Travel Insider Malaysia

Mention Petaling Street to a local and they’ll immediately understand that you’re referring to the area that’s more popularly referred to these days as Chinatown. Back in the day, Petaling Street was synonymous mainly for its pasar malam (night market) filled with delicious street snacks, fresh produce and knockoff branded goods, but after decades, the market started to feel like a scammy tourist trap. And with stupid prices like RM300 for a stupid fake PVC bag with a designer logo, I suspect that tourists were also catching on.

Which is why Petaling Street’s transformation in recent years is inspiring. Its focus on preserving and highlighting the area’s cultural and historical relevance has turned Chinatown KL into a coveted hub for new creative businesses, while successful, decades-old shops solidify their claim as heritage or “nostalgic” establishments. As a local, I’m impressed by the effort to preserve the colonial era row shophouses, the deliberate use of distressed walls in practically every establishment to create an industrial interior and vibe, the adaptive reuse of historical old buildings (i.e. RexKL) and the revamp of certain streets (i.e. Kwai Chai Hong) formerly dark and dirty, now tidied up with street art murals and bright-coloured lanterns. And because the neighbourhood is still evolving, visiting several months apart inevitably yields delightful new finds.

As for the market? It still exists (and is currently under renovation), but as long as you avoid the fake goods vendors, spending a day in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown promises modern experiences in a culturally rich setting.

Modern Eats

Esca KL, an upscale fusion restaurant by Chong Yu Cheng, the mastermind behind the Michelin-selected Terra Dining in KL. With influences spanning Eastern European, Sichuan, Italian, Malaysian and South American cuisines, a meal here is full of delightful surprises.

Raw, located within Else Kuala Lumpur, is a sleek café and bar serving specialty coffee, crafted cocktails and artisanal bites. Come here for a chic brunch of chicken prata waffle, fermented sambal tiger prawns with squid ink rice and roasted cauliflower tacos amidst stylish interiors.

Pickle Dining is run by chef Danial Thorlby. It celebrates cooking techniques like fermentation, pickling, smoking and wood fire, all set in a 100-year-old shophouse with recycled décor. Clean, simple dishes, rich stories and a “lab” for evolving flavours. 

Yorimichi is a cosy Muji-inspired cafe in a tucked-away spot on Tun H.S. Lee Road. The cafe serves Japanese comfort food – think creamy Japanese curry over pearl-white rice, crispy karaage and seaweed-wrapped mochi.

Chocha serves modern Malaysian cuisine with heavy use of ingredients that showcase local terroir. Highlights include pan-seared ambuyat (sago), stingray on toast with serunding and tapai ice-cream with cream cheese, coconut and lime.

Culture & Activities

Sin Sze Si Ya Temple, The oldest Taoist temple in Kuala Lumpur, this temple blends heritage architecture, smoky joss sticks, and cultural rituals. A serene escape amid Chinatown’s bustle, it offers insight into the city’s spiritual roots.

Chin Woo Stadium, Built in 1953, Chin Woo Stadium is a historic landmark known for martial arts training, community sports, and cultural events. Its retro architecture preserves a slice of Chinatown’s past while staying active in the present.

n+ by URMU, a contemporary art space featuring rotating exhibitions of modern works. Blending heritage architecture with cutting-edge creativity, it brings fresh artistic dialogue to Chinatown, connecting visitors with Malaysia’s evolving creative scene.

Kwai Chai Hong, revives a hidden Chinatown alley with vibrant murals, heritage shophouses, and contemporary cafés. By day it’s photogenic; by night, atmospheric lighting and bars transform it into a lively cultural and social hotspot.

REXKL, once a historic cinema, REXKL is now a creative cultural hub housing indie retailers, artisanal food stalls, bars, and event spaces. It’s a vibrant hangout celebrating heritage, sustainability, and Kuala Lumpur’s thriving urban culture.

Sri Maha Mariaman Temple, revives a hidden Chinatown alley with vibrant murals, heritage shophouses, and contemporary cafés. By day it’s photogenic; by night, atmospheric lighting and bars transform it into a lively cultural and social hotspot.

More cultural activities in KL: 8 offbeat museums in Kuala Lumpur you’ve probably never heard of

Coffee & Tea

 Curio L5, Perched atop a heritage building, Curio L5 pairs specialty coffee with panoramic Chinatown views.

 Lazy Eye Coffee, known for its espresso drinks and laid-back atmosphere, it’s perfect for slow mornings or thoughtful conversations.

 Dodoo X VCR Bakehouse, this coffee meets bakehouse serves fresh pastries, specialty coffee and artisanal breads.

 Yew Yew Coffee, a minimalist café emphasising quality beans, clean flavours and cosy vibes. 

 Monster, a Garden Cafe, plant-laden design creates a serene oasis amid Chinatown’s bustle, ideal for weekend brunches or leisurely coffee breaks.

