Malaysia is known as a place for a multicultural feast. If you’re in town for a day or two, head over to our best night markets in KL for a food fiesta!
Night markets are a significant and popular aspect of Asian culture, particularly in Southeast Asia. We locals call them “Pasar Malam,” which means night market in Malay.
Pasar Malam is typically an open-air market that offers a variety of street food, fashion, accessories, household items, fresh fruits, vegetables, poultry, and seafood, and even beauty essentials!
Many locals buy food and groceries at these night markets. It’s just a super convenient place where you can get anything fresh and at affordable prices!
Most importantly, you’ll get to explore a wide variety of local food from different cultures without breaking the bank!
If you’re planning a trip to KL, be sure to visit any night market to fully experience our local Malaysian culture.
In this article, I’ve gathered 17 of the best night markets in KL, each with its own distinct vibe and catering to different preferences.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links. I hope you find the information here useful! Merci beaucoup 😀
Best Night Market Located Less Than 30 Minutes From KL
I’ll start with the night markets within/less than 30 minutes from the city center.
You can reach them by walking, public transportation, or Grab depending on where you’re staying.
Regardless of your mode of transportation, consider going to these night markets as they are not located too far away if you’re staying in the heart of KL.
Let’s begin! #bestnightmarketkualalumpur
1. Petaling Street (Chinatown)
Located in Chinatown, Petaling Street is a central and popular tourist spot in Kuala Lumpur, known for selling clothes, accessories, and knock-off designer items.
Most importantly, it’s a hotspot for delicious Chinese street food, including curry noodles, char kuey teow, laksa, satay, sugar cane juice, cat’s eye drink, soya drinks, and a variety of local cuisines!
It’s a great place to haggle for knock-off items such as handbags, watches, clothes, jerseys, wallets, and so much more.
Practical Information: Chinatown is located a 5-minute walk away from LRT Pasar Seni station.
Location: Google Maps
Opening Hours: 10 am-10 pm on all days
2. Kasturi Walk
Located right behind the Central Market, Kasturi Walk greets you with a huge wau (a traditional Malay kite) arch.
It’s only a 5-minute walk from Chinatown. So, if you’re visiting Chinatown, don’t miss the chance to check out Kasturi Walk as well!
You can get handbags, clothes, handicrafts, batiks, handmade souvenirs, antiques, and also a variety of local fruits and snacks at affordable prices.
Kasturi Walk offers a variety of food and local traditional snacks for you to enjoy. I’d highly recommend you to try out ‘putu bambu’ here!
Location: Google Maps
Opening Hours: 10 am-8 pm on all days
3. Jalan Masjid India Night Market
Just a 10-15 minute walk from Kasturi Walk, you can visit Jalan Masjid India Market, a famous street that sells items like bags, accessories, toys, Indian wear, fashion jewelry, souvenirs, and much more.
While at the market, you can also try Malay and Indian food, including bite-sized kuih, skewered snacks, murukku (Indian snacks), tandoori chicken, samosas, biryani, and much more.
You can find traditional Indian garments such as sarees, Punjabi suits, traditional Malay clothes, accessories, and other Indian household items as this is a shopping hotspot for the Indian-Muslim community in Malaysia.
When you’re done with your food hunting, be sure to check Hanifa for imported traditional fabrics, clothing, accessories, and home decor from India and the Middle East.
There are also other Indian-Muslim-owned shops around the street for you to explore freely.
Location: Google Maps
Opening Hours: 10 am to 9 pm on all days
4. Chow Kit Night Market
Let’s not get confused between Chow Kit Night Market and KL’s largest wet market, the Chow Kit Market.
The key difference is that the first operates in the evening, while the latter operates during the day.
This night market is known for offering a diverse range of local street food, clothes, and fresh produce. While you’re here, you can enjoy both Malay and Chinese cuisines.
Indulge in delicious treats like buttery steamed corn, apam balik (a peanut pancake filled with sugar, crushed peanut, and sweet corn), cendol (a shaved ice dessert), local fruits, and much more.
Location: Google Maps
Opening Hours: 4 pm – 4 am on all days
5. Jalan Alor Street Food Night Market
Located in the heart of Bukit Bintang, Jalan Alor has always been the number one tourist hotspot for street food in Kuala Lumpur!
This night market is definitely a food paradise for every food lover.
I think this is the only place where you can get not only Malaysian cuisine but also dishes from our neighboring countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines, and much more.
As you may know, Malaysia is truly Asia. You don’t have to jump on planes to have a taste. You can find one just right here 😛
Besides being a food haven, this night market also sells products like shoes, DVDs, CDs, clothes and so much more.
Be sure to get a taste of the Malaysian specialty dishes while you’re here.
Location: Google Maps
Opening Hours: 24 hours on all days
6. Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman Night Market
Jalan TAR KL night market started operating in the mid-1980s along the Tunku Abdul Rahman Road KL and continued to be a popular night market among locals and foreigners.
