If you’re a Malaysian who has been scrolling through social media recently, then you would definitely be aware of RendangGate, which has united four nations together. Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore were enraged when a Malaysian-born chef had her nasi lemak and chicken rendang criticised by judges on Masterchef UK for not being “crispy” enough.
While many of us can agree that we have never eaten a “crispy” rendang dish regardless of the ingredients used, we’ve definitely sampled some delectable rendang before! If this whole RendangGate has got you craving for some of that awesome local dish, then read on to find out where to get yummy rendang in a nice restaurant in the Klang Valley. PS: These are just some suggestions for you!
1. Bijan Bar & Restaurant
Source: Facebook
If you’re looking for a great Malay restaurant where you can indulge in good rendang, look no further than Bijan. Located in Changkat, this restaurant used to be one of Kuala Lumpur’s best kept secret but over the years, they have gotten famous thanks to their high-end Malay cuisine. Decorated traditionally, their flavourful food is comforting and magnificent, especially its unique duck rendang, the purpose of your visit!
Source: Facebook
Source: Facebook
Address: 3-5, Seri Bukit Ceylon, 8 Lorong Ceylon Off, 3, Jalan Ceylon, Bukit Ceylon, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 4.30pm – 11.00pm
2. Enak
Source: Gourmanda
Starhill Gallery is a popular shopping mall located right in the middle of Kuala Lumpur, which undoubtedly houses one of the city’s finest Malay restaurants. Specialising in traditional Malay food that follows age-old family recipes, Enak’s rich dishes have a spicy kick that will tingle your taste buds. Although the majority of the dishes there are tantalising, the rendang padang is one of the must-haves in the menu.
Source: The Yum List
Address: Feast Village Starhill Gallery at JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur, 181 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 12.00pm – 3.00pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
3. Precious Old China & Old China Cafe
Source: Old China
Source: Old China
Don’t get confused, these two are different outlets but are managed by the same operators. Precious Old China is located in Kuala Lumpur’s Central Market while Old China Cafe is in Chinatown so they’re pretty close to each other. Both restaurants have the same menu that features yummy Peranakan cuisine in a casual yet lovely environment. The eateries’ beef rendang is tender and juicy (definitely not crispy) and especially good when paired with their blue coconut rice.
Source: Old China
Precious Old China
Address: Lot 2, Mezzanine Floor, Central Market, Jalan Hang Kasturi, 50050 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 11.00am – 11.00pm
Old China Cafe
Address: 11, Jalan Balai Polis, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 11.00am – 11.00pm
4. Songket
Source: Songket Restaurant
Source: Zomato
Looking for a restaurant that has something different? Then Songket is the one for you as they not only serve contemporary Malay cuisine but also provide live traditional Malay entertainment! The beautiful and spacious restaurant is decked out in sophisticated decor while their sumptuous food will definitely satisfy your tummy. Especially their beef rendang!
Source: Zomato
Address: No. 29, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri, 12.00pm – 3.00pm, 6.00pm – 11.00pm; Sat, Sun & Public Holidays 5.00pm – 11.00pm
5. Opium
Source: Malaysian Flavours
Source: Thirst Magazine
You may have heard of Opium as a place to chill and relax with a drink or two but it actually serves really good food. One of their signature dishes is the Angus beef rendang, which already sounds totally drool-worthy and atas! The oriental-inspired restaurant emulates the olden opium dens (hence the name) and thanks to its strategic location in Changkat, you can even go bar-hopping after your satisfying meal.
Source: Opium KL
Address: 50, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 4.oopm – 1.00am (2.00am on Fridays & Saturdays)
6. Madam Kwan’s
Source: Facebook
Almost every Malaysian would be familiar with Madam Kwan’s, especially that iconic logo of Madam Kwan Swee Lian herself in every restaurant. Starting from humble beginnings by a lady who doesn’t even like to cook, it’s safe to say that Madam Kwan’s has certainly made a name for herself over the years. Her signature nasi lemak and nasi bojari are to-die-for while everyone raves about her tender and melt-in-your-mouth beef rendang.
Source: Facebook
Source: Goody Foodies
Address: Check out all eight locations here
Opening Hours: 10.00am – 10.00pm
Happy eating and remember to jio us for a rendang date! 
Also read: 8 Restaurants Along Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River You Need to Visit for The Stunning Views
