Chow Kit KL guide
The new ETS train to Kuala Lumpur makes the Malaysian capital that much more convenient and affordable, AKA unlocking yet another weekend getaway destination for us Singaporeans. If you’ve never been to KL, here’s a guide to Chow Kit, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in KL, that’s just 10 minutes by car from KL Sentral.
The current exchange rate is RM1 = ~S$0.33 as of 1st March 2026.
Table of Contents
- Chow Kit KL guide
- What is Chow Kit known for?
- How to get to Chow Kit?
- Where to eat in Chow Kit
- 1. The Chow Kit Kitchen & Bar
- 2. Tapestry
- 3. House of Wheat
- 4. Kiku Kissa
- 5. Olea
- 6. Restoran Santa Chapati House
- 7. Kedai Karim Roti Canai
- 8. Murtabak Ana
- Where to shop in Chow Kit
- 9. Threeft Shop Bundle
- 10. Garage Projek Vintage Shop
- 11. N E O
- 12. PPCK Mall
- 13. Batik Boutique
- 14. Shades Kuala Lumpur
- 15. Chow Kit Market
- Where to stay in Chow Kit
- 16. The Chow Kit
- 17. Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur
- 18. Hilton Garden Inn
- Here’s where to eat, shop & explore in Chow Kit KL
What is Chow Kit known for?
Image credit: Michelle P
Before Chow Kit got its name, it was swampy land on the outskirts of early KL, sparsely developed as compared to the main commercial centre where modern day Chinatown is found.
The area got its name from local tin magnate and municipal councillor Loke Chow Kit, who opened one of KL’s first departmental stores along what is now Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, and whose business and property holdings gradually took over the area.
In the past, Chow Kit had a rough reputation due to its red-light district along Lorong Haji Taib. However, the area has since transformed, especially around Jalan Kamunting, with its restored 1940s shophouses that are now known as The Row.
With its murals, photo spots, and collision of tradition, culture, and modern creative spaces, Chow Kit has made a name for itself as one of Kuala Lumpur’s most vibrant and unfiltered neighbourhoods.
How to get to Chow Kit?
Once you have arrived at KL Sentral, a short 10-minute Grab ride will get you to the Chow Kit ‘hood. Alternatively, you can hop on the KL Monorail Line, or MRL, in the direction of Titiwangsa. It’s 8 stops, or 20 minutes, to Medan Tuanku Station, where Chow Kit is located.
If you’re flying into Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), you’ll still have to take the KLIA Express to KL Sentral before switching to the MRL; the drive in is similarly long, at approximately 50-60 minutes. Driving in to Chow Kit from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang takes half that time, or 30 minutes.
Where to eat in Chow Kit
1. The Chow Kit Kitchen & Bar
Image credit: @thechowkitkitchenandbar via Instagram
Set within The Chow Kit Hotel, the eponymous The Chow Kit Kitchen & Bar is a can’t-miss dining spot which almost embodies everything the neighbourhood stands for. Its menu of modern Malaysian dishes pays homage to recipes and flavours from across the Peninsula, as well as the rich history of this neighbourhood.
The best way to try it all is through A Taste of Chow Kit (RM200, ~S$65.05), a feast for 2 that comes with a starter of Asparagus Pomelo Salad or Kerabu Mangga, 2 meat dishes including Nyonya Kari Kapitan and Rendang Daging, a seafood dish, vegetable dish, as well as nasi ulam – a labour-intensive dish of rice with chiffonaded fresh herbs.
Address: 1012 Jalan Sultan Ismail, Chow Kit, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: 7am-11pm, Daily
Contact: +60 3 2778 6688 | The Chow Kit Kitchen & Bar website
2. Tapestry
A name that will definitely come up when you mention Chow Kit cafes is Tapestry, a modern Aussie brunch spot that’s as known for its gorgeous interiors as it is for the dishes on offer. You won’t have to fly to Bangkok for the Insta-famous Fran’s thick-cut bacon and scrambled eggs, because you’ll find a good iteration right here.
The Egg Drop 2.0 (RM33, ~S$10.73) comes with Sarsi-glazed beef bacon and a sriracha aioli on silky scrambled eggs; and we loved the Chicken & Waffles (RM33, ~S$10.73). For the perfect brunch accompaniment, pair your mains with a Flat White (from RM13.80, ~S$4.49), or a Blue Pea Lemonade (RM18, ~S$5.85).
Address: 28 Jalan Kamunting, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: 8.30am-10pm, Daily
Contact: +60 12 616 1603 | Tapestry website
3. House of Wheat
Image credit: Michelle P
You’ll almost miss House of Wheat if you weren’t paying attention – tucked within a residential area, its nondescript frontage belies the cavern-like interiors that have propelled the sourdough specialty cafe to renown.
