Are you ready for a tasty adventure to discover the best Rendang dish in Kuala Lumpur? We were in for this mission too after travelling to Malaysia for the first time and especially in Kuala Lumpur!
This traditional Indonesian and Malaysian delicacy perfectly describes Malaysia's culinary prowess with its rich flavours and aromatic spices. After we tried it for the first time in Kuala Lumpur, we were wondering, “Where can I find the best Rendang in Kuala Lumpur?”
The best Rendang in Kuala Lumpur is at Madam Kwan's. Their rich and aromatic rendition of this iconic dish is a true culinary masterpiece, most loved by locals and visitors alike.
When it comes to the love of food, Malaysians are known for their passion and obsession! Food has a profound significance in Malaysia, going beyond “just a meal” to be an integral part of the nation's culture and identity.
Malaysian cuisine is a delightful fusion of influences from various cultures, including Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous traditions. A true reflection of the country's multicultural heritage. In Kuala Lumpur, the country's busy capital city, food culture and passion reach its peak. It is a foodie's paradise!
Exploring the culinary landscape of Kuala Lumpur is an adventure like no other! We've been there, and let us assure you, the city has all sorts of foods from all Asian influences catering to all taste preferences.
For us, travelling and exploring a new place is not complete if we don't dig deep in the food culture of the place. In Kuala Lumpur, we roamed around the busy hawker stalls and restaurants treating ourselves and learning new culinary traditions. We also joined the best Private Street Food Tour in the city and we recommend you check it out too, it is so worth it! It takes about 3 hours and you get to eat more than 10 different dishes, the guide was so amazing and friendly. You definetely want to do these sort of tours in Kuala Lumpur!
From Indian to Chinese to hard-core Malaysian, but definitely what got a hold on us was Rendang!
Keep reading below to discover the best Rendang places in Kuala Lumpur!
What is the origin of Rendang? What is so special about Rendang?
Rendang is a dish known for its slow-cooked-to-perfection beef blended with coconut milk and aromatic spices. Often considered the king of curries, this dish has earned that title worldwide for its complexity and depth of taste.
Originating from the Minangkabau ethnic group in Indonesia's West Sumatra, Rendang reflects the rich cultural heritage of Southeast Asia. Its roots can be traced back to the traditional cuisine of the Minangkabau people, where it was originally prepared as a special dish for festive occasions, ceremonies, and esteemed guests.
The cooking technique for Rendang is what sets it apart from other curries making it so special! Unlike its Indian or Thai counterparts, Rendang involves simmering the meat in a rich blend of coconut milk and a carefully curated mix of spices for an extended period. The slow-cooking process works its magic, allowing the flavours to meld and intensify, resulting in a succulent, melt-in-your-mouth texture that leaves a lasting impression on the palate.
With essential ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, turmeric leaves, ginger, and more, Rendang boasts a distinct taste, infusing the dish with delightful aromas and adding to its complexity and depth of flavour.
Additionally, this time-honoured slow-cooking technique once served a practical purpose, allowing the preservation of meat for nomadic communities and long journeys without refrigeration.
Throughout the years, Rendang has evolved, counting on multiple variations influenced by diverse regions and families. Now, it's a common thing to see Rendang cooked with various meats—beef, chicken, lamb, duck and even prawns!
Apart from its mouthwatering taste, Rendang has garnered recognition on a cultural level too. In 2011, UNESCO proudly added it to Indonesia's cultural heritage list, bestowing upon it a prestigious honour. This acknowledgment further cements Rendang's position not just as a culinary masterpiece but also as a symbol of deep cultural significance.
Although today, Rendang can be found in many shapes and styles that reflect the unique flavours of the different parts of Malaysia, there is a common trait among them. It is generally hot and spicy but with a back note of sweetness.
In Kuala Lumpur, a city known for its rich culinary diversity, Rendang takes centre stage on numerous menus, ranging from street food stalls to high-end restaurants. Keep reading to unlock the best place in this awesome city and many other great ones!
Where to find the best Rendang in Kuala Lumpur? Where is the best Rendang we have ever had?
If you reading this post is because you too are on a mission to discover the most amazing Rendang places. Then, you are probably aware of Rendang Gate and its whole polemic around the judges on Masterchef UK “roasting” one of the top Malaysian chefs for her Rendang not being crispy enough.
We were not very sure about the crispiness of the Rendang dishes that we have tried, in fact, we didn’t even know that was a thing to begin with! Definitely friends, we have had some of the most delicious Rendang dishes in Malaysia. The best Rendang in Kuala Lumpur is Madam Kwan’s.
In fact, we stayed very close to The Pavilion shopping mall, right in the heart of Kuala Lupur. We recommend the Dorsett Residences a lot, it is probably not the cheapest, but the price is very decent for what you get! If this is your first or second time in Kuala Lumpur, being in the CBD will offer you tons of possibilities, just like it did to us!
Madam Kwan's Restaurant
Madam Kwan's Restaurant expertise resides in local and traditional Malaysian dishes. We got a recommendation from a friendly local who swore that this was the best Rendang in Kuala Lumpur when in our plan to find the best place for Rendang. So, we took his word for valid! We were not disappointed!
Madam Kwan's is a household name in Malaysia, particularly in Kuala Lumpur. From humble beginnings and a founder who hated cooking, the restaurant has become a food landmark in Kuala Lumpur!
Her story is truly inspiring. Madam Kwan Swee Lian, is the namesake of the popular Malaysian restaurant, Madam Kwan's. Back in 1977, she didn't have a passion for cooking when she first entered the food business.
