Kuala Lumpur’s very own Chinatown aka Petaling Street is known for it’s vibrant market that’s filled with rows of stalls selling dupe luxury branded fashion items and cosmetics for cheap prices and is frequented amongst foreign tourists.
BUT we’re taking a different look at this hotspot and uncovering some lesser known gems and must-try stops that all locals and tourists have to experience!
So if it’s been awhile since you’ve last REALLY explored KL, we’re here with a one-of-a-kind guide of special places at and around Petaling Street that promises a fun time, covering culture, arts, fun drinks and of course, food ? ✨
Must-Try Street Food & Drinks ??
Petaling Street is also known for selling scrumptious local street food and drinks, but it can be overwhelming to pick so we’ve narrowed down the list for you below.
1. Ah Loh’s Apam Balik
If you like warm desserts and pastries then you have to taste this 30+ year old Apam Balik joint by uncle Ah Loh.
Apam Balik is a pillowy soft pancake with crushed peanuts and creamy corn and condensed milk. Uncle Ah Loh is a sweet old man who has been consistently delivering mouth-watering Apams for years at his tiny push-cart stall.
Two versions of the Apam exist, a corny, fluffy version and our favourite, the crispier mini one!
Location: 15-19, Jalan Hang Lekir, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: Open daily, 11am – 6pm.
For more information: Google Reviews
2. Air Mata Kucing Drink
Our top pick for a refreshing drink is this Air Mata Kucing stall that has been consistently delivering tasty drinks for decades.
Air Mata Kucing is an iced fruit drink made from tong kua (winter melon), lo han kor (monk fruit), dried longan (long ngan), and sugar.
Location: Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: Open daily, 10am – 10pm.
For more information: Facebook
3. Tanghulu
We are obsessed with this Northern Chinese dessert that puts fruits like strawberries, blueberries and grapes on skewers and coats it with sugar. With each bite, you get a crackly exterior of the hardened sugar while the inside is a sweet mush of fruits ??
They are usually a bit pricey (RM8-RM10) but this Tanghulu dessert is rarely found. The stall only starts operating at after 2:40pm so best come around 3pm. It’s located as the same row as the Air Mata Kucing stall, heading towards KK Mart.
Location: 21-27, Jalan Hang Lekir, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 3pm – 8pm.
Wholesome Shopping! ?️?
4. Family Bundle
Look for this popular second-hand chain store called Family Bundle for a more environmentally friendly (that also won’t break the bank) fashion choice!
This favoured franchise amongst sustainable fashion lovers has many outlets all over Klang Valley and one of them is aptly located at Petaling Street.
Not many people are aware of it’s existence here, which means you’ll probably get good pool of clothes! Their vintage items are super cheap with tops priced as low as RM5. They also have fitting rooms available.
Location: 94, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: Open daily. Monday to Saturday 9am – 8pm. Sunday, 8am – 8pm.
For more information: Facebook | Instagram
5. Junk Book Store
Following our vintage theme, we move on to one of the oldest and biggest secondhand bookstore in Kuala Lumpur! As you stroll away from Petaling Street, just around a corner this gem awaits. From the outside, it’s hard to comprehend how much this space can actually home but it’s actually a two-floored store that has books in every corner, even up to the ceiling.
Here, you can find old vintage books in various local languages.
We must also say that it has a unique name! 
Location: 78, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: Closed on Sundays. Monday to Friday 8:30am – 3pm. Saturday, 8:30am – 2pm
For more information: Facebook
6. Lee Wah Florist
As you explore Petaling Street, treat yourself (your date or friends) to a beautiful selection of fresh or dried flowers at this beloved, popular florist called Lee Wah Florist.
There’s a few florists in Petaling Street but this is the most well rated one with the most decent prices.
They have many customers from Klang Valley travelling all the way to Petaling Street just to buy flowers from them.
Location: 129, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: Open daily, 8:30am – 9pm.
For more information: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Café-Hopping ????️
7. Neko Neko Matcha 2.0 Chinatown
This shop has everything matcha!
It has the feel of a cool laboratory art gallery with it’s all white and minimalist interior. The best part is that, like in a lab, you can watch them make your drink in front of you!
Must tries include their classic Matcha Latte, Genmaicha Choux dessert, and Matcha Burnt Cheesecake.
