Malaysia has lots of amazing foods and variety, such as Indian, Chinese, Thai, and, of course, local Malay cuisine. I’ve been visiting Malaysia for over 10 years. Since then almost every morning for breakfast I have two flaky and chewy pieces of roti canai.
I started my day exploring Malaysia with a small side plate of curry chicken. Oh, and also a cup of hot ginger milk tea, or as the Malay call it, Teh Halia.
So, out of all the delicious foods in Malaysia, if you asked me what to eat, my answer would be roti canai! And there are about two dozen types of roti canai!
For one thing, if you’re vegetarian, you can enjoy roti canai with daal—an Indian blend of yellow lentils—for dipping. Although I’m not vegetarian, I enjoy it with daal now and then.
WHAT IS ROTI CANAI?
It is a flatbread originating from India. Yet, intriguingly, Malaysia is best known for roti canai. Some restaurants in Malaysia make it crispy and well done. While some are softer and chewier.
I like mine more in between, with a bit of char for extra flavor. Kinda the same way I like toast. Because roti canai is essentially bread.
Funny Thing Is…
My love for roti canai and chicken curry did not start in Malaysia. I fell in love with this combination at a Malaysian restaurant in New York City, where I was born and raised.
There was a Malaysian restaurant in the heart of NYC’s Chinatown mom used to take me many times on weekends. After having roti canai with a side of chicken curry for the first time I was hooked.
Every time I went back to that restaurant I had to have it. Eventually, I learned that the roti canai I had at that Malaysian restaurant in NYC was greasy and the chicken curry was of a Malay nyona style.
Another funny thing is that although roti canai is commonly eaten for breakfast, a small bowl of chicken curry is not typical in Malaysia. However, the Nasi Kandars I frequent are kind enough to accommodate me. Nasi kandars are local neighborhood restaurants serving mostly Indian influenced foods.
When it comes to roti canai for breakfast it’s usually eaten with eggs. Whether soft-boiled and placed on top or cooked within the roti canai. As much as I love eggs for breakfast I don’t know why I don’t like it with roti canai. But it’s a popular combination for local Malaysians.
ROTI BANJIR
I’ve tried a few varieties of roti canai throughout my time in Malaysia. Roti Banjir, consisting of a few pieces of shredded roti cania doused or “flooded” with curry sauces and sambal sauce with soft-boiled eggs. So this is a typical breakfast for the locals.
It’s not the style of roti canai I prefer. I prefer it to be chewy with a slightly crisp texture. I like to dip my roti into the sauce. So maybe if I had it where I could dip my roti in the sauce leisurely I might enjoy it more.
Roti Banjir
I’ve only tried roti banjir a couple of times. The second time was just to see if this type of roti canai would grow on me. But it didn’t, though I am still happy that I tried it.
The roti banjir I ate pictured above is at a restaurant called Mansion Tea Stall Al-Amna Restaurant (📍 Google Maps). If you want to try different styles of roti canai I recommend going there. The people are nice and friendly enough.
Mansion Tea Stall Al Amna Restaurant
ROTI CANAI IS NOT JUST FOR BREAKFAST
Because roti canai is essentially a type of bread, it is eaten throughout the day in Malaysia and even in parts of Southeast Asia. Matter of fact one of my favorite styles of roti is Chinese Muslim.
Restoran Mon Chinese Beef Roti (📍 Google Maps) is a popular roti shop near Jalan Alor night market food in Kuala Lumpur. This restaurant cranks out hundreds of roti stuffed with either beef or chicken.
Aside from the delicious seasonings added to the beef and chicken they also use generous amounts of beef and chicken fat. You can enjoy watching them make these flavor bomb rotis right in front of you while waiting online to order. And the lines do get long, particularly during lunch and dinner.
Though they do open at 7:00 am so technically you can have it for breakfast as well. I certainly did more than a few times.
Preparing beef roti Chicken Roti
MY ROTI CANAI GOAL
Come to think of it. Of all the times I’ve been to Malaysia. I’ve only eaten three or four different styles of roti canai. Maybe the next time I’m back there I’m going to try all of them. Kinda like my own personal goal and mission. It would be fun to try out different versions and perhaps find a new one that I enjoy!
MY RECOMMENDED RESTORANS FOR ROTI CANAI
Even though you can find roti canai everywhere in Malaysia, particularly in Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur as most foreign visitors will stay there, here are a few places I recommend for delicious roti canai!
