Kuala Lumpur's captivating blend of tradition, modernity, culture, and convenience makes it one of the top tourist attractions in Southeast Asia. This cultural diversity is palpable in its architecture, cuisine, festivals and cuisine. Experience a melting pot of cultures, boasting a rich tapestry of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous influences.
From bustling street food stalls to upscale restaurants where a new generation of local chefs are championing modern Malaysian cuisine, the city caters to every palate and interest. Book your seats through online platforms such as FunNow to skip the queues and waiting times!
Make the most of your time in the city with this two-day itinerary with exceptional culinary experiences, the MICHELIN Guide way.
Day 1: The Heart of the City — Pudu, Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Morning:
Begin your day as early as 8:00 a.m. by visiting one of the city's busiest marketplaces. ICC Pudu (Integrated Commercial Centre Pudu) assembled Kuala Lumpur's most iconic food vendors that have been in operation for generations. The astounding range of choices — kaya toast, ginger wine noodles, curry noodles, wanton noodles, popiah, assam laksa, and pork nasi lemak, and claypot kopi (local coffee), to name a few — can be overwhelming. Still, it offers a captivating glimpse into Malaysian street food. Make sure you come hungry; a mini handheld fan will be handy.
Lunch:
Take a ten-minute car ride to Chinatown on Petaling Street, conveniently accessible via e-hailing. Explore REXKL, a community space for creative programmes, exhibitions, a giant bookstore, workshops, food, and beverage options. Cross the street to Bib Gourmand spot, Lai Foong Lala Noodles, for lunch. Their flavourful "wok hei" or "breath of the wok" lala (clam) broth is well-known, and each dish is still freshly prepared to order.
Just a few steps away, visit Fung Wong Biscuits, a 114-year-old Chinese pastry shop known for its traditional wedding pastries, where Melvin Chan, the fourth-generation family owner, took a massive leap in modernising this brand a year ago, reinvigorated for contemporary settings. Try their husband and wife biscuits, egg tart, kaya roll, and red bean wedding biscuits.
Afternoon:
After soaking in this architectural beauty, walk towards Else Kuala Lumpur. Housed in the historic Lee Rubber Building from the 1930s, Else Kuala Lumpur is created as a destination hotel concentrating on holistic healing, tranquillity, and nature, providing a truly “best of both worlds” experience. The repurposed building combines deco architecture with modern furnishings in muted tones. Local art and ornaments are chosen to champion Malaysian artists.
Central Market is only a 5-minute walk away from Else Kuala Lumpur. This old market has been converted into a cultural centre with a wide range of handicrafts, art, and souvenirs. It's a terrific spot to find one-of-a-kind Malaysian crafts or souvenirs to take home. You can visit some of the adjacent colonial-era buildings, such as the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, which have been beautifully restored.
Kuala Lumpur's skyline is an impressive sight, adorned with towering skyscrapers that include none other than the iconic Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC). Make your way there after Chinatown. These towering structures offer breath-taking views of the city and showcase Malaysia's architectural prowess. As the afternoon sun softens, take a stroll around KLCC Park.
Dinner and Evening:
There are two restaurants within walking distance of KLCC Park for dinner. Cilantro is about a 5-minute taxi ride away. Chef Takashi Kimura's approach is Japanese influenced, but his source of inspiration is French cuisine, highlighting some of the best seasonal ingredients. For example, foie gras is sourced from one of the finest producers in France — the Rougié Farms, scallops are sourced from North Hokkaido in Japan, known for their fresh, pristine taste and tender texture.
Another dinner option that is within a 5-minute car ride, is MICHELIN-selected Hide. Chef-patron Shaun Ng draws inspiration from his training at three-MICHELIN-starred Le Bernardin and one-MICHELIN-starred Kato in the United States, his travels, and upbringing. Signatures include the 14-day dry-aged duck, gunkan, and razor clam with watercress and spring vegetables.
Alternatively, cross the KLCC park to the Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur for Nadodi, which has recently added a sophisticated cocktail bar and lounge. Celebrating the rich culinary history and heritage of Sri Lanka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, Yavhin Siriwardhana, one of the chefs who leads the kitchen, wants diners to experience the traditions of the cuisine and the intentions behind it, while also allowing diners to reminisce with the flavours of each dish.
For a nightcap, sip on a cocktail or two at the award-winning bar located at Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, which is noted for using local and sustainable ingredients.
