Tukdin — Restaurant in London

Nasi Goreng KPG and Char Kuey Teow with Teh Tarik at Tuk Din

Tucked away in a cozy corner of London, Tuk Din offers a slice of Malaysia for those craving authentic flavors, especially for Malaysians living far from home.

On my recent visit, my friends and I had the pleasure of indulging in their Nasi Goreng KPG and Char Kuey Teow, both generously served with fresh prawns, alongside a comforting cup of buttery Teh Tarik.

The Nasi Goreng KPG was a true delight. Each grain of rice was perfectly fried, slightly crispy yet fluffy, and infused with the rich flavors of spices. The prawns, fresh and succulent, added a wonderful brininess to the dish. It was simply irresistible.

Then came the Char Kuey Teow. The flat rice noodles were smoky from the perfect wok hei, stir-fried to just the right texture—soft yet with a bit of bite. Again, the prawns were the star, each one plump and tender, with the flavors of soy, chili, and garlic enveloping the dish. Every mouthful was a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of spice.

To complete the meal, the Teh Tarik was a showstopper in its own right. Creamy and smooth, the tea had just the right amount of froth, with a subtle buttery finish that left a lingering warmth. It was the perfect companion to the rich, savory dishes, adding a touch of sweetness to the meal.

The ambience at Tuk Din is nothing short of homely. The intimate space, adorned with traditional Malaysian décor, makes you feel like you’ve been transported to a kampung kitchen. It’s the kind of place where Malaysians far from home can find solace in familiar flavors. The warmth doesn’t just come from the food, but also from the top-notch customer service. The staff were attentive, friendly, and genuinely eager to make sure each customer felt at home.

For Malaysians abroad, Tuk Din isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a comforting reminder of home, a place where the taste of Malaysia is as warm and inviting as the service. Whether it’s the perfectly cooked nasi goreng or the smoky char kuey teow, this is a must-visit spot to indulge in delicious, authentic flavors while being embraced by the warmth of home.

Well...

Tukdin brings a slice of Malaysian culinary tradition to London with an array of authentic dishes that transport you to the coastal villages and bustling markets of Malaysia. During my visit, I sampled the Keropok Lekor and Nasi Goreng Kampung, both of which showcased the rich flavours and distinctive character of Malaysian cuisine.

Keropok Lekor (£9.90) These traditional fish snacks were a delightful start to the meal. Originating from the coastal villages of Malaysia, the Keropok Lekor had a firm yet tender texture, bursting with the savoury taste of fish. They were served with a sweet and spicy chilli sauce, which complemented the snack perfectly, adding a kick without overwhelming the palate. At £9.90, the portion was generous and well worth the price, providing an authentic taste of Malaysian street food.

Nasi Goreng Kampung (£14.90) The Nasi Goreng Kampung was a standout dish, epitomising the essence of Malaysian village-style cuisine. This very spicy fried rice was uniquely characterised by its dark brown, caramelised rice, which had a deep, smoky flavour. The spiciness was intense yet balanced, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals. The dish was enriched with eggs, adding richness and texture. Priced at £14.90, it was a hearty and satisfying main course that left a lasting impression.

Overall Experience Tukdin successfully captures the spirit of Malaysian home cooking, with each dish reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the region. The flavours were bold and authentic, and the presentation was inviting. The service was attentive and friendly, enhancing the dining experience. Whether you’re familiar with Malaysian cuisine or trying it for the first time, Tukdin offers a genuine and delightful taste journey that’s well...

We had nasi ayam (weekend special) and nasi lemak Tukdin. And teh tarik.

Food wise, I’d say they ought to get 5 stars for effort, 3 stars for taste, 1 star for service.

Price is reasonably competitive.

Would I recommend this place? Yes, if you’re really hard up - can’t cook, won’t cook, and in search of halal taste from home.

UPDATE: came back after 7 months. The place was packed and after tasting the nasi ayam and teh tarik (again), it’s not difficult to see why. Much better by leaps and bounds. Service with a smile and typical warm Malay hospitality too. Tahniah! I’m upgrading to 4 stars.

UPDATE 2: came back today and upgraded Tukdin to 5 stars! Service was great and the food literally transported me back to Malaysia! It was THAT GOOD. The terung balado might be the only thing that’s about average but the ayam goreng bawang putih was perfect. The daging salai cili api is DIVINE (though I do think that they should warn patrons - especially the mat sallehs - that this one packs quite a punch. Super spicy but so sedap!).

UPDATE 3: tried the sup ekor pedas, ikan bakar air asam & rojak/pasembor. The soup lacks depth, and certainly not spicy enough even for me. The sea bass smells fishy even though it’s seasoned well with turmeric - but was thankfully saved by the beautiful tamarind sauce. Will review the pasembor once I’ve had a taste of it. Downgrading Tukdin to 4 stars.

UPDATE 4: rendang daging 5/5. Ikan goreng berlada 2/5 (fishy smell but saved by the wonderful chili paste). Pasembor 5/5 - perfection! Bandung Muar 5/5. Sagu...