The Best Lei Cha Places in KL & Selangor For A Bowl Of Nourishing Green Broth

A bowl of Lei Cha will surely make up for the lack of green veggies, especially for salad haters. For a neophyte, this nourishing bowl of tea-based broth may seem a bit peculiar at first glance, but it perfectly complements the myriad of vegetable toppings and rice. Besides the textures, Lei Cha, also known as thunder tea rice, has a bold flavour that’s distinctive yet mouthwatering. If you have been secretly craving Lei Cha for a while now, this list of the best Lei Cha places in KL and Selangor is the perfect excuse to go on a food-hunting trip this weekend. So scroll down, save the address, and treat your taste buds to the best Lei Cha in town.

What is Lei Cha Soup Made Of?

Lei Cha is a traditional Hakka cuisine made with a blend of green tea or oolong leaves, basil, mugwort leaves, mint leaves, roasted nuts, and seeds. Although the recipe for the Lei Cha broth can vary slightly, it is consistently served with a generous plate of vegetable toppings, rice, toasted peanuts, and dried shrimps. If you are curious about how to enjoy this dish, simply pour the tea-based soup over the sides. Alternatively, some prefer to keep the soup on the side to preserve the crunchiness of the vegetables.

The Best Lei Cha Places in KL & Selangor

1. Simple Garden Cafe

At the top of our list for the best Lei Cha in KL and Selangor is Simple Garden Cafe, formerly known as Hakka Lei Cha. Conveniently located in Sri Petaling, this cafe is renowned for offering generous portions of Lei Cha at affordable prices. Alongside its rich Lei Cha broth, the dish is accompanied by a wide variety of vegetables, adding depth to both taste and texture. Additionally, the restaurant serves a range of vegan dishes that, while simple, are still full of flavour. On the downside, finding an empty parking space can be a bit of a hassle. Fortunately, there is a delivery option available.

For more information & to book an appointment, click here.

2. Big Bowl Cafe

If you are looking to indulge in an array of traditional Hakka cuisine, we recommend heading to Big Bowl Cafe. It offers a plethora of authentic Hakka dishes, and one of its specialities is Lei Cha, which comes with several options, including white rice, brown rice, pan mee, or vegetables. We particularly suggest trying the Lei Cha with pan mee for something unique. Moreover, the Lei Cha soup is creamy and thick, allowing you to savour every spoonful bursting with earthy flavours. Since all the dishes at this restaurant are essentially home-cooked, you can definitely expect a nourishing and tantalising taste.

For more information & to book an appointment, click here.

3. Simple Life 

With several outlets across KL and Selangor, Simple Life has become the go-to vegetarian restaurant among locals. Proudly serving vegetarian meals, they ensure every dish is nutritious, organic, and natural. Get ready to tantalise your taste buds with the exquisite vegan dishes, particularly the Lei Cha, which is served with fresh vegetables and 10-Grain rice. Here, each ingredient is served separately, allowing you to enjoy combining the ingredients before pouring the Lei Cha soup all over it. Moreover, with the generous portion, we think it is perfect for sharing, especially if you are not a big eater.

For more information & to book an appointment, click here.

4. Ah Mei Ho Po Lei Cha

If you ever search for the best Lei Cha in KL and Selangor, you will likely notice that Ah Mei Ho Po Lei Cha often tops the list. Notably, it offers various types of Lei Cha, including original and spicy options. Served with your choice of white or brown rice, we love that customers can customise their meal according to their preferences. Plus, the Lei Cha comes with 15 different ingredients, including preserved radish, long beans, and sweet potato leaves. You can even add extra peanuts or Lei Cha broth for an enhanced taste and texture.

For more information & to book an appointment, click here.

5. Noodle Shack

Noodle Shack has three branches across KL and Selangor, including IPC Shopping Centre, Avenue K, and 1 Utama. At Noodle Shack, you can enjoy a fantastic selection of delicious noodle dishes. However, the standout option is the Hakka Pounded Tea Flat Noodle, perfect for those who prefer Lei Cha with handmade noodles. We love how customers can customise their Lei Cha with choices like egg, sambal, shrimp, anchovies, bean curd sheet, and hot and spicy sauce. Plus, a bowl of this Lei Cha will have you slurping until the very last drop.

For more information & to book an appointment, click here.

6. Restaurant Hor Poh Cuisine 

With a 4.3-star rating on Google and recommended by MICHELIN Guide, Restaurant Hor Poh Cuisine is renowned for its impeccable service and authentic Hakka dishes. You can find a wide variety of options, including Hakka stew pork, clay pot tau fu, vinegar trotters, and cashew nut chicken. Additionally, we believe its Hor Poh Lui Cha is among the best in KL and Selangor. Made in small batches, the green soup offers a perfect balance of savoury flavour with subtle hints of bitterness. It is served with a plate of rice, finely chopped long beans, chives, beans, and toasted peanuts.

For more information & to book an appointment, click here.

7. Gembira Kopitiam (Closed)

As the name suggests, Gembira Kopitiam will surely satisfy your inner cravings for a bowl of Lei Cha. The broth has a slightly darker green hue with an amazing scent that will make anyone drool — it even reminded us of matcha. Patrons can opt to have it over brown rice or white rice, and it comes with eight side dishes, making it one of the best Lei Cha places in KL and Selangor. Although its location is not as aesthetic as other Lei Cha spots on this list, we believe the rich flavours more than make up for the lack of ambience.

8. Restoran A’ Tan Coffee Shop

Restoran A’ Tan Coffee Shop is often packed during dinner time, so we recommend arriving earlier. Besides its extensive menu, this spot is a hidden gem among locals who favour high-quality dishes at affordable prices. The Lei Cha broth here boasts a vibrant green hue and is served with white rice, a variety types of vegetables, tofu, and toasted peanuts for added crunch and nuttiness. Plus, the portion is quite generous, so if you are looking for a fulfilling lunch or dinner, this Lei Cha spot is definitely worth a visit.

9. Red House 2 Private Kitchen

Our personal favourite, Red House 2 Private Kitchen, is an underrated gem in a quiet neighbourhood. If you are a vegan or vegetarian searching for a spot that serves all the good stuff, this is the place to be. The food is light, well-seasoned, and not too salty, which means it is healthy too. The Lei Cha here is served with choy poh, stir-fried carrots, long beans, pinto beans, and sweet potato leaves, alongside embryo rice. Plus, the Lei Cha broth is full of flavour and satisfyingly good. The restaurant boasts eye-catching decor that is both homey and elegant, creating a calming ambience.

For more information & to book an appointment, click here.

10. Ho Poh Restaurant

Ho Poh Restaurant is one of the best spots for Lei Cha in Puchong, served in a homely, retro-decorated setting that perfectly complements the authentic Hakka cuisine. The Lei Cha comes with your choice of white or brown rice in either small or medium portion sizes. The fresh vegetables and savoury Lei Cha soup are definitely the highlights of the dish. Don’t feel like eating rice? No worries — here, you can even enjoy Lei Cha without rice, making it perfect for those on a diet. Plus, the extensive menu features vegetarian dishes clearly marked, making it easier to choose.

For more information & to book an appointment, click here.

Make sure to follow Glitz on Facebook and Instagram for the latest update.