Hop On to Wow Your Taste Buds :)

Hop On to Wow Your Taste Buds :)

Alyssa Minh
If you are coming to visit Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, check out these hidden gems in the city to wow your taste buds. I'll share places that offer local street food, Gluten-free restaurants, speakeasy bars, and rooftop bars. It's the perfect list for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in the local culture or experience the city's fancy side.
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Local Street Food 

Jalan Alor Food Street
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This bustling street in the heart of Bukit Bintang comes alive at night with rows of food stalls offering everything from grilled seafood to Malaysian favorites like satay, noodles, and grilled meats. The vibrant atmosphere, colorful lights, and tantalizing aromas make it a must-visit for any food lover.
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Petaling Street Market
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Known for its lively atmosphere and bustling markets, Petaling Street is also home to numerous food stalls and restaurants offering Chinese street food delicacies like dim sum, roasted meats, dumplings, and various noodles dishes. Don't miss the opportunity to sample the famous Hokkien mee and beef noodle soup here.
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Little India Brickfields
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Brickfields is the vibrant Indian enclave of Kuala Lumpur, and along its streets, you'll find an array of delicious Indian street food. From crispy dosas and fluffy idlis to spicy curries and savory snacks like samosas and pakoras, this area is a paradise for lovers of Indian cuisine.
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Taman Connaught
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Held every Wednesday night, the Taman Connaught Night Market is one of the largest and most vibrant night markets in Kuala Lumpur. It offers a diverse range of street food options, including Malaysian, Chinese, and Indian delicacies. Be sure to try the famous grilled squid, claypot chicken rice, and fresh fruit juices.
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Restoran Nasi Kandar Pelita
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Throughout Kuala Lumpur, you'll find Mamak stalls, which are open-air eateries run by Malaysian Indians. These stalls are famous for their roti canai, a type of Indian-influenced flatbread served with curry dipping sauce. Some renowned Mamak stalls include Raj's Banana Leaf, Devi's Corner, and Pelita Nasi Kandar.
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Village Park Restaurant
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Village Park is renowned for serving some of the best Nasi Lemak in Kuala Lumpur. Their fragrant coconut rice is accompanied by crispy fried chicken, spicy sambal, crunchy peanuts, and refreshing cucumber slices. The long queues are a testament to its popularity among locals and tourists alike.
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Sate Kajang Haji Samuri PKNS
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Kajang, located just outside Kuala Lumpur, is famous for its satay, and Sate Kajang Hj Samuri is one of the most well-known satay establishments in the area. They serve tender and flavorful skewers of chicken, beef, and lamb, accompanied by a rich and spicy peanut sauce.
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Gluten-free Restaurants

Suki-Ya @ Pavilion KL
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Suki-Ya is a Japanese hot pot restaurant chain with several locations in Kuala Lumpur. They offer a wide selection of fresh ingredients for their hot pot, including gluten-free options such as vegetables, seafood, and thinly sliced meats.
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La Juiceria Superfoods @Menara Hap Seng 2
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La Juiceria Superfoods is a health-conscious restaurant that offers a range of gluten-free options, including salads, grain bowls, smoothie bowls, and cold-pressed juices. They also have gluten-free snacks and desserts available.
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The Daily Grind Ampang
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The Daily Grind is a burger joint in Kuala Lumpur that offers gluten-free buns for their burgers. They also have gluten-free options for their sides, such as sweet potato fries and salad.
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Nourish by Kenny Hills Bakers
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Nourish by Kenny Hills Bakers is a café and bakery that specializes in gluten-free and healthy options. They offer gluten-free bread, pastries, and cakes, as well as gluten-free options for their brunch and lunch menus.
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RGB Coffee at the Bean Hive
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RGB @The Bean Hive is a café in Kuala Lumpur that offers gluten-free options for their dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and brunch items. They also have gluten-free cakes and pastries available.
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Speakeasy Bars

