Locals queue up before 8am just to dine in at this legendary Chinese restaurant in Batu Caves

Just as the sun starts to peek over Batu Caves, you’ll find a dedicated crowd of locals forming a line that stretches around the block, outside this legendary Chinese restaurant.

What draws them here, to Pan Heong Restaurant, even before the restaurant opens its doors at 8am? It’s the irresistible allure of one signature dish here that gets everyone buzzing with excitement, the Wat Tan Hor.

Three-decade legacy

Operating for over three decades now, this restaurant has quickly become a beloved establishment to those in the area. The bustling eatery consistently draws in crowds of patrons and is considered a must-visit spot for anyone craving a delicious Chinese fare in Batu Caves.

Image Credit: Equilibrium on Google Review

Don’t let its average, old-school charm fool you though. This place is shaking things up with robot servers zipping around and a queue numbering system in place. This is necessary for efficiency, as the queues at this eatery can get pretty intense.

The robots and strict numbering system, flaunt a subtle blend of nostalgia and modern efficiency that we think even aunties and uncles would appreciate.

Despite the queue numbering system in place, securing a table will feel like winning the lottery. Though, we’d say that the anticipation only adds to the experience, making the meal more exciting and worth the wait. As you stand there, under the rays of the sun, allow the aromas wafting through the air to whet your appetite.

Sporting an impressive 2,273 Google reviews averaging four stars as of this article’s writing, Pan Heong certainly has earned its stripes. Despite this high Google-praise, some hesitate to make the journey. Understandably so, considering it’s a bit of a drive out, but the relentless foodies who make the trip know that the payoff is more than worth it—especially if you love good food.

Pan Heong’s Signature

Speaking of good food, let’s get to the heart of what keeps everyone coming back for more.

While the menu is a tome of mouth-watering offerings—think savoury kau yuk mai fun, comforting fish porridge, crispy lobak, and all your classic Chinese dishes—it’s the signature dish, the River Prawn Wat Tan Hor, that steals the show at this eatery.

Image Credit: Bill on Google Review

Now, this isn’t your average plate of noodles. Imagine rice noodles, perfectly fried and smoky, topped with succulent, freshwater prawns bathed in a rich, thick gravy. Seriously, I mean rich and thick.

Pan Heong is known for their extra silky, eggy, and dense gravy that’s an absolute triumph amongst patrons. The medium-sized prawns are expertly halved to reveal their heads bursting with bright orange roe. Just thinking about it makes your mouth water, doesn’t it?

Each bite of these wok hei-tinged noodles is a punch of umami, enhanced by a delicate prawn-y goodness. The prawn itself is sweet, bouncy, and cooked to perfection, providing a satisfying chew, and the roe adds a creaminess to the dish.

Every mouthful of this visually stunning dish is truly a treat and nothing short of addictive.

Image Credit: M.Winterfell on Google Review (left), Bruce Tan (right)

If you’re ordering this signature dish, that means you were lucky enough to snag a table. Don’t just stop at the Wat Tan Hor. Their Kau Yuk Mai Fun is a comforting bowl of rice noodles with tender, stewed pork that warms the soul. The meat is fatty and sinful, but hits the spot without a doubt.

Porridge lovers cannot miss out on their range of porridges, creamy, savoury, and rich, it’s comfort food that you need after standing in a long queue.

A place that attracts locals and celebs

Image Credit: Edmund Teng on Google Review

Pan Heong Restaurant has a spacious setup, designed to accommodate the throngs of diners who flock here, yet it still manages to retain that warm, welcoming atmosphere typical of Chinese eateries. You will also find picture frames adorning the wall, of celebrities who have visited the restaurant before.

The extensive menu also ensures that there’s something for everyone, which makes it the perfect spot for family dinners or gatherings.

If you ever find yourself in Batu Caves for some reason and hear whispers about a legendary Chinese restaurant, it’s likely the whispers are about Pan Heong.

Yes, there will be a wait, but it’s a wait filled with excited anticipation and the promise of a local meal that’s bound to leave you smiling. Grab your foodie friends or family, and join that queue, because soon, you will be indulging in some savoury Wat Tan Hor so rewarding, you’ll be sorry you’ve never had it before.

Good things come to those who wait *wink*