Chinatown KL and Petaling Street are booming with new, underrated and unique places to check out! Here’s a list consisting of trending cafes, hidden bars & cocktails bars in KL in the area. Each place has its own unique specialty that makes it totally different from any other place so be sure to read till the end to discover them! Ain’t nothing better than a good time with good drinks and eats!

Jump to these

1. Panggung KL

Lights, camera and action vibes await you at this 1920’s theatre-themed bar, which takes inspiration from the old Madras Theatre in KL. This bar in Chinatown KL is also listed under Malaysia’s Top 30 Bars! Famous movie posters featuring Marilyn Monroe, Bruce Lee among other movie icons, velvet furniture, bright lights and cinematic furnishings give this place its ‘wow’ effect! There are 3 floors to this establishment featuring a restaurant area, live-action, outdoor terrace and an area for private events.

Photos by @llm2828 & @top30bars via Instagram
What adds to this theatrical experience is the outstanding cocktails and delicious food selections! Panggung KL even named some of its drinks after famous movies which include IT, Harry Potter and Nightmare on Elm Street. Look forward to a sensational live experience as every drink is presented uniquely. From a helium balloon filled with flavoured helium vapour to a magic wand smoked-dome, you’re sure to be in for a surprise. If you’re lucky, you can catch some flair bartending action as well. The food does not disappoint either! The Char Siu Lamb Ribs, Latok-Latok (Vegan Caviar), and Rib Eye Sate are some of the highlights here that are worth the try! Panggung KL is the place to be if you’re looking for a new adventure!
Photos by @jazleenice2872 & @panggungkl via Instagram 

 

📍 3, Jalan Balai Polis, City Centre, 50000, Kuala Lumpur
🔎 Waze Panggung KL
⏰ Tuesday - Sunday: 5pm - 12am, closed on Mondays

 

2. Flaaah The Bakery

Flaaah The Bakery located in Four Points by Sheraton KL, Chinatown has finally opened its doors! The cafe has a minimalistic vibe, featuring concrete embellishments, brick walls and simple wooden furniture. Feeling the sunlight that shines through the floor-to-ceiling windows is one of the amazing features here, especially during a visit in the morning! This cafe also makes a background for taking photos due to the simple but classic look that runs through the cafe.

Photos by @sugoidays via Instagram & FunNow Malaysia
The best part of all is definitely the delectable pastries that will have you coming back for more! You can find a range of classic and hard-to-come-by pastries here. These include the Sourdough Croissant, Pain Au Choc, Pesto Croissant, Palmier (chocolate sandwich pastry), Flan, Strawberry Galette, Raspberry Chocolate Tart, and Tomato Tart. Whether you’re a sweet or savoury person, you can find it all here! Pair any of these with a coffee and you’ll feel like you’re in heaven. Check out this cafe the next time you’re around Chinatown KL or Petaling Street.

Photos by @i.am.suz & @chlo3_vanilla via Instagram

 

📍G01, Four Points By Sheraton KL Chinatown, City Centre, 50000, Kuala Lumpur
🔎 Waze Four Points By Sheraton KL Chinatown
⏰ Monday, Wednesday - Sunday: 8am - 4pm, closed on Tuesdays

 

3. Da Bao 打包

Neon lights, oriental murals and mouth-watering meals are what to expect at Da Bao KL! This place makes a great spot for snapping cool shots to update your socials thanks to its picturesque surrounding. The bar upstairs, which recently rebranded to ‘Kapitan Haus’, offers unique handcrafted cocktails that pair excellently with the bao favourites at Da Bao KL. Once Asam A Time, Tong Sui, Petaling Street Sour, Yum Cha and Kopi Kaw are among the cocktails you can sip on here which incorporate specially-infused liquors.
Photos by @picazone.by.elanque & @http.dvain via Instagram
Da Bao translates to extra large steamed bun and here you will be pleased to hear that the portion is as big as the flavour! Chicken, lamb, pork, octopus and vegan are some of the options you can choose from. There are also various rice bowls and sharing platters available. If you’re a sweet tooth, fret not as you can savour the Bunga Kantan Bao with Bunga Kantan Ice Cream or the Matcha Bao with Niko Neko Matcha Ice Cream. This restobar is a place you should definitely add to your list as you are sure to have a smashing time here!
Photos by @raddymanalo & @dabaomy via Instagram 

 

📍145, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000, Kuala Lumpur
🔎 Waze Dabao KL
⏰ Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 11:30am - 11pm
⏰ Friday & Saturday:  11:30am - 11pm, closed on Mondays
 

