Restoran Chuan Kie (全记小菜馆) – Famous Zi Char Restaurant in Gohtong Jaya, Genting Highlands

Whenever I go to Genting Highlands, I always look forward to eating at Restoran Chuan Kie (全记小菜馆), a well-known restaurant located in Gohtong Jaya. It is a popular dining stop on the hill for people leaving or going towards Resorts World Genting.

Restoran Chuan Kie (全记小菜馆)

Restoran Chuan Kie (全记小菜馆) is a traditional Chinese restaurant located in the small rustic town of Gohtong Jaya, Genting Highlands. It is famous for serving delicious and affordable Zi Char dishes.

There are actually two Chuan Kie branches in Gohtong Jaya.

The first branch was founded in the 1970s by Madam Chan Lai Fun. Madam Chan’s son (Mr Chan Chee Nam) opened the second branch in 1986 and runs it with his wife Madam Hong chai Wei.

There are many other Chinese restaurants along the street, but the most popular is still Restoran Chuan Kie. Therefore, it gets really busy during peak hours and on weekends. We went on a Thursday at around 3pm and luckily the restaurant was quite empty.

Old-School Restaurant

Fresh fish

Nick Cheung

Ah Niu

Evan

Restoran Chuan Kie is an old-school street restaurant where customers eat on wooden tables in a no-frills space.

There are many photos of well-known celebrities lining the walls, such as Ah Niu, Charmaine Sheh, Nick Cheung, Andy Lau, Sally Yeh and George Lam. Apparently, celebrities like coming here to eat after their performances at Resorts World Genting.

The staff are not very friendly, but they are not rude either. Just go in with low expectations of the service and you will be fine.

Menu (click to enlarge)

Some of the dishes available

The extensive menu offers a variety of tantalising Chinese dishes. Some of their popular dishes include the Steamed Cat Fish, Special Crispy Bake Pork, Claypot Prawn With Glass Noodles, Claypot Curry Fish head, Three Egg Combination, and Sweet & Sour or Soya Sauce Prawns.

Special Crispy Baked Pork

The Special Crispy Baked Pork (RM15) is one of the restaurant’s famous dishes. It definitely lived up to its reputation! The pork was fried to perfection and I loved the crispy texture. Together with the tantalising layer of savoury-sweet soya sauce, this dish tasted wonderful.

Salted Vegetables Beancurd Soup

The Salted Vegetables Beancurd Soup (RM8) was another satisfying dish. I loved the spicy-sour flavour and the generous amounts of fresh prawns, soft tofu and salted vegetables inside the soup.

Hot Plate Beancurd

The Hot Plate Beancurd (RM13) is our must-order dish whenever we eat zi char. Chuan Kie’s version did not disappoint – it was hot, savoury, and satisfying.

Sambal Kang Kong

The wife and I are not really big fans of vegetables, but we really enjoy eating Sambal Kang Kong (RM10). Perhaps it’s because the water spinach vegetables go really well with the feisty sambal chilli.

Conclusion

From the first time I ate at Restoran Chuan Kie, I could understand why it is so popular with both locals and tourists alike. Compared to the glitzy SkyAvenue restaurants, the ambience here may not be as classy but the food is very delicious and affordable. The restaurant gets super busy during peak hours and weekends, so make sure you go early (or during off peak hours) to avoid disappointment.

Restoran Chuan Kie
Directions: 9-minute drive from Awana Cable Car Station (we took a Grab ride)
Address: Goh Tong Jaya, 29-30 Jalan Jati 1, 69000 Genting Highlands, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Daily 12pm to 11pm
Phone: +603 6100 1151

This article is part of our completely free and fantastic Ultimate Genting Highlands Travel Guide. Why spend days researching when all your holiday information is simply a click away?