Al Rizwan (📍Google Maps Masid Jamek) Note: try their fried chicken! Delish!!
These are two places I can easily recommend for roti canai in Kuala Lumpur because they are easily found. There are a handful of nasi kandars I enjoy eating at all over the city. That said, if you are near these restorans, go try it out. Otherwise don’t go out of your way to get there.
There are so many nasi kandars everywhere you will certainly find one that will become your favorite.
Oh here’s a bonus, if you’re visiting the island of Penang, and you’re staying in Georgetown, I recommend Kassim Nasi Kandar (📍 Kassim Nasi Kandar) and I love their version of roti canai because it’s not greasy, soft, fluffy and chewy. Plus there are toasted bits that give it an extra flavor boost!
Kassim Nasi Kandar Roti Canai
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I Stayed at Rare Heritage House in Penang, Here’s My Review
I gotta say Rare Heritage House Penang was one of the most interesting hotel stays I’ve had in Malaysia. I booked a deluxe room with king sized bed with a courtyard view. Didn’t know exactly what a courtyard view consisted of when I made the booking.
But the price at the time was just right for my bank account. The hotel’s location was a good strategic start-off point for exploring part of Georgetown and a little beyond. Also helps that Rare Heritage House has a lot of good reviews on Agoda.com.
I was excited! The beautiful island of Penang in Malaysia holds a special place in my heart. And also my stomach. If you didn’t know, the food in Penang is excellent!
Where’s Rare Heritage House Located?
I wrote in a blog post with Penang hotel reviews, that the city of Georgetown is a prime location, especially if it’s your first visit to Penang.
Georgetown is located northeast of the island. That’s where you can hop on a ferry that will zip you from Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal to Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal on the mainland in around 20 minutes.
Rare Heritage House is about a 10 – 15 minute walk from Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal. Penang International Airport is about an hour away by public bus if you plan to fly to the island instead.
By the way, flying to Penang from Kuala Lumpur is extremely affordable. And it’s only 1 hour. Though Penang International Airport is located in the southern part of Penang so to get to Georgetown you’ll need to take the bus or taxi. Which only adds another hour to travel time.
Of course, there are many ways to get to Penang by bus and train from Kuala Lumpur or anywhere else in the country. For this trip, I took the bus from KL and then the train back to KL. Check out my post about traveling to Penang from KL and back for more information.
The location of Rare Heritage House is spectacular especially if you love taking leisure strolls.
Goddess of Mercy Temple in Georgetown, Penang
What’s Around Rare Heritage House?
I walk a lot. It’s my preferred mode of transportation time permitting. That said, there’s a lot to see and eat near this hotel within walking distance. Georgetown is a UNESCO world heritage site after all.
Armenian Street—This popular short walking street is full of charm and character. It’s teeming with tourists, so you get that certain tourist trap vibe. I don’t think it’s that bad, but it’s worth the visit. Rare Heritage House is about 400 meters away.
Khoo Kongsi – If your surname is Khoo why not drop by your clan temple and pay respects? Even if you’re unrelated to the founders of this splendid temple you’ll enjoy the culture. You’re only 300 meters away.
The Clan Jetties – From the Lim to the Lee to the Tan, Chew, and Ong family lineage walking distance is only 80m, 100m, 200m 300m, 500m respectively. These charming homes and stores on planks add a unique charm to the shores of Penang.
Little India Penang – It is little but you’ll get a big experience and taste of India here.
Komtar Bus Terminal – If you’ve got plenty of days visiting Penang there’s a good chance you’ll go to the beaches of Batu Ferrenghi, about 11km away. Komtar Bus Terminal is also where 1st Avenue Mall is located for leisure shopping. Rapid Bus #102 makes a stop at Komtar from Penang Airport.
MacCallum Night Market and Kimberly Street Food Night Market – Penang locals eat here too. If it’s good enough for the locals it’s good enough for you. If you can only make it to one of these markets, I recommend going to Kimberly Street Food Night Market for proper chow authentic Malaysian chow down.
I won’t go too deep into my recommended eating places near Rare Heritage House. Because this post will get way, way too lengthy. I’ll write a separate food blog post soon.
Onwards to the review!
My Rare Heritage House Deluxe King Room
It used to be called Reunion Heritage House. Don’t know when or why the name changed.