4. Chu by Fifty Tales

This Malaysian Chinese noodle bar in REXKL is set to leave your taste buds bursting with flavour! The noodle bar features an open kitchen concept with ‘dragon-counter’ seating space. You can enjoy the live-action noodle preparation right before your eyes. The emphasis of “Not Ramen” through the neon lights and on the t-shirts of the staff is to remind people that Chinese noodles has its own unique identity in relation to the Malaysian Chinese cuisine.
Photos by @epicureancyndi via Instagram & FunNow Malaysia
You can get pre-set combo meals or build your own bowl from 9 different toppings! The recommended combos to try are The Grace (a trio of spicy pickled cucumbers, fried leeks, choy sum & beer-braised pork), The AK (grilled pig ears, with fried leeks & double noodles) and The AP (pork, spicy beef slices & the signature dry aged duck ham). If you like it simple & spicy, you can savour the dried chill budu sambal with noodles! A variety of snacks and unique drinks are available here too. Lou Ha Gui (monk fruit syrup) Beer & Ribena Beer are definitely worth the try! Head on here to bask in the comfort only a bowl of noodles can offer!

Photos by @eat__tingz via Instagram & FunNow Malaysia 

 

📍80, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000, Kuala Lumpur (in REXKL)
🔎 Waze Chu by Fifty Tales
⏰ Tuesday - Sunday: 12pm - 10pm, closed on Mondays

 

5. Alta Burger 

Craving a gooood burger? This is where to go! Alta Burger offers a selection of beef, Wagyu, chicken, fish and Falafel burgers which are prepared using high-quality ingredients. You can pair it with some fries and natural wines imported all the way from Australia. It’s the perfect match that you never knew existed!

Photos by FunNow Malaysia
Alta Burger recently relocated to REXKL, which is an urban hangout place with various attractions and hosts events from time to time. This place is a great hangout spot to bond over a juicy burger and a glass or even a bottle of wine amidst the bustling crowd at REXKL! If you haven’t been here yet, you need to make a trip here soon as it will surely leave you satisfied!
Photos by FunNow Malaysia

 

📍80, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000, Kuala Lumpur (in REXKL)
🔎 Waze  REXKL
⏰ Thursday & Sunday: 12pm - 9.30pm
⏰ Friday & Saturday: 12pm - 11pm, closed Monday - Wednesday

 

6. Crane KL

Ever been to a restaurant and bar located in a historical building? Crane KL is where you should get your party vibes on, be it a day or night out! On the ground floor you will find the classy restaurant area which exudes bright and airy vibes, where traditional Chinese culture meets modern European accents. Not forgetting, the signature crane decor which runs through the restaurant along with touches of greenery. Western and Asian fusion dishes such as Udon Masak Lemak, Nasi Lemak Wonton, Beef Rendang Lasagna and many more exciting fusion dishes await you here. The Pandan Sago is one of the desserts that you should absolutely try as it not only packs flavour but is also visually pleasing!

Photos by @thecrane_kl via Instagram
Now be teleported to the happening hidden cocktail bar located upstairs which happens to be listed under Malaysia’s Top 30 Bars! The speakeasy-style bar is the talk of the town with its elegant and oriental interior accompanied by amazing drinks. As you walk in, you will be greeted by antique furniture, old photographs and lanterns that make almost every spot a photo opportunity! Both craft and classic cocktails are available here with the Wrestless Monkey and The Dragon Turns being the favourites! Another cool thing is that you can customise your own gin and tonic by selecting the gin base, garnish and type of tonic finish. It’s time to make your way over to this trendy restobar for a good time!

Photos by @alamsounds & @abbyszewei via Instagram

 

📍78, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000, Kuala Lumpur
🔎 Waze Crane KL
⏰ Monday - Friday: 12pm - 12am
⏰Saturday & Sunday: 10am - 12am

 

7. Light Capture Cafe by H.O.N

This cafe is a total architectural delight, which was transformed from an abandoned shoplot. A rustic and industrial theme featuring exposed brick, high ceilings and vintage furnishings adorn this charming cafe. The huge glass windows from the first to third level are what to look forward to at this cafe in KL! Upon arrival, you will understand why the cafe is named ‘Light Capture’. Get ready to take loads and loads of photos here as everywhere you turn will have you mesmerised.

Photos by @kelvinoooi via Instagram
There’s no doubt that this cafe is a work of art but the food and drinks here are pretty amazing too! The Grilled Lamb, LC Signature Pasta, Ikan Keli Percik with Rice, and Burrito Rendang Mexican are some of the delicious eats you can try here. If you are looking for something light, there is a spread of pastries, cakes and desserts to choose from. For drinks, you can sip on classic coffees, coffee or fruity mocktails, spiced tea and loads more. Did you know that there is even an elevator here mainly for food-serving purposes? A cafe that is visually pleasing with a delectable menu?! Take me there NOW!

Photos by @kelvinoooi via Instagram

 

📍81 & 83, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000, Kuala Lumpur
🔎 Waze Light Capture Cafe
⏰ Tuesday - Friday: 11am - 10pm
⏰ Saturday & Sunday: 10am - 10pm, closed on Mondays

 

8. Penrose KL 

This new elevated cocktail bar headed by the popular mixologist, Jon Lee is a breath of fresh air in Chinatown KL! This establishment got its name from Sir Roger Penrose, who is a British mathematician and science philosopher. From the environment right down to the menu, this cocktail bar is the epitome of sophistication inspired by maths and art. Dimmed lighting, geometric metal decor, a marble bar countertop along with grey and black features tie in the whole look of Penrose KL! With a capacity of 25, you will need to reserve a spot to enjoy an intimate experience with amazing drinks alongside engaging and passionate staff.