Day 2: Bangsar, Damansara Heights
Morning:
Begin your day with the locals’ favourite meal, nasi lemak, as early as 7:00 a.m. at Nasi Lemak Tanglin in Tanglin Food Centre. The family recipe has been the same for seven decades. The dish's winning ingredient lies in the sambal.
The National Mosque is within a 5-minute walk away. Take a stroll through the expansive Lake Gardens Kuala Lumpur, also known as Perdana Botanical Gardens, which provides a calm oasis of natural beauty and tranquillity amid the city's hustle and bustle. This vast green space is home to five parks, including the Orchid Garden, Hibiscus Garden, Islamic Arts Museum, and the well-known Kuala Lumpur Bird Park. With approximately 3,000 birds of various types, it is one of the world's largest covered bird parks.
Next, visit Tien Hou Temple, a six-tiered temple dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu and one of Southeast Asia's largest and oldest Buddhist temples. Each level is ornately decorated with altars, statues, and pavilions devoted to various deities.
Then, head over to Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur within a 5-minute ride via e-hailing. A quaint contemporary luxury hotel in a low-rise neighbourhood, explore its spectacular open-air pool deck and take in the city views. Be sure to have a mid-morning pick-me-up coffee at the ground floor before heading to lunch.
Lunch:
There are two options for a late lunch within the Bangsar area — Bib Gourmand restaurants De. Wan 1958 or Dancing Fish, both located at Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC), an upscale neighbourhood mall.
De. Wan 1958 is a modern Malaysian restaurant owned and operated by well-known celebrity chef Datuk Redzuawan Ismail, also fondly known as Chef Wan. The menu offers a varied range of well-loved Malaysian dishes inspired by his passion and fond memories, such as kerabu pucuk paku, ayam kapitan, various rendang, and more. Udang Masak Lemak Nyonya Nenas holds a special place in the chef’s heart because it was one of the family recipes passed down from generation to generation to his late mother, Cik Ani.
Dancing Fish has been serving Malay-Indo food for over a decade and has a devoted following. Its namesake, Dancing Fish, is its all-time signature, expertly fried to crispy yet delectable perfection. Be sure to also make a stop at one of the restaurants nearby to take away some curry puffs, which are rated as one of the best by locals.
Next, swing by Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara, a contemporary, style-conscious luxury hotel, where you can enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea session, or head to the pool bar, which offers amazing happy hours with a variety of cocktails, wines, and beers.
Dinner and Evening:
When it comes to dinner, try exploring the Damansara Heights area, famed for its wide variety of restaurants. Again, there are two possibilities. One of them is MICHELIN-selected Playte. Housed on the first level, it serves sophisticated European cuisine with an Asian touch. Dishes such as the signature binchotan-grilled seven-day-aged duck, and oxtail croquette.
The next option is MICHELIN-selected Aliyaa, a Sri Lankan restaurant led by Siva Suppaiya, Aliyaa's cheery executive chef. Aliyaa has been well-known for its authentic Sri Lankan cuisine produced from the heart since it started in 2007. Try their Jaffna Crab, sweet appam, and various curries.
To end your night on a high note, try the Jungle Bird cocktail, a libation made with Malaysian origins at the award-winning Jungle Bird Bar, a short five-minute walk from both restaurants.
Plan your meals ahead and book the MICHELIN restaurants linked to this article via FunNow, an online platform where you can seamlessly make reservations. Choose a place to dine from the FunNow's extensive selection of MICHELIN-rated eats with just a few simple clicks.
Address Book:
Lai Foong Lala Noodles - 99 Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur, 50000, Malaysia
Else Kuala Lumpur - 145, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Cilantro - MiCasa All Suite Hotel, 368-B Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, 50400, Malaysia
Nadodi - Lot 183, 1F, Jalan Mayan, Off Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, 50450, Malaysia
Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur - 145, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur - 58 Jalan Ang Seng, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
De. Wan 1958 - Level 2-2, The LINC KL, 360 Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, 50400, Malaysia
Dancing Fish - Lot T120 & 121, 3F, Bangsar Shopping Centre, 285 Jalan Maarof, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, 59000, Malaysia
Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara - No 6 Jalan Damanlela, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Damansara
Playte - 9-4 Jalan Medan Setia 1, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, 50490, Malaysia
Aliyaa - 48 Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, 50490, Malaysia
