[Sponsored] The city of Kuala Lumpur (KL) may be a modern, economic hub, but it’s far from being a humdrum concrete jungle. The most populous state of Malaysia is famous for its street food, historical sites and colourful cultures, all while retaining a uniquely old-world charm. Explore all the capital has to offer by eating, shopping and sight-seeing around town.

Local Delights

No trip to KL is complete without sampling the famous banana leaf rice, a traditional South Indian speciality. So kick-off your culinary adventure at Vishal Food & Catering, a popular, authentic and wonderfully gritty eatery serving up plates of rich and comforting spicy curries, vegetarian dishes and a mind-blogging variety of meats, fish and poultry, all piled atop a steaming mountain of briyani. 

Of course, nasi lemak, an aromatic rice dish cooked with coconut milk and pandan leaves, is one of Malaysia’s many national dishes you should try at least once. Nasi Lemak CT Garden offers a buffet of sides such as the signature beef rendang (beef simmered in coconut milk and spices), ayam kampong goring (fried chicken) and sambal tempe goreng (fried fermented soya bean cake with sweet chilli paste) for a solid and hearty meal.

If you still have a little more room for spice in your tummy, then fill it up with traditional Nyonya cusine from Straits Food Company. The menu comprises Straits Chinese dishes such as pongteh chicken (stewed chicken with potatos), Nyonya laksa (rice vermicelli in spicy coconut broth), popiah (spring rolls) and pai tee (a savory, crispy tart filled with thinly sliced vegetables and carrots). This quirky cafe, set in a charming shop house, surrounded by lush greenery and furnished with cosy modern-retro furniture is also a great place to chill out.

Shopping Galore

Selling an assortment of fashion accessories, books and magazines, home decor accessories and apothecary items, you will find fun and quirky souvenirs at Snackfood for friends who scoff at clichéd mementos like magnets and T-shirts. Looking for something for yourself? A.L.L.I.E.N, an edgy fashion boutique curated by stylist and designer Allien Gan stocks urban streetwear and accessories by emerging local designers and his own fashion line. You also can’t miss the many street markets, such as the Publika Rasa-Rasa Bazaar, which sells local food, desserts and bites on the first Tuesday of every month.  

Scenic Sights

The Batu Caves, photo credit: Ivan Gonzalez

Venture just outside the city for a dose of nature. The Batu Caves, a popular tourist destination, is famously known for its network of caves and cave temples on a limestone hill. Climb 272 concrete steps to reach the Temple Cave built by Indian trader K.Thamboosamy Pillai, which has a rich history dating back 1920—just remember to wear comfy shoes. 

For an authentic peek of Malay culture, pop by Kampung Baru, a village located right in the heart of the city. This unusual juxtaposition of old-world and new has yet to be gentrified by developers and you’ll see rustic and cheery kampong houses, frangipani and coconut trees, and hawker stalls selling real Malay street food like rojak and satay, with the gleaming cityscape overlooking this serene enclave.

Alternatively, go on the path less trodden and check out the city’s colourful graffiti street art at Pasar Seni, Masjid Jamek and Jalan Sultan, which, more often than not, is a social commentary on the country’s hot-button topics.

For more on where to eat or drink, check out PARKROYAL Hotels & Resorts' restaurants and bars guide. 

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