In the bustling town of Klang, tucked away within all its historical charm and culinary joys, lies Restaurant Klang Hainan Curry Rice, a comforting gem that claimed its spot 47 years ago. This eatery, while not known to many outside the Klang area, is a popular recommendation to those craving an authentic Hainanese curry rice experience.
What sets this place apart isn’t just its nearly five-decade legacy—it’s the distinctive slimy curry rice they offer. For some, it’s a dish worth returning for; for others, it’s an acquired taste.
A Hainan legacy built over decades
Since its inception in 1974, this Hainanese restaurant in Klang has been dishing out a unique take on curry rice that has both intrigued and polarised its customers. Quite a number of the customer reviews on Google highlight how they have been dining at this eatery since childhood.
The enduring success of Restaurant Klang Hainan Curry Rice speaks volumes about its commitment to nostalgia and authenticity.
Step inside and you will be greeted by a somewhat classic Hainan style interior that feels very old-school. The patterned tiling, wooden panel ceiling, and wooden tables and stools, lend a laid-back touch that makes the space feel homey. The turquoise window panes on the outside of the restaurant are also a nice touch.
The walls are adorned with a mix of old photographs and memorabilia, painting diners a clear picture of the restaurant’s rich history.
Unsurprisingly, many of the patrons are older, having frequented the eatery regularly for decades now. Their presence adds to the restaurant’s warmth and charm, giving you a boost of confidence to sample this slimy curry rice that you’ll either hate or love.
Not your typical curry
Hainan curry rice is believed to have originated from Singapore, it consists of white rice, smothered with curries and gravy, accompanied by a meat dish of some kind.
Here in Malaysia, Hainan curry rice is less common than in Singapore, much less one with a texture like they have at Restaurant Klang Hainan Curry Rice.
Image Credit: Liew Cheon Fong on Google Reviews (left), Leong Yew Tew (right)
This dish is a point of fascination for most, but apprehension for some. Restaurant Klang Hainan Curry Rice’s signature curry texture is thickened with tapioca starch to give it a gelatinous, slimy consistency. The result is a distinctive mouthfeel that’s bouncy, thick, unlike other typical curries.
It still preserves the essence of the Hainanese dish with its rich and savoury flavours. However, the sliminess can be a deal-breaker, especially for those who are accustomed to a more conventional santan curry consistency.
A big plate of rice drowned in the slimy curry is only RM1.50. Could affordability be the winning factor that has customers coming back for more?
While the slimy curry rice is the restaurant’s main attraction, its side dishes are equally noteworthy. Patrons are encouraged to accompany their curry rice with a selection of braised pork, eggs, pork intestines, and kicap fish head. These sides, also affordable, add to the overall meal in contrasting textures and flavours.
MFT’s Review
We tried everything on the menu.
The texture of the slimy curry rice is where opinions really start to diverge, some of us loved it and some found it off-putting and couldn’t get past one spoonful. Taste-wise, we all agreed that the curry lacked the punch of flavour we were expecting it to have, making the dish less enjoyable. There is promise in how comforting this dish can be though, it just needs a little more flavour to get to that point.
On the other hand, the sides were very enjoyable, perhaps the curry is meant to be the understated base, allowing the sides to shine.
One of the strengths of this restaurant is its early opening hours. Starting at 7am, it caters to those who want to enjoy a comforting but hearty breakfast of curry rice and braised meat. While this is relatively heavy for breakfast, some early risers appreciate a more indulgent and flavourful start to their day.
The restaurant’s homey ambiance adds to the overall dining experience as well.
Image Credit: Ong C & Fann Soo on Google Reviews
Yet, the slimy curry rice is not unanimously appreciated and remains a polarising feature. For some, it’s simply delightful and for others, a curiosity that may not align with their personal tastes. This duality is part of what makes dining at this restaurant an exciting and memorable experience.
Ultimately, whether this Hainanese restaurant in Klang is a yay or nay, depends largely on your personal preferences and openness to trying unconventional dishes.
For those adventurous enough to sample this slimy curry rice, we say go for it, as it offers a unique taste of Hainanese history and tradition.
Klang Hainan Curry Rice
Address: 18, Jalan Nanas, Kawasan 18, 41400 Klang, Selangor
Operating Hours: 7:00am – 1:00pm Saturday to Wednesday
Contact: 016-2981890
Food Status: Non-halal
You should also check out: This PJ chicken rice stall must have feng shui on its side, after 61 years it is still so popular
Feature Image Credit: Sek Kok Fhai on Google Reviews (left), Calvin Yeap (right)
