Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown centers around the bustling Petaling Street, where dozens of vendors gather daily to sell imitation designer clothing and handbags, electronics, souvenirs, fruit, vegetables, and spices, and every form of knick-knack imaginable. At night, the street transforms into vibrant night market, illuminated by the red Chinese lanterns strung above the street.
This is also the place to find KL’s best Chinese food, from bargain street vendors to fine dining restaurants. Although now a popular tourist attraction, Chinatown’s oriental heritage can still be found in places like the historic Chan See Shu Yuen Temple.
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Who Will Like Chinatown
Food Connoisseur
Delve into the delectable world of Chinese cuisine found on street food stands and tucked away in small restaurants underneath rows of red Chinese lanterns.
Culture Buff
Visit Chan See Shu Yuen Temple, one of the largest and oldest surviving Buddhist temples in Kuala Lumpur. For a real taste of Chinatown’s hustle and bustle, stay overnight in one of the district’s budget hotels or hostels.
Retail Therapist
Bargain for clothing, toys, souvenirs, imitation handbags, and more at the many street stalls along Petailing Street.
Insider Tips For Chinatown
Be mindful of food hygiene at street food stands and never buy from vendors with dirty fingernails or aprons. The best stalls can be spotted by crowds of locals waiting to be served and are well worth the short wait.
Never accept the first price offered by a shopping stall vendor as they will often add 25-50% on top of the actual value. Don’t be afraid to walk away if you can’t agree on a price. You’ll likely find the same item in another stall.
Video
How To Get There
Car
RM3 for the first hour then RM2/hour. Flat fee of RM5 after 5pm. Parking at nearby Central Market.
Train (MonorailMaharajalela Station)
5 minute walk northwest from station.
Train (LRT Kelana Jaya LinePasar Seni Station)
Train (MRT Sungai BulohKajang Line Pasar Seni Station)
Bus (Lines 451, 501, 601 & 604KL 108 Kotaraya)
What To Bring
- Cash as few vendors accept card payments.
- Savvy bargaining skills to secure the best price.
- Hungry stomach ready to gorge on Chinese food.
- Valuable belongings like precious jewelry and large amounts of cash.
- Backpacks. If you must bring one, wear it on the front of your body to protect your belongings.
Tech & Photography
Wifi
Public wifi access: None
Photography
Photography allowed: Yes
Tripod allowed: Not encouraged
Selfie sticks allowed: Yes
Best time to shoot: Blue Hour
Drones
Drones allowed: Not encouraged
Bags
Backpacks allowed: Yes
Secured bag lockers available: No
Food & Drink
Chinatown is flowing with Chinese restaurants, from street vendors specializing in one dish, to buffet restaurants, to fine dining restaurants. There’s also a small selection of European restaurants for those not willing to step out of their comfort zone.
Try local specialties like curry laksa, seafood, Hokkien noodles, and claypots.
Backstory
The original Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur centered around Market Square or "High Street” and was mostly inhabited by the wealthy. In the early 1800s, many Chinese males moved into the area seeking work in the mines. A civil war between 2 Chinese factions broke out in 1870 leading to the destruction of many buildings. After the war, the men were unable to return to work in the mines as most had been flooded. Instead, they began to farm rice and other vegetables at the prompting of Chinese captain Yap Ah Loy, who also opened a Tapioca Mill in Petaling Street. This is why Petaling Street is also known as "Starch Factory Street".
Etiquette
- Bargain politely yet aggressively.
- Walk away if a price can’t be agreed.
- Get angry or argue with vendors who won’t lower their price.
Scorecard
- Low prices on food and shopping.
- Bartering culture can be fun when you get used to it.
- Quality of products. Most items for sale are cheaply manufactured knock-offs. Don’t expect them to last a long time.
- Food Hygiene. Check for cleanliness when buying from street food stands.
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