Itik Salai Masthar: A Smoked Duck Curry Worth Traveling to Malaysia For

Technically, this restaurant is not in Kuala Lumpur. But if I were in your shoes, and you knew that I was within one hour's drive of an entire landscape of smoking ducks and catfish steaks on this level, I would want you to make sure that I knew about it. Itik Salai Masthar serves a smoked duck coconut milk curry that is so delicious, I literally contemplate traveling to Malaysia just to eat this food. The dedication to their craft and the depth of flavor they achieve is something that simply cannot be found elsewhere. This is the kind of food that makes you plan your next trip before you have even finished your first bite.

The curry broth recipe here is truly amazing. It includes cups of spices and mashed chilies, tons of coconut milk, and finally, duck meat that is smoked using only the shells of coconuts. The smoking process is a labour of love that infuses the duck with a deep, smoky flavor that is both unique and unforgettable. A very special ingredient that gives this dish its signature flavor is turmeric leaf, which adds an earthy, slightly peppery note that perfectly complements the rich, creamy curry. The result is a dish that is complex, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. After your tastebuds are fully and wonderfully blown away by that smoked duck curry, known locally as masak lemak cili padi, there is also the same curry but made with smoked beef instead.

You definitely need at least one dish of both the duck and the beef curry here. Due to the fats, the textures, and the individuality of these meats, the curries have amazingly distinct and different flavors. Both are wonderful, and although I like the duck just slightly more, you definitely need at least one small bowl of each just to be safe. The duck curry is rich and slightly gamey, with the smokiness of the meat shining through, while the beef curry is deeper and more robust, with the meat becoming incredibly tender after hours of slow cooking. The contrast between the two is a testament to the skill and artistry of the chefs at Itik Salai Masthar. Chopping up dozens of ducks at a time to feed each monstrous cauldron of curry is a sight to behold, and the dedication to their craft is evident in every single bite.

The combo meal most common among the hungry customers I saw that day was a grilled and smoky catfish, placed on a pile of white rice, and paired with a pile of local green veggies and herbs, all eaten with fresh chilies and sambal belacan, a spicy dipping sauce made by mashing chilies, garlic, and young sour tamarind. If eating with a friend, the two may be sharing a small bowl or two of that smoked duck curry, but if going solo with a massive single plate of rice, people will just stop by the chef station on their way to sitting down, and ask for a bonus ladle of that coconut milk curry straight onto the middle of their rice pile. This is the ultimate comfort food, a meal that is both nourishing and deeply satisfying. The freshness of the vegetables and the heat of the sambal perfectly balance the richness of the curries, creating a harmonious and complete meal.

The fresh veggies table is huge, and rubber-banded together are portions of wing bean, jengkol nut, eggplant, basil, cucumbers, bean sprouts, and a few local herbs I do not even know the name of in English, all fresh, and all perfect partners for each bite of that delicious duck cili padi. The abundance and variety of fresh vegetables is a hallmark of Malaysian cuisine, and at Itik Salai Masthar, they are treated with the same care and attention as the meats. The vegetables are crisp and vibrant, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy curries. The generosity of the portions is another reason why this restaurant is so beloved by locals and visitors alike. There is no skimping on ingredients here; every plate is a feast.

Spending hours there during our previous visit to Kuala Lumpur, this being one of our own last meals for the trip, food like this only proves time and again that the cuisine of Malaysia is a world heavyweight, a giant, a plentiful land of food and natural production that just deserves to be explored, year after year. It will never run out of things to impress this thankful foodie traveler. I love Malaysia and I love its food, and I am happy to be able to present to you this list of the best restaurants in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Itik Salai Masthar is located just outside Kuala Lumpur, approximately an hour's drive from the city centre. The restaurant operates from 11 AM to 8:45 PM and is closed on Thursdays. The prices are incredibly reasonable, with a meal for a group coming to approximately 59 RM, which is around US$14.34. The restaurant is immensely popular, and the amount of customers just ten minutes after opening is a testament to its reputation. If you want to secure a table and avoid the crowds, it is best to arrive early. The dedication to quality, the depth of flavor, and the generous portions make this a dining experience that is truly unforgettable.

Dining at Itik Salai Masthar is more than just a meal it is an immersion into the rich culinary traditions of Central Malaysia. The smoked duck curry, the grilled catfish, and the abundance of fresh vegetables all come together to create a feast that is both comforting and exciting. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned food lover, a meal here will leave you with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for the incredible diversity of Malaysian cuisine. So if you find yourself within driving distance of this remarkable restaurant, do not miss the opportunity to experience it for yourself. It is a culinary adventure that is well worth the journey.