Merchant’s Lane, hidden above a stationery shop, with a menu that blends Malaysian flavours with Western brunch culture. Think pandan pancakes, chicken rendang burgers and iced lattes.

Purple Cane Tea House, specialises in tea-infused cuisine and delicate brews. Its calming interiors and heritage roots introduce visitors to Malaysia’s tea culture in the heart of Chinatown.

Yu Yan Cafe, charms with pastel interiors and nostalgic touches, serving modern comfort food alongside photogenic desserts.

Hi Tea Malaysia, reinvents the traditional tea experience with vibrant flavours, creative presentations and artisanal blends.

Niko Neko Matcha 2.0, Minimalist and refined, Niko Neko Matcha 2.0 focuses on premium Japanese matcha in sleek, whitewashed interiors.

Street Food

 Sin Kiew Yee Shin Kee Noodle serves silky beef noodles in rich broth or dry tossed style. Generations of regulars return for its tender beef slices, springy noodles, and old-school, no-frills charm.

Nam Heong Chicken Rice is famed for its Hainanese chicken rice, perfected over decades. Succulent poached chicken, fragrant rice, and homemade chili sauce make it a Petaling Street classic that continues drawing loyal fans daily.

Lai Foong Lala Noodle, for legendary lala noodle brims with clams in a ginger-garlic broth that’s both comforting and bold. A bustling spot beloved by locals, it’s perfect for slurping seafood noodles in true Chinatown style.

Hon Kee Porridge a local institution that’s been serving silky congee and yau char kwai (Chinese crullers) for decades. If you’re feeling bold, try the raw fish porridge – fresh slices of fish that cook in the hot porridge right at your table.

No. 81 Mochi delights with handmade glutinous rice balls filled with peanuts, sesame, or red bean. Soft, chewy, and lightly sweet, this nostalgic street-side treat is a simple yet irresistible Petaling Street indulgence.

Desserts & Snacks

Nucre Patisserie, elevates French-style baking with refined tarts, delicate entremets, and minimalist design. Each creation balances flavor and aesthetics, inviting dessert lovers to linger over elegant bites in an intimate, light-filled Petaling Street setting.

Floccus Floccus experiments with textures and presentation, serving creative cakes and plated kuih. Its playful interiors and inventive menu make it a favorite for those seeking artistry with their indulgence in Chinatown.

GIOIA, serves artisanal Italian gelato in vibrant flavors, from classic pistachio to inventive seasonal creations. Bright interiors and creamy scoops make it a refreshing Chinatown stop, blending authentic craftsmanship with a playful, contemporary KL vibe.

Fluffed Cafe Known for its signature waffles and dreamy desserts, Fluffed Cafe charms with pastel tones and cheerful vibes. From towering sundaes to specialty coffee, it’s a sweet escape for casual meetups and indulgent afternoons.

Ching Ching by Pandan Republic reinvents traditional pandan-based desserts with a modern twist. From cakes to soft-serve, everything carries the fragrance of pandan, creating a nostalgic yet contemporary treat rooted in Malaysian flavors.

Shopping

Flowers in the form of loose stalks and ready bouquets can be found in the many florists along Jalan Tun HS Lee. For a larger selection of plants, visit Weng Hao or Dayang Ros.

The Batik Shop has a nice range of modern and traditional batik attire. Pick up reasonably priced men’s shirts, Peranakan outfits and batik print cheongsams here.

Kean Guan Tea Merchants is an 80-year-old tea-purveying business, where in addition to stocking imported teas, offer their signature Chian Li Shiang tea blend.

Bars

PS150 a speakeasy-style bar in a pre-war shoplot at 150, Jalan Petaling. You enter through a toy shop and then there are different themed areas (Vintage, Tiki, Outdoor Courtyard etc). 

Botak Liquor does botanical cocktails (“farm-to-glass” concept), with fresh, local ingredients, creative flavour combos.

The Attic Bar, a rooftop spot in the Travel Hub Guesthouse (no obvious signage from street level). Cozy, relaxed vibe, good for casual drinks.

Concubine KL, hidden in Kwai Chai Hong (an alley of restored shoplots). Ambience is moody + thematic, drinks with Asian-inspired twists.

Her House is another “hidden bar” in Chinatown. It has a quirky entrance, creative drinks, good if you want to explore something off the usual path.

Wawafish is a wine bar that also introduces Guizhou cuisine to KL. Try bold, sour-spicy bowls of noodles, and sharing plates like mala konjac cubes and fried drumettes.

A day in Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur…

…isn’t just about visiting landmarks or ticking boxes. It’s about wandering slowly, absorbing the smells, sounds and sights of a neighbourhood that holds KL’s past and future in a perfect balance. Whether you come for the food, the heritage or the creative buzz, Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur will leave you with lasting stories and memories.