If you’re not here for one of their Sangas (from RM23, ~S$7.48), which are heartily stuffed, and served with waffle fries, you might opt for a Flaming Chee (RM16, ~S$5.20) mocktail, a refreshing concoction of lychee and ginger flower, alongside their bestselling Mix Berry Danish (RM15, ~S$4.88), or even a slice of Banana Loaf (RM6, ~S$1.95).
Address: 15 & 17, Lorong Tiong Nam 2, Chow Kit, 50350 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 8.30am-7pm | Fri-Sun 8.30am-10pm
Contact: +60 3-2391 6338 | House of Wheat website
4. Kiku Kissa
Once classified a hidden gem, vinyl bar Kisu Kissa is a quiet afternoon hideaway that transports you from the streets of Chow Kit to Japan, with its Japanese-inspired menu starring classics like Mentaiko Pasta (RM24, ~S$7.81), Katsu Curry (RM26, ~S$8.46) and bites such as Kaki Fry (RM22, ~S$7.16).
Their Tori Ramen (RM24, ~S$7.81) is a hearty, comforting bowl of chicken bone broth noodles with a boneless chicken leg, and here’s a PSA: the Lunch Set, available from 12pm-2pm, gets you any pasta, sando, ramen or donburi plus a coffee for RM32 (~S$10.41).
Did we mention? The Matcha Latte here is priced at RM16 (~S$5.20).
Address: Third Floor, Yap Ah Shak House, 17, Jalan Yap Ah Shak, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: Sun-Thu 12pm-10pm | Fri-Sat 12pm-11pm
Contact: +60 18-268 0656 | Kiku Kissa website
5. Olea
With a 4.6-star rating on Google, Mediterranean restaurant Olea, located along a stretch in Chow Kit known as The Row, is a great date night spot, or if you’re looking for something a little fancier than zi char. Everything here is made in-house, and we highly recommend the Whipped Fetta with Sourdough (RM32, ~S$10.41) to start, or a Deep-fried Calamari (RM42, ~S$13.66).
Image credit: Michelle P
If you’re a fan of seafood, you can’t leave without ordering a Seafood Orzo (RM72, ~S$23.42), a generously portioned plate of rice-shaped pasta cooked to al dente in a rich, prawny stock, served with charred fresh prawns, squid, and a tangy aioli.
Address: Ground Floor of No, 32, Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 6pm-10pm | Sat-Sun 10.30am-2.30pm, 6pm-10.30pm
Contact: +60 3-2202 7858 | Olea website
6. Restoran Santa Chapati House
Located on what was once the main street of Kuala Lumpur, Restoran Santa Chapati House is a longstanding favourite for their chapati (from RM2.50, ~S$0.81) – made fresh to order, light, and so fluffy you’ll have to try it for yourself to believe it. Another must-order here is their extra rich and fragrant Teh Tarik (from RM3.50, ~S$1.14), though we’d recommend asking for it to be less sweet.
Address: 373 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman, City Centre, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: 7am-6pm, Daily
Contact: +60 3 2698 1249 | Restoran Santa Chapati House website
7. Kedai Karim Roti Canai
To eat where the locals do, head to Kedai Karim Roti Canai, an institution that’s been flipping their namesake, handstretched flatbreads since 1987. Extra light and uber flaky, they’ll have you raising the bar for what you think is good roti prata, as we call it here at home.
Image credit: Michelle P
Plus, it’s super affordable, at RM1.70 (~S$0.55) a pop, or RM3 (~S$0.98) if you want an egg inside.
Address: 5 Jalan Raja Alang, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: 6am-12pm, Daily
Contact: Kedai Karim Roti Canai website
8. Murtabak Ana
On the note of legendary street eats, bookmark Murtabak Ana at the Chow Kit Market and stop by before you explore the market. They’ve been making the same meat-stuffed flatbreads for more than 40 years, so you know they’re truly legit.
Word on the street has it that they sell 500 of ‘dem murtabaks every day. Each, which starts with a base of roti dough, flipped till super thin, then filled with your choice of chicken, beef or vegetable, is priced at RM5 (~S$1.63).
Address: Pasar, Jln Raja Alang, Chow Kit, 50600 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 8am-3pm (Closed on Mon)
Contact: +60 18-270 3483
Where to shop in Chow Kit
9. Threeft Shop Bundle
Image credit: @threeft.jrb via Instagram
If you’re headed to the Vintage Night Market along Jalan Raja Bot, one key shop you ought to put on your hit list is Threeft Shop Bundle, where you’ll find curated secondhand fashion, including luxury bags and accessories.
Address: Lorong Haji Hussein 1, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: Tue-Thu 4pm-2am | Fri-Sun 4pm-4am (Closed on Mon)
Contact: Threeft Shop Bundle website
10. Garage Projek Vintage Shop
Image credit: Garage Projek via Facebook
Nearby, you’ll find another thrift store, Garage Projek Vintage Shop, which leans more towards thrifters looking for retro apparel and streetwear. According to their websites, they do daily restocks, so there’ll always be interesting stuff to hunt through.
