Lai foong lala noodle KL, Chinatown

Let’s take a dine in at the Lai Foong lala noodle mee store in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown. The spot is tad a haven for food lovers, with several street food marketplaces offering dine-in and street food. The famous lala white noodles here is one worthy to take alook when you are in the buzzing Malaysian capital city. It is a must-try dish. Known for its flavorful broth and fresh ingredients, this dish has become an icon in the local food scene.

Lai Foong lala white bee hoon noodles stall has been part of Chinatown’s vibrant food culture since the 1970s. What started as a humble hawker stall in the old Lai Foong building has grown into a beloved dining spot for locals and tourists alike. Notably, Lai Foong lala noodles used to operate at a different spot in Chinatown, near the KL Central Market (Pasar Seni).

That old building is now disused except for the ground floor, which houses a coffee shop eatery. Nearby landmarks like Central Market and Sri Mahamariamman Temple make it a convenient stop during a day of exploration.

The old Lai foong building

Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2024

Lala clams

Furthermore, the stall now resides in its own building just off the main KL Chinatown food street. Despite its fame, the stall retains its original charm, offering a modest setup with basic seating and open cooking stations. The new restaurant, located along Jalan Sultan, features a two-story layout and was awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2024. This makes it a notable culinary destination in the area. The stall’s location along Jalan Petaling in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown is easily accessible by public transport, adding to its appeal.

What’s on the Menu

The menu focuses on the signature lala white noodles, served in soupy or dry formats. The dishes come with generous portions of lala shellfish (fresh clams) and their trademark white beehoon noodles. You get generous portions of lala shells, often, the lala shells cover the entire top of your bowl. These are accompanied with silky rice noodles and a light, savory broth infused with ginger complete this iconic dish.

The noodles are cooked to perfection, maintaining a firm texture that holds up well without being too soggy or soft when eating with chopsticks. They absorb the broth’s rich flavors, making every bite tad a delight. The regular lala bowls offer the best value for the price and provide the full experience dining here at Lai Foong . However, caution is advised, as small and sharp shell fragments might be lurking in the soup bowl.

Rich ginger broth

Additionally, the soup version of the lala noodles is the highlight and a must-try for first-time visitors. The mihun soup with ginger and wine broth is flavorful but might be too rich or salty for some tastes. Besides lala noodles, the Shang Har Lala dish offers the same white beehoon served with big prawns in a spicy broth. Ordering extra prawns adds a frothy, prawn-flavored kick to the broth, enhancing its richness and depth.

For a spicier option, the Shang Har Lala prawn noodles are an excellent choice. Simplicity is key to enjoying the authentic flavors of these dishes. Avoid elaborate add-ons that could overpower the dish’s balance. Portions are generous, making it easy to share dishes when dining in a group. This allows you to sample multiple offerings without overindulging.

The lala noodles are also available in fried versions, but the soup variant comes highly recommended. For those seeking variety, the prawn noodles and seafood fried rice are popular alternatives. Additional menu options include lala fried rice and prawn noodles with fried egg noodles.

Things to Keep in Mind

Wrapping up, the prices are affordable, and cash is the preferred mode of payment. This makes it accessible for a wide range of diners.it is worth noting the restaurant do becomes notably crowded during peak meal times, especially from noon onwards and can be quite full on weekends from around 12:30 pm. It’s an excellent spot for brunch in the heart of KL Chinatown. Hence, is recommended to visit early, around 11:30 am where the restaurant is mostly empty, ensuring a quieter and more enjoyable dining experience. During peak hours, expect queues of up to 30 minutes, especially on weekends.

Also, the restaurant does have a rather extensive Chinese theming with wood, and lots of Chinese lanterns hanging from the ceilings. Seating includes both tables and booths, spread across two floors, with larger tables accommodating groups of up to ten. Dining here is casual and unpretentious, perfect for those seeking authentic Malaysian street food. The lively atmosphere is a mix of locals and tourists, adding to the charm. Notably, in recent years, the stall has expanded with two other branches in Kuala Lumpur. One is located in Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya, and the other in Bandar Puteri Puchong.

All in all, that wraps up our dine-in here at Lai Foong Lala white noodles in KL, Chinatown. Its rich history, flavorful signature dish, and budget-friendly prices make one to shortlist when you are visiting the KL Chinatown area. Just to remember to dine during off-peak hours just before lunch or dinner times to avoid the crowds

This review is not sponsored by the establishment nor did they provide any editorial input or reimbursements into the content and outcome of this review. All meals were paid for in full out of my own pocket as a regular and anonymous patron.