Rare Heritage House is listed as 3½ ⭐️ accommodation in Penang. To be honest that is a bit of a stretch. There’s no swimming pool and no gym. I would say it’s more 2½ ⭐️ to 3⭐️ at most for boutique style property.
That doesn’t mean this hotel is bad.
I’ll be right to the point. I like this hotel. I like it a lot.
To be more specific I like my room a lot. I booked a deluxe king room, with king sized bed and a courtyard view.
This room has a nice homey feel…
When I booked the hotel I didn’t know what a courtyard view meant. At the time I just hoped it wasn’t a view of another room mere meters away from my window.
In any case, I was handed the keys to room #116. Checking in was quick, there didn’t seem to be a lot of guests at the moment. I booked through Agoda.com for four nights stay. But I still had to pay a 2RM per night Malaysian room tariff.
Deluxe King Room 18 sqm.Nice Clean Toilet
The nice receptionist walked me to my room. From the outside, you can tell it’s not a tall building. But from the inside, it looks more spacious. The front of the hotel has a restaurant and a small kitchen.
Room #116 is situated at the Beach Street entrance. Which lends the room a particularly interesting view. When I opened the door I liked the warm interior design. The floor was wood which I liked a lot. The air con was on already so it was chilly. Even though the deluxe king rooms are 18 square meters it felt a little bigger to me.
One thing I always look for inside hotel rooms is power outlets. This room had plenty of it. From the bedside with USB ports to the small work table. I had many options to charge my phone, computer, and microphones.
These are other roomsA room deeper inside the hotel
The king sized bed was comfortable and the pillows were nice and soft. There’s an electronic safe wide enough to fit a 15″ notebook computer. Mini-fridge for keeping my diet colas frosty. And a litre-sized glass bottle filled with water. There are water refill stations in the halls.
There’s even a ceiling fan with a remote control. I never used it for the duration of my stay, but it works I turned it on. There weren’t many channels on the television. Not that it’s a big deal, especially today. I watch videos on my phone and notebook computer. The internet Wi-Fi is fast and stable.
The bathroom was just right. Spacious, clean shower stall with consistent hot water. The toilet had a bidet. The towels had no funky smell. Nice and clean just the way I like it.
My only gripe. No disposable slippers.
Another gripe is I could hear other guests as they exited or entered the Beach Street access door. The walls feel thick, but I believe the room door is not soundproof.
And oh yeah, about the window and my view…
History of PenangAnd History of Rare Heritage House
Just Like Living in a Penang Shophouse
So the interesting thing about room #116 is I didn’t have a courtyard view. I had a view of the street but on the street level instead. More specifically Beach Street which runs parallel to Victoria Street. And there is a door leading out to Beach Street using a magnetic key.
At first, you might think it’s kinda weird to have a window on street level where people can see you. I did at first admittedly. But first, Beach Street is quiet and few pedestrians are walking past. Secondly, the window blinds work well for privacy.
I like natural light coming into the room. While working on my computer I would leave the window blinds open. Once in a while pedestrians would pass by. But no one stood around the window or peeked inside my room.
My room is down the hall
Most people respect others’ privacy anyway so eventually I got comfortable. However, I still tried to keep my room tidy, just in case someone did peek in. Wouldn’t want anyone to think I was a slob.
I enjoy the unique feeling of staying in a room like this. When you walk down the lanes and alleyways of Penang you do see how people live. Even though I am a simple hotel guest, I know how that feels even though it was just for a short while.
How Much I Paid for My Room at Rare Heritage House Penang?
I have to admit I am hesitant to share this review. Especially to reveal room #116 because if someone reads this they’ll know what to ask for at check in if it is available.
I was a guest at Rare Heritage House in late January 2025 for four nights. I paid $30 USD per night including taxes, and no breakfast. I think that is a fantastic price. I don’t know how high the price goes up during peak season though
You can read reviews and find discounts for Rare Heritage House Penang on Agoda.com like I did. Because I highly recommend this hotel in Georgetown, Penang!
If it were $50 USD per night I would think it’s reasonable. I don’t know what the other rooms at Rare Heritage House are like. I know they’ve got rooms with bathtubs and even duplexes. But seeing how the hotel is run I would guess they are just as nice. I would definitely would love to check out their duplex rooms if I ever go back and find a good deal.