Similar to other night markets, you can get a variety of food here particularly Malay food as there are many Malay food vendors running businesses here.
From light snacks to briyani, you can get a lot of local and internationally-inspired dishes to try here!
If you’re looking for something more than food, you can find handmade items, clothes, and much more here!
Location: Google Maps
Opening Hours: Saturdays | 5 pm to 10 pm
7. Kampung Baru Night Market
Established in 1899, this night market gives off a traditional Malay village vibe and is one of the longest-operating markets after Jalan Alor.
The market runs from Saturday evening to early Sunday morning.
If you like to go out for late-night bites, this is the perfect spot for you!
This night market offers Malay specialties such as rojak (traditional fruits and vegetable salad with spicy sauce), satay, nasi lemak, kuih muih (local Malay bite-sized snacks), and much more.
You can shop traditional Malay attire such as sarong, baju kurung, and songkok along with fashion jewelry and handicrafts.
It’s only 10-15 minutes away from the Chow Kit night market.
Location: Google Maps
Opening Hours: Saturdays | 6 pm – 1 am
Short on time? Hop on my preferred food tours in KL. Thank me later 😉
Best Night Market Located More Than 30 Minutes From KL
If you’ve got a bit of extra time and want to explore a little bit further from the city center, no problem!
Here’s a list of night markets for you to explore!
1. Taman Connaught Night Market
Also known as Pasar Malam Cheras (Cheras night market), this renowned night market is the biggest night market in Kuala Lumpur run by Malaysian Chinese vendors.
You can easily spot this pasar malam by the 2km stretch with hundreds of yellow tents that take up the street with a wide variety of food, fashion, accessories, and household items.
If you’re a foodie like me, you’re gonna love it here!
This night market offers a wide array of cuisines, including local, Taiwanese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Chinese, making it one of the best food markets in Kuala Lumpur.
Be sure to try the local favorites, stinky tofu, Thai boba tea drink, cakes, char kuey teow, mata kucing drink, and many more!
Location: Google Maps
Opening Hours: Wednesdays | 5:30 pm – 1 am
2. OUG Night Market
Similar to Taman Connaught, this is another night market run by Malaysian Chinese vendors as well.
However, it is said to be less crowded than the pasar malam at Taman Connaught.
This pasar malam has vendors selling similar items like in Connaught but be sure to check out their salted egg fried chicken and squid, fried rice cakes, popiah, and much more!
Location: Google Maps
Opening Hours: Thursdays | 6 pm – 12 am
3. Kuchai Entrepreneur’s Park Night Market
Another night market for Chinese food lovers on the list!
Aside from local dishes, you can also get a variety of food from our neighboring countries including Thai and Vietnamese cuisines here.
Be sure to get mochi, crystal dumplings, deep-fried radish cake, Nyonya mixed rice and so much more!
Location: Google Maps
Opening Hours: Wednesdays | 6 pm – 10 pm
4. Sri Petaling Night Market
Don’t confuse the Petaling Street market with this one. These two are two different markets in different locations.
Home to a wide array of food, this night market offers both local dishes and cuisines from neighboring countries as well.
If you want to get some fashion items or accessories, no worries, you’ll get everything here.
Be sure to try the eggy cheesy omelet roll, salted egg-fried food, Taiwanese sausages, deep-fried crispy prawn fritters, stinky tofu, and so many more!
Location: Google Maps
Opening Hours: Wednesdays | 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm
5. Happy Garden Night Market (Pasar Malam Jalan Lazat Happy Garden)
Lazat means delicious in the Malay language. Such an apt name for the location of this night market isn’t it?!
You can find a fusion of Malaysian and Chinese cuisines here. It might not be as big as Connaught, but you will find plenty of options to choose from.
Be sure to get some Malaysian old-school pastries and cakes such as sponge cakes with buttercream, tau sar peah (mung bean biscuits), and snacks.
It’s also said that this night market has a long queue for Chinese sweet desserts called tong sui, fried rice cakes, bubble tea, fried carrot cakes, homemade soya milk, and many more.
A good place to make your tummy happy with the heavenly choice of food in this happy garden 😛
Location: Google Maps
Opening Hours: Saturdays | 5 pm – 10 pm
6. Bangsar Baru Night Market
This is probably one of the few night markets on the list that offers cuisines from all of Malaysia’s diverse cultures.
Here, you will find Malay, Chinese, and Indian vendors selling food, snacks, household items, clothing, clothes, accessories, and so much more.
Be sure to check out their stalls and enjoy the food as much as the Malaysians.
Are you a seafood lover? This night market is known for its seafood options, with many vendors selling local-style seafood dishes.
Definitely a seafood haven for seafood lovers!
During Ramadan, this best market in Kuala Lumpur sees an increased number of vendors selling traditional Malay food every day throughout the holy month.
