Top 10 Oldest Restaurants in Malaysia

Oldest Restaurants in Malaysia: Malaysia’s food scene is a colorful blend of cultures — Malay, Chinese, Indian, Eurasian, and beyond. But behind today’s trendy cafés and fusion eateries lie timeless culinary institutions that have stood strong for generations. These are Malaysia’s oldest restaurants, where recipes, interiors, and even furniture tell stories from the early 1900s.

From the colonial-era charm of Ipoh’s Durbar at FMS to Kuala Lumpur’s legendary Yut Kee, these eateries are not just restaurants — they are living museums of Malaysia’s rich dining heritage.

Let’s explore the Top 10 Oldest Restaurants in Malaysia that continue to serve tradition on a plate.

🥇 1. Durbar at FMS (formerly FMS Bar & Restaurant) – Ipoh, Perak

Founded: 1906
Cuisine: Hainanese & Colonial-style Western
Highlights: Believed to be one of Malaya’s first bars and restaurants, FMS (Federated Malay States) was a gathering spot for British officers and miners. The renovated Durbar at FMS still retains its old-world charm, offering dishes like Hainanese Chicken Chop and Shepherd’s Pie in a nostalgic setting.

🥈 2. Yuit Cheong – Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Founded: 1892 (estimated)
Cuisine: Local Malay-Chinese fusion
Highlights: Often cited as the oldest eatery in Sabah, Yuit Cheong has served generations of locals. Famous for its satay, roti, and traditional breakfast, it’s a must-visit spot for those exploring old-town Kota Kinabalu.

🥉 3. Yut Kee Restaurant – Kuala Lumpur

Founded: 1928
Cuisine: Hainanese Kopitiam Classics
Highlights: A Kuala Lumpur institution, Yut Kee has been serving Hainanese-style comfort food for nearly a century. Their famous chicken chop, roti babi, and kaya toast continue to attract loyal customers and tourists alike. The café’s nostalgic atmosphere remains a tribute to pre-war Malaysia.

4. Restoran Coliseum Café & Hotel – Kuala Lumpur

Founded: 1921
Cuisine: Western Grill & Hainanese Fusion
Highlights: Established during British rule, the Coliseum Café is one of KL’s oldest Western-style steakhouses. Frequented by colonial officers and later local elites, its sizzling steaks, Hainanese chicken chop, and old-school bar make it a nostalgic culinary landmark.

5. Sin Yoon Loong – Ipoh, Perak

Founded: 1937
Cuisine: Kopitiam (Coffeehouse)
Highlights: Known as the birthplace of Ipoh White Coffee, Sin Yoon Loong remains a favorite breakfast stop. Locals swear by its white coffee, kaya toast, and soft-boiled eggs — a ritual that hasn’t changed in decades.

6. Nam Heong Kopitiam – Ipoh, Perak

Founded: Late 1930s
Cuisine: Hainanese Coffee Shop & Snacks
Highlights: Another Ipoh legend, Nam Heong introduced authentic white coffee and dim sum to the city long before cafés were trendy. Its success even inspired the modern Nam Heong franchise, proving that heritage never goes out of style.

7. Sek Yuen Restaurant – Pudu, Kuala Lumpur

Founded: 1948
Cuisine: Cantonese Banquet
Highlights: One of the last remaining restaurants still using wood-fire stoves, Sek Yuen serves traditional Cantonese banquet dishes like Pipa Duck and Steamed Fish. The vintage dining hall, with its round tables and old photos, transports diners back to 1950s Kuala Lumpur.

8. Capitol Satay Celup – Melaka

Founded: 1950s
Cuisine: Satay Celup (Peanut Sauce Hotpot)
Highlights: This Melaka gem pioneered the satay celup concept — skewers of meat, seafood, and vegetables dipped into boiling peanut sauce. It’s a local tradition to queue up outside, especially on weekends, for this one-of-a-kind flavor experience.

9. Kedai Kopi Yee Fung – Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Founded: 1960s
Cuisine: Local Malaysian (Sabahan specialties)
Highlights: A long-running eatery in KK’s Gaya Street, Yee Fung is beloved for its signature Laksa, Claypot Chicken Rice, and Ngau Chap (beef noodles). It’s a nostalgic breakfast stop where time seems to slow down.

10. Restoran Fong Lye – Kuala Lumpur (Honourable Mention)

Founded: 1960s
Cuisine: Taiwanese & Chinese Fusion
Highlights: Though newer than others on this list, Fong Lye’s consistency and decades-long operation make it a classic KL favorite — representing the enduring spirit of Malaysia’s post-independence dining culture.

Conclusion

From century-old kopitiams to colonial steakhouses, these restaurants are more than just dining spots — they are guardians of Malaysia’s culinary history. Each visit is a step back in time, a taste of the past that continues to inspire the present.

So, next time you travel across Malaysia, skip the fast food and head to these timeless eateries — where every dish tells a story that’s been simmering for generations.