By: Melissa Lin
An insider’s insight into getting more out of your experience in Kuala Lumpur, capital of Malaysia. Indulge in gastronomic delights, explore KL’s eclectic nightlife, soak up the vibes and immerse yourself in the local arts and music scene.
Colorful KL, By: Zach Goldman
Famished and spoilt for choice in KL
Eating out is an affordable affair in Kuala Lumpur. Check out these favorites and savor the rainbow that is Malaysian cuisine!
- Famous Ngau Kee Beef Noodles
Tengkat Tong Shin, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
This stall serves succulent minced beef, beef balls and tripe atop noodles cooked to perfection.
Don't leave KL, before trying banana leaf rice, By: Cristopher Macsurak
- Sri Nirwana Maju – Banana Leaf Rice
No. 43, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
The Indian restaurant Nirwana, in trendy and sophisticated Bangsar serves mouthwatering rice, served on banana leaves with sliced cucumbers in yoghurt, crunchy fried bitter gourd and long beans alongside Papadums (Indian crackers) and Rasam (sour and spicy Indian food).
- Coliseum Cafe – Western and local food
98-100 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Kuala Lumpur
90 years old, the Coliseum Cafe is a favorite with locals. Leftover from colonial times, they specialize in steak and caramel custard pudding.
Into the beat, nightlife, bars and hangouts in KL
KL nightlife in ful swing @ Zouk
Searching for eclectic adventures into the night? Here’s some choice and chilled out spots in KL.
- Twilight Action Girl – @ Bar Sonic, Zouk
113 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Twilight Action Girl is the first Indie-music party night in Kuala Lumpur. Rare retro tunes, Electro, Shoegaze and Indie.
- Cloth and Clef
No. 30, Jalan Changkat Bukit Bintang, 50200 KL
A boutique, art gallery, bar, stage for performances under one roof. Local Djs and singer songwriters perform on weekends.
- No Black Tie
7 Jalan Mesui, off Jalan Nagasari, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
A beautiful jazz club that also hosts poetry and literary events, and an open mic night.
Arts and the Alternative
Kuala Lumpur’s growing arts, culture and music scene is where you may experience different and deeper tangents of Malaysian society.
Sub Basement 18, Bangunan Cahaya Suria, Jalan Tun Tan Siew Sin, KL 50050
In their own words, “Ricecooker is mainly about promoting and documenting DIY + indie culture, especially its creative, critical and political expression and the people behind it.” Books, zines, music and clothing from the DIY scene in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Ricecooker shop in KL: For some decent underground tunes
Sentul Park, off Jalan Ipoh, 51100 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
An old warehouse turned into a performance center, KLpac showcases International and locally staged performances, theatre, dance, concerts, drama and musicals.
1st & 2nd Floor, Central Market Annexe, Jalan Hang Kasturi, 50470 Kuala Lumpur.
Launched in 2007, the Annexe Gallery not only showcases international and local contemporary photography and art but also organizes film screenings, workshops and discussions. The gallery also hosts the annual ‘Sexuality Merdeka’, an event that supports and spreads awareness about the local LGBT community.
The Annexe gallery, the Art & Soul of Kuala Lumpur
6A Jalan Cempaka 16, Taman Cempaka, 68000 Ampang Selangor, Malaysia
An independent arts space established by the Matahati group (of artists). A gallery on the second floor alternates between showcasing young and upcoming Malaysian artists and established Malaysian artists.
54, Jalan Taman Seputeh 3, Taman Seputeh, 58000, Kuala Lumpur
Established in 2004, LGS is an alternative and experimental arts space that aims to, “encourage originality, creativity and individuality as well as the contemporary arts.”
- (SiCKL) Studio in Cheras Kuala Lumpur
54, Jln Taman Seputeh 3, Taman Seputeh 58000, Kuala Lumpur.
A non profit, artist run private studio that push forward events that fall outside expected norms. Experimental sound art, video, poetry, performance and visual arts.
Do you have any insider tips of your own? Stumbled upon hidden city gems that others should know about? Please share them and post a comment!
