When it comes to the numerous lists out there in reference to good eateries to visit in Petaling Street, you’d see several common mentions like Merchant Lane, Leaf & Co.` and Chocha Foodstore. We totally agree that they serve up good food but we thought, why not change it up a lil, why not focus on the lesser mentioned ones?
So, here is a list of our favorite ‘lesser mentioned’ eateries in and around Petaling Street.
1) Precious Old China @ Central Market (Pork Free)
Popular for: Baba Nyonya Cuisine
This could pass off as a hidden eatery. If you have not been to Central Market, then chances are that you’ve never heard or visited Precious. I too stumbled on this eatery during one of my ‘walking down memory lane’ adventures. Having gone to school nearby, this area was literally my playground growing up. I’ve since visited this eatery a few times and food had been consistently tasty and delicious.
The weird things is that during all my visits, which usually happens on weekends for lunch, the crowd is made up of about 80 % expats, tourists and 20 % locals. Weekdays are usually less busier but even then, locals are a rarity. Why? It certainly is a hidden gem worth visiting. I’ve tried their fried rice variety, Mee Siam, Chicken Pongteh, Nyonya Rendang Chicken, Bubur Chacha and many more, they’ve never disappointed. Price wise, given its location and fanciness – it is affordably priced. Parking is easy too, Central Market comes with its own open car park.
Precious is a perfect eatery for date night and a quiet meal for two or perhaps somethings of the bigger variety like family gatherings and get-together among friends. It has a nice, elegance setting, customer service is good and food is delicious.
Blog link : Precious Old China @ Central Market – Simply Delicious
Address: Lot 2, Mezzanine Floor, Central Market.
Opening hours: Everyday, 11 am – 10 pm
2) Kim Lian Kee @ Chinatown
Popular for : Hokkien Mee
If you fancy a lil nostalgia and like taking walks reminiscing along the streets of Chinatown, then do visit Kim Lian Kee. Having been around since the 1920s, the journey to this eatery does invoke some ol’ school memories. It used to be well known, once hailed to be serving one of the best hokkien mee in town, it has now been overshadowed by recent additions to the scene. Despite that though, it still is popular. I suppose with the good food it offers as well as the nostalgic ambiance it exudes – ol’ school and all, it sure does make all the hassle heading to this eatery worth it. Depending on what mode of transport you use, its location may be a breeze or a hassle …. because it is located right in the middle of busy Chinatown. Let’s be honest, how many of us actually visit Chinatown regularly? There is a constant flow of tourist, yes but the locals, not so much .. unless they intend to buy something or works/studies in the area. Right? Don’t even get me started on parking, oh the difficulty. Best take the train or GRAB if you intend to head here. Hassle, hassle but its worth it.
Blog link: Kim Lian Kee @ Petaling Street – Hokkien Mee 🙂
Address: No. 49, Jalan Petaling
Opening hours: Everyday, 11 am – 11 pm.
3) Ho Kow Hainanese Kopitiam @ Petaling Street
Popular for: Chinese/ Local Kopitiam Food
This is a well loved kopitiam, that’s for sure. A common scene here would be the daily long line outside this eatery for brunch/lunch. Worry not though, they’ve got it covered. It is organized and the line moves pretty fast. Food is awesome. You’d be able to find a wide range of food – toast, noodles, nasi lemak, dim sum, desserts. All of em taste good. It’s certainly worth a visit if you haven’t already done so.
Blog link: Ho Kow Hainanese Kopitiam @ Petaling Street – Ol’ school awesomeness
Address: No. 1 , Jalan Balai Polis, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 7.30 am – 3.30 pm. Mondays Closed.
4) Kafei Dian @ Petaling Street (Pork free)
Popular for: Local Kopitiam Food
If Ho Kow is full and you do not have the time to wait around, then just walk on over to this new kopitiam, located just down the road less than 5 minutes away. They serve up some decent kopitiam food that ranges from toast, steam buns, noodles, nasi lemak, chicken rendang and many more. The eatery itself looks great, tucked in a corner all by itself – it exudes an awesome ambiance. Size wise, it is accommodating and makes for a good eatery to keep in mind if you are dropping by in a big group, be it with family or friends.
Blog link: Kafei Dian @ Petaling Street – New kopitiam in town 🙂 (Pork Free)
Address: No. 16, Jalan Panggung, Kuala Lumpur.
Opening hours: Everyday. 7 am – 5 pm
5) Urban Artisan @ Petaling Street
Popular for: Dessert – Soft Serve
If you guys are in the area, do drop by. Located barely 5 minutes away from Ho Kow and Kafei Dian, you’d be able to indulge in some rich, creamy, unique flavors like Oceanic Sea Salt, Lychee x Mango, Thai Coconut and Matcha x Hojicha. Depending on the time of your visit, parking may be difficult. What I usually do is park by the road side, in front of the shop, jump out and head in, order, pay and collect my soft serve and head back out.
Blog Post: Urban Artisan @ Petaling Street – Yummy, decadent soft serve !
Address: 149, Jalan Petaling Street. (Down the road from Merchant Lane and a few doors away from Bubble Bee Cafe)
Opening hours: Everyday. Mondays – Thursdays, Sundays, 12 pm – 9 pm. Fridays & Saturdays, 12 pm – 10 pm.
