Nestled in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Yalo Yalo Yumm opened its doors today, bringing a nostalgic taste of 1990s Melaka to the city. As a Malaccan myself, I’ve always been on the hunt for authentic flavors that remind me of home, and when I found out about this restaurant on social media, I had to check it out. And let me tell you, they delivered!
The restaurant’s concept takes you back to a time when sambal was thick, bold, flavorful, and not oily. The chef, who grew up in Melaka, reimagined these childhood favorites and made them accessible to everyone with a pork-free menu. Here’s what I had during my visit:
Nasi Lemak with Ayam Goreng Berempah
The Nasi Lemak here was the star of the show, served with water spinach, fried egg, cucumber, and their signature sambal. The sambal was perfectly balanced—rich, spicy, and slightly sweet, with no excess oil. It brought back memories of the nasi lemak I used to have in Melaka. The Ayam Goreng Berempah was also a winner—crispy on the outside and juicy inside, with a fragrant blend of spices that paired perfectly with the coconut rice. Every bite reminded me of the comforting flavors of home.
Side Dishes: Chicken Rendang, Kam Heong Cockles, and Tempe & Bitter Bean
The side dishes offered a variety of bold, satisfying flavors. The Chicken Rendang was tender and packed with fragrant spices, with a rich, coconut-based sauce that clung to each piece of chicken. The Kam Heong Cockles brought a savory punch, with a mix of spicy and umami notes that made it hard to stop eating. The Tempe & Bitter Bean was a great side to balance out the richer dishes—the nutty flavor of the tempeh and slight bitterness of the bean added a nice contrast.
Nyonya Mee Goreng (Spicy) with a Twist
The Nyonya Mee Goreng was another highlight. This dish, with prawns and cucumber slices, had all the right elements—spicy, flavorful noodles with that iconic wok hei aroma. But the real Melaka twist? Squeezing fresh lemon juice over the noodles! The tangy citrus kick elevated the flavors to a whole new level, cutting through the spice and giving it that authentic Melaka touch. This simple addition of lemon is what truly sets the dish apart.
Drinks: Winter Melon Lime Sparkling “FAK Soda” & Yalo Jack Fruit Milk
To complement the spicy dishes, I tried the Winter Melon Lime Sparkling FAK Soda, a refreshing drink with a bright burst of lime and a subtle sweetness from the winter melon. It was the perfect palate cleanser. The Yalo Jack Fruit Milk was a creamy, sweet delight with a fragrant jackfruit aroma—ideal for cooling down after a spicy meal.
Yalo Yalo Yumm is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Melaka cuisine in Kuala Lumpur. The flavors are rich, bold, and deeply nostalgic, especially with that signature sambal and the Nyonya Mee Goreng’s lemon twist. If you’re a fan of true, traditional Melaka flavors, this place should be at the top of your list.
For more updates and their full menu, check out their Instagram at @yaloyaloyumm. Highly recommended for a delicious culinary trip back to Melaka!
