Jalan Alor is a unique food destination in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The whole character of the city changes when you step onto the street. Gone are the modern shopping malls that align the city, which are replaced with something of the past age. During the day, there is not much activity but when the sun goes down, the street will be hustling and bustling with activity.
It was once known as a red light district and remnants of those activities still exist. However, after several face lifts, the street has literally become a food haven.
Some of the best culinary delights that Malaysia has to offer are not at the swanky overpriced restaurants but right at the sidewalks, in the rows and rows of hawker stalls. On Jalan Alor, these stalls will take up both sides of the road selling food that best represents Malaysia. This is not just a place for the locals but foreigners also frequently visit here to taste the unique dishes that they would most probably not be able to back home.
The best advice for people who wish to visit Jalan Alor is to bring their appetite. As mentioned, there are plenty to choose from here and you wouldn’t be able to try everything in a single trip, so it is important that you make several trips to this street if there is a high possibility that you will not be returning to Jalan Alor for quite a while. Here, you are not just tasting the food here but also the culture in Malaysia. Diversity does not just exist in the population but that very factor that makes Malaysia so special is also translated in its cooking.
While most of the menus are in Chinese characters, there are some who also provide English translation in order to cater to tourists and a growing number of locals who are not Chinese-educated. This is of course good news for foreigners as they will also be able to order from the translated menus. If you do come across a menu in Chinese but are not able to read, don’t be intimidated but ask for recommendations instead. This way, you will be able to truly experience what the street has to truly offer.
The character of the street takes a life of its own and you will definitely be missing out if you do not go there for a visit. Jalan Alor is synonymous with good food, so much that there were much protests when the local authorities renamed the road. Jalan Alor indeed has a lot to offer for local visitors as well as those coming from abroad, so head there and experience it for yourself.
As Jalan Alor is located within the Bukit Bintang area, it can be easily found if you are staying somewhere in the city center. For example, Radium Palace is located 1 minute from the food street, from Capitol Hotel it is a 2 minute walk and 5-star Grand Millennium is only 10 minutes from Jalan Alor. If you are staying outside the city center, you can get to Jalan Alor by metro. Get out at Bukit Bintang Station (right next to Lot10 Shopping Mall). From there it is a 5 minute walk to Jalan Alor.
Janny
12 years ago
July 27, 2013 at 3:34 pm
The operation hours ??
Ilya
12 years ago
July 27, 2013 at 3:38 pm
I’d say 24/7, but the best times of the day is between 12am and 2am…..
Jo
8 years ago
December 26, 2017 at 2:16 pm
Hi. Chinese New Year … 2018… 16 Feb and 15 Feb . Will most of the stall be open or close?
And what is the operating time
David
4 years ago
May 13, 2022 at 5:09 am
No 24/7 at all.
Restaurants open 2-3pm until late at night.
That’s it.
JJ
12 years ago
August 13, 2013 at 3:01 am
This is a comprehensive post and the pictures are so lively! Just bought a ticket to KL (in a Bukit Bintang hotel woot!) yesterday so I am now more excited than ever! Any tips? I have a feeling 75% of my meals will be spent in that food market. =)
Ilya
12 years ago
August 13, 2013 at 6:48 am
No specific tips. I could tell you that stall number 6 to the left hand side is best, but things change as often as the weather and it might also be my personal taste. What I would recommend is to just walk around and check menus at both sides. Eventually you will see a dish that you like, combined with enough people actually having dinner there. I am sure you will enjoy it very much :). Jalan Alor is such a pleasant place, great vibe and delicious street food…
Some western travelers first might want to test their stomachs, by having food at the more common places first in order to avoid getting sick to the stomach though 😛
Jo
8 years ago
December 26, 2017 at 2:16 pm
Hi. Chinese New Year … 2018… 16 Feb and 15 Feb . Will most of the stall be open or close?
And what is the operating time
kelly
12 years ago
February 21, 2014 at 10:07 am
Any stall for rent ?
Im looking for selling muachi..
kelly
12 years ago
February 21, 2014 at 10:07 am
Any stall for rent ?
Im looking a stall for selling Muachi
Christine
11 years ago
February 24, 2015 at 3:05 pm
Hi! I just visited Malaysia and have been to Jalan Alor together with my sister who is now studying in Malaysia. It was our first time visiting KL and Jalan Alor was one of the places in our ‘must-visit-places’ list. I should and can say that we had our best meal in our 3-day stay in KL at Jalan Alor, I will definitely visit the place again!
Tn Norman Shah
11 years ago
March 20, 2015 at 9:56 am
I love it ,the best steamboats restaurant withprice of cheaper n fresh ….let’s come all to this food paradise jln Alor KL
Terence Lin
9 years ago
January 1, 2017 at 10:51 am
Was having dinner at one if the stalls on New Year’s Day along Jalan Alor. Wow by variety of local food & drinks. Unfortunately dining experience would have been better if cars or vehicular traffic emitting CO are it allowed during dining hours cos most of the dining tables are placed right along sides of the road.its not very healthy not to mentioned u hygienic consuming food mingled with vehicles CO. Could local authorities do something sbout this?
