Kuala Lumpur Food Courts: Where to Find Cheap Eats & Local Street Food in KL
Shopping Malls in Kuala Lumpur are great places to enjoy a wide variety of local and international food.
Ultimate Guide to KL Food Courts: From KLCC to Jalan Alor’s Best Hawker Centres
Food courts are popular spots to enjoy a wide range of local cuisine, as well as a mix of international cuisine, all in one place. Pavilion Malls is the centre of activity in Bukit Bintang, offering a quality shopping experience for international and local brands. The top floor of the mall has many quality international restaurants and a Tokyo Street. If you want to sample cuisine and shop for Japanese products. Other popular names include Al-Amar Middle Eastern Restaurant and Din Tai Fung, etc.
The food court located on the ground floor is worth exploring for an amazing mix local cuisine in one place. Must try local dishes include Bat Kut Teh, Hokkien Mee, Ipoh Hor Fun, Curry Head and Hainanese Chicken Dishes.
There is a wide array of Halal options available for Muslims. You can sample chilli pan mee, mee tarek, ayam penyet, and yong tau foo.
Coffee and dessert enthusiasts will find numerous cafés serving barista-crafted coffee alongside a wide selection of pastries and sweet treats.
Berjaya Times Square Shopping Mall – Bukit Bintang
Berjaya Times Square is a must-visit destination in Kuala Lumpur, offering an exciting mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment across 13 bustling floors. The mall features plenty of mid-range shopping options and a fantastic variety of dining spots, especially on the ground floor and basement levels.
The basement food court offers a hawker-style street food experience, serving a delicious mix of local Malaysian, Chinese, Malay, and Thai dishes — all at reasonable prices and perfect for international visitors seeking authentic flavours. In addition to the food court, you’ll find trendy juice bars, dessert counters, and popular fast-food chains that attract a lively local crowd.
Near the main entrance, a bustling Starbucks is a favourite hangout for the city’s young, energetic crowd and digital nomads looking for a comfortable spot to work or enjoy some people-watching.
Getting here is easy — the mall is conveniently connected to the Jalan Imbi Monorail Station, located right in front of the entrance.
Central Market – food court
Central Market is one of Kuala Lumpur’s oldest and most iconic landmarks, located in the historic heart of the city near Masjid Jamek. Rich in heritage, it’s a vibrant spot to shop for traditional crafts, handmade souvenirs, batik fabrics, and local artworks that reflect Malaysia’s diverse culture.
The food court on the first floor serves a delightful range of affordable local dishes, drinks, and desserts — perfect for a quick, satisfying meal before continuing your exploration of the area. For those looking for a sit-down dining experience, “Precious Old China”, one of my favourite Nyonya restaurants, is conveniently located next to the food court. Several other eateries on the same floor also offer more formal dining options in a charming, cultural setting.
Mid Valley Mall Bangsar
Mid Valley Mall is a fantastic destination for both shopping and dining, located in an upscale neighbourhood popular with the city’s expat community. The mall’s food court and café areas offer a wide variety of trendy spots, including Butter, Antipodean Café, Yin’s Sourdough Bakery & Café, and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
Many of these well-known cafés originally started in Bangsar Village before expanding to Mid Valley, which now attracts a larger crowd thanks to its extensive retail choices and lively atmosphere. Today, the mall’s café precinct has become a favourite hangout for shoppers and food lovers alike, combining great dining with a vibrant urban vibe.
🍴 Foodie Adventures in Bangsar Village
Bangsar Village is one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Kuala Lumpur — a vibrant suburb filled with trendy eateries, chic cafés, and lively bars. It’s not just a great place to dine, but also perfect for shopping and catching live music in the evenings. On weekends, the area buzzes with a youthful, energetic crowd exploring the many food options in the shopping malls and the famous U-shaped market along Jalan Telawi.
For lovers of Indian cuisine, Mahbub Biryani House and Sri Nirwana Maju Banana Leaf are absolute must-visits.
At “Mahbub”, you’ll find an irresistible selection of Indian-style dishes — from fragrant biryanis and tender lamb shanks to juicy grilled chicken and flavourful vegetable sides. The main hall is often packed during lunch and dinner, so be prepared to wait a little — it’s worth it!
“Sri Nirwana Maju”, on the other hand, offers a truly authentic experience where meals are served on banana leaves. Diners can enjoy an array of dishes, from lentils and curries to richly spiced meats and grilled fish. It’s the perfect place to savour bold flavours and soak in the lively local dining culture.
🏮 Pudu – An Underrated Foodie Neighbourhood
I first discovered Pudu while staying at Hotel Furama, right on the edge of Bukit Bintang and Pudu. This vibrant area is one of Kuala Lumpur’s long-established commercial hubs, filled with small family businesses, printing shops, stationery suppliers, wholesalers, and traditional bakeries that give it a charming old-town character.
With such a bustling mix of trades, it’s no surprise that Pudu is also a haven for food lovers. Most eateries here specialise in Asian and Chinese cuisine, reflecting the local community’s rich culinary heritage. I had lunch at a buffet-style Asian restaurant offering more than 30 dishes — a true feast for the senses!
From silky steamed eggs and okra stir-fries to tofu cooked in flavourful sauces, every dish offered a taste of authentic home-style cooking. The roast duck and other meat dishes were particularly delicious, while the variety of vegetable options — from sautéed greens to tofu-and-meat combinations — made it a satisfying meal for any palate.
If you enjoy exploring local food scenes beyond the usual tourist spots, Pudu is a must-visit for a genuine taste of Kuala Lumpur’s everyday flavours.
🍢 Jalan Alor Food Street – Kuala Lumpur’s Legendary Food Haven
Jalan Alor, located right in the heart of Bukit Bintang, is one of Kuala Lumpur’s most famous and vibrant food streets — a must-visit for anyone who loves authentic Asian street food.
As evening falls, this narrow street comes alive with the aroma of grilled satay, sizzling woks, and freshly cooked noodles. Rows of open-air restaurants and hawker stalls line both sides, offering a dazzling variety of dishes — from **Malaysian favourites like nasi lemak and char kway teow** to Thai seafood, Chinese stir-fries, and grilled skewers.
🦐 Popular must-tries include:
- BBQ seafood — fresh prawns, squid, and stingray grilled to perfection.
- Chicken and beef satay — smoky, tender skewers served with peanut sauce.
- Fried noodles & rice dishes— char kway teow, mee goreng, and more.
- Tropical desserts & drinks — coconut shakes, cendol, and fresh fruit juice.
The atmosphere is electric — filled with neon lights, the sounds of sizzling pans, and crowds of locals and tourists dining under the open sky. It’s a melting pot of cultures, flavours, and aromas that perfectly captures the spirit of Kuala Lumpur.
📍 Location: Jalan Alor, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
🚆 How to get there: A short walk from Bukit Bintang MRT or Monorail Station.
🕕 Best time to visit: Evenings (6 PM onwards) when the street is fully lit and buzzing with life.
Whether you’re after a late-night meal, a photo-worthy foodie experience, or just a taste of KL’s street food culture, Jalan Alor Food Street is the place to be.