Address: 42, Lorong Haji Hussein 1, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: 8pm-2am, Daily
Contact: Garage Projek Vintage Shop website
11. N E O
On the other end of the spectrum, you have N E O – a contemporary 2-storey store next to the Silverfox Cafe, featuring local independent labels, as well as curated pieces from China and Korea. Think edgy, modern minimalist, with price tags to match.
Address: 44 Jalan Kamunting, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: Wed-Sun 12pm-7pm (Closed Mon-Tue)
Contact: NEO website
12. PPCK Mall
The newly opened PPCK Mall is 6 floors of food and fashion that you can explore till 12am daily. You’ll find sneakers, Korean-inspired fashion, Korean fried chicken, and a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city, plus the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.
Address: 1 Jalan Haji Hussein, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: 12pm-12am, Daily
Contact: PPCK Mall website
13. Batik Boutique
We’ve covered thrifting, indie brands, and then there’s Batik Boutique, a socially conscious brand on The Row that specialises in modern batik clothing and accessories. Each piece is handcrafted by artisans using traditional methods, so you can be sure that the items you buy here are not mass-produced in a factory somewhere.
Address: 23 Jalan Kamunting, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm (Closed Sat-Sun)
Contact: +60 3 2698 3902 | Batik Boutique website
14. Shades Kuala Lumpur
Image credit: @___youreyes via Instagram
It’s not just the first floor of The Row that’s got shopping and dining options; the second floor also houses Shades Kuala Lumpur, a cosy retail space where you’ll find lifestyle goods, art prints, and independent design pieces. Do note that photography is not allowed in the store.
Address: 48 Jalan Kamunting, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: Wed-Sun 12pm-7pm (Closed Mon-Tue)
Contact: Shades Kuala Lumpur website
15. Chow Kit Market
Image adapted from: Michelle P
It’s one of the oldest and biggest markets in Kuala Lumpur, and Chow Kit Market, with its more-than-300 stalls, is where you’ll find some of the freshest produce in town. Even if you’re used to the wet markets in Singapore, walking these aisles is almost an education in the bounty that they get across the Causeway.
Image adapted from: Michelle P
From 10 different kinds of ikan bilis and more varieties of banana than you’ve ever seen, to freshly roasted peanuts and old-school biscuits, you can see Chow Kit Market through the lens of a local on The Chow Kit’s Foodie Tour (from RM160, ~S$52.04).
Address: Jalan Raja Bot, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: 6am-6pm, Daily
Where to stay in Chow Kit
16. The Chow Kit
Image adapted from: The Chow Kit
Boutique hotel The Chow Kit was named by the Michelin Guide as one of the 10 best hotels to stay at in Malaysia, with 113 rooms in a building that’s steeped in history. Formerly a hospital, and a budget hotel, it was reimagined by Brooklyn-based design firm Post Company, drawing inspiration from the neighbourhood, its history, as well as tin magnate and Malaysia’s first tycoon, Loke Chow Kit.
Room rates here start from RM221.60 (~S$72.08) a night, not inclusive of breakfast.
Address: 1012 Jalan Sultan Ismail, Chow Kit, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Contact: +60 3 2778 6688 | The Chow Kit website
17. Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur
Image adapted from: Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur
If you want to stay right where most of the cafes are, look no further than Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur – an Autograph Collection hotel under the Marriott Bonvoy group. P.S.: This hotel features a rooftop bar and infinity pool.
Room rates here start RM299 (~S$97.25) a night, without breakfast.
Address: 25 Jalan Kamunting, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Contact: +60 3 2038 0000 | Hotel Stripes website
18. Hilton Garden Inn
Image credit: Hilton Garden Inn
Just 5 minutes away from Chow Kit Monorail Stop, you’ll find Hilton Garden Inn Kuala Lumpur – there are 2 hotels of the same name, so be careful. There’s Hilton Garden Inn North, and Hilton Garden Inn South, with a shophouse separating the 2. They’ve both said to be pretty similar, though North has 16 floors and a fitness centre, while South has 25 floors, plus a rooftop pool.
Room rates start from RM136 (~S$44.24) nightly, with no breakfast.
Address: 449 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Contact: +60 3 2778 3600 | Hilton Garden Inn website
Here’s where to eat, shop & explore in Chow Kit KL
There’s so much more to see and do in Chow Kit, including the famous photo spot where you’ll get the Twin Towers as your background. This guide has merely scratched the surface of what this historic neighbourhood has to offer, so be sure to add it to your itinerary the next time you’re in KL.
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Photography by: Vivien Del Valle, Shannon Tan, Jaslyn Tan