Old China Cafe may not be the newest or the swankiest eatery in Chinatown KL. That said, any restaurant that reaches the ripe old age of 27 must be doing something right. And for this classic Nyonya restaurant, you can find a lot of right in its menu.
The restaurant is located on Jalan Balai Polis, just a stone’s throw away from the local Four Points by Sheraton hotel. Parking here is a bit tough, as there are many popular cafes nearby. Thus, it might be necessary to park in the hotel or the nearby private parking lots.
Old China Cafe, an old-school resto
Image Credit: Acadia Nam on Google Review
It is nigh impossible to miss Old China Cafe. For one, it goes all in on the old world vibes, with actual saloon doors marking its entrance. The doors are actually over 70 years old! The building itself is an old-timer, having served as a trade guild hall in the early 20th century.
Stepping through the saloon doors, you might in fact be transported to yesteryear. Classic Chinese songs of the past century will often be playing on the stereo. The furnishings and the decor also fit the vibe perfectly.
Speaking of decor, keep an eye out for the restaurant’s twin infinity mirrors, which are placed to reflect each other. These mirrors are part of feng shui belief, believed to bring good luck. From the brisk business Old China Cafe gets at lunch hour, it seems to be paying off.
A Peranakan menu
Image Credit: Lim May Sally on Google Review (Left), Chan Kong Shea on Google Review (Right)
Enough about the decor though! Once you are seated, what should you order? The restaurant serves Peranakan food, and not just Penangite or Malaccan. The menu features dishes from both types, as well as a handful of Singaporean Peranakan delights.
Nyonya Laksa
Image Credit: Alejandro Lirola Cobo on Google Review (Left), Kunkun Xiaoyu on Google Review (Right)
The one dish that is frequently praised by customers is the Nyonya Laksa. This laksa has a thick spicy gravy which is creamy and so delicious. It really helps that the laksa comes with a generous amount of prawns, chicken, bean sprouts and bean curd.
Pie-Tee
Image Credit: Ian Chow on Google Review (Left), Jeff Glekin on Google Review (Right)
For appetisers, perhaps keep an eye out for the restaurant’s Pie-Tee. For the unawares, Pie-Tee is a Nyonya delicacy featuring crunchy rice flour pieces which look like top hats. You’re supposed to stuff the hats with a mixture of chicken, turnip and carrot by yourself.
Nasi Lemak
Image Credit: MaximillianYpplm on Google Review (Left), Yoong Nianwee on Google Review (Right)
If you need something heavier, be sure to check out the Nasi Lemak. The rice is the highlight here, tinted blue like nasi kerabu. Aside from the usual sides that come with any nasi lemak, this one comes with a savoury, spicy Nyonya rendang chicken.
Mee Siam
Image Credit: Nic Nat on Google Review (Left), Justin Lee on Google Review (Right)
Prefer noodles over rice? Order yourself a plate of the restaurant’s Mee Siam! Hot and sour, the spice paste really gives the noodles an interesting flavour profile. The plentiful shrimps, bean curds and the side of omelette and chicken are the many cherries on top this noodly cake.
Sago Gula Melaka
Image Credit: Azimeer Manaf on Google Review (Left), Miguel on Google Review (Right)
Last but not least is the Sago Gula Melaka. This dessert looks deceptively simple, with just a blue pudding of sago pearls and a side of coconut cream and gula melaka. Pour and mix the latter two together and you get a sinfully sweet dessert with a chewy, bouncy texture.
Worth your time?
All in all, if you enjoy basking in old-world vibes while enjoying a good meal, Old China Cafe might just be the place for you. And if you need further encouragement to drop by here, this place is popular amongst Instagrammers because of its decor.
Old China Cafe
Address: 11, Jalan Balai Polis, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, WP Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 11 am – 10 pm daily
Contact: 03-20725915
Halal Status: Pork-free
You should also check out: This Malaccan couple started a Nyonya restaurant in PJ 5 years ago & their babi is the star
Feature Image Credit: Mozzarella Chisuke on Google Review (Left), Ceriza San Juan on Google Review (Right)
