by Shameera Nair Lin
Let’s keep it short and sweet: this is the piece we’ve all been waiting for. We have been collecting information on this topic for about half a month now, for *completely* unselfish purposes, of course. While we have not found any hidden gems, these are divine recommendations. Unless stated otherwise, all recommendations are halal and RM10 or below! Without further ado, here we go:
1. Mat Rock, Bukit Bintang
Source: Facebook
Tucked in a corner near Public Bank, we have been repeatedly informed — by several colleagues — that this is *the* place to visit for a good ayam kunyit meal. You can either have ayam kunyit, or mix it up with ayam and sotong kunyit. Or if you’re anything like us, go for the sotong in general. According to oral history, Mat Rock might be the pioneer of the ayam kunyit obsession, and we personally think that makes it worth trying. On the other hand, Mat Rock’s similarly known for its extra spicy sambal. Here’s a review we found on Foursquare and we cannot get over it.
If you ever wondered […] what Satan usually whips up for his weekly bingo/potluck gathering tastes like, then try the sambal here. It’ll make your sweats (sic) cry.
Personally, we have never thought about sweat as a sentient being, but we learn something new every day? If you’re not down for the spice, there are stalls within the same vicinity, as well as snacks such as keropok lekor sold on the ground floor.
2. Nasi Ayam Chee Meng
Source:Â Islamic Tourism Centre of Malaysia (ITC)
Located opposite YTL Plaza, Chee Meng is a familiar sight and has been standing firm since the 1960s. Chee Meng offers a halal Hainanese chicken rice experience, at a reasonable price. Our personal favourite is the steamed chicken rice, and a side or two will enhance your experience.
3. Toong Kwoon Chye Mee (Non-halal)
Source: Vkeong
Much like the family-oriented legacy of YTL, Toong Kwoon Chye has been running over four generations of family members, starting in the 1930s as a cart stall. We have been reliably informed the noodles here are what makes it special, and the chicken curry wantan mee is especially recommended at RM8 per order.
4. Shawarma Damascus
Source: Facebook
Specialising in shawarma and offering a variety of wraps and rice, Shawarma Damascus is one of the best places to visit on a budget. Syrian in origin, you would be able to find a hearty, filling meal under RM10. And though we have yet to try the garlic sauce, Foursquare has, once again, informed us that it is ‘to die for’.
5. Menara Keck Seng
Source: Foursquare
An office building next to Menara YTL, its fourth floor has a selection of eateries with budget eats below RM10. The ayam kunyit and mixed rice are particularly recommended, as some in the creative communications department would attest to.
