If you ask locals where to find some of the best traditional hawker food in Kuala Lumpur, one place consistently comes up — ICC Pudu.
Short for Imbi Commercial Centre, ICC Pudu is more than just a market complex. It’s one of KL’s most beloved morning food destinations, where long-standing hawkers operate side by side, serving recipes that have been perfected over decades.
If you’re wondering what to eat at ICC Pudu, here’s a complete guide to the must-try dishes.
When to Visit ICC Pudu
Before we talk about food, timing matters.
- Best time: 7:00am – 10:00am
- Many stalls close by noon
- Weekends are packed
This is a breakfast-and-brunch hotspot. Come early, expect crowds, and be ready to share tables.
Pork Noodles (Chu Yuk Fun)
One of ICC Pudu’s biggest draws is pork noodles.
A comforting bowl typically includes:
- Minced pork
- Pork slices
- Liver or intestines (optional)
- Crispy lard
- Clear or dark soy-based broth
The broth is usually sweet, savoury, and pork-forward — simple but deeply satisfying.
This is one of the most ordered dishes here.
Curry Laksa
If you prefer something spicy and rich, go for curry laksa.
Expect:
- Thick coconut curry broth
- Tofu puffs
- Fish cake
- Cockles
- Sambal on the side
The balance between creamy and spicy makes this a crowd favourite.
Chee Cheong Fun
A classic KL breakfast staple.
At ICC Pudu, you’ll find soft steamed rice rolls served with:
- Sweet sauce
- Chilli paste
- Sesame seeds
- Fried shallots
Some stalls offer additional toppings like stuffed fish paste or yong tau foo-style options.
Simple, nostalgic, and very local.
Nasi Lemak
Even in a predominantly Chinese hawker setting, nasi lemak remains a staple.
Look for:
- Fragrant coconut rice
- Spicy sambal
- Fried anchovies
- Peanuts
- Hard-boiled egg
- Optional fried chicken or rendang
It’s fast, filling, and ideal if you want something heavier.
Claypot Yee Mee / Claypot Dishes
For something heartier, claypot dishes are a good choice.
Yee mee is simmered in thick gravy with:
- Egg
- Vegetables
- Meat slices
Served bubbling hot — perfect on rainy mornings.
Traditional Kuih & Local Desserts
Don’t leave without checking out the kuih stalls.
You’ll find:
- Kuih lapis
- Ang ku kuih
- Ondeh-ondeh
- Pulut inti
- Seri muka
These colourful bite-sized treats are perfect for takeaway.
Herbal Soups
Some stalls specialise in traditional Chinese herbal soups.
Common options:
- Black chicken herbal soup
- Pork rib herbal soup
- Lotus root soup
These soups are slow-simmered and believed to nourish the body.
Toast & Kopi (Simple Kopitiam Breakfast)
Sometimes, the best choice is the simplest:
- Kaya butter toast
- Half-boiled eggs
- Kopi-O or kopi peng
Sit down, share a table, and soak in the morning chaos.
Why ICC Pudu Is So Popular
ICC Pudu works because:
- Many stalls have operated for decades
- Prices remain reasonable
- Food quality is consistent
- It attracts genuine local crowds
It’s not curated for tourists — and that’s exactly its appeal.
Tips Before You Go
✔ Bring cash (some stalls may not accept e-wallet)
✔ Expect to queue
✔ Tables are shared
✔ Come early
✔ Be patient — turnover is fast
Is ICC Pudu Worth Visiting?
If you want polished café aesthetics, no.
If you want authentic Kuala Lumpur hawker culture, absolutely yes.
ICC Pudu is one of the last remaining large-scale traditional market food centres in central KL.
For food lovers, this is essential.
