Chinatown is always a quarter-institution worldwide. More or less always has similar elements as the shops of counterfeit branded products, food stalls and street vendors distinctive clothing (the old shorts and a washed-out t-shirt).
For me Chinatown odors: incense burning prayer in the temple, slightly moldy fruit zostawionych on the sidewalk, dirty water bowls in which the washed dishes in a restaurant, a cheap glue that sticks together "Company" handbags and shoes ...
But the most important is the noise and commotion. The cries of vendors, laughing teenager tea drinkers, the creaking of the trolley where someone carrying ice cubes into a pub ... this is my Chinatown!
Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur
The largest Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur is located in the old town, between the stations of LRT Pasar Seni and Masjid Jamek. Her tour will take you half a day quietly.
Petaling Street
The most famous Chinese street in Chinatown. And probably the only place in the entire city, where the seller will call you, or even catch just to interest you in their products. Besides Chinatown is usually much more peaceful
Petaling suspended over the street are hundreds of red lanterns - small and large, and the main promenade is covered, so you can shop even when it rains.
And what you are buying? Most bags are "Pradda", "Dolce and Fabb," shoes "Niki", watch sports, but also phone accessories: you will get here housing with cartoon characters, with sequins, sticks selfie, power banks, etc.
None of the products is not the price - it all depends on your bartering skills. Generally, you should aim for 25% of the original price quoted (sometimes lower, sometimes higher - depending on the product).
At the Petaling Street is also most bars and hostels for backpackers - if you are interested in an evening chat with travelers from around the world, carried out over a glass of diluted beer - it will find it right here. Cult Reggae Reggae Mansion and bar are found in this area.
With interesting: in the vicinity of Petaling Street are also florists with real (not artificial) flowers - which in Malaysia is quite a rare case. Same here when I fall floral table decorations for the holidays
Jalan Sultan
Street café. Recently, Jalan Sultan built a lot of new cafes - but you will find it here durian (available all year), a truck with snacks on sticks (lok lok), fruit cut into portions, etc.
The café recommend eg. Einstein Cafe - they have delicious desserts and a nice variety of vegetarian dishes. A decor looks a little like an old school hall, with wooden benches.
A congruent to Jalan Sultan corner is Merchant's Lane - beautifully decorated cafe in the style of old-Chinese mixed with contemporary style: on one wall grows old tree, you can sit on the sun loungers in the section situated on the terrace and the kitchen serves fusion cuisine . I highly recommend!
Pasar Seni (Central Market)
Big blue house offers the largest selection of souvenir shops in the whole city! Come here if you are looking for something other than Chinese fakes and do not get lost for bargaining - prices here are usually set in advance.
I recommend shop "Borneo Crafts" where you will be fair trade products produced by the aborigines of Borneo: baskets, jewelry, home decoration.
Interesting are also the traditional Malay kites, bowls of coconut or cinnamon.
Sri Mahamariamman - the oldest and most important Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur. It was here during the Thaipusam festival begins pilgrimage to Batu Caves, and hundreds of thousands of faithful take part in a ceremony in which the great silver carriage slowly moves in the way.
It should come here to admire the huge kitsch entrance gate. And beautiful kitsch paintings inside. And if you are lucky, it will put you on the local mass and will have the opportunity to listen to music and receive the blessing (the red mark on the forehead) from the priest.
I love this place!
Kuan Ti Temple (Guandi Temple) - Taoist temple, characteristically painted red - notice it from afar. Is dedicated to the god of war named Guandi. As the Guandi is the patron of arts and generally upholding security, especially often they pray here policemen and soldiers. It should come here for a moment of silence and the possibility breath some smells of incense. You can foretell a future! Ask one of the guardians of the temple for help, certainly will show you how
Sze Ya Temple - rumors urban say is the oldest Chinese temple in the city (although it really has not been confirmed). Famous is especially the altar located at the center of the temple - apparently lap it 3 times brings luck
What to eat in Chinatown?
I will not lie to you - in Chinatown street food such food is done "under the backpackers' and sold after a rather inflated (tourist) prices. But there are some things you should try:
Wantan mee in the pub Koon Kee Mee Wantan. Which is the oldest in the shrine in the city, located in the - dosłownie- crumbling building. Although appearance is not encouraging, it is worth to fall on the title egg noodles with roasted pork. One serving calm enough to satisfy their hunger. Note - the entrance to Koon Kee is hidden behind the stands and umbrellas - but if wytężycie sight, it is found
Sliced fruit - if you have never tried jackfruit, dragon fruit, longanów - this is where you buy them in tiny sachets "on time" - peeled and cut into pieces. They go out, of course, a bit pricier than those for weight - but if you want to first test and see which fruits taste best to you - this is definitely a good idea. Vendors will make you the option to sour fruit powder with powdered plums - you can each season to taste.
Fruit compote mata kucing - ie. air mata kucing. Once this drink appeared in the top five most delicious non-alcoholic beverages in the world - try and decide for yourself whether you can taste. (Note: if you want a version without sugar, inform your dealer, the standard version is terribly sweet)
Bak kwa - that is, pressed, dried pieces of pork slathered in barbeque sauce and cut into squares. Heavily meat, quite hard and with a slight sweet note. You eat it in a sandwich, or just nothing.
Murals
If you like a photo of a street and nice murals, take a walk down the street Jalan Sultan - you will truly beautiful works of art on the walls of old houses.
Long row of stylish graffiti found on the banks of the Klang river, right next to the Pasar Seni LRT station.
