What to Expect at Chinatown KL (Petaling Street Market)
Chinatowns have existed for decades, and there is one in almost every part of the world. While these started as small communities for Chinese immigrants in other countries, Chinatowns have become popular food and shopping destinations- attracting locals and tourists.
Let's Go to Jalan Petaling
If you’re currently in Kuala Lumpur and want to explore local tourist spots, you can include Chinatown KL (Petaling Street Market) in your city itinerary. That’s where we are going today. This place is also referred to as Jalan Petaling.
The Malaysian term Jalan translates to "street" in English.
Location | Petaling Street Market Address
Address: Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
If there’s anything you need to know first, this pedestrian-only street is a busy area that gets even busier at night. They set up extra stalls in the middle before nighttime -making the walking spaces tight for shoppers- so you should always keep your bag close to you. Also, it would help if you wear something comfortable.
Exploring Chinatown KL (Petaling Street Market)
The Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur is also known as Penang Street, and like most Chinatowns, they have a welcome arch to greet you.
Most of the stuff they sell are counterfeit bags, hats, and perfumes. They also have toys, sunnies, and accessories. If you’re looking for Malaysian goods, you should go to Central Market instead- this is around a 10-minute drive from Chinatown.
As you can see in the photo above (right), they have copies of designer hats. These all looked good, but I wanted to get one without a logo. They didn't have plain options.
We looked around the whole place, but they had limited options for women's clothes. Some were also overpriced. I saw one of my bohemian dresses on sale for three times as much. I think this place is more for those who want to buy replicas of luxury bags.
I got a cute milk tea keychain instead. Look how cute! This one was only 3 RM (₱ 26).
If you walk on the sides of the main street, you can find small department stores and dining options such as Waaronkuus, a Malaysian restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating areas.
The Cendol Ice was so yummy! It's a combination of shaved ice, mung bean, cendol, and some sweet syrup.
They also have mango sticky rice, fresh fruit shakes, and tanghulu (candied fruits).
Koong Woh Tong Tea | A Must-Try
If you like drinking tea, I highly recommend getting some from Koong Woh Tong. It’s a great drink to enjoy after hours of walking. They sell freshly brewed teas in cups, as well as bottled ones.
For the teas in a cup, they have Ya Sei Mei (strong and intense) and Five Flower (mild and relaxing).
For the bottled drinks, they have five flavors. I recommend getting Honeysuckle, Licorice & Loquat Leaf Herbal Tea or Ling Zhi Momordica Herbal Tea.
There are plenty of stalls where you can get your drinks, but I got mine at CH White Kopi. They sell coffee and pastries. I ordered a hot CH White Kopi C.
Chinatown KL Travel Tips
Bring a shopping bag for your convenience;
Wear comfortable clothes and footwear- preferably breathable as it gets hot in the early afternoon;
If you’re not used to hot weather and sweat easily, I suggest you bring a towel and bottled water.
💡 Did you know? The oldest Chinatown in the world is in Binondo, Manila (Philippines).
Other Nearby Attractions to Visit While You’re There
While you’re there, you might as well check the nearby temples within walking distance, such as the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple (Hindu) and the Guan Di Taoist Temple.
That's it for now. You can check back in the coming weeks for more KL establishment reviews.
