Food Hunt Near Petaling Street, KL

Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur is a bustling hub of vibrant culture, rich history and most importantly, incredible food. Known as the heart of KL’s Chinatown, this area is famous for its bustling markets, heritage architecture and a myriad of Malaysian cuisines. Strolling through Petaling Street, you’ll certainly be immersed in a sensory overload of sights, sounds and smells! 

With just a short walk from this iconic street, here are six must-visit restaurants for an unforgettable trip to KL:

1. The Hungry Tapir

• Distance from Petaling Street: 1 min walking
• Instagram: @thehungrytapir

• Pink Bombshell Burger: This vibrant pink beetroot-infused burger bun is a showstopper. Filled with a juicy, plant-based patty, fresh greens and a tangy vegan mayo, it’s a delightful and colourful treat that’s both delicious and Instagram-worthy.

• Rainbow Ulam Fried Rice: A beautiful medley of colours and flavours, this dish features traditional Malaysian ulam (herbs) mixed with fragrant rice. The fresh, herbaceous notes and a hint of spice make it a refreshing and satisfying meal.
• Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake: Indulge your sweet tooth with this decadent dessert. The rich chocolate cake layered with luscious salted caramel is a perfect end to your meal, balancing sweetness with a touch of saltiness. You won’t even know that it’s a vegetarian cake and it actually tastes even better!

(Source of all The Hungry Tapir photos: Instagram @thehungrytapir)

1. Leaf & co Café

• Distance from Petaling Street: 2 min walking
• Instagram: @thehungrytapir

• Beef & Cheese Sandwich: Served on a crispy baguette, this hearty sandwich features tenderloin beef, black pepper, fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, onions and melted mozzarella cheese. It makes a satisfying meal for any time of day!

• Buttermilk Fried Chicken: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this fried chicken is marinated in a buttermilk batter and served with a side of salad and sriracha mayo. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines comfort food with a gourmet twist.
• Donut Frappes: These indulgent frappes come in various flavours like matcha, chocolate, mocha chips and toffee nuts. Topped with a mini doughnut, they’re as fun to look at as they are to drink, providing a sweet complement to your meal.

(Source of all Leaf & co Café photos: Instagram @leafandco_cafe)

1. Kafei Dian

• Distance from Petaling Street: 3 min walking
• Instagram: @kafeidian_petalingstreet

• Butter & Kaya Bun Toast: A classic kopitiam (coffee shop) favourite, this toast is generously slathered with creamy kaya (coconut jam) and butter. It’s a simple yet heavenly treat that’s perfect with a cup of local coffee or tea such as Kopi O, Cham, Teh Tarik or Teh Ais.
   

• Penang Asam Laksa: This tangy and spicy noodle soup is a must-try. The rich fish broth, tamarind and mackerel are complemented by fresh herbs and vegetables, creating a complex and delightful flavour profile.

• Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng: Malaysia’s beloved national dish, nasi lemak, is elevated with crispy fried chicken. The fragrant coconut rice, spicy sambal, crunchy peanuts and cooling cucumber slices make for a harmonious and satisfying meal that is worth the 20-minute waiting time!

(Source of all Kafei Dian photos: Instagram @kafeidian_petalingstreet)

1. LOKL Coffee Co

• Distance from Petaling Street: 7 min walking
• Instagram: @loklcoffee

• LOKL Granola Bowl: Start your day with this healthy and delicious granola bowl! Packed with crunchy granola, fresh fruits and nuts, it’s a nutritious and energising breakfast option.

• Rosemary Chicken Thigh: This dish features a perfectly roasted chicken thigh infused with rosemary, served with a side of mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. It’s a comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy.

• Smashed Avocado Toast: A favourite among brunch lovers, this toast is topped with creamy smashed avocado, a sprinkle of feta cheese and a dash of chilli flakes. It’s a simple yet delicious dish that’s perfect for a light meal.

(Source of all LOKL Coffee Co photos: Instagram @loklcoffee)

1. Kafe Kleptokrat

• Distance from Petaling Street: 8 min walking
• Instagram: @kafe_kleptokrat
   

• Lontong Kering Pakcik Alam: This traditional Malay dish consists of lontong (compressed rice cakes) served with rich and spicy coconut gravy, vegetables and sambal. It’s a comforting and one of the most popular dishes here that showcases local culinary traditions.

• Ikan Bakar Sambal Air Asam: This dish features grilled fish marinated with a blend of spices and served with sambal and air asam (tamarind sauce). The smoky, spicy flavours of the fish pair beautifully with the tangy, refreshing sauce, making for a delightful and well-balanced meal.

• Thai Tea Panna Cotta with Vanilla Ice Cream: This dessert combines the classic Italian panna cotta with the flavours of Thai tea. Served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s a delightful and refreshing end to your meal.

(Source of all Kafe Kleptokrat photos: Instagram @kafe_kleptokrat)

1. Betel Leaf

• Distance from Petaling Street: 9 min walking
• Instagram: @ thebetelleafrestaurant

• Gobi Manchurian: This cauliflower-based vegetarian masterpiece is perfected by the culinary team from Calcutta. This dish has proven to exceed expectations and is a crowd favourite all week long, combining crispy cauliflower florets with a tangy and spicy Manchurian sauce for a flavourful and satisfying appetizer.

• Butter Chicken: A beloved Indian classic, this dish features tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce. Served with naan or rice, it’s a comforting and indulgent meal.

• Tandoori Chicken/Fish Tikka: Marinated in a blend of yoghurt and spices, these tandoori dishes are cooked to perfection in a traditional clay oven. The result is tender, flavourful meat with a smoky and aromatic finish.

(Source of all Betel Leaf photos: Instagram @thebetelleafrestaurant)

Are you salivating already? Us too! If you are planning a trip to KL City or wondering where to eat (the question we ask ourselves all the time), we hope that this guide is useful and gives you some amazing ideas for your next food venture!

Whether you are a local or a tourist, these eateries offer something for everyone, making them well worth the visit. For a convenient and comfortable stay, consider booking your accommodation at MyRehat’s Opus Residences, just a 10-minute walk from Petaling Street. Petaling Street is also accessible by LRT and you can stop at Pasar Seni or Masjid Jamek station, depending on which of the abovementioned cafes you intend to visit. 

Visit www.myrehat.com to secure your booking and make the most of your food hunt in Kuala Lumpur. Happy exploring!