Jalan Alor

The basics

Jalan Alor is a short street, so it’s easy enough to experience independently. Simply stroll and see what takes your fancy: steamboat or seafood, dumplings or laksa, sweet treats or chicken wings. But it’s also a staple on Kuala Lumpur food tours, particularly street food tours, and a guide can steer you to good examples from what can feel like an overwhelming choice. Most sit-down eateries serve beer but don’t expect wine or hard liquor.

Things to know before you go

• Jalan Alor is a must for foodies visiting Kuala Lumpur.

• If you’re eating alfresco, ordering beer with ice will help it stay cold longer.

• Jalan Alor can get extremely crowded in the evenings, challenging travelers who rely on wheelchairs. Don’t expect step-free access or wheelchair-friendly bathrooms.

How to get there

Jalan Alor is in Bukit Bintang, an area of central Kuala Lumpur with many budget-friendly accommodations. Backpackers may find it easy to walk from their dorm. Alternatively, it’s a few minutes’ stroll from the Bukit Bintang Monorail station.

When to get there

Jalan Alor is open seven days a week, 365 days per year. It closes to traffic at 6pm when things really get going. It’s a more atmospheric stroll after dark, which usually falls around 7pm in Kuala Lumpur. It's generally busiest on weekend nights between around 6pm and 10 pm Some stalls operate well into the small hours.

Other great Kuala Lumpur food streets

Kuala Lumpur’s food scene is shaped by three cultures: Chinese, Malay, and Indian. Unsurprisingly, they each center on their own different neighborhoods. Kampung Baru is the hot spot for Malay cuisine, with Jalan Raja Muda Musa as the epicenter; unsurprisingly, you’ll want to head to Chinatown for Chinese, with Petaling Street being a great place to start. Little India and Brickfields have many Indian offerings: Jalan Scott in Brickfields is an excellent spot to explore.