Must Try Street Food in Petaling Street: A Haven for Foodies
Step into Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur’s lively hotspot. It’s more than just a hub for buying cheap stuff – it’s a foodie’s heaven too!
The hawker stalls have been dishing out mouthwatering delights for generations.
Here’s our comprehensive guide to the absolute best street food joints in the area. So, bring your appetite and get ready for a flavour-packed adventure!
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Started as a family business over 70 years ago, Kim Soya Bean is one of the most popular street food stalls in Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur, known for its tau foo fah (RM2.20) – a soft and melt-in-your-mouth tofu served hot with white or brown sugar syrup with a hint of ginger.
Pair this with their dau jiang (RM2.20), a cold and creamy cup of soya bean milk, and you’re in for a treat!
Address: Jalan Hang Lekir, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (map)
Timings: Open daily, 11am to 10pm
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Looking for good food in Petaling Street? Head to Lai Foong Coffee Shop for delectable Lai Foong Lala Noodles (RM13) – a hot bowl of soup with rice noodles and fresh clams that is your best companion during rainy or winter days.
The broth is packed with flavour – sweetness from the clams, the strong taste of the Chinese wine, and a tinge of spice from the ginger.
Address: 138, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (map)
Timings: Open daily, 6.30am to 4.30pm
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Sin Kiew Yee Shin Kee Beef Noodles is a must-visit in Kuala Lumpur. It’s a family-run joint serving tasty beef noodles (RM10), both dry and in soup.
The dry version comes with egg noodles and minced meat, while the latter comprises a flavourful broth with chewy egg noodles, tender beef, beef floss, and green onions.
They cook the meat in the broth to add that extra deliciousness to the dish!
Address: 7a, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (map)
Timings: Mon to Sun, 10:30am to 4:30pm. Closed on Weds
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Kim Lian Kee, was established by an immigrant named Mr. Ong in Petaling Street Market.
Order a mouthwatering bowl of hokkien mee (RM10) noodles stir-fried in a thick soy sauce gravy and served with prawns, crunchy pork, shrimp, cabbage, and lard fritters.
Or try their famous chee cheong fun (RM4) – a rice noodle roll bathed in sweet bean and chilli sauce and topped with sesame seeds. Simple, but so delicious!
Address: 92, Jalan Hang Lekir, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (map)
Timings: Mon to Sun: 10.30am to 9.30pm. Closed on Weds
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Muah Chee (RM6) made by Madam Tang is one of the best foods in Petaling Street.
Soft and glutinous rice balls in different flavours (green tea, mango, pandan, Ribena, black sesame, and more) coated with peanuts – what better snack to munch on while exploring Petaling Street Market?
A permanent fixture in Jalan Petaling for over 50 years, you’ll find the muah chee queen’s cart surrounded by crowds waiting to taste the delicious dish.
Address: Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (map)
Timings: Open daily, 8am to 5pm
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Over 70 years old, Madras Lane Yong Tau Foo is one of the best hawker food stalls in Kuala Lumpur known for its boiled and fried yong tau foo (RM1.70) – hakka vegetables and tofu stuffed with a smooth fish paste filling and eaten either dry or in a soup.
Placing an order here is easy – take a bowl, pick your favourites, pass it to the staff, and let them work their magic – and then, it’s all yours to dig into.
Address: Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (map)
Timings: Tues to Sun, 10am to 2pm. Closed on Mon
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The salted roast duck (RM34 for half a duck, RM68 for the whole deal) at Sze Ngan Chye in Petaling Street cannot be missed.
Roasted throughout the day, the ducks have a thin and crispy skin that just breaks apart when you bite in!
The cart was started over 50 years ago and is now run by his daughters. Reach early because they sell out fast!
Address: 46, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (map)
Timings: Tue to Sun, 6am to 1pm. Closed on Mon
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Order a hot bowl of porridge or congee (RM7) at Hon Kee Porridge if you’re confused about what to eat in Petaling Street for breakfast.
This stall serves the best and the freshest raw fish porridge with sliced pieces of raw snakehead fish.
Add your favourite toppings and some white pepper to it and you’ve got breakfast sorted!
Address: 93, Jalan Hang Lekir, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (map)
Timing: Open daily, 5am to 2:30pm
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Ah Loh’s apam balik (RM1.50) is a real hit among locals and tourists. It’s a peanut pancake, the batter cooked in a large pan with sugar and crushed peanuts.
The portions are decently sized, and it’s ideal if you’re looking to eat something soft, light, and sweet. While you’re here, try the coconut and pandan-flavoured pancakes as well.
Address: 15-19, Jalan Hang Lekir, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (map)
Timings: Mon to Fri, 1pm to 9pm; Sat & Sun, 11.30am to 9.30pm
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If you’re looking for a Petaling Street dinner option, then head to Hong Kee Claypot Chicken Rice (RM15), situated near KK Mart.
Stir the rice and chicken before eating to get the maximum flavour, and the rice crusts at the bottom.
The Portuguese grilled fish is also a must-try. The homemade sauce adds that extra oomph to the dish. Drop in after you finish exploring Sri Petaling Night Market.
Address: 83, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (map)
Timings: Mon to Sun, 5pm to 11.30pm. Closed on Weds
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Another must-try street food in Petaling Street has to be the fried sweet potato balls (RM3) available at a cart outside Tang City Food Court.
Freshly prepared every day, these sweet potato balls are soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, best enjoyed with a cup of coffee.
It’s the perfect snack to munch while exploring Petaling Street Market.
Address: 21-27, Beside Tang city Food court, 21-27, Jalan Hang Lekir, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (map)
Timings: Open daily, 7.30am to 2.30pm
Foodies' Ways to Spice Up Your KL Trip
If you’re hungry to explore more local food in and around Kuala Lumpur, here are some exciting tours for you:
Explore Petaling Street at night, feast on delicious street food, and discover the hidden gems of Kuala Lumpur while enjoying cocktails and craft beer.
Head to one of the largest wet markets in Kuala Lumpur and try authentic dishes from the different cultures of Malaysia.
Head to Concubine, one of the best bars tucked away in the derelict lane of Kwai Chai Hong, and learn to stir up a mean cocktail. Explore beautiful street art around the heritage area.
Witness the making of char siew pao, learn about traditional Chinese medicine, and enjoy an artisanal drink at a former brothel in the city on this tour.
If you’ve covered most of the city centre already, experience a spectacular show of fireflies at the largest firefly colony in the world, feed silvered leaf monkeys and macaques, and enjoy local seafood at a quaint restaurant in Kuala Selangor on this exciting night cruise.
The ultimate KL adventure
There’s so much to see (and eat!) in Kuala Lumpur that you’ll be spoilt for choice. To make the most of your trip, consider booking KLIA Ekspres tickets for speedy, hassle-free airport transfers. And don’t forget to grab your eSIM for uninterrupted connectivity
Commonly Asked Questions
What is Petaling Street known for?
Petaling Street is a haven for street food in Kuala Lumpur. It is also known for selling goods ranging from clothes and shoes to watches, bags, and other accessories.
When should I go to Petaling Street?
Petaling Street is usually operational from 10am to 9pm but some food stalls open as early as 5am and close past midnight. The best time to visit would be in the afternoon or early evening.
What is Chee Cheong Kai in Chinese?
Chee Cheong Kai, as Petaling Street is fondly called in Chinese, means Starch Factory Street.
