 78, Jalan PJU 1/3b, Sunway Mas Commercial Center, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
10. Langgaq Bihun Sup Utara (Kedah)
Situated in the heart of the city, Langgaq Bihun Sup Utara restaurant draws the crowd with a menu of Kedahan favourites like laksa Kedah, coq udang (cucur udang) and more.
Experience the hot piping laksa flavours with a cup of refreshing air Kedah and you’re good to go for the whole weekend.
Address: 13, Jalan AU 2/17, Taman Keramat, 54200 Kuala Lumpur, Selangor.
11. Manbai Ikan Bakar (Perlis)
Manbai Ikan Bakar is where you’ll be able to find authentic Perlis Ikan Bakar at a reasonable price.
Manbai Ikan Bakar not only serves you fresh fish but they also have a wide range of seafood to choose from. It’s the perfect place for those on a seafood and ‘see-food’ diet!
Address: Bandar Pinggiran Subang, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor.
12. House of Patin Lipis (Pahang)
It’s extremely rare to find tempoyak ikan patin in the Klang Valley and this restaurant is the one place where you can find it. Many of the traditional Pahang dishes are also served here, like sambal itam and Tilapia pais.
Served with a side of white rice and ulam, you can feast on this home-cooked delight any time of the day.
Address: No 5 , Jalan Liew Weng Chee, Off, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.