Petaling street is the heart of Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur. This is the best way to enjoy the Chinatown in Petaling Street is to go there in an empty stomach and have time to explore food and shopping. Petaling street markets in Jalan Kuala Lumpur is a live ex ample of the Chinese history in this pioneer city.
The Petaling Street is crowded most of the time and is a popular spot for tourists and locals to buy counterfeit branded products and for culturally diverse food options. Petaling Street is located close to the other tourist spots in Kuala Lumpur, like Masjid Jamek and Sri Maha Mrihan temple.
How to go to Petaling Street Chinatown?
The Chinatown in Petaling Street is just opposite the Kotaraya Shopping Complex. It’s located near some of the most famous tourist spots. It’s just a few minutes of walk from the Central Market.
You can take the Kelana Jaya Line and get down at Pasar Seni station, and it’s a few minutes walk. Also, you can get down at Plaza Rakyat LRT station, and it’s also a 1 km minute walk from there.
Evolution of Petaling Street & Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur
The petaling street was known as market square historically. The street is located on Market Square, which is also known as High street. The market is as old as the city itself.
The Petaling street market was reconstructed with a multi-million dollar budget in 2007. The current entrance gate and pedestrian walks were made around that time available. Cantonese and Hakkas came in the early 20th century in Kuala Lumpur. Before the Selangor Civil War, the Chinese people came there to work in the tin mines.
But after the war, the mines were flooded. But due to the persuasion of Yap Aj Loy, the coolies and miners remained in Kuala Lumpur. Thus the Chinese influence in the city remained intact.
Development of the Petaling Street
Petaling Street is as old as the city itself. Previously known as a market square, Petaling Street has witnessed many cultural evolutions and has been a hotspot of the city since the 19th century.
Many Cantonese and Hakkas are settled here for generations, and they have mingled with the city and created Chinese temples, finger-licking Chinese foods, bars, and restaurants. One of the few restaurants to remain solid through the transformation is Ho Kow Kopitam.
It’s an old-style cafe run by a Hianese family for generations. It was established in 1956. You will also find Chinese pastry shops dating back to 1909. One of the most popular spots in the market is the Little Demon’s Alley which has pre-war shophouses.
The area has been renovated with signature Chinese paintings, renovation of shops, and relocation of some of the oldest shops for the revival of business.
In 2005, Petaling Street went through a facelift and renovation. At the entrance, tourists can spot an oriental archway decorated with lanterns. You will find tourists flocking here for a good bargain on t-shirts, phones and shoes.
The market is booming even at night. You will find delicious snacks even in the middle of the night, and this place is chaotic and mesmerising at the same time.
Oldest & Instagrammable Places to Explore in Petaling Market
Kwai Chai Hong:
The name of this lane literally translates to little ghost lane coming from the indication about the little kids that played and created chaos around this area in the old times. Kwai Chai Hong reflects the traditional aesthetics of the 1960s, the golden era of Kuala Lumpur. The bright yellow walls in contrast with long blue windows, are the perfect instagrammable spot. The concubine KL pub cum restaurant is a must-visit in this alley.
The Concubine KL has a funky vibe with a pet-friendly outdoor space for tourists. The Kwai Chai Hong’s Bumble Bee Cafe’s waffles and Pandan Republic’s desserts are too good to miss as well. And, for the main course, head to Da Bao, Bunn Choon, and Gui GUi BBQ for unimaginable flavours.
Chan She Shu Yuen Clan Ancestral Hall:
The Chen She Shu Yuen Clan ancestral hall is a Cantonese-style hall for honouring the Yuen ancestors. The hall is made in traditional Chinese Baroque architecture with gilded carvings on the wall, small figurines in the rooftop, and a low-slung ceiling. The Chen She Shu Yuen ancestral hall also has a small museum inside it.
The temple is open from 8 AM to 5 PM. The temple is one of the few clan houses still standing in Kuala Lumpur. The Yuen Clan began building a new building in the late 1890s. The new building present now was finished in 1906s. The prayer hall in the centre is called De Xiang Hall.
Guan Di Temple
The Guan Di temple is dedicated to Guandi, a Chinese general. He is commonly seen as the Taoist god of war. The Guan Di temple has a high red wall and high ceilings, and it was founded in 1887. Guan Di symbolises and is worshipped as the patron of righteous brotherhood.
The building is preserved because of its historical value and is one of the oldest and most significant tourist spots in Kuala Lumpur. The temple is open til 3:30 PM every day of the week.
Shopping Around Petaling Street:
You will find rip-off branded clothes, shoes, watches and more. The Merchant’s Lane is the perfect place to go on a shopping spree, where you will find a lot of branded clothes. Bargaining is the key here to get the clothes and accessories you want.
On Jalan petaling, you will also find a lot of snacks like dry fruits, dried seaweed, dried fish and more that are great for taking back. Exploring clothes is a must. Within $3 to $6 you will find all kinds of basics, including t-shirts, shirts, jeans, and shorts. Jalan Petaling also has many CDs and music shops from the old days which are worth a visit.
Another great treasures to find in Petaling Street are Chinese herbs and medicinal herbs. There is a seemingly endless array of all kinds of accessories. So, take some time and go on a shopping spree on Petaling Street.
Sri Mahamariamman Temple
Sri Mahamariamman temple is one of the oldest temples in the city. The temple is located just beside Chinatown. Sri Mahamariamman temple was founded in 1873 in Jalan Bandar. The temple is built in the traditional South Indian temple architecture with five gopurams or tiers.
K. Thambooswamy Pillai established the Sri Mahamariamman temple. Make sure to visit this one-of-a-kind Hindu temple. Sri Mahamariamman temple’s present location near Kuala Lumpur Chinatown was made in 1885.
Explore Vintage Cafes in Petaling Street
Luckin kopi:
Luckin kopi is one of the most famous coffee shops set up in Kopitiam style with a modern twist. Luckin kopi is one of the greatest cafes filled with the freshly brewed “Kopi”. The Luckin kopi serves Peranakan-style dining.
The Luckin kopis toast, nasi lemak, and chicken chap are some of the famous items for decades. This is a pork-free halal cafe that are loved by local muslims. The cafe is just next to Kwai Chai Hong. The 150-year-old building of Luckin kopi has been renovated to give the most retro feel.
Merchant’s Lane:
The Merchant’s Lane is a retro cafe with a funky old-school interior that is quite popular among the locals. The cafe serves light meals specially prepared for Malaysian tastebuds. The Merchant Lane opens at around 11:30 in the morning. The Merchant’s lane cafe started in 2015. The Merchant’s lane cafe menu’s most popular items are their breakfast plate, salted caramel latte, and Italian mee goreng.
Their coffees and special menu items are a must-try. And remember to take loads of insta pics with the rusted walls, tree roots, and vintage decor. The price of the food in the cafe is quite reasonable, and the staff service is good as well.
Try Wantan Mee at Koon Kee Wantan Mee:
The Koon Kee Wantan Mee is one of the oldest operating restaurants. It has been operating since 1942. Their Signature thin Wantan Mee is a must-try at Petaling Street. The Wantan Mee comes in thin noodles covered in sauce and pieces of char siew chicken or tender chicken feet atop and wontons in the soup.
It’s one of the best Wantan mees in the city, made with their signature in-house sauce glistening around the stringy egg noodles. The restaurant is a must-visit in Petaling Street.
Vintage 1988:
Vintage 1988 is a western cafe with a retro interior and one of the oldest coffee shops in Jalan Petaling. The cafe serves gourmet burgers with speciality coffees. The Vintage 1988 is the oldest shop, serving waffles and the classic double cheeseburger for low prices. This is the perfect place in town to chill and relax.
The cafe’s service is fast, and the staff are welcoming and amicable. Some of the items on the menu that you must try along with the burger and coffee are dark horse chocolate in a mini bathtub, cold brew tea and gelato.
Jalan Petaling Chinatowns in Kula Lumpur are the most important sites for the city’s historical value. Its unique shopping experience is a must-do for all travellers. It also has the city’s finest cafes and offers great prices on clothing and accessories. Petaling Street night market has great rip-off branded shoes and accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Petaling Street famous for?
Petaling Street is famous for its bustling market filled with vendors selling everything from knock-off designer goods to local street food. It’s a great place to experience the vibrant energy of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown and pick up some unique souvenirs.
Is Petaling Street worth a visit?
Yes, Petaling Street Market is definitely worth a visit if you’re in Kuala Lumpur. It’s a bustling market filled with street vendors selling everything from clothing and accessories to food and souvenirs. It’s also located in the heart of Chinatown, which is a must-visit area for its cultural and historical significance.
When should I visit Petaling Street?
Petaling Street Market and Chinatown are open daily, but the best time to visit is in the late afternoon or early evening when the market is bustling with activity and street vendors are selling their wares. It’s also recommended to avoid visiting during major holidays or festivals when the crowds can be overwhelming.