Rare Heritage House is in a good location. My room was nice and clean and the staff was friendly and helpful. I think you will enjoy it here as much as I did.
Psst… remember I said I won’t get into recommending a good place for food near Rare Heritage House. I lied.
I Stayed at Rare Heritage House in Penang, Here’s My Review I gotta say Rare Heritage House Penang was one of the most interesting hotel stays I’ve had in Malaysia.… Read more: Rare Heritage House Penang Malaysia Review
The Izumi Hotel – Just One of Many Two Star Budget Hotels in KL I’ve come across the Izumi Hotel name quite a few times while searching for budget 2 star… Read more: Izumi Hotel Bukit Bintang KL Review
I came across my first ever bowl of Chilli Pan Mee when I went on a “Shutter Therapy” with Robin Wong. That was a few years ago. Since then I have made it a mission to get myself a nice bowl of traditional Malaysian Chilli Pan Mee in Kuala Lumpur whenever I’m there.
Chilli Pan Mee is a real working persons meal. It’s got carbs and protein all in a bowl. The eggless flour noodles are thick, yummy and filling. It’s got crunch from fried anchovies. Some extra savory tastes from the fried shallots and seasoned minced beef.
And depending on which restaurant you go or which area you’re in; Chilli Pan Mee is one of the cheapest meals in Kuala Lumpur.
This bowl of homemade spice is what makes Chilli Pan Mee so special…
But the real kicker on any proper Chilli Pan Mee is the nice poached egg. Wait, I take it back. The real kicker is actually the homemade chilli!
For me this kind of chilli is spicy, but not fiery spicy. You can add 3 or 4 heaping tablespoons and you’ll get that enjoyable heat. But it won’t burn your mouth to the point your eyes start watering and your nose becomes super runny.
You mix everything up with your chopsticks and spoon together and enjoy!
There are many Chilli Pan Mee restaurants all over KL. And my friend Robin showed me a restaurant located in Chow Kit called Restoran Kin Kin.
Restoran Kin Kin is a dive restaurant that is popular with local Malays…
Restoran Kin Kin in Chow Kit
Address: 40, Jalan Dewan Sultan Sulaiman, Kampung Baru, 50300 Kuala Lumpur
There are plenty of famous Chilli Pan Mee restaurants all over KL. Restoran Kin Kin in Kuala Lumpur’s Chow Kit neighborhood is one of them. And this was actually the first restaurant I ever had my first bowl.
Afterwards I’ve tried several other places on my own. Many places came close to Restoran Kin Kin’s style. But it could never replace it.
Restoran Kin Kin is also very easy to find. You can get there by taking the KL Monorail to Medan Tuanku Station. The immediate area surrounding the restaurant may look run down to some but it’s quite safe.
A cook preparing a sheet of dough ready to be sliced into noodles…
I don’t think there is a menu but the staff inside can speak English and I know the owner inside can speak Cantonese and most likely Mandarin too.
But they know if you step foot inside you’re looking for Chilli Pan Mee. The real question is how many bowls you want to order.
And if you have a healthy appetite like me it’ll be more than one!
You can’t just have one bowl…
To me the portions are not too big. But one bowl is enough for a snack I suppose. So if you really want a full on meal I guess you have to order two bowls. Like most customers do. Every time I’m there when I look around Restoran Kin Kin customers usually have extra bowls on their tables.
Besides, a bowl of Restoran Kin Kin’s Chilli Pan Mee only cost 8RM. That’s $1.80USD a bowl. Also a small bowl of spinach egg drop soup is included.
Twice a year I make a trip to Malaysia’s capital city Kuala Lumpur, usually staying for a week. I don’t go there for business. And I don’t go there for leisure. I just go to KL to eat.
Kuala Lumpur is a easy 2 hours flight from Bangkok, Thailand. With another 30 minutes worth of travel time on the fast train from KLCC2 international airport. Tack on another 10 minutes on the KL Monorail and I’m in the heart of a culinary bliss just in time when my hunger pangs set in.
Chilli Pan Mee at Restaurant Kin Kin: Ground Floor, No. 40, Jalan Dewan Sultan Sulaiman 1, Off Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Chow Kit, 51200
Kuala Lumpur is a haven for top Eurasian and Southeast Asian cuisine. Their roots harken back to the days when Malays, Indians and the Chinese began coexisting when the city began booming on the tin trade.