Photos by @penrose.kl via Instagram
Located right next to Wildflowers KL, this cocktail bar focuses on Classic cocktails inspired by the five-fold symmetry. The mixologists used the five-compound liquid structure; alcohol, dilution, body, flavour and taste to give you totally amazing cocktails! Highballs, Sours and Spirit Forwards are the cocktail types you can get here which are elevated through the use of interesting ingredients. Rum de Violette (Violette liqueur, rum & umeshu and a cube of ice sprinkled with sakura salt), Cosmos Melon (tequila, watermelon, Cosmos leaf, Jalapeno acid and fennel topped) and Xoco Negro (vodka, cacao, fortified wine and fennel seed topped with chocolate branch and parsley) are a few of the unique cocktail takes here. Sounds fascinating? Make this your next cocktail experience!

Photos by @penrose.kl via Instagram

 

📍149, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000, Kuala Lumpur
🔎 Waze Penrose KL
⏰ Wednesday - Sunday: 6pm - 12am

 

9. BAIJIU 

Cocktails and Dim Sum all night long?! Sign me up, please! This bar located along Kwai Chai Hong shouldn’t be missed. The entrance exterior of this bar is bright and colourful while the inside feels like you’ve entered an ancient Chinese scene. Red lanterns, wooden furniture with carvings, and intricate artworks with cool-looking a bar area are the features you will find here. It is definitely an Instagrammable spot boasting Oriental vibes all over!
Photos by @baijiu.kl via Instagram
The bar is named after ‘Baijiu’ which is a colourless liquor which is distilled from grain or rice, also known as China’s most famous liquor. There’s a variety of cocktails which are crafted using unique ingredients to make the cocktails both taste and look amazing. The Spice Up Your Life, Bling Bling, Biscoff Terracotta and Date-ing (served in a smoke-filled dome) are just a few of the wonderful cocktails to try here. You can also get a tray of shooters which are served in mini oriental cups! Last but definitely not least, are the dim sums such as Siew Mai, Dumplings and buns which are served in the traditional bamboo steamer basket. It’s time to dim sum and drink sum here at BAIJIU KL! 
Photos by @baijiu.kl & @mahoinkl_____ via Instagram
📍Lorong Panggung, City Centre, 50000, Kuala Lumpur
🔎 Waze BAIJIU KL
⏰ Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 5pm - 1am
⏰ Friday & Saturday: 5pm - 2am, closed on Tuesdays

 

10. The Attic Bar

This is another hidden bar in Chinatown KL which is listed under Malaysia’s Top 30 Bars that absolutely deserves a shoutout! You will have you in the mood from the moment you enter, with its charming bar area, hanging bird cages and red dimmed lighting throughout the space. This rooftop bar located on the third floor would make you feel like you’re in an attic as you can see roof coverings above you. You can choose to be seated indoors or explore the alfresco which offers an excellent view of the Merdeka 118 amongst the city skyline. You can also catch a pretty sunset here if you’re early enough!
Photos by @theatticbarkl via Instagram
This bar serves appetising meals and a wide selection of drinks which are ‘oh so’ amazing! The one-of-a-kind Tuak (local brew rice wine) cocktails really hit the spot. You will also find classic cocktails and craft cocktails which are inspired by Malaysian flavours. Burung Hutan, “Gadis” Tuak” and Teh - Haram are some of the unique cocktails to get your hands on among many others! The food here is pretty delectable as well with favourites such as the Salted Egg Calamari, Chicken Katsu Bao and Carbonara Masak Lemak. It is a journey to get up the windy stairs here but it is definitely worth it! Check out this cool bar soon!
Photo by @hy3jin & @theatticbarkl via Instagram

 

📍Third Floor, 15, Jalan Balai Polis, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50000, Kuala Lumpur
🔎 Waze The Attic Bar
⏰ Monday Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 5pm - 1am
⏰Friday & Saturday: 5pm - 2am

 

Did you enjoy the journey of reading through these underrated cafes and bars in Chinatown KL? Here’s a little extra for you; Shhhbuuuleee, Raw Kitchen Hall and Yellow Fin Horse at Else Hotel are fairly new restaurants that might pique your interest as well! Additionally, you might want to check out some awesome deals around Chinatown KL available on FunNow, ranging from good food to hotels nearby! Click on the button below to view these worthwhile deals!
View deals in Chinatown KL!

 

Disclaimer: All of the information provided is correct at the time of publication. If you come across any changes or updates that we are not aware of, please comment or drop us an email and we will make the changes accordingly.