As a devoted night market enthusiast, Jalan Alor Food Street was at the top of my Kuala Lumpur must-visit list! Online reviews painted a picture of a vibrant and bustling food haven, and it lived up to the hype. Conveniently located just a short stroll from Bukit Bintang train station and a quick 15-minute drive from our stay at the Four Seasons Hotel, its accessibility is a major plus. Forget shopping – Jalan Alor is all about the food, so arrive ready to eat!
Vibrant food stalls line Jalan Alor Food Street in Kuala Lumpur, creating a bustling night market atmosphere
We arrived around 7:30 pm on a Saturday, and the crowds were already beginning to swell, though it hadn’t reached peak frenzy yet. By 8 pm, navigating the pathways became a real squeeze, packed shoulder-to-shoulder with hungry visitors. If you prefer a less congested experience, aim to arrive earlier. The street is lined with both small food stalls and larger sit-down restaurants, all adorned with charming red lanterns strung overhead, contributing to the lively, festive atmosphere.
A wide array of food stalls and restaurants at Jalan Alor Food Street in Kuala Lumpur are ready for evening customers
Numerous food stalls at Jalan Alor Food Street offer a diverse culinary experience in Kuala Lumpur
Choosing where to eat was a delightful challenge – everything looked incredibly tempting! To tide us over while we explored the menus, we grabbed a bag of crispy fried chicken skin (MYR10) to munch on. This savory snack was perfect for enjoying while soaking in the sights and smells of the food street.
A street vendor at Jalan Alor Food Street prepares and sells crispy fried snacks to hungry customers
Ultimately, we decided on Meng Kee Grill Fish restaurant. From their extensive menu, we ordered wok-fried clams with ginger and garlic (MYR25+), Penang char kway teow (MYR10+), garlic kang kung (MYR10+), accompanied by white rice and a local favorite, teh tarik (milk tea, MYR3.50+). The food was decent, satisfying our hunger, though not exceptionally outstanding. However, the teh tarik was undeniably delicious and refreshing.
Midway through our meal, the sky lit up with unexpected fireworks in the distance! Adding to the ambiance, a live two-man band was performing right next to our table, providing a cheerful soundtrack to our dinner. This impromptu entertainment made our dining experience even more memorable.
Diners enjoy the ambiance at Meng Kee Grill Fish restaurant, a popular choice on Jalan Alor Food Street in Kuala Lumpur
Wok-fried clams with ginger and garlic, a flavorful seafood dish from Meng Kee Grill Fish restaurant at Jalan Alor Food Street
Penang Char Kway Teow, a classic Malaysian stir-fried noodle dish served at Meng Kee Grill Fish restaurant in Jalan Alor
Teh Tarik, a beloved Malaysian milk tea beverage, served at Meng Kee Grill Fish restaurant on Jalan Alor Food Street
Fireworks in the distance viewed from Jalan Alor Food Street, adding unexpected delight to the dining experience
After settling our bill and stepping out of the restaurant, my next craving was immediately satisfied by a freshly squeezed sugarcane drink (MYR6). It was incredibly sweet and wonderfully refreshing – the perfect thirst quencher after the savory meal and bustling atmosphere.
A refreshing and sweet sugarcane juice drink purchased at Jalan Alor Food Street in Kuala Lumpur
Continuing our stroll, we passed several smaller stalls tempting us with coconut ice cream. Eventually, we succumbed and bought a serving for ourselves 😛 At this particular stall, they offered 4 mini scoops for MYR12.90. It was only after ordering that I realized we could have chosen a mix of flavors, but we ended up only trying the coconut flavor – next time!
The coconut ice cream was light, refreshing, and perfectly sweet. It was also generously topped with strips of tender coconut flesh and toasted coconut flakes, providing a delightful textural contrast. Served in a charming half-coconut husk, it was as visually appealing as it was delicious.
Delicious coconut ice cream served in a coconut husk, a popular dessert at Jalan Alor Food Street in Kuala Lumpur
My overall verdict for Jalan Alor Food Street: 4 out of 5 stars. This vibrant Kuala Lumpur food street and night market is absolutely worth a visit thanks to its endless array of food options and very reasonable prices. While we didn’t sample the classic seafood dishes like crabs and prawns this time, we noticed many diners with tables piled high with them, suggesting they are a popular and likely delicious choice. If you want to avoid the most intense crowds, arriving before 7:30 pm is recommended. It did become quite uncomfortably packed later in the evening, but thankfully there were side exits allowing for a quick breather. Overall, a night at Jalan Alor Food Street is a night well spent and a must-do for any foodie visiting Kuala Lumpur.
