A popular spot for weekend hangouts with friends and family, here’s everything you should know about the best Jaya One food spots that are truly worth your time and dime.
Where malls are concerned in the Klang Valley, most are pretty much par for the course, playing host to a uniform measure of mixed retail tenants that tick all of the usual boxes: fast fashion, decent franchised eats, and other essentials that the average Kuala Lumpur resident would require.
But when it was first conceived, Jaya One took a considerably different approach in its premise as a mixed-use development along Jalan Professor Diraja Ungku Aziz. Encompassing multiple commercial blocks, in addition to residential towers as well as a mall and central square, this sprawling development by Tetap Tiara Sdn Bhd debuted in 2008 as an alternative to the crop of run-of-the-mill neighbourhood retail destinations mushrooming across Petaling Jaya.
Aptly dubbed The School, their approach aims to combine a holistic integration of child learning and development services into retail, as indicated by several learning centres that have set up shop there. Community-driven at heart, it is further complemented by pet-friendly sections that welcome four-legged friends of all breeds and species.
But gastronomy is by far one of Jaya One’s most underrated treasures, with several fantastic names hidden away in the many blocks surrounding its periphery. Fret not if you don’t know where you should look, for we have you covered with a guide to Jaya One food spots that you absolutely should add to your dining itinerary the next time you plan for a meal.
Jaya One food destinations you should check out: where to eat, what to order
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Apple Samgyupsal
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The appeal of sizzling meats cooked over an open flame needs no further convincing, especially if you’re a purveyor of quality cuts like Apple Samgyupsal. Taking its name after a distinct preparation process involving marinating its pork slices in applesauce before serving, each bite reveals a faint sweetness accompanying the expected charred smokiness attributed to typical Korean barbecue grills.
Operating hours: 12pm – 10pm (opens daily)
Getting there: Board the T787 feeder bus and alight at PJ272 Jaya One, before walking 4 minutes to Apple Samgyupsal.
What we liked:
- The unique applesauce marinated pork slices, which contributes a dimension of saccharine delectation.
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Tommy Thongchai
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Talk of Thailand, and a few staple dishes come immediately to mind: the spicy-sour twang of tomyam soup, the fragrant warmth of pad kra pao, or crisp and generously filled portions of omelettes. But you’d be remiss not to sample their pork dishes, such as those offered at Tommy Thongchai. Settle in and tuck into a bowl of hearty Pork Rib Tom Yum Soup, or cut pieces of thoroughly seasoned roast pork, as you enjoy a chilled pint and live music by dusk.
Operating hours: 11.30am – 9.30pm (opens daily)
Getting there: Board the T787 feeder bus and alight at PJ272 Jaya One, before walking 5 minutes to Tommy Thongchai.
What we liked:
- A unique tom yam broth served with pork ribs provides a fresh new way to enjoy this classic Thai staple.
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The British Raj
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Given its Colonial influence over South Asia, a great measure of Britain’s modern culinary landscape can be attributed to the gastronomic treasures of India. While it may not be readily apparent to Malaysians given its scarcity here, one particular restaurant in Jaya One serves as the perfect introduction to Anglo-Indian fare: The British Raj. Choice selections include intensely invigorating Paani Puri Shots, deliciously moreish Great British Butter Chicken, and a Keralan twist on breaded scotch eggs.
Operating hours: 3pm – 11.30pm (Tuesday to Friday), 11.30am – 11.30pm (Saturday to Monday)
Getting there: Board the T787 feeder bus and alight at PJ272 Jaya One, before walking 7 minutes to The British Raj.
What we liked:
- The Kerala Scotch Eggs, which turn a British pub staple on its head with the addition of minced mutton and mint sauce.
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Lammeeya
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There is a lot to be said about the inherent appeal of familiarity, especially where dining is concerned. After all, there isn’t anything quite as reassuring as tucking into time honoured, home-cooked meals. For fans of local Chinese food longing for a taste of home, you may just find some of it at Lemmeeya. which promises to serve a plethora of unpretentious stalwart family favourites. Opt to go ala carte with a bowl of flavoursome pork noodles or wok hei-infused fried rice, or order dishes such as drunken chicken marinated in Shao Hsing Wine to share among friends and family.
