Petaling Street Kuala Lumpur is the most lively and vibrant part of Kuala Lumpur and is home to many budget-conscious travellers who wants to stay close to the centre of activity in the city. Most historical places of interest in Kuala Lumpur are located within walking distance of Petaling Street and the Central Market Area.
During my last visit to Kuala Lumpur in July 2022, I decided to stay close to Petaling Street. My experience was amazing as I was able to explore the area in detail during my three days stay in the area. Previously I had stayed in Bukit Bintang and the KLCC area and did not get a chance to explore Petaling Street in detail.
What makes Petaling Street Chinatown a great place to visit?
Petaling Street is experiencing a foodie renaissance after covid as plenty of businesses have changed hands and new trendy cafes have popped up in the streets surrounding Jalan Petaling. Young trendy in Kuala Lumpur is seeking new foodie adventures and creating a mix of traditional and modern eateries. 
Entrance to Petaling Street - Chinatown KL
Petaling Street is also popular with European backpackers who want to experience the original colours and richness of Kuala Lumpur city. A number of quality hostels and budget 1-2 star hotels are scattered around the area providing great accommodation in the area.
Petaling Street offers mid-range shopping options for visitors
The most popular attractions in Chinatown are Petaling Street, Kasturi Walk and Central Market. The old Market also called Pasar Seni was established in 1888. The Oldest Mosque, Masjid India is located very close to the central market.
The restaurant in the area caters to many ethnicities and you will find a good mix of Indian (Nasi Kandar), Malay, Chinese and fusion restaurants. One of my favourite Nynony restaurants is located on the first floor in Central Market Kuala Lumpur.
Open-air eating on Jalan Petaling in Chinatown Kuala Lumpur
As you step out of Central Market a brightly yellow-coloured facade of Dan Yousef will capture your attention. The restaurant becomes my regular hangout for quick lunch and breakfast.
The restaurant serves a wide array of curries, sauteed vegetables, deep-fried chicken and noodle dishes. Such restaurants are popular with regular customers and office workers from the neighbourhood. The food is cheap and you can find a decent meal for under RM 15.
Petaling Street is a bit of culinary adventure with many new cafes housed in the run-down, decadent building creating a vintage look. Leaf & Co. is not to be missed. 
Popular Coffee Shops on Jalan Petaling
A relaxed cafe with vintage decor offers amazing coffee, desserts and cakes. The spot seems to be a watering hole for digital nomads busy with laptops while enjoying a nice cup of coffee.
Just across the road Mee Tarik Restaurant and Vintage 1988 cafe attracts large crowds and seems to be very popular with the local crowd.
At night I decided to tofu and seafood hotel plate with rice at MYHUB Kopi Shop. The food was nicely prepared and presented. These restaurants are priced reasonably which makes them very popular with a younger crowd.
The part of Petaling Street stretching from 4 Seasons Hotel and Jalan Sultan is crowded with a number of bars and cafes.
Concubine KL, Baijiau and G-String are popular bars in the area. The old street alleys are painted with Chinese-styled murals capturing the colours of a bygone area. This section of the town offers a great photo opportunity as you will observe throngs of travellers and crowds exploring the back alleys till the late hours of the night.
I revisited this area twice at different times of the day to enjoy a relaxed meal and a drink at Baijiu. The businesses are managed by a young generation of business owners who are more in tune with current trends in eating out.
Petaling Street is definitely a great place to visit if you want to explore the true colours and flavours of Kuala Lumpur City.
If you are planning to visit Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown and the Masjid India area is a great places to stay. I stayed at Travelodge City Center & Avenue J Hotel
Foodie Adventures in KL with KLOOK
Klook.com Shouket is a passionate foodie and traveller who is continuous on a hunt for new and amazing destinations in south-east Asia. Shaukat loves exploring amazing Restaurants, Cafes, Bars & Hotels in Kuala Lumpur City.Follow: ozasiatraveller |
