This Indian Aunty has served home-cooked South Indian food at her stall in KL for 4+ decades

Welcome to Lawanya Food Corner, a charming family-run spot that has been serving customers South Indian food in KL since 1983. With over four decades of success, it’s no surprise that you’ll still find a long line of eager customers, especially during lunch time.

Nestled along Lorong Scott, Lawanya Food Corner is quite literally tucked into a corner by the roadside, but it’s still easy to spot with its bright green zinc awnings.

South Indian food in KL

Image Credit: Allie Yee on Google Review (left), Eshalini Deewi (right)

Here, you’ll find an array of South Indian delicacies, with over 20 dishes daily, consisting of both meat and vegetable options. Each dish is enticingly displayed in clay pots, overflowing with generous portions that resemble pots of “gold”.

Unlike traditional banana leaf eateries, Lawanya opts for a more convenient approach by serving their food on plates. As you take in the scene from a distance, the array of colours, textures, and enticing aromas will undoubtedly pull you in.

If it’s your first time at this eatery, choosing from their wide display might feel a bit overwhelming. When in doubt, stick with the crowd favourites.

According to reviews, their mutton curry and chicken varural are must-tries. While many dishes rotate to keep things varied and exciting, these two staples are always available and consistently praised.

Image Credit: Hariharan C on Google Review (left), Perin Barajah (right)

For those who appreciate unique curries, don’t miss the mutton bone marrow curry, which offers a distinct aroma and richness thanks to the tender marrow from the bones.

The vegetable selection here is anything but mundane, bursting with vibrant colours and diverse offerings. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared, offering both familiar favourites and unique options that you will be eager to dig into.

Best of all, the prices here are quite wallet-friendly by KL standards. You can happily indulge in two meat dishes and three vegetable dishes for only RM20.

Truly a bustling atmosphere

Image Credit: Seg Son Nga on Google Review

Lawanya’s Food Corner is rather limited in space, often leading to a bustling atmosphere where seating can fill up quickly. The small size adds to the eatery’s charm, but it can also mean you might have to wait for a table during peak hours. Lunchtime here is quite the spectacle, with long lines of hungry office workers eager to fill their tummies.

With a high rating of 4.3 stars from over 500 reviews, the food clearly speaks for itself. Diners rave about the authenticity and flavours of the dishes, and appreciate the warm, welcoming atmosphere that comes from this family-run establishment.

Image Credit: Hariharan C on Google Review (left), Yin Kuen Lee (right)

That said, the location does have its quirks. The narrow street can get congested with oncoming traffic, making navigation a bit tricky, especially during busy hours. Some customers have expressed concerns about safety due to the proximity of passing cars.

This is something to keep in mind, especially if you’re dining with children or if you prefer quieter, less hectic surroundings.

MFT’s review

Image Credit: Perin Barajah on Google Review

The mutton curry here is a true standout—tender and juicy, with more meat than bones, so you really get your fill. It’s perfectly infused with a bold medley of spices used and coated in a well-balanced curry. Upon trying this dish, we wholeheartedly agree with the reviews, this is definitely a must-order.

You have to try their signature chicken varuval, a no-brainer choice that delivers a spicy kick that’s both addictive and full of depth. The aubergine we got was a treat too, featuring a crispy exterior that gives way to a soft, savoury inside.

Each meal comes with complimentary rasam and papadam, rounding out the South Indian dining experience nicely. Overall, we simply couldn’t get enough of the food!

The cooking feels authentically South Indian and is surprisingly affordable. It strikes that home cooked sweet spot—savoury and comforting without being overwhelmingly spicy—making it impossible not to go back for more.

Enjoying such a wholesome, authentic fare in a casual, no-frills setting is an experience you definitely don’t want to miss in KL. With over 40 years of serving delicious food, Lawanya Food Corner will surely satisfy your cravings when your paati can’t.