Market hawker centre in Pudu, Kuala Lumpur

ICC Pudu

Imbi Market's New Address

3.5 of 5

For decades the old Imbi market was where Kuala Lumpur ate breakfast. When it was cleared, around 260 traders packed up and moved down the road to the Integrated Commercial Complex on Jalan Davis, next to Pudu Plaza, and their regulars followed them like ducklings. The building is newer, the aisles are wider, the wet market sits on another floor, and the cooking is still the reason to get up early.

Walk the food floor once before ordering. The rule at a place like this is to follow the longest line and the oldest cook. Dry wanton noodles, slick with dark soy and lard, under char siew with real charcoal edges. Curry yong tau foo, sweet, spicy and tangy at once, the kind that makes you reach for one more piece. Crispy popiah that shatters on contact. Prawn noodle soup with a broth you will think about on the flight home. Kaya butter toast and a strong coffee to finish, the old school way.

Nothing here is dressed up for tourists, which is exactly why tourists should come. Tables are shared. Some stalls take cash only. Turnover is fast, so be patient, eat well, and give up your seat when you are done.

Order this

Dry wanton noodles with charred char siew, Curry yong tau foo, Crispy popiah, Prawn noodle soup, Kaya butter toast and Hainan coffee

The damage

$

Go

Early morning through late morning; it is a breakfast-and-brunch crowd, so arrive by nine and bring cash

Find it

Integrated Commercial Complex, Jalan Davis, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur

Website

kualalumpurcity.my