Delicious Street Food in KL that Everyone Should Try! Variety of Options Here
Malaysia is known to be a melting pot of cultures, which translates to a diverse food selection. KL being the capital city, is known for its cultural diversity and mouth-watering street food.
From traditional Malay food to Indian and Chinese delicacies, it’s impossible to have a shortage of flavourful food options here.
We have put together a list of the top 10 street food spots in KL that locals and tourists alike should try.
1. Jalan Alor
If you ask any KL local for street food recommendations, they are almost always guaranteed to mention Jalan Alor. This place has been around for decades and is the epitome of KL’s street food culture. It is a haven for street food lovers.
Jalan Alor has over 200 stalls serving various types of food from Chinese to Malay to Indian, and even some regional food like Thai, Vietnamese, and Korean among others. It’s the perfect spot to try local delicacies like satay, grilled seafood, and bbq chicken wings. Whatever your food preferences are, there is definitely something for everyone here.
Jalan Alor comes alive at night and is easily accessible since it’s located in the heart of Bukit Bintang.
2. Taman Connaught Night Market
Deemed the longest night market in KL, the stretch of hawker stalls at the Taman Connaught night market goes on for a couple of kilometers. These stalls sell everything from food to clothing items to bags and books, among other things.
It opens every Wednesday from 5.00 pm till late. Although it’s a little further from the city center, this place is worth visiting for its variety of street food such as grilled stingray, dim sum, noodle dishes, and so much more. Alongside a tonne of local delicacies, this night market also features snacks originating from neighbouring countries like Korea and Taiwan. Make sure to save some space for delicious desserts too!
3. Lot 10 Hutong
It’s rare that a local would recommend a mall’s food court, but Lot 10 Hutong is an exception. Imagine having a carefully curated bunch of well-liked hawker stalls all under one roof – that’s exactly what Lot 10 Hutong is.
Nestled in Lot 10 Shopping Mall, this food court features over 30 different hawker stalls with a wide variety of dishes. Most of these stalls have been serving locals for decades. Some must try dishes include the fried Hokkien mee from Kim Lian Kee, Soong Kee beef noodles, and also the Imbi Road pork noodles.
4. Imbi Market
This place is one of the most popular breakfast spots among KLites and with good reason. Located in the ICC Pudu Building, Imbi Market’s food court features some of KL’s most well established hawker stalls, mostly Chinese.
If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast with affordable prices, the humble stalls here are a must. We recommend trying Mee Halia (ginger noodles), Ann Nasi Lemak, QQ Penang Popiah, and Ah Fook Chee Cheong Fun.
5. Kampung Baru
Kampung Baru is the best place for those looking to enjoy good authentic Malay food. It is a traditional Malay village in the heart of KL, and offers a unique street food experience. Unlike the other spots in our list, you may need to travel around Kampung Baru to hunt for great food.
Here are some of our recommendations:
- Wanjo Nasi Lemak. This restaurant serves amazing nasi lemak, made from their family recipe that has been passed down since the 60s!
- Roti Canai at Gerai Pak Hassan. The roti canai here is popular among Kampung Baru locals. Although the food is great, be prepared to wait in line as there is almost always a long queue outside the stall.
- Satay Capitol 1951 Warisan. Can’t say you’ve tried Malay food without satay, so head here for some good satay and kuah kacang.
6. Petaling Street
Petaling Street also known as Chinatown, is popular among both locals and tourists for cheap shopping and its incredible street food. This street bustles with energy every day of the week and is the best spot to experience Chinese culture in KL.
With the wide variety of food options here, it’s tough trying to decide what to eat. Some of the best that we recommend trying include Madam Tang’s Muah Chee, the thirst-quenching Air Mata Kucing Petaling Street, Hon Kee Porridge for a hearty bowl of their famous porridge, Kim’s Soya Bean, and the Chee Cheong Fun at Kim Lian Kee.
7. Chow Kit
Chow Kit is a district in KL so full of life. Although unofficially known as the city’s Red Light District, there are many spots for delicious street food in Chow Kit if you explore the area. This is a great spot for tourists as well since it’s easily accessible via public transport.
What does Chow Kit have to offer, you ask?
- Pan Mee at Restoran Kin Kin or the equally famous Tian YaKe Ban Mian stall
- Delicious fish head noodles at Tao Xiang
- Traditional Chinese meat dishes at Ah Heng Food Corner (must for pork lovers!)
- Taste Legendary Nasi Lemak Chow Kit Pasar (we recommend their siu yok)
8. SS2 Wai Sek Kai
Although the official name of this place is SS2 Selera Malam, locals have nicknamed it “Wai Sek Kai” which translates to Glutton Street. Here, you can find some of the most delicious and authentic local food in the area all under one roof, and at affordable prices too.
This popular dinner spot is crowded most nights. There are quite a few stalls serving up the same type of food, so be sure to explore and taste, and decide which is the best!