5 Must-Try Restaurants in Tengkat Tong Shin: Authentic Flavours, Affordable Prices (2024)
Tengkat Tong Shin is a renowned street in Bukit Bintang, famous for its colonial-era terrace houses, which have been transformed into trendy restaurants, hotels, and spas. Nestled between the lively nightlife of Changkat Bukit Bintang and the bustling food stalls of Jalan Alor, this historic street offers a more affordable and less touristy dining experience.
Home to a diverse array of well-established restaurants, Tengkat Tong Shin is celebrated for serving authentic dishes from both local and regional cuisines. While nearby hotspots may draw larger crowds, this street remains a favourite among locals and foodies seeking quality meals without the higher price tag.
I have shortlisted the best restaurants here, carefully curated to showcase the vibrant variety of Tengkat Tong Shin’s culinary treasures.
O’zbegim Restaurant (Halal)
If you’re looking to experience authentic Uzbeki cuisine, I highly recommend O’zbegim. The cosy, welcoming space, with a variety of seating options including traditional low tables, feels like you’ve been transported to the Silk Road. Open 24 hours, O’zbegim is also the only restaurant in Bukit Bintang that serves horse meat, a Central Asian delicacy. Whether you’re craving a hearty Shishkebab, meaty Manti, or a sweet Medovik from their dessert menu, this is a great place to satisfy your appetite at any time.
Cuisine: Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Russian, Western
Menu: Salads, Breads, Dumplings, Fast Food, Soups, Laghman, Pilaf, Shashlik, Desserts
Opening Hours: Open 24 Hours, Everyday
Price Range: RM50 to RM100 per person
Restoran Muar (Halal)
With nearly two decades of serving up time-honoured recipes, Restoran Muar offers an authentic taste of southern Malaysian Peranakan cuisine, inspired by the town it’s named after. The rustic decor and comforting home-cooked dishes make it feel like you’re dining at grandma’s. I highly recommend their seafood dishes like Petai Squid, Salted Egg Squid and Otak-otak, where the distinct spices (rempah) bring a unique flavour to every bite.
Cuisine: Baba & Nyonya, Chinese
Menu: Seafood, Chicken, Eggs, Vegetables, Beancurd, Soups, Desserts
Opening Hours: Monday To Saturday 10AM to 2.30PM, 5.30PM to 9PM
Price Range: RM40 to RM70 per person
TG’s Bistro (Halal)
Known citywide for its iconic Roti Tissue (a 1-metre-long sweetbread), TG’s Bistro is a local favourite for anyone craving Indian, Malaysian, or Thai cuisine at any time of the day. This lively spot, open 24 hours, offers a diverse menu featuring everything from Lamb Biryani and Tandoori Chicken to Nasi Kandar and Butter Paneer Masala, making it the perfect place to enjoy comfort food at its finest.
Cuisine: Indian, Malaysian, Thai
Menu: Rice Dishes, Tandoori, Naan, Roti, Thosai, Murtabak, Noodles, Soup, Chicken, Seafood, Mutton, Vegetarian
Opening Hours: Open 24 Hours, Everyday
Price Range: RM15 to RM50 per person
Kam Fatt Restaurant
A Bukit Bintang staple for over 30 years, Kam Fatt Restaurant is a local favourite, renowned for its signature Curry Laksa and Nasi Lemak. Regulars flock to this beloved spot for its authentic heritage dishes, but you’ll also find popular local Chinese favourites like dumplings and Tau Fu Fa (soybean pudding). Whether you’re craving comforting Kaya Butter Toast and Dim Sum for breakfast or a spicy Asam Laksa for lunch, Kam Fatt will not disappoint.
Cuisine: Chinese, Malaysian
Menu: Noodles, Rice, Porridge, Toasts, Buns, Snacks, Dim Sum,
Opening Hours: 6AM to 2PM, Everyday
Price Range: RM10 to RM25 per person
Sao Nam
Operating for over 20 years, this brightly decorated restaurant has earned the prestigious Bib Gourmand distinction from Michelin. Unlike many regional restaurants that increase spice levels to suit the Malaysian palate, Sao Nam stays true to the delicate flavours of traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Famous for their Mangosteen Salad, Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancake), and Duck in Tamarind, Sao Nam offers the most authentic Vietnamese dining experience I’ve had in Kuala Lumpur.
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Menu: Starters, Salads, Main Dishes, Vegetarian, Noodles, Desserts
Opening Hours: 12PM to 2.30PM, 6PM to 10PM, Everyday
Price Range: RM50 to RM80 per person
Website: https://www.saonam.com.my/
Why Tengkat Tong Shin Should Be on Your Food List
These are just a few of my personal recommendations from the well-established restaurants along Tengkat Tong Shin, each offering a distinctive culinary experience across Malaysian, Indian, Chinese, Baba & Nyonya, Uzbeki, and Vietnamese cuisines. The street is a celebration of diverse flavours—whether you savour the umami of Curry Laksa, the spice of Tandoori dishes, or the delicate sweetness of Vietnamese desserts.
Beyond these featured spots, Tengkat Tong Shin is brimming with other restaurants and hawker stalls, offering even more culinary treasures waiting to be explored. Whether you’re after local staples like Roti Canai or craving something more exotic like horse meat, there’s always something here to satisfy every palate.