PS150
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Located in Chinatown, PS150 is a hidden gem housed in a pre-war shophouse. To enter, you must walk through a nondescript door marked with a traditional Chinese medicine shop sign. Inside, you'll find a dimly lit space inspired by the 1920s prohibition era, with expertly crafted cocktails that pay homage to Malaysian flavors and ingredients.
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The Attic Bar
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The Attic Bar is a cozy speakeasy with a laid-back vibe. The entrance is unassuming, marked only by a small sign on the street level. Once inside, you'll discover a charming space adorned with vintage decor and a rooftop terrace offering stunning views of the city skyline. Their cocktail menu features classic drinks with a creative twist.
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The Iron Fairies KL
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Situated in TREC Kuala Lumpur, The Iron Fairies is a whimsical speakeasy that transports guests to a magical realm of fairy tales and fantasy. The entrance is hidden behind a rustic iron door, leading into a cozy space adorned with wrought iron fixtures, wooden furnishings, and shelves filled with fairy figurines. Their cocktail menu features imaginative concoctions served in unique glassware.
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The Locker & Loft
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Situated in Damansara Kim, The Locker & Loft is a trendy speakeasy known for its inventive cocktails and vibrant atmosphere. The entrance is concealed behind a large locker door, adding an element of mystery to the experience. Inside, you'll find a stylish space adorned with industrial-chic decor, cozy seating areas, and a rooftop terrace offering scenic views of the surrounding area.
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Benang the Second Chapter 

This speakeasy bar poses as a thread store that hides a secret passage leading to a sizable space with several seating areas, including studded leather couches and chairs at the bar table. The venue’s low lighting and relaxed atmosphere makes it a great location to hang out with friends. This speakeasy also offers a variety of Specialty House Cocktails.

Rooftop Bars

Marini’s on 57
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Located in the heart of KLCC, Marini's on 57 offers breathtaking views of the Petronas Twin Towers. It's renowned for its sophisticated ambiance, extensive wine list, and Italian cuisine.
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Heli Lounge Bar - Menara KH
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Unique for its helipad by day and bar by night concept, Heli Lounge Bar offers 360-degree views of Kuala Lumpur. It's a favorite among locals and tourists alike for its laid-back vibe and stunning sunset views.
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Vertigo @ Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur
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Situated on the 59th floor, Vertigo offers an alfresco dining experience with panoramic views of the city. It's renowned for its upscale ambiance, live music, and a wide range of premium beverages.
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Man Tao Bar I Rooftop Bar
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Offering a blend of modern and traditional vibes, Man Tao Bar provides stunning views of Kuala Lumpur's skyline. It's known for its Asian-inspired cocktails and cozy atmosphere.
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Cielo Rooftop - Dining and Lounge
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Nestled on the 23rd floor of Vida Bukit Ceylon, Cielo Sky Dining & Lounge offers panoramic views of the city skyline. It's popular for its elegant ambiance, extensive wine list, and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
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Bar Trigona
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a sustainable rooftop bar nestled within the Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur. It champions locally sourced ingredients, particularly Malaysian honey, in its innovative cocktails. With chic décor and panoramic skyline views, it offers a sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance for guests to enjoy expertly crafted drinks inspired by Malaysia's rich biodiversity.
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Tips 

Do your own research 

Cash or Card or E-wallet

Even though most of the places offer cashless payment nowadays, but it's always better to have some cash with you especially for street vendors. 

Transport 

Generally, if you are in the KL city centre, it's easy to move around with public transport. However, if you want to go further out from the city centre, you may download the the e-hailing app called GRAB. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alyssa Minh
Meet Alyssa, the wanderer with a penchant for the unexpected. By day, she's the epitome of office professionalism, effortlessly navigating the corporate landscape with finesse. But when the long weekend beckons, Alyssa transforms into an intrepid explorer, her heart set on discovering the world's hidden treasures. With a travel style that favors serendipity over strict itineraries, Alyssa's journeys are marked by leisurely strolls through quaint streets, impromptu activities, and chance encounters with locals eager to share their stories. Her relaxed approach to travel allows her to uncover the soul of each destination, weaving through bustling markets, savoring culinary delights in hole-in-the-wall eateries, and stumbling upon breathtaking vistas that elude guidebook pages. Now, Alyssa is on a mission to share her passion for off-the-beaten-path adventures with fellow wanderers. Armed with her keen eye for the extraordinary and a knack for uncovering hidden gems, she's crafted travel guides that promise to unveil the essence of every destination. Whether you're seeking tranquil escapes, cultural immersion, or simply a taste of the unexpected, her guides are your passport to unforgettable journeys filled with moments of pure magic. Embark on an adventure with Alyssa and let the world surprise you at every turn.
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