Location: 181, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: Open daily, 11am – 5:30pm
For more information: Website | Facebook | Instagram
8. Kafei Dian
Just a short walk away from Petaling Street is this adorable eatery called Kafei Dian. This restaurant serves authentic local Hainanese food and has an impressively extensive menu! We highly suggest you come here for breakfast or brunch.
The interior has a cozy oriental style whole the exterior is home to many lush green plants.
When you’re here, be sure to try their steamed bun or toast with kaya. Customers also enjoy the restaurant’s Hainanese chicken chop and dim sum.
Location: 16, Jalan Panggong, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: Open daily. Wednesday to Monday, 7:30am – 10pm. Tuesdays, 7:30 am – 5:30pm.
For more information: Facebook | Instagram
Arts & Culture ???️
9. Kwai Chai Hong
Kwai Chai Hong is a historical art street that has become a popular spot for both amateur and professional photographers.
Along with trendy cafés, bars, and restaurants, the scenic history alley is also home to periodic pop-up art installations and permanent murals that have become popular with locals.
It’s truly one of Petaling Street’s most precious art spots that you have to go to!
Location: Lorong Panggung, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
For more information: Website | Facebook | Instagram
10. REXKL
Every hip and cool urbanite in this city has been to REXKL, an arts and culture hub that is home to many food vendors, art and book stores. It’s unique story of being a former theater building that’s since been revived and done-up as a cultural and lifestyle hub has made it very popular amongst hipsters alike.
The hub has a variety of seating areas, such as bar stools, outdoor benches, and dining tables, to accommodate visitors. So there’s plenty of seats for you to lounge about after you explore Petaling Street!
We love that REXKL also serves as an event space (in a hall that used to be their theatre hall!), so definitely follow REXKL on their social medias to check out their events like live concerts or thrift markets.
Continue on exploring to the top floors where you can find a one of a kind bookstore. The headquarters of BookXcess are on the top floor of the exposed-brick structure. The bookstore has gained popularity among locals wishing to browse for books and take pictures because of its maze-like design and towering bookcases storing more than 80,000 books on several floor levels.
Location: 80, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: Open daily, 8:30am – 1opm.
For more information: Website | Facebook | Instagram
11. Jao Tim
Jazz lovers you’re in for a treat with this one! Jao Tim KL is a hidden gem located amid shop lots in bustling Petaling Street. By day, Jao Tim is a cozy 70s, New York-esque café, by night though, Jao Tim comes alive with live music and jamming sessions (typically jazz) performed by Malaysia’s homegrown artists.
For a swanky time, be sure to checkout their social media pages to lookout for a musical artist you’d like to experience!
Location: 61, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: Closed on Mondays. Tuesday to Friday, 3pm – 12am. Saturday and Sunday, 1pm – 12am.
For more information: Website | Facebook | Instagram
After the sun sets…?????
12. Crane KL
For dinner, we suggest Crane KL! They feature a unique menu of local dishes with a modern fusion twist. The best part though? The stunning interior of their restaurant and bar that’s set in a 1927 historical building!
After your dinner, head on upstairs to their red bar to enjoy some live DJ sets and fun cocktails as you take your aesthetically-pleasing photos…
Location: 78, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: Open daily. Monday & Tuesday, 12pm – 12:30am. Thursday to Saturday, 12pm – 2am. Wednesday and Sunday, 12pm – 1am.
For more information: Website | Facebook | Instagram
13. The Attic Bar
Now for our little cherry on top for this Petaling Street guide – The Attic Bar! This has similar vibes to Crane’s bar but features a stunning rooftop view of the KL skyline!
The Attic Bar has a lot of good reviews and is even listed as the top 30 bars (2022) to visit in this city. We are obsessed with the red ambiant lighting and rattan light feature.
Location: Travel Hub Guesthouse, Third Floor, 15, Jalan Balai Polis, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: Open daily, 5pm – 1am.
For more information: Website | Facebook | Instagram
So, Voilà! There you have it, folks! Our curated list specially for you to explore the lesser known gems of this vibrant bustling street. Did we miss out on any gems that should’ve made the list? Let us know in the comments.
Petaling Stret may be an overrated tourist spot to some but we think it’s a timeless and classic area that’s ever evolving Kuala Lumpur’s cultural scene.. It still has some fun surprises up it’s sleeve that’s worth the look.
Till next time, happy exploring! ???
Also Read: 10 FREE Date Ideas in KL to Enjoy With Your Partner!
