Chinatown 1974 Opens in Kuala Lumpur, Blending Heritage and Modern Hospitality
KUALA LUMPUR, 5 September 2026 — Chinatown 1974 officially opened its doors today along Jalan Petaling, introducing a new living heritage destination that brings together Malaysian dining, boutique accommodation, wellness and contemporary lifestyle experiences within an eight-storey building.
Led by YBhg. Datuk Wira Brian Chow, Chairman of Chinatown 1974 and Founder of iME Entertainment Group Asia, the official launch was attended by government, corporate and community representatives.
Among the distinguished guests were YB Datuk Seri Johari bin Abdul Ghani, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry and Member of Parliament for Titiwangsa; Y.A.M. Tengku Datin Paduka Setia Zatashah binti Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, Princess of Selangor; Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Mohd Annuar Zaini, Chairman of UDA Holdings Berhad; YB Mr. Samuel Lee, Deputy Director-General (Promotion II) of Tourism Malaysia; and YBhg. Dato’ Seri Saiful Nizam bin Mohd. Yusoff, Managing Director of Menara Rezeki Sdn. Bhd.
The launch ceremony featured a traditional lion dance performance, symbolically ushering in a new chapter for Chinatown 1974.
Guided by the philosophy “MOVING THROUGH TIME”, the destination draws inspiration from Kuala Lumpur’s Petaling Street during the 1970s, an era shaped by vibrant street life, multicultural communities, family businesses and everyday social rituals.
Rather than recreating the past, Chinatown 1974 interprets its heritage through contemporary hospitality, design and experiences. Across its eight-storey building, each level offers a different chapter, spanning Malaysian dining, wellness, boutique accommodation and rooftop experiences.
A New Destination in Petaling Street
Located along Jalan Petaling in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, Chinatown 1974 is surrounded by generations of history, commerce and cultural exchange.
The destination is also close to Menara Merdeka Maybank, which forms a striking backdrop to selected spaces within the property. The juxtaposition of the historic Petaling Street neighbourhood and Kuala Lumpur’s contemporary skyline reflects Chinatown 1974’s approach to connecting the city’s past with its present.
The development aims to contribute to the continued evolution of Petaling Street while encouraging Malaysians and international visitors to experience Malaysian heritage through fresh and contemporary perspectives.
Three Dining Experiences, One Malaysian Spirit
Food is central to the Chinatown 1974 experience, with three dining concepts across the first three levels offering different interpretations of Malaysia’s multicultural food traditions.
On the ground floor and mezzanine, HUAT n CO. 發達茶室 presents The Modern 70’s Malaysian Muhibbah Kopitiam, inspired by the traditional Malaysian kopitiam and its role as a gathering place for different generations.
With a capacity of 138 guests, the restaurant serves familiar favourites including HUAT n CO. Signature Nasi Lemak, HUAT Roti Tissue with Three Signature Dips, OldSchool Hainanese Chicken Chop, Malacca Chicken Rice Balls and Heritage Nyonya Laksa.
On the first floor, THIRTY-ONE MANSION 叁壹公館 offers a contemporary interpretation of a 1970s Nanyang dim sum and tea house. Traditional Cantonese dim sum is combined with Malaysian ingredients and flavours such as pandan, satay, curry and Nyonya spices.
Highlights include Butterfly Pea Satay Glutinous Rice, Pandan Salted Egg Lava Bao and Pandan Musang King Durian Pancake. The experience also features a Gongfu Tea ritual focused on the preparation and appreciation of tea.
The venue accommodates up to 130 guests and includes private VIP rooms and outdoor balcony seating.
On the second floor, XI JU CHARCOAL HOTPOT 禧聚樓 combines charcoal fire, hotpot and communal dining. Its signature offerings include Teochew Style Fish Soup Charcoal Hotpot and Malacca Satay Celup Charcoal Hotpot, alongside live seafood selected from dedicated tanks.
The 118-seat restaurant also features private VIP rooms and outdoor balcony seating overlooking Menara Merdeka Maybank.
Across its dining concepts and rooftop beverage destination, Chinatown 1974 is committed to creating a Muslim-friendly dining experience, with its food and beverage operations working towards Halal certification.
From Daylight to Moonlight at Twilight Terrace
At the top of the building, TWILIGHT TERRACE offers specialty tea, coffee and kombucha alongside indoor and open-air seating.
The rooftop’s main attraction is its close-up view of Menara Merdeka Maybank, complemented by views of KL Tower and the surrounding Kuala Lumpur skyline.
Designed as a relaxed social space, TWILIGHT TERRACE transitions from afternoon gatherings to sunset drinks and evening city views, offering visitors a place to unwind above Petaling Street.
Wellness and Boutique Accommodation
The third floor houses YANG HE Wellness Pavilion, a 1970s-inspired wellness concept featuring foot massage and spa facilities.
The space is designed around wellness, restoration and slow living, providing visitors with an opportunity to pause and recharge away from the pace of the city.
Levels five, six and seven are home to THE SEVEN STARS HOTEL 七星酒店, a 32-room luxury boutique hotel that extends the heritage experience into accommodation.
Inspired by 1970s heritage and old-world travel, the hotel features rich timber tones, deep greens, herringbone wood flooring, patterned surfaces and period-inspired details.
The hotel offers Standard, Deluxe and Premier rooms, as well as Couple Suites, complemented by premium amenities and personalised service.
Celebrating Malaysia’s King of Fruits
At the entrance, Durian Village 榴蓮村庄 celebrates one of Malaysia’s most recognisable culinary icons — the durian.
Built around a farm-to-plate concept, the experience features durians sourced through Chinatown 1974’s own supply. The concept focuses on durian as more than a food, highlighting its role as a shared Malaysian experience enjoyed among family and friends.
Also located on the ground floor, AISICE offers a contemporary shaved-ice concept designed around convenience and changing moods. Its mobile truck format provides a youthful contrast to the destination’s heritage-inspired surroundings.
A Walk Through Time
One of Chinatown 1974’s visual highlights is its signature art mural staircase, designed as an Instagram-friendly journey through Malaysia’s heritage and the passage of time.
The murals feature scenes, stories and cultural elements spanning the years before, during and after the 1970s. As visitors move upwards, the artwork evolves from nostalgic references towards contemporary Kuala Lumpur, culminating at the rooftop and its modern city skyline.
The staircase brings the destination’s “MOVING THROUGH TIME” philosophy to life while creating a visual connection between Malaysia’s cultural past and present.
By combining the character of old Petaling Street with contemporary dining, hospitality, wellness and lifestyle experiences, