Jalan Alor

Kuala Lumpur

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DESTINATIONS malaysia kualalumpur Dining Jalan Alor

Jalan Alor

This is the street that runs parallel to Jalan Bukit Bintang, jam packed with Chinese restaurants and hawkers, street stalls serving everything from barbecued seafood to local desserts. Good food at a good value.

Dining

Head to Jalan Alor for an al fresco meal at one of the many tables lining this KL street food hub, or try one of these similar spots favoured by locals: Pudu Wai Sek Kai (also known as 'Glutton Street'), an area referred to as Lucky Gardens (here, restaurant or cafe-type establishments are a good bet in terms of both quality and variety), plus eateries around Brickfields, home to KL's Little India, which translates into the dominant type of food offerings here. Malaysian cuisine is a fusion of cultural influences. For instance, 'nasi lemak' is historically Malay, 'rojak' is Indian Muslim, 'char kuay teow' is Chinese and the spicy-hot 'laksa' is Nyonya (a mix of Malay and Chinese). Each culture emphasises different ingredients and flavours; for example, the Malay curry tastes tangier compared to the Indian. Here's a list of the best places to eat in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:

Bijan

Bijan is a chic restaurant and bar, serving the upmarket version of traditional regional Malay fare. The recipes are a mix of generation-old classics combined with new …

Jalan Alor

This is the street that runs parallel to Jalan Bukit Bintang, jam packed with Chinese restaurants and hawkers, street stalls serving everything from barbecued seafood to local desserts. Good food at a good …

Yarl Restaurant

Yarl Restaurant

Yarl is a rare gem in a foodie city such as KL: it's the only place for north Sri Lankan (Jaffna) food in the area, and arguably among the highest ranking Sri Lankan eateries in town. Yarl is famous for its generous, incredible value lunch buffet spread, but it's a great place to eat …

ChoCha Foodstore

ChoCha Foodstore

ChoCha Foodstore in buzzing Petaling Street breathes an air of effortless vintage chic. Its inviting inner courtyard is a true visitor magnet that's rarely vacant, despite being somewhat tucked away. They serve an extensive menu of fusion Western and Malay dishes, all of which continuously receive accolades from patrons. Tea is one of the specialties: …

Chynna

Chynna is a funky Cantonese and Shanghainese restaurant, serving a mixed range of Cantonese dim sum and traditional Chinese herbal cooking. This restaurant is authentic yet innovative with a focus on healthy eating, with attention to detail that extend to include tea service by a dressed-up master dispensing the drink to diners using a …

Limapulo: Baba Can Cook

Limapulo: Baba Can Cook

Look no further for the best place in the city to tuck into a piping hot bowl of curry laksa, a potent dish originating from the Nonya culinary tradition which – in the words of late Anthony Bourdain – "hurts so good" due to its rather extreme levels of heat. Baba (or Uncle John) …

Dining in the Dark KL

Dining in the Dark KL

The first restaurant in total darkness in Malaysia, Dining in the Dark, offers a completely new experience. A specifically designed three-course menu sends your palate on an adventure like no other. This unique experience presents the ultimate taste test, as it forces you to really engage your sense of taste, unsupported by …

Pinchos Tapas Bar

Pinchos Tapas Bar

Enjoy delicious tapas in a lively and friendly atmosphere at this authentic Spanish restaurant right in the city centre. Pinchos Tapas Bar is a must-visit when you long for some Spanish tidbits and cooling …

Din Tai Fung Pavilion KL

Din Tai Fung Pavilion KL

This is one of four Din Tai Fung outlets in Kuala Lumpur. Din Tai Fung is a restaurant chain originating in Taiwan, which now has multiple branches across Asia and beyond (the fact it remains largely unknown in the West is a tragic shortcoming). They are famous for their steamed dumplings (xiao long bao), …

Betel Leaf

For a spicy Indian culinary experience, head to Betel Leaf. They started their business in 2009, and their focus lies on cooking flavourful food made from fresh ingredients. To ensure the quality of products, they use vegetables and meat from their own farm in Mantin, Negeri …

Gobo Upstairs Lounge & Grill

Gobo Upstairs Lounge & Grill

As the name reveals, this restaurant has its focus on grilled dishes. Steaks and seafood are cooked to perfection and efficient and professional waiters are there to serve guests. This is a good place to go when you long for typical Western-style …

Loco Bar and Restaurant

Loco Bar and Restaurant

Tacos, tortillas, burritos and margaritas, all of these Texmex-delicacies are found on the menu of Loco Bar and Restaurant. The fish tacos are said to be one of the specialities and the margaritas comes in 25 different …