Quick take: Petaling Street—KL’s old Chinatown—mixes heritage shophouses, temples, bargain hunting, and some of the city’s most beloved eats. Here’s how to do it right: what to see, what to eat, when to go, and local tips that save time (and money).
Why Petaling Street matters
Petaling Street sits at the heart of historic Kuala Lumpur. The area grew around tin-rush trade routes and clan associations; today it blends the old (temples, traditional kopitiams, legacy hawkers) with the new (indie cafés, galleries, and creative hubs). Expect lantern-lined lanes, loud stall calls, and the smell of wok hei drifting through narrow streets—classic KL energy.
Getting there (fastest routes)
- By rail:
- MRT/LRT Pasar Seni (MRT Kajang Line ↔ LRT Kelana Jaya Line). Exit and walk 5 minutes to Petaling Street arch.
- LRT Masjid Jamek: 10–12 minutes on foot via Jalan Tun H.S. Lee.
- By e-hailing: Set drop-off to “Petaling Street Arch” or “Jalan Sultan.” Traffic can be tight in the evenings—consider rail for peak hours.
- Parking: Limited street slots around Jalan Sultan/Jalan Hang Lekir; private lots fill quickly after 6pm.
What to eat: tried-and-true favourites
(Stall names can change—use this as a food map of styles to look for.)
- KL Hokkien Mee (dark, caramelised wok hei): A Petaling Street staple; you’ll find legacy shops famous for this smoky, lard-fried noodle.
- Curry Laksa & Yong Tau Foo (Madras Lane area): A row of long-running stalls ladling rich coconut curry soup; pick your own stuffed tofu/veg.
- Congee & Chee Cheong Fun (Hon Kee-style breakfasts): Silky porridge with fish slices; rice rolls with shrimp paste or sweet sauce.
- Roast meats rice: Char siu/siew yoke vendors fire up early—great for lunch.
- Air Mata Kucing: Longan-winter melon herbal cooler; classic Chinatown thirst-quencher.
- Traditional bakeries: Look for century-style biscuits, kaya puffs, and egg tarts along Jalan Sultan.
- Mee Tarik on Jalan Sultan (hand-pulled Lanzhou noodles): A Chinatown favourite for chewy, freshly pulled noodles, dumplings and late-night suppers. The Jalan Sultan outlet is popular with long hours; expect a simple, busy dining room and fast turnover.
- Kopitiams & cafés (nearby lanes):
- Old-school kopitiam breakfasts around Jalan Tun H.S. Lee/Lorong Panggung (kaya toast, half-boiled eggs, kopi).
- REXKL (Jalan Sultan): Book heaven + indie food/drink kiosks, weekend events.
- Merchant-lane-type cafés: Modern plates, photogenic interiors, great mid-day break.
Beyond food: must-see highlights (all within walking distance)
- Petaling Street Night Market: Souvenirs, apparel, trinkets, phone accessories; haggle politely (see tips below).
- Guan Di Temple (Kuan Ti): A vibrant Taoist temple on Jalan Tun H.S. Lee; incense coils and red pillars make striking photos.
- Sri Mahamariamman Temple: The oldest Hindu temple in KL with a colourful gopuram. (Read more about the temple here.)
- Kwai Chai Hong: Restored alley with murals and heritage façades—golden hour looks amazing. (Read more about Kwai Chai Hong here.)
- REXKL: Revived cinema turned community space—bookstores, pop-ups, talks. (Read more about REXKL here.)
Practical tips & etiquette
- Dress cool, stay hydrated: It’s hot and humid; carry a bottle or order local herbal drinks.
- Cash & e-wallets: Many stalls accept e-wallets, but cash still speeds things up.
- Temple etiquette: Modest attire, remove shoes where required, no flash inside sanctuaries.
- Halal awareness: Area is mixed; check signs or ask vendors if dietary rules matter to you.
- Photography: Always ask before taking close-ups of vendors at work.
Nearby attractions
- Central Market & Kasturi Walk: Arts, crafts, souvenirs under a shaded walkway.
- River of Life (Masjid Jamek area): Nighttime blue-haze lighting and skyline views.
- Merdeka heritage cluster: Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Dataran Merdeka for classic KL shots.
Petaling Street changes with the city—new cafés open, stalls move, menus evolve. That’s the thrill: every visit feels a little different. Go early for breakfasts, return at night for the market, and let your nose (and camera) lead the way.