Operating hours: 11am – 9.30pm (closed on Monday and Tuesday)
Getting there: Board the T787 feeder bus and alight at PJ272 Jaya One, before walking 5 minutes to The School @ Jaya One. Then navigate towards Lammeeya on the Ground Floor.
What we liked:
- The reservations-only 'Casual Chinese Omakase' experience served here is one way to impress parents and family elders.
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Streat Thai
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Just like its many Southeast Asian counterparts, Thailand is similarly famed for its street food scene. Fortunately enough for those visiting Jaya One, you wouldn’t have to traverse across borders for a taste of some of their most notable culinary stars, as you’ll find a clutch of them served at the aptly named Streat Thai restaurant. Divvied up into a series of stalls offering everything from grilled pork skewers to basil minced chicken and pad Thai noodles, the ambience here is just as perfectly executed as the recipes are.
Operating hours: 11am – 10pm (opens daily)
Getting there: Board the T787 feeder bus and alight at PJ272 Jaya One, before walking 5 minutes to The School @ Jaya One. Then navigate to Streat Thai near the entrance closest to TedBoy.
What we liked:
- The 'Phu Aob Woon Sen', a vermicelli noodle dish generously served with steamed crab meat.
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Sae Mae Eul
Exceedingly popular across the Klang Vallery for its assortment of authentic Korean comfort dishes and soups while offering some of the best Korean barbecue experiences in the city, Sae Mae Eul is a worthy stop for every Korean culture enthusiast. The outlet in Jaya One is no different, often packed to the rafters with diners by evening who frequent the restaurant for its barbecue buffet sittings that offer all-you-can-eat amounts of pork, from thick-cut pork belly to leaner slices of pork shoulder.
Operating hours: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Getting there: Board the T787 feeder bus and alight at PJ272 Jaya One, before walking 6 minutes to The School @ Jaya One. You will find Sa Mae Eul occupying a corner lot close to Ollie & Hana Puppy Nursery.
What we liked:
- The barbecue buffet, which consistently offers great value for meat lovers.
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Yakitori Syokudo Yae
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Themed restaurants often have a pretty lacklustre reputation for living up to expectations where food is concerned, but you will have no such qualms when visiting Yakitori Syokudo Yae. Appearing almost like a postcard-perfect replication of the founder’s hometown of Daisen in the Akita Prefecture, barrels of sake and red paper lanterns suffuse the interior with rich atmosphere, which complements its selection of rice and noodle bowls well, alongside all manner of skewers ranging from chicken skin to bacon wrapped asparagus. Best enjoyed with a beer.
Operating hours: 12pm – 11pm (opens daily)
Getting there: Board the T787 feeder bus and alight at PJ272 Jaya One, before walking 6 minutes to The Square @ Jaya One. Then navigate to the entrance closest to Rockerfeller Bar, and you will find Yakitori Syokudo Yae across.
What we enjoyed:
- The Gyu Yakiniku Don, which serves richly seared slices of beef coated in a thick sweet soy sauce over a fluffy bed of white rice.
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Ah Ma Kitchen
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Sweet dessert soups, otherwise known as 糖水 (tang shui), are a familiar staple to round off most Chinese meals. As is the case with many such traditional favourites, finding a place that honours its preparation well enough to perfect the recipe can prove to be a challenge. But Ah Ma Kitchen manages with admirable aplomb, mirroring its success in executing savoury dishes such as pan mee and wonton noodles with desserts like peanut paste soup and red bean paste soup. You can even find braised meat dishes here too, for heartier appetites.
Operating hours: 10am – 9.30pm (opens daily)
Getting there: Board the T787 feeder bus and alight at PJ272 Jaya One, before walking 6 minutes to The School @ Jaya One. Then head down to Level P1 and locate Ah Ma Kitchen.
