Hakka Restaurant has been a cornerstone of traditional Hakka cuisine in Kuala Lumpur for over six decades. It all began in 1956 in Ipoh, where Lee Siew Chin and the late Chong Ngam Sen founded the restaurant driven by a passion for sharing their love of Hakka cooking. From its humble beginnings in a small town to its current place in the heart of the city, Hakka Restaurant has remained a family-run operation that stays true to its roots while evolving with the times.
The journey of Hakka Restaurant is one that spans generations, starting in Ipoh where the founders first opened their doors to the community. Their dedication to crafting authentic Hakka dishes quickly earned them a loyal following, and as demand grew, they decided to move the restaurant to Kuala Lumpur. Today, it stands at Jalan Raja Chulan, where it continues to draw both long-time locals and newcomers alike.
Despite its growth and evolution, the family has always kept a tight grip on the restaurant’s core values. The same cast iron woks used by the founders still play an important role in the kitchen, and many of the restaurant’s long-time suppliers continue to provide the ingredients that have been part of the restaurant’s success since day one.
One of the things that has set Hakka Restaurant apart is its commitment to preserving traditional Hakka recipes and cooking techniques. The founders’ belief in staying true to their roots meant that the dishes were made using methods passed down through generations. From their famous Pork Belly with Tofu to the Hakka-style Braised Pork, every dish is carefully crafted to retain the authentic flavors of Hakka cuisine.
Over the years, Hakka Restaurant has earned a reputation for consistently delivering flavorful dishes that have become staples of the menu. Their Hakka Noodles, served with a savory sauce, and the Braised Pork — tender and full of flavor — remain favorites among diners. The menu hasn’t changed much over the years, which is part of the appeal for many loyal customers who return for the same comforting dishes time and again.
While the restaurant has maintained its dedication to tradition, it has also adapted to modern tastes and changing times. Even so, the essence of what the founders envisioned for Hakka Restaurant has never wavered: providing high-quality, authentic Hakka food for everyone who walks through the door.
What truly sets Hakka Restaurant apart is its family-run atmosphere. The Lee and Chong families have always been involved in the day-to-day operations, and this close-knit approach to running the restaurant is part of its charm. The staff, many of whom have been working at the restaurant for years, also contribute to the sense of continuity and community that pervades the space.
This family approach has allowed the restaurant to retain a sense of warmth and familiarity, even as it has grown in stature over the decades. Diners who have been coming to Hakka Restaurant for years often remark on the sense of belonging that comes with each visit. Whether it’s the same faces behind the counter or the consistent quality of the food, it’s clear that this is a place where people feel at home.
As much as Hakka Restaurant holds onto the past, it has also embraced change. While the dishes remain largely the same, the restaurant’s physical space has evolved over time to accommodate its growing clientele. The move to Jalan Raja Chulan marked a new chapter, placing the restaurant in a more central, accessible location in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The space is simple and unpretentious, reflecting the restaurant’s humble origins, yet it feels warm and welcoming.
The transition from one location to another hasn’t been easy, but it’s clear that Hakka Restaurant has always had the loyalty of its customers to help them through these changes. Whether they’re revisiting the place from the early days or trying it for the first time, many patrons speak fondly of the restaurant’s ability to stay grounded despite its long history.
Hakka Restaurant
Address: No.90, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 11.30am-2.30pm & 5.30pm-10.30pm
