1971 'Pik Wah Lau' now serves authentic Cantonese fare at historic Chinwoo Stadium

The restaurant is a reliable name that has earned trust across several generations.

Pik Wah occupies the refurbished hall of the historic Chinwoo Stadium (Photo: Diana Khoo)

The relocation of one of the city’s most iconic Chinese dining rooms to a sporting stadium gives foodies another valid reason to add to their love of Kuala Lumpur. For fans of authentic and hearty home-style cooking, Pik Wah is a name that has earned trust across several generations.

Those born in the 1970s might remember feasting or attending a banquet at its premises in the old Jaya Shopping Centre in Petaling Jaya’s Section 14. The Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand-rated restaurant then moved to the basement of the Malaysia Basketball Association building, on the edge of the (increasingly) cool Chinatown district.

Today, Pik Wah (or “Pik Wah Lau” to Cantonese-speaking fans) occupies the refurbished hall of the historic Chinwoo Stadium. Having opened its doors to the public in 1953, four years before the country's independence, it has a sense of nostalgia and old world charm.

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Interior of the relocated restaurant (Photo: Pik Wah)

The façade remains unchanged, but once you walk into the restaurant, passing under a large portrait of Chin Woo founder Fok Yuen Kap, you will be delighted with the transformation. What was once a large hall, suitable for competitive sports and tiers of cheering fans, has been replaced by a smart and bright dining space, chock-full of round tables and chairs.

The upstairs level is neatly divided into private rooms and the entire area has also been done up to accommodate the disabled. A caveat though — there is a small flight of steps leading down to the split-level conveniences on the ground floor, so it might be best to use the lift to access the first floor facilities.

Pik Wah's extensive menu means you had best cobble up a group of 10 in order to try most of the specialties, which include crispy onion meat slices with vinegar sauce, steamed fish in superior soy, and a “cotton-style” chicken served hot with mayonnaise.

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Lap mei fan

For those who need their soul soothed, the signature Shao Xing wine Loongtun fish head soup should do it. Dim sum would be an amazing lunch offering but sadly, none is available — yet. If you are the lucky sort with an enviable ability to digest food quickly, pack your bathers and head to the 50m outdoor swimming pool as post-lunch penance. It is decently maintained, with most of the original mosaic tiles still intact.

Just a note: the shower facilities and changing rooms have not changed with the passage of time. Do not say you were not warned.

Restoran Pik Wah (Chinwoo) is at Stadium Chinwoo, Jalan Hang Jebat, KL. To reserve, call (03) 2072 3668.

This article first appeared on Jan 27, 2025 in The Edge Malaysia.

 

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