Originally from Kluang, Madam Kwan became a successful hairdresser and beautician in Kuala Lumpur, running her own salon. After 28 years in the beauty industry, she found inspiration in a friend's food business and decided to enter the culinary world.
She opened Sakura Cafe, delighting customers with local favourites like Nasi lemak, Curry laksa, and Assam laksa, reflecting the essence of Malaysia's cuisine. When her hired chef quit, Madam Kwan stepped in as the cook, focusing on perfecting her favourite dish, Nasi lemak and Rendang .
Her culinary experiments and attention to detail led to unique cooking methods and special sauces, like her own chilli paste prepared traditionally with a stone grinder, adding a distinct flavour to her dishes.
Madam Kwan’s own interpretation of Rendang resides in the beef being slow-cooked and shredded and it is rich and delicious own paste. This is in a bed of plain rice or Nasi Bojari, the tri colour fried rice. After selling her Sakura Cafe back in the 1990s, Madam Kwan teamed up with her son, Datuk Rudy Foo, to establish Madam Kwan's at Bangsar in 1999.
Can you believe that even at her age, she remains hands-on, personally cooking the signature dishes of chicken curry and beef Rendang every morning in the central kitchen, ensuring they are perfect in flavour? That is why this place is the best, you can copy or delegate success!
Madam Kwan’s is located in The Pavilion shopping mall inside the food court, the restaurant setting is comfortable and with a casual vibe. It is always busy with customers, the food service staff are friendly and you get your food freshly made, quite quickly and with very generous portions!
We can confidently suggest you have a meal at Madam Kwan's Restaurant on your next trip to Malaysia. We do every time we come back, we have been here a few times every time we spend a couple of days in Kuala Lumpur. Let us tell you, this lady knows how to cook!
We always go for beef Rendang , it is very tender and somewhat rough or crispy on the outside (remember to look for this too, it is a thing apparently) and the spice level is perfect without burning your mouth or without a sweet overwhelming taste.
If you have never experienced Malay cuisine and feel a bit hesitant about trying street food, Madam Kwan's is the ideal middle ground. It offers mouthwatering dishes in a cozy and hygienic environment, all at affordable prices.
There are 8 Madam Kwan’s outlets in total located at:
- Suria KLCC
- Pavilion KL
- Mid Valley Megamall
- Bangsar Shopping Centre
- 1 Utama Shopping Centre
- Empire Shopping Gallery
- Sunway Pyramid and Alamanda Shopping Centre
- Vivocity, Singapore
Who else serves top Rendang dishes in Kuala Lumpur? Our best 12 places
With these 12 places, our Rendang adventure in Kuala Lumpur has been nothing short of incredible! Each restaurant offered a unique taste and ambience, making the journey even more memorable than we expected initially!
- Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa: This legendary eatery in Kampung Baru captured our hearts with its outstanding Rendang. The tender, flavorful meat and rich sauce make it a must-try for all Rendang enthusiasts.
- Wau Rendang: Tucked away in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail (TTDI), this quaint restaurant offered a delightful range of Rendang variations. We enjoyed exploring the diverse flavours and meat choices they had to offer.
- Seri Melayu Restaurant: Located within the picturesque Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens, Seri Melayu delivered an authentic Malay dining experience. Their traditional Rendang preparation and exceptional taste earned our praise.
- Rendang Tok: Situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Rendang Tok amazed us with its rich and aromatic Rendang recipes passed down through generations. The flavours brought back memories of timeless culinary heritage.
- Cafe Malay: Nestled in the vibrant area of Bukit Bintang, Cafe Malay impressed us with their modern take on Malaysian cuisine. Their Rendang dishes beautifully blended contemporary elements with classic flavours.
- Rama V: For a touch of elegance and a fine dining experience, Rama V didn't disappoint. Their refined Rendang dish left us in awe with its exquisite taste and presentation.
- Bijan Bar & Restaurant - The comfort and magnificence of this Malay restaurant in Changkat charmed us. Their unique duck Rendang was a standout dish that left us craving for more.
- Enak: Located in Starhill Gallery, Enak transported us to the world of age-old family recipes and rich Malay flavours. Their Rendang padang was an absolute must-try with its tantalizing spicy kick.
- Precious Old China: Inspired by the opium regimes of the East, this unique outlet in Central Market offered a glimpse of old Shanghai with its flavorful Peranakan cuisine. Their tender beef Rendang was a highlight of our visit.
- Old China Cafe: Right in Chinatown, this lovely eatery served scrumptious Peranakan cuisine in a casual yet charming environment. Their beef Rendang, paired with blue coconut rice, was a delightful combination.
- Songket: A restaurant with a twist, Songket not only served contemporary Malay cuisine but also provided live traditional Malay entertainment. The spacious restaurant, adorned with sophisticated decor, left us feeling pampered, especially after enjoying their beef Rendang.
- Opium: Known as a chill-out spot, Opium surprised us with their delectable Angus beef Rendang. The oriental-inspired ambience and strategic location in Changkat added to the overall satisfying experience.
Final thoughts
Rendang is simply mouthwatering, with its slow-cooked perfection and a delightful mix of aromatic spices that showcase Malaysia's culinary brilliance.
In Kuala Lumpur, a hotspot for diverse gastronomic delights, rendang stands proudly on countless menus, from street food stalls to upscale restaurants. Among these, Madam Kwan’s is number one!
However, in our journey, we also discovered other exceptional rendang havens in the city. From the legendary Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa to the unique offerings at Bijan Bar & Restaurant, Kuala Lumpur offers an array of rendang experiences to please anyone!