Oftentimes, Kuala Lumpur (KL) is known for its sights, sounds, and the general experience of a bustling metropolis. But, one of the best ways to experience a country’s culture first-hand is via its local culinary delights.
What’s the best way to sample this local cuisine? No, it’s not the high-end restaurants you’ll find scattered throughout the city centre. Neither is the myriad of “localised” franchises you’ll find in tourist-centric areas like Bukit Bintang.
Instead, take a closer look at the various alleyways and streets that are littered with dozens and dozens of food vendors. Yes, we’d say street food is the expression of cultural identity. And there’s no tastier way than gobbling down different types of cultural street food in Malaysia.
While KL is not typically branded as a food paradise, it definitely has what it takes to be one, especially when you know where to look. So without further ado, we’ve rounded up a list of food streets in KL (and all the delicious must-eats).
Local tip: Most of these food streets do not accept credit cards, remember to bring enough cash here! For attractive currency rates, check out fx.changirecommends.com, an online money exchange service by Changi Recommends.
5 Best Food Streets in Kuala Lumpur
Taman Connaught Night Market
Got an hour or two to explore on a Wednesday evening? Head over to Taman Connaught’s weekly night market for a local treat!
Formerly known as the longest night market in Malaysia, this two-kilometre stretch has everything you’d expect from a Pasar Malam of this calibre. With more than 700 mobile stalls peddling inexpensive goods ranging from homeware, power banks and good food, it’s always buzzing with crowds of tourists and locals.
Perhaps you don’t have to venture far to enjoy a taste of Taipei after all. According to the locals, you can find a variety of Chinese street food here including the notorious stinky tofu!
Taman Connaught Night Market starts from 6.30 pm to 11.30 pm every Wednesday.
Must-Try: Chili-drenched stinky tofu (trust us, you won’t miss the pungent odour), curry noodles, Char Kueh Teow, Laksa, Satay.
Where: Jalan Cerdas, Taman Connaught, 56000 Kuala Lumpur
Petaling Street @ Chinatown KL
As anyone who has been to the city can attest to, Petaling Street is a lively and vibrant street found in the heart of KL city. The shopping district houses hundreds of stalls selling all kinds of goods at very affordable prices.
Trying to look atas but don’t have the budget to do so? Petaling Street offers a wide variety of counterfeit luxury brands such as Rolex, Louis Vuitton, and the like. Best of all, haggling is a way of life here and prices can be brought even lower if you have a silver tongue.
But while the street is synonymous with cheap shopping nowadays, the area is also filled with a delightful array of local cuisines. Chinese and seafood restaurants are everywhere, and hawker stalls are aplenty. Some of these street food stalls are even considered a staple in the locals’ diets and have been in operation for a long time.
Petaling Street opens daily from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm
Must-Try: Roasted duck @ Sze Ngan Chye, Madam Tang Mua Chee Queen, Hon Kee Porridge, Koon Kee Wantan Mee, Air Mata Kucing, Tau Fu Fa @ Famous Kim Soya Bean, Soong Kee’s Beef Ball Noodles.
Where: Petaling Street Market, Jalan Petaling, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Kampung Baru Night Market
If you’re looking for something more traditional, then the Kampung Baru Night Market is just the thing for you.
This market is run predominantly by the area’s Malay community. Thus, you can expect a great shopping venue for those looking for traditional Malay apparel such as sarongs, Baju Kurung, Songkok, and so on. Apart from that, do check out the unique local handicrafts and jewellery that you can buy as souvenirs.
For visitors looking to sample traditional Malay delicacies, this is the one for you. Aside from apparel and accessories, the market is also a popular food haven in KL city. Most stalls also come equipped with plastic tables and chairs for you to relax as you enjoy your meal, while the bustling market atmosphere is an experience in itself.
The Kampung Baru Night Market starts from 6.00 pm to 1.00 am every Saturday.
Must-Try: Nasi Lemak Wanjo, Rojak (spicy fruit and vegetable salad), grilled fish, Satay, traditional Malay Kuih, Nasi Campur (rice with a variety of side dishes of your choice including meat, seafood, vegetables, and curries).
Where: Jalan Raja Muda Musa, Kampung Baru, 50300 Kuala Lumpur
Jalan Alor
Located just a stone’s throw away from KL’s Bukit Bintang area, you’ll find Jalan Alor – a street full of food vendors, restaurants, and hawker stalls offering various local and international cuisine.
A truly not-to-be-missed experience, Jalan Alor is the perfect spot to get the ball rolling on your gastronomic adventure. The entire stretch of road is lined with hawker stalls and seafood restaurants. Though, we must say that the prices here are a tad more expensive as the area is considered to be a touristy location.
Apart from that, this street is also a favourite after-clubbing supper spot in the Golden Triangle area. We’d recommend to skip the air-conditioned seafood restaurants instead and go for the old-school hawker stalls here.
The Jalan Alor Food Street starts from 4.00 pm to 3.00 am daily.
Must-Try: Barbeque chicken wings @ Restoran Wong Ah Wah, Satay @ Terminal Sate Zul, roasted barbecue pork @ Restoran Meng Kee Grill Fish, oyster omelette @ Restoran Meng Kee Grill Fish, coconut ice-cream @ Sangkaya.
Where: Jalan Alor, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Pudu Wai Sek Kai
Last but not least, say hello to one of the oldest food streets in KL. With over 60 years of history (almost as old as the country itself), Pudu Wai Sek Kai’s layout has not changed much since it first opened decades ago.
The small lane is made up of approximately 20 or so hawker stalls just off Jalan Pudu. Known by its other name – Glutton Street, Wai Sek Kai features a ton of affordable and delicious traditional hawker foods that will surely satiate your hunger for street food.
Pudu Wai Sek Kai opens daily from 12 pm to 10 pm.
Must-Try: Chee Cheong Fun, Hakka noodles, crispy fried chicken, steamed egg custard, herbal tea egg, pork innard porridge, fried radish cake, salted egg Char Kueh Teow.
Where: Jalan Sayur, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Do you have any street food recommendations in Kuala Lumpur? Share with us via Instagram @discoverist.sg !
The article was originally published on 31 December 2019. Last updated on 18 November 2022 by Kellin Chew.
