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Where better to visit for those that adore food than a city that is not only chocked full of culture, both historical and contemporary, but has culinary influence from three different countries like China, India, and Malaysia? Of course, we are talking about that fantastic city of Kuala Lumpur, which also happens to be a gluttons’ paradise, so keep reading to find out about all the best places to eat, as well as some of the vital traveler information you will need for a successful trip.
Travel to and from
Before you can fill your belly with all of the gorgeous food that Kuala Lumpur has to offer you first need to get there safely. Luckily, Kuala Lumpur has a large international airport that serves the city.
The bad news is that is that it can be pretty tricky to get a direct flight from the USA, with many stopping at least once if not two or three times. This, of course, means the flights are long as well. Although, don’t let this put you off as Kuala Lumpur is definitely a destination that is well worth the effort of getting there.
Where to stay
The next puzzle you have to face when traveling to Kuala Lumpur is where about you will actually stay during your visit. Now it can be particularly problematic for gastronomes because they have to choose between staying in top hotels where the in-house food is top notch, or in other types of accommodation that provide them with easy access to all the cuisines on offer.
Of course, by finding a furnished apartment for rent in Kuala Lumpur, either in the city center or one of the surrounding suburbs, you can save more money that can be put towards paying for more tasty morsels during your visit. In fact, many visitors prefer this option because it means they are not tied to hotel meal times, and they also have the opportunity to purchase food from one of the many street markets and bring this back to cook with.
However, it is worth stating that some of the larger and more well-known hotels, can be a fantastic choice for folks that are looking to combine luxury with the gastro-tourism in Kuala Lumpur.
Areas to visit connected with food
Now you have a bed for the night sorted, it’s time to explore the city. Of course, as a food lover, you’ll want to know which areas to visit, but also what delights can be sample in each location.
Little India
First of all, we have Little India, also known as Brickfields which is located in central Kuala Lumpur. This is a place in which you will find delicious Indian street food such as Dosa and banana leaf, as well as some more formal restaurants over by the train station as well.
The essential site to see here are the Sri Kandaswamy Kovil Hindu temple but don’t forget to check out the Maha Vihara temple as well. A place where you will find a giant Buddha statue positioned to be sitting under the bodhi tree. This being a representation of the site that was said to be where Siddhartha Gautama became enlightened.
China Town
Of course, in a city that is full of different cultures incidence the next place on your schedule should be Chinatown.
Actually located just to the north of Brickfields, China town has distinctly different flavor both visually, and regarding the food being offered. The critical thing here to look out for is all of the market stall and street food vendors who sell delights such as curries and simple noodle dishes.
However, if you prefer to sit down and enjoy a meal, then there are plenty of other options as well. Try Merchant’s Lane Cafe if you are looking for an informal yet hip setting with some of the best tasting and best presented traditional Malay food in town. Alternatively, there is Restoran Pik Wah, which has some of the best char siu pork and lotus flower salad around!
Batu Caves
One location that is well worth visit when in Kuala Lumpur is the fabulous Batu Caves. In fact, this is one of the most iconic cities in the whole of Malaysia and is made up of a cave complex that contains ornate Hindu shrines as well as a colossal gold figure that guards the 272 steps up to the caves themselves.
Of course for the foodie, the best thing about Batu isn’t the views, the culture, or even the monkeys that inhabit the site and readily ask for edible treats from the visitors, but the simple yet delicious vegetarian restaurants that surround the bottom of the stairs. Something that makes them a perfect place to recharge and refuel once you have done your exploring.
Petronas Towers
If Batu caves are the historical must-see sight in Kuala Lumpur then the Petronas towers are the contemporary spot that you can’t miss. These twin towers located in the city center dominate the skyline, and have a sky bridge with fabulous views of the entire city on floor 42.
They also happen to have a restaurant that slowly rotates, meaning you can dine on delicious modern fair while also getting a 360 view of this magnificent city. Something that I have on good authority that is particularly worth doing at night, as they offer a candlelight option where you can see all the sparkling city lights as you dine.
Telok Ayer Market
Lastly for the foodie, a place that cannot be missed in the Telok Ayer Market. Here you will discover all sorts of indigenous ingredients such as the famous stink bean and probably the most extensive range of tropical fruit you have ever seen.
Of course, A visit to Telok Ayer Market really comes into its own for those that have rented an appointment because it means they can no only sample the ingredients raw and soak up the atmosphere of the market, but buy things and take them back to their accommodation as well. This means that means they have the opportunity to try cooking up some traditional Malay dishes themselves, something that is the perfect way to really experience all of the gluttonous delights Kuala Lumpur has to offer.
One of the most affordable cities you can visit in Asia and one you should definitely go to while travelling around Southeast Asia is Kuala Lumpur. It was an amazing experience! I visited a lot of places and did a website about it with some articles.
Atlas Air recently posted…NTSB recommends a redesign of Boeing 737s engine covers following fatal 2018 Southwest Airlines flight
Thanks for that advice! We definitely want to visit there one day.
This looks like a great place to visit! I’ve never even thought about going here before but you made it sound so interesting.
Oh this looks like a really great place to visit! The food sounds amazing!!
steph recently posted…Vampy Valentines Day Look
This looks like such a lovely place to visit. Thank you for this gorgeous virtual tour.
Sharon recently posted…Cookies & Cream Cupcakes
I’ve heard so many great things about Kuala Lumpur. I hope to one day visit and see it all for myself.
Heather recently posted…Chocolate Dipped Waffle Sticks for Valentine’s Day
I never even thought about traveling to Kuala Lumpur and now I can’t wait to go! You had me at the three different culinary influences.
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