In our beautiful city of Kuala Lumpur, all our cuisines are always scrumptious and full of flavour. As such, it is no wonder why we are one of the food havens in Southeast Asia.

From the iconic dish of nasi lemak to our flavourful briyani rice, and sinful Chinese economy rice to our delicious roti canai, the options are endless. Despite all of this wonderful goodness, sometimes, we wish to explore beyond our comfort zone and taste unique and uncommon delicacies.

This Halloween, if you have the stomach for it, why not give these 8 odd food in KL a try?

1. Live Octopus

Image Credit: Eat Drink KL
Image Credit: Eat Drink KL

In Korea, feasting on live octopus, also known as Sannjaki, is considered a very common practice. The live creature will often be chopped into smaller pieces and drizzled with sesame seeds and sesame oil before being served immediately.

When it is served, you may notice that the octopus will still squirm around on the platter and it’s best to eat it fast. Some have mentioned how the taste is uniquely delicious, while others are not able to stomach the flavours. Either way, if you wish to try it out yourself, head on over to Mont Kiara’s Crazy Fish restaurant!

Hours: Monday: 4pm-4am, Tuesday-Sunday: 11am-4am

Address: Crazy Fish; No. 9-G, Jalan Solaris 3, Solaris Mont Kiara

Tel: 03-6211 7313

2. Live “Penis Fish”

Image Credit: Eat Drink KL
Image Credit: Eat Drink KL

Don’t let the name of this dish fool you! It is in fact not a fish, but a huge sea worm which feeds on planktons. You can either have it raw or stir fried, but the Crazy Fish restaurant serves the dish raw and very much alive. Your dinner might be squirming around on the platter, but at least that would guarantee its freshness! This is a seasonal item for Crazy Fish so it’s best to call before you dine here.

Hours: Monday 4pm to 4am, Tuesday – Sunday, 11am – 4am

Address: Crazy Fish, No. 9-G, Jalan Solaris 3, Solaris Mont’ Kiara

Tel: 03-6211 7313

3. Bull Penises

Image Credit: Food Ranger
Image Credit: Food Ranger

Bull penises, also known as Sup Torpedo is believed to help increase the male sex drive and the dish is served in a small stall called “Sup Haji Abu Bakar”. With each bull penis averaging the length of two and a half feet, it will be boiled whole alongside Indian spices which helps to elevate the flavours. You could also opt to try their bull testicles for an added challenge!

Hours: Monday-Sunday: 6pm-12am

Address: Sup Haji Abu Bakar, Jalan Doraisamy

4. Whole Frog

Image Credit: Teambuffet.com
Image Credit: Teambuffet.com

Fried frog meat is not an uncommon fare and it is sometimes served in Chinese restaurants. Normally, a few parts of the frog would be served, such as the limbs, however this pasar malam stall in Jalan Alor serves the frog whole and on a stick. The night market which is open daily will often be surrounded by tourists so it’s really hard to miss it. The deep fried dish is said to be chewy and delicious at the same time and not to mention, filling too.

Hours: 4.30pm-10pm: daily.

Address: Along the Jalan Alor night market.

5. Pig’s Brain

Image Credit: Seriouseats.com
Image Credit: Seriouseats.com

Bah kut teh is a typical Chinese cuisine whereby we tend to consume every part of the pig, from its meat to its innards. Pig blood, on the other hand, is also used in the preparation of certain dishes. However, did you know that you could actually consume pig brains too?

The texture of the pig brain is said to have a jelly-like consistency and Restaurant Sek Yuen in Jalan Pudu serves the pig brains fried. At first glance, it might look like meatballs but upon chewing into it, you would know without a doubt that you’re consuming pig’s brains.

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 11am-10pm

Address: Restaurant Sek Yuen; 315, Jalan Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur

6. Stinky Tofu

Image Credit: Chinesestreetfood.com
Image Credit: Chinesestreetfood.com

Some may say that stinky tofu has the smell of an animal carcass but don’t let that deter you from consuming this popular dish. The tofu gets its smell from being mixed in a brine with fermented shrimp and vegetables for up to 6 months. It is later fried and served with chilli and pickled vegetables.

Some Taiwanese restaurants may serve this dish, but the best stinky tofu can be found at the Taman Connaught night market. You definitely won’t miss it and to find it, just follow the pungent smell!

Hours: Wednesday: 5pm-12am

Address: Taman Connaught Pasar Malam, Cheras

7. Fish Sperm Sacs

Image Credit: Eat Drink KL
Image Credit: Eat Drink KL

This soft, white creamy blob might look like any other seafood, but Hanari Japanese Restaurant’s specialty is in fact the fish sperm sacs. The dish is served raw and some would say that it even melts in the mouth. As the dish is a seasonal one, it’s best to call before you dine here.

Hours: Monday-Sunday: 12pm-2.30pm, 6pm-10.30pm

Address: Hanari Japanese Restaurant; The Intermark Mall, Ground Floor, 348, Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 03-2164 2133

Bonus

8. Crocodile Meat

Image Credit: The Star Online
Image Credit: The Star Online
Image Credit: My.LocatedAt
Image Credit: My.LocatedAt

Ever wondered what the biggest and most dangerous reptilian on earth tastes like? Well, you may not find it anywhere else but in Kuala Lumpur itself. The crocodile meat is served ala jeruk style and the dry snack is said to help alleviate the symptoms of asthma and eczema.

Some curious cats have tried the dish out and they have mentioned that it tastes similar to chicken. To try this snack out, you can get it shipped personally to your house or purchase it right from the Pearl Point Shopping Mall located along Jalan Klang Lama.

Website: Krocies

Feature Image Credit: Mieranidhirah.com and Food Ranger

 
 
Also Read
Expectations were high for Sage Restaurant & Wine Bar’s new looks & menus—it met them all

We review Sage Restaurant & Wine Bar's French-Japanese fine dining cuisine at The Gardens Residences. Is the renovated space worth visiting?

BAKE by Mel strikes again with their new take on croissants. Here’s our review of them.

We review BAKE By Mel's croissant crisp pastries that come in five flavours. They're available at their store in Bukit Jalil.

Nostalgia on a plate: We tried MiCasa All Suite Hotel’s elevated classic dishes for Ramadhan

We review MiCasa All Suite Hotel's Ramadhan menu for 2024 in their Shiso Dining restaurant. Here's what to expect from their festive buffet.

Immerse yourself in Martell’s AI-inspired Pop-Up Store at Pavilion Bukit Jalil

Martell has organised a 130 Years in Malaysia Pop-Up Store at Pavilion Bukit Jalil, happening throughout December 2023.

Don’t let the amazing views at Alva KL distract you from its delightful food & cocktails

We review Alva KL's views, food, and cocktails on the 57th floor of Ascott Star KLCC. Here's what we liked at the sky dining restaurant.

Christmas came early with One World Hotel’s sprawling buffet, here’s our review

We tried One World Hotel Petaling Jaya's 2023 Christmas and New Year's buffet, here is our review of the festive offerings.

The “By Mel” team takes on hot pastries & fine desserts with a new bakery in Bukit Jalil

We review BAKE By Mel, a pastry and fine desserts bakery at Bukit Jalil opened by the team behind CC by Mel and ZEN by MEL.

‘Tis the season of Xmas buffets, here’s our review of Courtyard by Marriott Setia Alam’s one

We review Courtyard by Marriott Setia Alam's buffet for Christmas and New Year's. They have takeaway packages too.