Located in the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur, Sek Yuen Restaurant stands as a legendary name in Cantonese dining. With a history dating back to 1948, this restaurant has built a reputation for its traditional Chinese flavors. Many locals and tourists visit this iconic spot to experience authentic dishes that have spanned generations. Today, this Restaurant represents both heritage and culinary excellence in Malaysia’s vibrant food scene.
History Behind Sek Yuen Restaurant
Sek Yuen Restaurant began with a humble pushcart operated by the Phang brothers near Jalan Pudu. Over the years, it grew into a full-fledged establishment with over 70 years of rich food traditions. What makes the restaurant special is its commitment to old cooking methods and original Cantonese recipes. As the years passed, the restaurant expanded to include three shop lots and can now serve hundreds of guests daily.
Detailed Menu
| Category | Dish Name | Description | Price (RM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appetizers | Jelly Chicken | Cold dish with tender sliced chicken and soy-based sauce | RM 35 |
| Fried Oyster Egg Roll | Crispy rolls with oysters and egg filling | RM 38 | |
| Braised Peanuts | Slow-cooked savory peanuts | RM 10 | |
| Main Dishes | Pei Pa Duck (Pipa Duck) | Crispy skin duck roasted flat like a pipa instrument | RM 65 |
| Sweet & Sour Pork | Classic dish with tangy sauce and crispy pork pieces | RM 42 | |
| Stir-Fried Pork Liver | Liver slices with leeks and garlic | RM 28 | |
| Lemon Chicken | Fried chicken in sweet lemon glaze | RM 40 | |
| Signature Specials | Eight Treasure Duck | Whole duck stuffed with lotus seeds, chestnuts, yam | RM 120 |
| Yam Ring with Pork | Deep-fried yam ring with stir-fried pork and veggies | RM 40 | |
| Shark Fin Soup (Imitation) | Rich soup with crab, egg, and vermicelli | RM 38 | |
| Vegetables | Kangkung Belacan | Stir-fried water spinach with shrimp paste | RM 20 |
| Garlic Choy Sum | Chinese greens cooked with garlic oil | RM 18 | |
| Rice & Noodles | Yangzhou Fried Rice | Fried rice with shrimp, egg, and vegetables | RM 22 |
| Cantonese Fried Noodles | Crispy noodles with gravy and meat/seafood | RM 24 | |
| Desserts | Red Bean Soup | Sweet dessert soup with soft red beans | RM 10 |
| Chilled Longan with Jelly | Refreshing fruit-based dessert | RM 12 |
Dining Experience and Ambience
Step into Sek Yuen Restaurant, and you’ll immediately notice the vintage decor and wooden furniture. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with large round tables perfect for family-style dining. You won’t find luxury finishes here—this place is all about comfort and heritage. Old photos and awards hang on the walls, telling stories of decades of loyal customers and good food.
Signature Dishes
The menu at Sek Yuen Restaurant is vast, with over 25 pages of classic Cantonese offerings. One of the most famous dishes is the Pei Pa Duck, known for its crispy skin and unique flavors. Other notable options include the Eight Treasure Duck, Jelly Chicken, and Yam Basket with Pork. These meals are often served during Chinese celebrations or large family gatherings.
Dining Tips for Visitors
When visiting this Restaurant, remember that they do not accept reservations, so walk-ins are common. It’s best to arrive early, especially on weekends, as the restaurant fills up quickly during lunch and dinner hours. Many signature dishes require pre-ordering, especially the Eight Treasure Duck, which needs two days’ notice. Cash is accepted, and the staff speaks basic English and Mandarin, so ordering is simple for most guests.
Price Range
The prices at Sek Yuen Restaurant are considered reasonable for the quality and portion sizes offered. A typical family meal with 5–6 dishes costs around RM 170–190, depending on the items selected. For a MICHELIN-rated restaurant, the affordability is part of what draws so many returning customers.
Here’s a helpful price range table:
| Dish Name | Approximate Price (RM) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pei Pa Duck | 65 | Must-try dish, crispy skin |
| Eight Treasure Duck | 120 | Pre-order two days ahead |
| Yam Ring with Pork | 40 | Popular for sharing |
| Jelly Chicken | 35 | Served cold, great for appetizers |
| Stir-Fried Veggies | 20–25 | Seasonal greens, cooked in garlic |
Why Sek Yuen Still Matters Today
In a city filled with modern eateries, Sek Yuen remains a proud symbol of tradition and culture. It shows that food doesn’t need to be trendy to be memorable—it just needs to be made with care and history. The staff, many of whom have been with the restaurant for decades, continue serving meals with pride. Whether you’re a tourist or a KL local, visiting Sek Yuen is like taking a step back in time.
MICHELIN Guide
In recent years, this Restaurant earned a Bib Gourmand award in the MICHELIN Guide Malaysia. This award recognizes restaurants that offer high-quality food at affordable prices. The Pei Pa Duck and classic stir-fried dishes impressed food critics and longtime customers alike. This honor has brought even more international visitors to experience what locals have known for decades.
Location and Accessibility
You can find Sek Yuen on Jalan Pudu, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Kuala Lumpur. This central location is accessible by car, Grab rides, and public transport like the LRT and bus services. Its old-school building stands out among the newer city structures, offering a nostalgic charm. Despite being modernized, the restaurant keeps its traditional look, adding to its authentic feel.
| Location | Address | Operating Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main (Original) | 313, 315 Jalan Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur | Tue–Sun: 11:00 AM–2:30 PM, 5:00–9:30 PM | Closed on Mondays; no reservations allowed |
| Newer Branch | 361–363 Jalan Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur | Tue–Sun: 11:00 AM–2:30 PM, 5:00–9:30 PM | Air-conditioned; located next to the old |
Final Thoughts
With so much change happening in Kuala Lumpur, Sek Yuen Restaurant remains a stronghold of Cantonese heritage. Its rich past, iconic dishes, and loyal following make it one of the city’s must-visit culinary landmarks. Dining here is more than just eating—it’s experiencing a story that began over 70 years ago.
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