Kuala Lumpur is a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse culinary scene that reflects its multicultural population. From street food stalls to high-end restaurants, the city offers a wide range of dining experiences. It’s my second time visiting Kuala Lumpur and this time, I took the chance to explore some of the best restaurants and cafes to try their local food. Thus, here’s a travel guide to some of the best places to eat in Kuala Lumpur.
Table of Contents
Getting There
By Air
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is the main gateway to Kuala Lumpur. There are two terminals, KLIA1 and KLIA2, serving international and domestic flights. From the airport, you can easily reach the city center via taxi, train, or airport shuttle services.
By Land
You can also reach Kuala Lumpur by train from neighboring countries. If you’re traveling from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, you can definitely reach the city by taking the bus. Travel time is approximately 5–6 hours.
Getting around Kuala Lumpur
Getting around the city is easy and convenient. Kuala Lumpur has an efficient public transportation system such as buses, LRT (light rail transit), MRT (mass rapid transit), and monorail. Taxis and rideshare services like Grab are also readily available.
In my case, I mainly use Grab because it is much more convenient for me than using taxis and also to avoid getting scammed by taxi drivers. Also, Grab is super cheap in Malaysia! I’ve done this a few times in Kota Kinabalu as well. I use eSIM to stay connected all the time. I personally prefer using the Gohub eSIM, and it makes my life easier while exploring and traveling abroad.
To learn more about Gohub eSIM, you can get the latest updates on their Facebook and Instagram pages. For the best deals, head over to their official eSIM Gohub page. You can also use my exclusive discount code ‘Arapatria’ and be among the first ten to snag a 25% discount on your Gohub eSIM purchase!
Essential Travel Guide and Tips
- Purchase an eSIM to get connected all the time. It’s not easy when you get disconnected while exploring the city. Gohub eSIM since it’s very convenient and easy to use! You can install the Gohub eSIM directly on your phone in just a few minutes!
- Kuala Lumpur is a tropical country. Make sure to bring your umbrella or at least sunscreen when going out.
- ATMs or withdrawing money have better conversion rates. (based on my experience)
- Make sure to take cash with you because some local restaurants and cafes don’t accept cards as a mode of payment.
The Best Restaurants in Kuala Lumpur
Jalan Alor Street Food
Located in Bukit Bintang, Jalan Alor is a bustling street food haven that comes alive at night. You’ll find an array of Malaysian, Chinese, and Thai dishes, including satay, grilled seafood, noodles, and exotic fruits.
I highly recommend trying out some of the local foods at Cu Cha Restaurant. Their food was surprisingly good!
Petaling Street
This is where Chinatown is located. Chinatown is famous for its vibrant street food stalls and restaurants. Make sure not to miss the Hokkien mee, char kway teow, and delicious dim sum.
There are so many restaurants to choose from along this famous food street in Kuala Lumpur!
Village Park Restaurant
If you’re looking for the best place to try Nasi Lemak in Kuala Lumpur, make sure to visit this Village Park Restaurant! Village Park’s claim to fame is undoubtedly its Nasi Lemak, the quintessential Malaysian dish. This fragrant, coconut-infused rice is served with a tantalizing array of accompaniments, including a perfectly fried chicken, aromatic sambal (spicy chili paste), crispy anchovies, roasted peanuts, and a hard-boiled or fried egg.
The Nasi Lemak at Village Park is nothing short of legendary, and it’s the dish you simply can’t leave without trying! Their food is so satisfying that I almost got addicted to having Nasi Lemak every day. (haha!)
Don’t forget to order Teh Tarik for your drinks!
Heli Lounge Bar
For a unique dining experience, head to the Heli Lounge Bar, located on a helipad with stunning views of the city. Enjoy drinks and a light meal while taking in the skyline. It’s best to visit the bar during the sunset!
This is definitely one of the best places to chill while in Kuala Lumpur, with the view of the infamous Petronas Twin Tower. The view at night is stunning!
Nasi Lemak Bumbung
Whether you’re a local seeking a taste of home or a curious traveler eager to explore the country’s culinary heritage, Nasi Lemak Bumbung Restaurant promises a delightful and memorable dining experience that embodies the soul of Malaysia.
Also, this is a very local restaurant where you eat outside of the street. Tables and chairs are aligned alongside the street. We visited the place for dinner, and I was totally surprised that the line was long! We had to wait for minutes for us to finally dine in.
I totally enjoyed having dinner here because I felt like I was dining with the locals. It is definitely one of the best local food experiences that you must try when in Kuala Lumpur. We tried Nasi Goreng and their chicken! So good!
Hutong Food Court at Lot 10 Shopping Center
Hutong Food Court is a modern food court in the heart of the city. It’s known for its traditional Chinese dishes and is home to some renowned hawker stalls.
Central Market Food Court
The Central Market’s food court offers a wide range of Malaysian cuisine, including Malay, Chinese, and Indian dishes. Try laksa, rojak, and rendang.
Kanna Curry House
While not in Kuala Lumpur city center, Kanna Curry House is a short drive away in Petaling Jaya and is known for its authentic South Indian flavors and banana leaf dining experience.
To be honest, it was my first time trying Indian food, and it didn’t disappoint!
Common Grind
This cafe offers a stunning view of the Petronas Twin Tower. Their Nasi Lemak and Teh Tarik are also good and a must-try!
Other Restaurants & Cafes to Visit in Kuala Lumpur
I have stayed in Kuala Lumpur for 9 days, and most of the things I did were eat out and explore their food and drinks. If you’re looking for other restaurants and Instagram-worthy cafes to visit in KL, here are some of my recommendations:
- Common Grind
- Momo’s Cafe
- Elephant Republic Cafe
- Bricks & Bread Cafe
- Malaya Garden
- Ho Kow, Hainan Kopitiam
- Spring Spring Cafe
I swear, most of my stays in Kuala Lumpur were all about cafe hopping and eating out at some of the best restaurants around the city! Make sure to check out one of these restaurants and cafes while going around the city.
Hey, my name is Ara Patria—a solo female traveler who is in her quest of traveling the world. I write and learn about life through the lenses of my camera, personal experiences, and adventures. Join me as I unravel the mystery of life through exploring the wanders of the world.
