It’s no secret that Malaysians are passionate about their food. Being a multicultural capital, Kuala Lumpur’s food scene is a melting pot of traditional and fusion flavours, making every bite worth savouring. Take yourself on a marathon through Kuala Lumpur’s best food streets, and stuff yourself silly with these well-loved local favourites.
Hutong Lot 10
Nestled away in the basement of Lot 10 Shopping Centre is the hidden treasure of Hutong. Directly translated as “lane” or “alley” from Chinese, Hutong cradles the essence of traditional food and tastes of authentic street food. In this tantalizing wonderland, some of the country’s most renowned hawkers have set up their stalls here, making Hutong a congregation of the nation’s best local delights. Being housed within the mall, visitors are able to taste street delicacies in air-conditioning, without having to brave the humid weather. All the food offered in this basement food court has been curated for you: Only the best vendors have been invited to operate in Hutong. The best part? With each dish you order, vendors will hand out tissue packets — Hutong’s very own trademark.
Jalan Alor
Perhaps the most well-known food street in Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Alor has made a name for itself on most travellers’ agendas. With food options squeezed side by side into this short street, visitors may be overwhelmed by multiple hawkers attempting to lure them away from competition, but even without the marketing pressure, settling on a choice is already challenging enough. Running straight down the heart of the city centre, Jalan Alor may be an assuming street on the map, but it’s in fact a bustling lane crammed full of eateries and street stalls. Just a stone’s throw away from tourist hotspot Bukit Bintang, Jalan Alor is both conveniently located and promising — the perfect way to recharge after a day out at Pavilion Mall; All along the street, delicacies abound, tempting visitors into a night of authentic street eats.
Jalan Sayur (Wai Sek Kai)
While Jalan Sayur may not be as well-worn on the tongues of travellers, it sure makes up for it by being a top local secret. Most notorious among the Chinese-Malays, Jalan Sayur — located in the district of Pudu — has been affectionately dubbed Wai Sek Kai, which means Glutton Street in the Cantonese dialect. Many tourists don’t think to visit Jalan Sayur, since it’s not often as publicized as the likes of Jalan Alor and Petaling Street, but food lovers wouldn’t give it a miss — not when it’s home to many traditional street stalls, some being the country’s oldest. Having a feast here not only guarantees you a full stomach, you can also be sure that prices are affordable, since it’s where locals enjoy their meals at; Though, be sure not to visit any earlier than 6pm, as it’s when the majority of stalls open for business.
Petaling Street
Speaking of food, Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown is an absolute, resounding “yes” for many travellers. While Petaling Street is more well-known for affordable trinkets and traditional style clothing, its food scene is nothing to look down on. Boasting some of the country’s oldest street food stalls, these recipes have been perfected through generations of operation, and promises a mouth-watering dining experience. As Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, there’s no doubt that visitors should visit here for the Chinese cuisine, and choose between traditional delicacies or a more modern pick of fusion food — Petaling Street also happens to be a café hopping heaven. Being quite a popular area, it’s recommended to visit before or after the peak hours, though there’s nothing more authentic than jostling with a crowd of locals during prime mealtimes.
Tapak Urban Street Dining
Food trucks are a popular and convenient way for locals to grab a quick meal or snack at, and Tapak Urban Street Dining is where many of these food trucks have gathered into what is dubbed a Food Truck Park. Apart from an extensive seating area, Tapak Urban Street Dining also offers generous parking spaces for visitors who drive. It’s popular with locals and people who want to hang out with friends after work, and with all the best food trucks in Klang Valley centred in one area, visitors will be spoilt for choice — there’s an impressive selection of food, from chicken wings and roti john to nasi lemak and mango milkshakes. Tapak Urban Street Dining also happens to be situated along Jalan Ampang, which is very close to the Golden Triangle, making it an ideal dinner option after some shopping at KLCC or taking photos on the Petronas Twin Towers’ Sky Bridge.
Make sure you leave your accommodation hungry every morning, you’ll want to try something different for every meal — and one day definitely isn’t enough.
