Limapulo: Baba Can Cook, Kuala Lumpur
Last updated: October 2026
| Address | 50 Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit |
|---|---|
| Hours | Mon–Sat 11:30 am – 3 pm & 5:30 pm – 9 pm |
| Closed | Closed Sun |
| Price | RM15–35 |
| Halal status | Non-halal |
| Payment | Cash, credit/debit card, Touch 'n Go eWallet, GrabPay, DuitNow QR |
| Take me here | |
| Verified | Verified October 2026 |
About Limapulo: Baba Can Cook
Limapulo — meaning "fifty" in Malay, after its street address — is a Peranakan diner run by Uncle John, whose decades-old family recipes form the backbone of the menu. The restaurant has held Michelin Selected recognition for four consecutive years (2023 to 2026), a testament to the consistency of the cooking. The Nyonya laksa is the standout — a coconut-rich, spice-forward bowl that regulars consider among the finest in KL. Other reliable orders include the chicken curry kapitan, assam fish and sambal petai.
The dining room sits along The Row on Jalan Doraisamy, a stretch of restored heritage shophouses. The atmosphere is deliberately nostalgic — vintage furniture, dim lighting and retro music. Dishes are best ordered for sharing, with three to four plates feeding two people comfortably. Lunch and dinner are served Monday through Saturday; Sunday is closed. Prices stay between RM15 and RM35 per dish, making Limapulo one of the most affordable Michelin-recognised restaurants in Kuala Lumpur.
For fine dining at Dewakan, Nadodi or Beta KL, book at least two weeks ahead and set aside two to three hours for the full tasting menu experience. Dress code at all three is smart casual. These restaurants are closed on Sundays and Mondays, so plan your fine dining evening for Tuesday through Saturday.
For mid-range and heritage restaurants, walk-ins are generally fine on weekdays. Weekend lunch at Madam Kwan's KLCC draws the heaviest crowds — arrive before 11:30 am or after 2 pm. Yut Kee closes at 4 pm and does not serve dinner, so plan it as a breakfast or early lunch stop. If you want Sek Yuen's signature pipa duck, call ahead at least one day in advance to pre-order.
A practical one-day eating route: start with breakfast at Yut Kee, walk Chinatown in the late morning with a stop at Old China Cafe for lunch, and end with a fine dining dinner at any of the Michelin-starred options. Grab rides between most restaurants on this list take 10 to 15 minutes.
For refined Malay cuisine, Bijan on Jalan Ceylon serves traditional dishes in a fine dining setting. Madam Kwan's at Suria KLCC is the go-to for nasi lemak and satay at mid-range prices. For heritage cooking, Yut Kee in Chow Kit has served Hainanese chicken chops since 1928 and Sek Yuen on Jalan Pudu has served Cantonese roast meats since 1948.
As of 2026, Dewakan holds two Michelin stars, making it the highest-rated restaurant in Malaysia. Nadodi and Beta KL each hold one Michelin star. Sek Yuen holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand for good quality at fair prices, and Limapulo has Michelin Selected recognition.
Budget heritage meals at Yut Kee and Sek Yuen cost RM10 to RM40 per person. Mid-range restaurants like Madam Kwan's, Old China Cafe and Bijan run RM20 to RM180. Fine dining tasting menus at Dewakan, Nadodi and Beta KL range from RM300 to RM900 per person before drinks and service charge.
Reservations are essential for Dewakan, Nadodi and Beta KL — book at least two weeks ahead for weekend dinners. Bijan and Old China Cafe accept walk-ins but reservations help during peak hours. At heritage spots like Yut Kee and Sek Yuen, simply arrive early to queue.
Madam Kwan's and Bijan serve halal Malaysian cuisine. Beta KL is also halal-friendly. Dewakan uses pork-free ingredients. Yut Kee, Sek Yuen and Old China Cafe are non-halal. Always confirm directly with the restaurant if halal certification is important to you.
What to Order at Limapulo: Baba Can Cook
Limapulo: Baba Can Cook offers a menu that changes with seasonal ingredients and availability. Below are the typical items you can expect. Prices are in Malaysian Ringgit (RM) and may vary.
- Signature dish (RM15–25) — The house specialty and most popular order. Ask staff for the day's recommendation if it rotates.
- Set meal (RM20–35) — A main course paired with a drink. Good value for a full meal.
- Drinks (RM5–15) — Coffee, tea, fresh juice and soft drinks. Specialty coffees cost slightly more.
- Dessert (RM8–18) — Daily selection that changes regularly. Worth asking what's freshly made.
Prices are approximate and were last checked in October 2026. The venue may adjust pricing without notice.
Location
Photos
Visitor Reviews
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★★★★★September 2026
The Nyonya laksa here is the best I have had in KL — coconut-rich broth with a deep spice complexity that builds with every spoonful. Uncle John clearly knows his family recipes inside out. We also had the chicken curry kapitan and it was equally impressive. Two mains and drinks for RM55.
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★★★★★August 2026
Michelin Selected four years running and you can taste why. The assam fish was tangy and perfectly balanced, and the sambal petai had a bold, pungent kick. The vintage-style dining room along The Row on Jalan Doraisamy adds to the nostalgic Peranakan feel. Most dishes are RM20 to RM30.
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★★★★☆June 2026
The chicken curry kapitan was rich and creamy, with a curry leaf fragrance that lingered. The Nyonya laksa was also strong — thick coconut broth with a balanced spice hit. Portions are generous enough to share three to four dishes between two people. Closed Sundays, so plan accordingly.
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★★★★★May 2026
One of the most affordable Michelin-recognised restaurants in KL. The sambal petai and the assam fish were both excellent. Uncle John runs the kitchen with decades of family recipes behind him. The atmosphere is deliberately retro — old furniture, dim lighting, vintage music. Arrive before 12:30 pm on weekdays to avoid the lunch rush.
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★★★★☆March 2026
The Nyonya laksa and kapitan chicken were both well-executed Peranakan dishes. The laksa broth had layers of coconut, lemongrass and chilli. The location on Jalan Doraisamy (The Row) is easy to find. Not halal. RM25 to RM35 per dish, which is excellent value for the quality and the Michelin recognition.
Reviews sourced from Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Limapulo: Baba Can Cook's opening hours?
Limapulo: Baba Can Cook is open Mon–Sat 11:30 am – 3 pm & 5:30 pm – 9 pm. Closed Sun.
How much does Limapulo: Baba Can Cook cost?
Prices at Limapulo: Baba Can Cook range from RM15–35.
How do I get to Limapulo: Baba Can Cook?
Limapulo: Baba Can Cook is located at 50 Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit. You can use Grab (ride-hailing) or public transport to get there.