In KL there’s no such a thing as fusion food. There’s ethnic Chinese, Indian and then there’s Malay. And although one culture may have influence over the other the locals look to their cuisine as one and uniquely their own. As a result there’s nothing but pure magic.
Kl has an eclectic variety of food in each and every neighborhood of KL, especially in Bukit Bintang…
But if you’re looking for genuine authentic Maly, Indian and Chinese food you won’t be disappointed.
Roti paratha, chicken curry and hot ginger tea with milk. I ate this every morning and never got sick of it…
Kuala Lumpur is the original melting pot even before my hometown New York City even heard of the phrase melting pot.
Sadly, it’s not all good news on this most recent trip to KL. Two of my favorite cafés shuttered their doors. Coffea Coffee’s Pavilion Mall location and Espresso Labs Plaza Low Yat branch were out of business. Probably due to the huge rent and Starbucks.
Starbucks branches in KL are the worst and I’ve been to more than a few branches.
With a little bit of googling I found out this branch of Jamaica Blue Coffee at Low Yat Plaza…
Luckily I found Jamaica Blue also located in Plaza Low Yat. So I still have a place to drink some fine coffee and suck up Wi-Fi internet juice for hours.
Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee is conveniently right across from my lunch place! Can’t get any better than that…
Watching Bukit Bintang Change Before My Eyes
Bukit Bintang is like the Times Square of New York City or the Piccadilly Circus of London. There are huge LED screens and billboards displaying advertisements. Though Bukit Bintang is not as huge or even as gaudy believe you me it’ll probably get there in a few years.
Aside from enjoying my daily meals like a gleeful school kid every year in KL I can’t help but notice that buildings are getting taller and taller as construction projects all over the city begin to take shape.
A future residential building with no doubt spaces for commercial spaces…
Same spot as the photo above, but taken the year before…
I usually stay at hotels around Bukit Bintang, which is the main tourists hub of KL. Like most tourists centers around major cities you’ll find lots of restaurants, shopping centers and of course hotels. Plus nearby train stations as well for convenience.
The recently renamed Air Asia Bukit Bintang station…
As of writing Bukit Bintang only has the KL Monorail station which starts at KL Sentral, winding its way through the edge of Little India, Chinatown and onwards to Chow Kit with a stop at Air Asia Bukit Bintang station.
Jalan Bukit Bintang Intersection..
Today there is major construction underway for a brand new MRT subway line complete with station stops in Bukit Bintang.
The completion of Bukit Bintang’s subway line could be years from now…
I’ve only used the city’s subway lines once or twice in all the years I’ve been visiting KL. When the subway trains are up and running it’ll be a great way for me to explore more of Malaysia and find more good eats.
Every year I travel around I begin to see remarkable similarities between my home town of New York and many other major cities around the world. If a city is not expanding, it’s rebuilding and renovating. It’s as if a city is actually alive, not only to thrive but to survive.
The heart of Bukit Bintang’s tourists district…
In a way Kuala Lumpur to me is trying to reinvent itself as many ASEAN members are doing the same. And the city has come a long way from the days when it was just a tin mining town with people from neighboring countries flooding in for the hope of a better life and opportunities.
I’ll be heading over to Malaysia in a few weeks. Every year when I have to head out to do a Visa run I usually head over to Kuala Lumpur. It’s also a perfect excuse to get out and eat all that awesome Malay cuisine. Plus I’ve always enjoyed visiting Malaysia. Downside is I’ll be going back to Thailand a kilo heavier from eating all the good food.
I always stop by this temple on the way to the Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown…
Even though Malaysia is so close to Thailand the vibe is different despite there are so many similarities. Malaysia and Thailand both have some sort of Chinese roots. But With Malaysia it seems to run a little deeper. At least that’s how I feel. But I love how Malay and Indian plus Chinese culture are intertwined.
A little outdoor market I stumbled on parallel to Jalan Petaling…
Malaysia to me also has a very laid back feel. Nobody seems to be in a rush. It used to be like that in Bangkok too but these days most people seem to be walking just a notch faster.
I’ve walked around KL, specifically in the Sentral KL area. There are loads of historical sights and I remember there was a Hop on Hop off bus tour that takes you to most tourists attractions in the city. I went a 4 years ago but this time I might take the tour again, who knows there might be something new this time around.
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