Cili Kampung - Suria KLCC — Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur

So, a group of five of us showed up around noon on Thursday without a reservation. The place was pretty packed, so we got seated in the outdoor dining area, which turned out to be a nice spot. We ordered a few signature dishes to share.

First up, we had the Masak Lemak Daging Salai (RM45), which is smoky beef in a rich coconut milk gravy with turmeric, lemongrass, and chili. It was good, but the beef could’ve been a little more tender. The flavors, though, were on point, and I loved how creamy and spicy it was. Next, we tried the Asam Pedas Ikan Tenggiri (RM40), which was mackerel in a tangy and spicy tamarind broth with herbs. This one was great! The fish was cooked well, and the balance of sour and spicy was perfect. Definitely one of the highlights of the meal.

We also ordered the Udang Petai Sambal (RM65), which had tiger prawns stir-fried with sambal and petai (stink beans). This one was really spicy—maybe a bit too much for some, but the prawns were cooked just right. The sambal and petai combo was so authentic and packed with bold flavors. Then, there was the Ayam Goreng Cili Kampung (RM40), crispy fried chicken with curry leaves, onions, and chili. It was good—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. I just wish the spices had soaked into the chicken a little more, but still, it was a solid fried chicken dish. Lastly, we had the Gulai Nangka Muda dan Pucuk Manis (RM35), which was tender jackfruit and leafy greens in a light coconut curry. This was good, but the jackfruit wasn’t as tender as I expected, so the texture was a little off. The curry itself was delicious, though, and the greens added a nice touch.

Now, a couple of things to keep in mind. If you’re not into spicy food, you might struggle here. Almost everything has a bit of heat, and I guess that’s why they named the place “Cili”! If you like spicy, you’re gonna love it, but if not, maybe let them know to tone it down a bit. The price is also on the expensive side, especially when you consider the portion sizes. The food is good, but I think the prices could be a little more reasonable for what you get. Also, the restaurant was pretty crowded when we went, and they require a deposit for group reservations, which is a bit annoying. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to think about if you’re planning a big group meal.

Overall, we had a pretty solid experience. The food was delicious with just a few small things that could be improved, like the jackfruit and beef. The vibe is great, and even though it was busy, the staff were friendly and attentive. I’d totally recommend it if you’re craving authentic Malay flavors, just be prepared for the spice...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Cili Kampung Restaurant located at SURIA KLCC, and it was truly a delightful experience that I would highly recommend to any food enthusiast. The first thing that stood out to me was the delicious food offered at this restaurant. Each dish we ordered was not only flavorful but also had its own unique signature taste that left a lasting impression on my taste buds.

One thing that I appreciated was the generous portion sizes of the dishes. It's worth noting that it's advisable to check with the staff beforehand about the portion size, as they are large enough to satisfy two hungry diners. This is great for those looking to share a meal or for those with bigger appetites.

Among the standout dishes we sampled, the Cili Api Tenggiri, Ayam Goreng Cili Kampung, and Kacang Panjang Goreng Kicap were particularly outstanding. The Cili Api Tenggiri had a perfect balance of spiciness and flavor that left me craving for more. The Ayam Goreng Cili Kampung was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with a deliciously aromatic blend of spices. The Kacang Panjang Goreng Kicap offered a delightful mix of textures and flavors that complemented the main dishes perfectly.

Aside from the scrumptious food, another highlight of our dining experience was the excellent service provided by the staff at Cili Kampung. One staff member, in particular, Abid, stood out for his exceptional customer service skills and great sense of humor. He went above and beyond to ensure that we felt welcome and comfortable throughout our meal, adding a personal touch to the overall dining experience.

The ambiance of the restaurant was cozy and inviting, making it a perfect setting for a casual meal or a special occasion. The decor was tastefully done, contributing to the overall pleasant dining atmosphere.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend dining at Cili Kampung Restaurant for anyone looking to enjoy delicious Malaysian cuisine served in generous portions. The delectable dishes, excellent service, and warm ambiance make it a must-visit dining destination in SURIA KLCC. Don't forget to ask about the portion sizes and be sure to try the Cili Api Tenggiri, Ayam Goreng Cili Kampung, and Kacang Panjang Goreng Kicap for a truly memorable...

I had been excited to try Cili Kampung after hearing so many good things about it, but my experience was disappointing from the moment I stepped in, and I ultimately decided not to eat there.

When we arrived, a staff member asked for our name and phone number. At first, we thought it was because the restaurant was full, and they needed to manage seating. However, she explained it was “just in case you leave your items behind.” While I understand the intention, asking for personal information like a phone number felt unnecessary, especially since this wasn’t a requirement for entering the restaurant. When we declined, the waitress gave us a cold response, saying, “ok, masuk jela,” in an unfriendly tone and with a cold expression, which immediately made us feel unwelcome.

Once we sat down, things only got worse. The plates on our table were visibly dirty, as though they hadn’t been washed properly—just wiped with tissue. It wasn’t just one plate; all the plates on our table were in the same condition. When we informed the waitress, she didn’t apologise but simply walked off and returned with only two replacement plates. There were three of us at the table, and all plates had been dirty, so it didn’t make sense for her to only replace two.

Curious, we looked at other tables to see if this was just our table, but unfortunately, the plates at other tables were also visibly dirty. I then asked the waitress if this was normal, and her response shocked me: “selalunya bersih je.” Wait—what? Why would it be “usually clean”? It’s basic hygiene to always serve clean plates in a restaurant! Her response made it seem like it wasn’t a big deal, but to me, it was unacceptable.

At this point, I was completely put off and decided to leave, especially after remembering reviews mentioning cases of food poisoning at this restaurant. Cleanliness and hygiene should never be taken lightly in any dining establishment, and Cili Kampung seriously failed in this regard.

I hope the management takes this feedback seriously and improves their hygiene and service. Based on my experience, I wouldn’t recommend this restaurant unless they address these...