What we liked:
- The savoury stewed soups, which includes the likes of ABC soup and lotus root with pork ribs soup, serves up warm nourishment in a bowl.
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TedBoy
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TedBoy has been serving baked goods and breakfast feasts galore for brunch faithfuls, and continues to remain a popular option for those who want a light nosh that can satiate flights of peckish fancy. Founded by husband and wife Edward and Patrina, the menu here comprises a solid selection of Southeast Asian staples and Continental classics, so whether you lean more towards a serving of Lemongrass Chicken Rice or Spaghetti Aglio Olio. Better yet, with their insistence on healthy cooking, most recipes here are made only with fresh ingredients sourced daily.
Operating hours: 8.30am – 9.30pm (opens daily)
Getting there: Board the T787 feeder bus and alight at PJ272 Jaya One, before walking 5 minutes to The School @ Jaya One. Then locate Tedboy on the Ground floor.
What we liked:
- The Baked Butter Lemon fish combines the refreshingly sprightly qualities of lemon with unctuous butter, making for a filling meal that doesn't sit heavily in the stomach.
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Bald & Beautiful
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This one will take a keen eye to discover, as you won’t find any apparent signage directing you towards the Bald & Beautiful cafe. Nestled within Jaya One’s Bump Bouldering rock climbing gym. This latest casual cafe addition may seem like a tacked-on establishment, but don’t let that steer you away from its potential. A firm selection of artisanal coffees will make this a great option for corporate stiffs looking for a midday perk-me-up, while small bites like cookies and croissants can satisfy toothsome cravings.
Operating hours: 12pm – 10pm (Monday to Friday), 9am – 7pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Getting there: Board the T787 feeder bus and alight at PJ272 Jaya One, before walking 5 minutes to The School @ Jaya One. Then head up to Level 1 and locate Bump Bouldering and find the Bald & Beautiful cafe within.
What we liked:
- The zesty Cafe au Citron is just as refreshing as it is energising, packing a punch of bright citrus in every sip.
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Atap Nasi Kandar
Contrary to popular belief, going vegan in Kuala Lumpur isn’t nearly as challenging as one may initially assume. Given the veritable haven of culinary delights we find ourselves in, many of these dishes can be enjoyed in veggie-friendly guises. The proof is in the pudding when you visit Atap Nasi Kandar in Jaya One, a popular choice for office workers come lunch hour. Beyond the staple selection of protein-enriched curries, over 12 different meat-free, dairy-free, and egg-free dishes are also available, making it ideal for vegetarians who like having options.
Operating hours: 7.30am – 10.30pm
Getting there: Board the T787 feeder bus and alight at PJ272 Jaya One, before walking 8 minutes to Block D @ Jaya One and locate Atap Nasi Kandar.
What we liked:
- It's assortment of over 12 different vegetarian friendly dishes.
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Spice tinged with a jolt of fresh citrus, Mexican dishes know how to whet an appetite best. On the other hand, good Mexican restaurants do an admirable job of interpreting those storied recipes to a satisfying degree of accuracy are few and far between. La Chica Mexican Grill and Bar stands as one of the few heavyweights that contend in this space, having won hearts over with their array of packed-to-the-roster tacos
Operating hours: 11.30am – 12am (Sunday to Thursday), 11.30am – 1am (Friday and Saturday)
Getting there: Board the T787 feeder bus and alight at PJ272 Jaya One, before walking 8 minutes to The Square and locating La Chica Mexican Grill and Bar.
What we liked:
- The Bistec Y Queso serves succulently grilled steak on a sizzling pan, accompanied with melted cheese and bell peppers.
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Written by
Benjamin Wong
Senior Editor, Fashion and Dining
Armed with an Advertising major from Lancaster University, Benjamin is a senior editor who has spent his time oscillating between the social media and digital media landscape since 2018. With a keen interest in haute fashion and gastronomy, he has written for publications such as ERROR Digital, WORLD OF BUZZ, and KL Foodie. Beyond the keyboard, you can find him arms-deep in a thrift pile.
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