Location: Google Maps
Opening Hours: Saturdays | 5 pm – 10 pm
7. Sentul Night Market
This night market in Sentul is a place for you to get some Malay kuih muih, keropok lekor (fried fish crackers), satay (skewered and grilled meat with peanut sauce) and so much more.
Even though it’s a small night market, you can still find a diverse selection of food, clothes, accessories, and household items.
Location: Google Maps
Opening Hours: Saturdays | 5 pm – 9 pm
8. Old Klang Night Market
If you love fried chicken, this is a night market that you shouldn’t miss.
Famous for its Taiwanese fried chicken, you’ll see customers queuing long to savor this delicious fried chicken.
It must taste so good, don’t you think?
You’ll find other tempting options to try, such as freshly cut fruits, smoothies, bubble teas, curry pork noodles, and so much more.
Location: Google Maps
Opening Hours: Thursdays| 6 pm – 12 am
9. Jelatek Night Market
I’ll wrap up the list with a night market that specializes in Malay cuisine.
You won’t find it difficult to locate this as this night market is located conveniently near the Jelatek LRT station.
You can find a variety of kuih muih, fried snacks, steamed corn, cakes, donuts, clothing, watches, tau foo fah (soybean pudding) and so much more.
Location: Google Maps
Opening Hours: Fridays | 4 pm – 11 pm
10. Fiesta Nite at Plaza Mont’ Kiara
Unlike the other types of night markets from the list, this bazaar in front of Plaza Mont’ Kiara will give you an upscale feel.
You can find a variety of food, including Thai, Chinese, Japanese, and much more. Not only that, you can find booths selling books, handmade goods, and other items.
If you’re into handmade items, you will also encounter homemade products such as soaps, and pastries from local sellers.
That wraps up my list of night markets located less than or within 30 minutes from the city center!
Location: Google Maps
Opening Hours: Thursdays | 3 pm – 10 pm
Top 3 Must-Visit Night Markets in KL for Travellers
If you’re struggling to decide which night market to visit, here are the top 3 night markets in KL that are popular with tourists for the reasons I mentioned above.
- Petaling Street
- Jalan Alor
- Kasturi Walk
Not only that, they are conveniently located within or less than 30 minutes from the city center, making it easier to add them to your itinerary. #bestnightmarketkualalumpur
FAQ on Best Night Markets in KL
Which Is The Longest Night Market In Malaysia?
The longest night market in Malaysia is Pasar Malam Setia Alam, located in Shah Alam, Selangor. At 2.3 km long, it is the longest and biggest night market in Malaysia.
You can visit this pasar malam every Saturday from 4:30 pm onwards.
What Is The Most Famous Night Market In Malaysia?
The most famous night market in Malaysia is Jalan Alor Food Street.
It’s a famous night market among both locals and tourists, which is why I added Jalan Alor as one of the top three traveler picks for night markets to the list.
What is the biggest night market in the world?
The biggest night market in the world is Chatuchak Market, Bangkok, Thailand.
Spanning over 15,000 stalls across 35 acres of land, this market offers everything from vintage clothing, handmade crafts, street food and so much more.
It’s so famous that it attracts a lot of tourists as well!
Where Is The Best Party Street In Kuala Lumpur?
If you’re looking for the best party street in Kuala Lumpur, look no further, Changkat Bukit Bintang is the place!
It’s arguably the most popular nightlife area in KL among tourists. You’ll see a lot of clubs and pubs, making it a famous party street.
Petite Mary Tips for Night Market Visits
- Carry some cash with you. While many vendors now accept QR pay, some don’t. If you’re a foreigner, please carry enough cash with you.
- Night markets are known for offering delicious street food at budget-friendly prices. Enjoying a meal at these markets is definitely much cheaper than dining at restaurants or outlets.
- Most of the night markets from this list can be insanely crowded, so keep your personal belongings safe.
- Some vendors provide dining options, allowing customers to sit at tables near their stalls and enjoy their meals in a relaxed setting.
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear, as you may spend a lot of time walking around and standing in line.
- Arrive early to beat the crowd and get the food. Sometimes vendors may sell out of popular items as the night progresses.
- Try out new dishes from different cultures. Night markets are a fantastic place to sample a variety of cuisines and discover unique flavors as you can always see them getting creative and innovative all the time.
Time To Shop, Snack, And Stroll!
KL’s night markets are more than just places to shop – whether you’re looking for delicious street food, souvenirs, or just a lively evening out, they have it all!
Don’t miss out on the excitement of the night markets in KL and soak in the lively atmosphere. It’s one-of-a-kind, I promise.
I believe it’s important to experience local culture rather than just dining at restaurants that cater primarily to tourists.
While it does sound amazing, I’d encourage you to include a few authentic experiences in your itinerary.
So, if you’re like me, be sure to include a night market in your KL itinerary to fully immerse yourself in the local flavor and culture.
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