Chee Meng: Serving halal chicken rice in Old Klang Road since 1965 & still a crowd-pleaser

Tucked away on the ever-bustling streets of Old Klang Road, there’s a staple eatery that’s been dishing out comfort and flavour for nearly six decades now. This is Chee Meng Chicken Rice, a legendary eatery that has been serving up irresistible halal Hainanese chicken rice since 1965.

What started out as a humble roadside stall serving porridge and chicken rice, has since become a chain brand with three outlets across KL, drawing both loyal regulars and curious newcomers eager to savour a taste of old-school chicken rice.

With a recipe that has stood the test of time, Chee Meng continues to win the hearts and taste buds of all who visit, proving that some traditions only improve with age. In 2023, Chee Meng earned a spot in the Michelin Bib-Gourmand list, a testament to its unwavering dedication to quality and flavour after 59 years.

Old Klang Road’s nasi ayam legacy

Image Credit: Lilis Juliana on Google Review (left), Ken Lim Kee Heng (right)

Founded by Mr. Yeok Kai Seng in 1965, Chee Meng started as Chee Meng Kai Fun, which roughly translates to ‘popular chicken rice’ in Cantonese. Back then, the family-owned stall was small, serving only a couple of staple dishes to hungry patrons passing by. As word spread about the tender, flavourful chicken and fragrant rice, the stall grew in popularity.

By 1988, it was officially registered under the name Nasi Ayam Chee Meng, solidifying its place as a beloved nasi ayam shop in the area.

Now run by the second and third generations of the Yeok family, Chee Meng has grown into a chain brand. Its success has led to multiple outlets today and it continues to thrive, serving up its famous chicken rice alongside a fusion of other dishes.

Step inside the main branch in Old Klang Road, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time, to your grandparents house. The interior exudes the charm of an old Asian bungalow; cosy, nostalgic, and inviting. The simple furniture, bright and breezy atmosphere, and the soft buzz of friendly chatter create a warm environment that makes you want to linger. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a simple yet delicious meal.

Hainanese chicken rice with a dash of fusion

Image Credit: idetyl ak on Google Review (left), Saiji KL (right)

Chee Meng’s specialty is, of course, the Hainanese chicken rice, which is halal-certified by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), drawing in an even bigger crowd.

Though, it’s the quality and taste that keep customers coming back for more at Chee Meng. Instead of Wenchang chicken from Hainan, they use local chicken which offers a leaner, softer, and juicier bite. The chicken is consistently tender, with the perfect balance of meat and flavour.

What’s Hainanese chicken rice without the accompanying ginger-garlic sauce, right? One of the best aspects of Chee Meng is that they’re not stingy with this sauce—it’s unlimited! The sauce is placed on every table in a small Tupperware, allowing you to scoop as much as you like and slather it generously over your tender chicken. Its zesty, fragrant kick adds the perfect punch to each bite, making the chicken rice even more irresistible.

Due to its Michelin recognition, some customers note that Chee Meng’s prices are on the higher side. However, I would argue that when you compare it to any high-quality chicken rice shop today, the prices are fairly standard and still quite affordable by KL’s standards. It wouldn’t be fair to compare the prices at Chee Meng to those of chicken rice stalls in wet markets or food courts, where the focus is often on mass production rather than the quality and taste.

A plate of chicken rice at Chee Meng will set you back between RM9.50 to RM13, depending on which part of the chicken you choose, the lean breast or the juicy thigh; and roasted or steamed chicken. The portions are pretty standard, offering a fair amount of both chicken and rice.

A local favourite with Michelin recognition

Image Credit: Hafizul Hazmiey on Google Review (left), Amir Azman (right)

Aside from chicken rice, Chee Meng has, over the years, really expanded their menu, offering a variety of mouth-watering options. You can order classic local favourites like salted egg yolk chicken wings and butter prawns, both of which are bursting with familiar, savoury flavours. For those who enjoy a bit of fusion in their meal, Chee Meng also serves a mix of Malay and Thai dishes.

With over 1.2k reviews and an impressive 4.2-star rating for its Jalan Klang Lama outlet and 3.6k reviews for its Bukit Bintang outlet today, Chee Meng has clearly earned the love and respect of its patrons. The restaurant’s Michelin Bib-Gourmand recognition in 2023 further cements its reputation as a top-tier eatery in the area.

While parking can be tricky in busy shop lots like these, the restaurant’s clean environment, quick service, and consistently satisfying food make it worth the visit. Some may find the prices on the higher side, but the flavours and quality are undeniably worth it.

If you haven’t yet experienced Chee Meng’s old-school Hainanese chicken rice, now’s the perfect time to make the trip and taste what everyone’s been raving about.