Shaik M Hossain
7 years ago
April 25, 2019 at 1:02 pm
Wonderful images and video update of unique food destination in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
ACTIVATE AMC
5 years ago
July 2, 2020 at 4:51 am
the business district, and the many malls were to my northeast. Chinatown and the food street, Jalan Alor were even more closely
Taxi service
5 years ago
July 20, 2020 at 11:38 pm
This can be a great inspiring article. I’m pretty much pleased along with your good work. You set really very useful information. Preserve it up. Hold blogging. Looking to studying your subsequent post.
samantha
3 years ago
October 14, 2022 at 9:33 am
The best restarant at Jalan Alor is SAI WOO. Whenever business associate coming from overseas, they will request me to bring them to saiwoo. Their bbq chicken wings, grill fish, seafoods are the best. Very polite and friendly boss. Price are all easy on the wallet. Its on the left hand side when u come in from changkat. One of the pioneer restaurant in jalanalor and good place to have streetfood
gudget
2 years ago
July 20, 2023 at 8:12 am
What a great idea! I need this in my life.
hoki368
2 years ago
November 17, 2023 at 6:51 am
som vill ha en mer lokal upplevelse finns i stadsdelen också gatumarknaden Jalan Alor, vilken är världsberömd för sin unika känsla. Ett besök här är ett absolut måste för alla
hoki368
2 years ago
November 17, 2023 at 6:56 am
Cameron Highlands is the place to watch stunning tea fields. Boh Tea Plantation is the biggest in the country and the views
Psl 9 2024 Shedule
2 years ago
December 20, 2023 at 6:01 am
Nice information thanks for sharing with us
Today News
2 years ago
December 20, 2023 at 6:02 am
Keep sharing with us this content
8171
2 years ago
March 1, 2024 at 9:15 am
Hello! Recently, I explored Malaysia and had the pleasure of visiting Jalan Alor with my sister, who is currently studying in Malaysia. It was our inaugural visit to Kuala Lumpur, and Jalan Alor was a highlight on our list of must-visit places. I can confidently say that our most delightful meal during our 3-day stay in KL was at Jalan Alor. I am looking forward to returning to the area again!
pricesalertin.com
2 years ago
March 30, 2024 at 12:05 am
historic Merdeka Square. Immerse yourself in the local cuisine by sampling delicious street food at Jalan Alor or experiencing fine dining in the city’s diverse
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1 year ago
November 13, 2024 at 11:02 pm
It is truly a wonderful thing to have an experienced and knowledgeable companion like you. I will continue to follow your articles while making other holiday plans. I wish you good work, Best regards. We run a travel agency in Rize, Turkey. If you come here one day, we would be proud to host you.
Kemo TV
1 year ago
November 14, 2024 at 5:38 am
[…] historic Merdeka Square. Immerse yourself in the local cuisine by sampling delicious street food at Jalan Alor or experiencing fine dining in the city’s diverse […]
Cetak banner Murah
8 months ago
April 25, 2025 at 11:44 am
Alor is an icon of Kuala Lumpur. Every travel blogs (and here) and tourism agency websites (even the airport website!) will encourage you to schedule a visit
Cetak Blue Print
8 months ago
May 5, 2025 at 1:36 pm
lot of prime eating spots in the city,
JBO Thailand
7 months ago
May 21, 2025 at 9:34 am
Jalan Alor is a must-visit for anyone exploring Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant food scene! The lively atmosphere, with its colorful lanterns and bustling stalls, offers an authentic taste of Malaysia’s diverse culinary heritage. From the famed grilled chicken wings at Wong Ah Wah to the rich flavors of char kway teow and satay, every bite tells a story. The street performers and the communal dining experience add to the charm, making it more than just a meal—it’s a cultural immersion. A delightful spot for food lovers and culture enthusiasts alike!
prof
6 months ago
June 22, 2025 at 11:14 pm
Incredible guide to Jalan Alor’s vibrant food scene – I can almost smell the satay and hear the sizzle! For more authentic Malaysian street-food tips
Smart TV Master
5 months ago
July 21, 2025 at 10:18 pm
Jalan Alor Food Street is a must-visit! The variety of street food, vibrant atmosphere, and delicious flavors make it a perfect spot for food lovers. Definitely a place to experience authentic local cuisine!
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5 months ago
July 24, 2025 at 12:07 am
Great overview of Jalan Alor’s vibrant food scene! I especially appreciate the tip about asking for recommendations when menus are only in Chinese—this really enhances the authentic experience. For anyone staying nearby, the easy access from Bukit Bintang Station makes Jalan Alor Food Street a must-visit culinary adventure in Kuala Lumpur.
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5 months ago
July 24, 2025 at 12:17 am
Great overview of Jalan Alor’s vibrant food scene! I especially appreciate the tip about asking for recommendations when menus are only in Chinese—this really helped me discover some hidden gems during my visit. For anyone exploring Kuala Lumpur, the accessibility from Bukit Bintang Station makes Jalan Alor a must-visit culinary hotspot.
Miss Olivia
5 months ago
August 6, 2025 at 3:54 pm
Great article! Jalan Alor really comes to life here—the vivid descriptions of the hawker fare and bustling street vibe had me hungry just reading it. Excellent guide for anyone planning to explore Kuala Lumpur’s famous food street. For more street‑food highlights and reviews, check out snapplanet.net
Jack
4 months ago
August 23, 2025 at 3:26 pm
I love how this page captures Jalan Alor’s vibrant charm—colorful lanterns, sizzling street food, and that electric night-market buzz. It really makes you feel like you’re there!
YT MOD
3 months ago
September 17, 2025 at 10:04 am
Thanks for highlighting Jalan Alor Food Street—it’s truly a must-visit spot full of flavors and vibrant energy!
Waliullah Shah
4 weeks ago
December 2, 2025 at 2:05 pm
Jalan Alor never disappoints! 🌟 The energy, the street vibes, and the incredible variety of Malaysian food make it one of KL’s must-visit spots. From hawker stalls to late-night eats, every trip feels like a new adventure. A true taste of Malaysia’s culture and flavor! 🍜🔥