Worth the 35km Drive from KL?
A Feast At Restoran 52, Semenyih
They always say the best food is found off the beaten path, and sometimes, you have to be willing to travel for it. That’s exactly what my hubby and I did one weekend, embarking on a 35km journey from the heart of Kuala Lumpur to the quieter town of Semenyih.
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52酒家 Restaurant 52
52, Jalan Sungai Lalang
Kampung Baru Semenyih
43500 Semenyih
11am - 3pm, 6pm - 9pm
Closed On MONDAYS
Tel: 012 378 6629/ 03-8723 8733
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qq56Ksus98d71pLR7
Our destination? Restoran 52, a popular local Chinese restaurant that a good friend, Alice Yong, had been raving about as one of the best tai chow spots in the area. After such a strong recommendation, we had to see if it lived up to the hype. And I’m happy to report: she was absolutely right.
No Frills Dining Area
The interior is simple and functional, with basic tables and chairs.
Parking Is Limited and Can Be Difficult During Lunch and Dinner Crowds
A Hidden Gem That Locals Love
Ask any local in Semenyih for a great meal, and they might reluctantly point you toward Restoran 52—a place so good, they probably want to keep it a secret! From the outside, it’s an unassuming spot. The interior is simple and functional, with basic tables and chairs. There are no fancy decorations or trendy aesthetics here. But you quickly realize that’s the point. At Restoran 52, the spotlight isn't on the ambiance; it's squarely on the food.
The Stars of the Show
We came with a mission to try their two most famous dishes, and we weren't disappointed.
Curry Grouper Fish Head
RM 150
Curry Grouper Fish Head: This is the dish you’ll see on nearly every table, and for good reason. The massive claypot arrived bubbling, packed to the brim with generous chunks of fresh grouper fish head, long beans, cabbage, and tofu puffs.
The curry itself was a masterpiece—perfectly balanced with enough richness from the coconut milk to be creamy, but with a fragrant spice kick that keeps you coming back for more. It’s a comforting, hearty, and utterly delicious dish that’s perfect for sharing.
Guinness Pork Ribs
RM 48
Guinness Pork Ribs: The second must-try is their Guinness-stewed pork ribs. The ribs were incredibly tender, practically falling off the bone. They were coated in a deep, dark, sticky marinade that was both sweet and savoury, with that distinct malty flavour from the Guinness.
My only small critique is a personal preference: I would have loved it even more with a bit more meat on the bones, or perhaps a boneless version to truly savour that glorious sauce without interruption.
Sang Har Noodles (Fresh Water Prawn Noodles)
RM 100
But Wait, There's More!
While the two headliners were fantastic, the supporting dishes were just as impressive. Their Sang Har Noodles (Fresh Water Prawn Noodles) were a standout. The dish came with a generous portion of springy noodles drenched in a delicious egg gravy, topped with two large, incredibly fresh, and sweet freshwater prawns.
We also ordered:
Mantis in Butter Sauce: Crispy and Addictive
RM 45
Stir Fry Lala in Spice Salt: A flavourful and savoury classic
RM 50
Special Deep Fried Tofu: Crispy on the outside, silky smooth on the inside
RM 15
Stir-Fry Yau Mak: A simple but perfectly executed vegetable dish
RM 28
The Verdict & The Damage
Here’s the breakdown of what our party of 8 ate:
- Curry Grouper Fish: RM 150
- Guinness Pork Ribs: RM 48
- Fresh Water Prawns Noodles (2 prawns): RM 100
- Mantis In Butter Sauce: RM 45
- Stir Fry Lala In Spice Salt: RM 50
- Special Deep Fried Tofu: RM 15
- Stir-Fry Yau Mak: RM 28
Our total lunch bill came to RM 446 for 8 adults. Considering the amount of food, the generous portions, and the quality of the seafood, I'd say this is fantastic value for money.
Full Menu But Without Pricing!
While the distance means it won't be a weekly spot for us, I will definitely be making the trip back to Restoran 52 anytime I'm in the Semenyih area or craving an authentic, high-quality Tai Chow feast. It’s a true hidden gem that delivers on its reputation.
Location Map
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