Jalan San Peng is not just a popular clothes wholesale hub. Occupying 3 shop lots along the streets of San Peng is ZK Restaurant, an unassuming and affordable Chinese restaurant that serves delicious traditional cuisine.
Its façade and interior may not be five-star. But its insides are well maintained, clean and the air conditioning keeps the restaurant cool.
If you’re looking to feast on good Chinese in KL without worrying about your wallet, consider ZK Restaurant as you’ll be pleasantly surprised!
About ZK Restaurant
ZK Restaurant started as a roadside “tai chow” restaurant featuring 20 small tables with a limited sitting capacity of 30 pax at one time. Perched under a humble stall shaded by a zinc rooftop, the original restaurant was exposed to elements of nature, pelted by rainfall and scorching rays.
Yet, it carved its niche for delicious food with a roadside dining environment.
As the Pudu area comprised low-cost flats inhabited by young families and students, serving affordable Chinese food was important to capture this captive crowd.
Once a decent clientele was secured, owner Chef Soh bought several shop lots and shifted his operation to a full–fledged restaurant.
Today, Chef Soh continues to hone his culinary prowess with a shape-shifting menu that features premium ingredients alongside conventional dishes.
Innovations like Truffle Ebiko Fried Rice, and Steamed Scallops with Garlic earned this restaurant the moniker of an affordable fine dining restaurant by the roadside.
Accessibility
While there is street parking along Jalan San Peng, there aren’t many bays to begin with. There are stalls opposite the restaurant and since the hawkers clean their stalls after operating, the road there is wet and can be unpleasant.
Parking is scarce and you’ll have to circle a little further to get space.
Alternatively, ZK Restaurant is easily reachable via the PUDU LRT Station or ride-hailing.
Ambiance
Its no-frills interior is styled to the tune of a typical Chinese restaurant with menus emblazoned on the walls. There is hardly any décor, safe for the potted plants placed at the entrance to add vibrancy in line with the Chinese New Year festivities.
The tables are draped in red cloth, and there is a hot and hot water dispenser for guests to sell serve.
Don’t expect fancy interiors as its food steals the limelight.
Service At ZK Restaurant
We went there during lunchtime and 2 of the shop lots were fully occupied. Sitting in the third shop, expect service to be somewhat slower.
Food was served 35 minutes after ordering, and table service was less attentive. We had to order rice twice before it arrived.
Nevertheless, the staffs were polite and they tried their best to accommodate our requests despite the crowd.
But all is forgiven when the food comes.
Food
As one of their best sellers, the Curry Fish Head is brimming with flavors. The fish head is fleshy and tender, while the thick curry oozes with flavors. Packed with brinjal, lady fingers, and fried tofu, it’s a decadent dish that must be devoured.
As pork rib is their specialty, we could not resist a pork feast and ordered 3 pork dishes.
First up was the Jeong Gun Ribs – a sterling cuisine with a Korean fusion flair to boot. Coated with tasty Korean bean paste with a slight hint of spice, its treacle-like gravy made it a sweetish treat. The marmite pork was beautifully plated with "dancing" bonito flakes on a basket of fried wanton skin.
The Sweet and Sour Pork was flawlessly executed a testament to the chef’s culinary prowess. The pork crackles with a crispy bite and melts into a succulent nibble of juicy minced pork, coated with tangy and sweet sauce with the right consistency.
The Yam Basket with Sweet Pork did not linger on the table for long. The crispy and fresh yam basket was a true delight, while the pork complemented the dish to perfection.
The Lime Sotong is an unusual dish that turned out well. Served in a refreshing savory -lime sauce, the steamed squid slices retain their tender texture, while the chili flakes enhance their taste profile.
We also tried the 2 kinds kailan, Vege Tofu, and Pineapple Chicken which passed the taste test with flying colors.
Pricing
As we came in a big group of 10, the average price per dish ranged between RM38 – RM45. The total bill came out to RM400++ and was worth it.
ZK restaurant does not serve alcohol or beer. But you can bring your booze with no additional corkage charge.
Verdict
ZK Restaurant serves fancy banquet-styled dishes with plenty of options on the menu. Its food is surprisingly good and does not rely on heavy seasoning to bring out its flavor.
Famous for affordable prices, pretty plating, and a diverse menu, ZK Restaurant lures the crowd that includes local and outbound tourists. Plus the neighboring community too
It’s one of the best Chinese restaurants in KL that’s worth checking out!
For alternative good Chinese food in KL, Segambut Yong Tau Foo offers delicious fish-meat parcels that are fresh and bouncy!
Address: 28, Jalan San Peng, Pudu, 55200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Business Hours: 12 pm – 2 pm; 5 pm – 10 pm daily. Close on Wednesday.
Contact: 010-276 4738
Links: Website
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