Although Chow Kit may have previously been known for housing the largest wet market in KL and having an unfavourable reputation due it its red-light district, new chic businesses have sprung up in recent years such as boutique hotels, cafes, and restaurants that are worth spending a day to explore on its own.
Here's our list of places to hang out in the neighbourhood:
Kooky Plate
With its name in huge letters of bright blue at a corner lot, this café is Instagram-worthy on the inside and out with large windowpanes that simultaneously allow for the perfect photo and for you to surreptitiously have a look at what other diners are ordering before heading in.
With the same splashes of blue and orange on the inside, this pork-free spot only opened several months ago and is linked to Kooky Cream, serving up tau foo fah cheesecake and tasty brunch options such as beef ramen and peanut butter pancake.
Instagram | Address: No.16, Seksyen 41, Jalan Yap Ah Shak, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Rise and Shine by Tapestry
Located in an industrial chic building, expect a wait at this popular brunch spot if you head here without a reservation. With high ceilings, skylight, and greenery, it’s the perfect place to grab lunch with your girlfriends or to enjoy a meal with the family. Sip on coffee or fresh juice prepared by their baristas or have a bite of their smoothie bowl and eggs benedict.
Instagram | Address: 28, Jalan Kamunting, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
103 Coffee
This cafe spans two floors and despite having another outlet in Sri Petaling, there was a queue outside when we visited.
Being the winner of the World Latte Art Championship 2018, and winner of the Malaysia Barista Championship for multiple years, 103 takes their coffee seriously –– so head here for some latte art and some lovingly concocted aromatic black liquid. Their detailed coffee menu even includes information on its roast level, tasting notes, and coffee strength and is coupled with an interesting Japanese fusion menu such as Soft-Shell Prawn Tacos or French toast with Greek yoghurt and homemade strawberry compote.
Instagram | Address: 9, Jalan Yap Ah Shak, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Olea Dining
Located in The Row, this newly opened spot offers Mediterranean casual dining with a minimalistic interior with an intimate ambience. Now in their soft opening phase, head here for their Lamb chops with skordalia, torrified pistachio, and chimichurri as well as seafood orzo. To round up your meal perfectly, make sure to order their pistachio gelato ice cream and their flat white with oat milk.
Facebook | Address: Ground Floor of No, 32, Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur
Image credit: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084154668355, instagram.com/tapestrymy/?hl=en