Petaling Street Chinatown

Jalan Petaling

Vibrant historic neighborhood filled with traditional Chinese architecture, street markets, temples, and authentic cuisine that captures old Kuala Lumpur's multicultural heritage. The bustling night market offers souvenirs, textiles, and local delicacies in an energetic atmosphere.

Things to do

• Sri Maha Mariamman Temple — Malaysia's oldest Hindu temple, ornately decorated with colorful gopuram and intricate carvings, located at the edge of Petaling Street.
• Night Market Shopping — Browse the bustling evening bazaar for souvenirs, textiles, knock-off goods, and local handicrafts under string lights and crowded stalls.
• Thean Hou Temple — The oldest Chinese temple in Kuala Lumpur featuring three main halls dedicated to Buddha, Guan Yu, and Guan Yin with stunning traditional architecture.
• Petaling Street Heritage Walk — Explore the narrow lane's shophouses with faded colonial-era facades and traditional Chinese signage that reflect old Kuala Lumpur's multicultural past.
• Central Market (Pasar Seni) — Historic art deco building nearby offering local crafts, artwork, and souvenirs in a more organized setting than the street market.
• Chinese Herbal Medicine Shops — Visit traditional medicine vendors selling dried herbs, ginseng, and tonics used in Chinese healing practices for centuries.

Food to try

• Char Kway Teow — Wok-fried flat rice noodles with soy sauce, Chinese sausage, shrimp, and bean sprouts, a beloved Penang-style street dish available throughout the market.
• Dim Sum — Small steamed or fried dumplings filled with pork, shrimp, or vegetables, traditionally served with tea in nearby restaurants and pushcarts.
• Roast Duck and Char Siu — Lacquered roasted duck and sweet barbecued pork hung in shop windows, sliced and served over rice or noodles.
• Century Egg and Pork Porridge — Silky rice porridge topped with preserved duck egg, minced pork, and fried shallots, a comforting breakfast staple in the area.
• Chee Cheong Fun — Steamed rice noodle rolls filled with shrimp, pork, or mushrooms and topped with sweet soy sauce, served fresh from street vendors.
• Fresh Sugarcane Juice — Freshly pressed sugarcane juice served ice-cold with optional ginger or lime, a refreshing drink from street carts along the market.

Local customs & good to know

• Visit During Evening for Atmosphere — The night market truly comes alive after 6 PM when crowds surge and the energy peaks; daytime is quieter and better for sightseeing temples.
• Haggle Respectfully at Stalls — Bargaining is expected in the market, but remain polite and good-natured; starting at 60-70% of asking price is typical.
• Remove Shoes at Temples — When entering Sri Maha Mariamman or Thean Hou temples, remove footwear and dress modestly out of respect for active places of worship.
• Cash is King — Most street vendors and smaller stalls prefer cash in Malaysian Ringgit; while cards are accepted in larger establishments, carrying cash ensures smooth transactions.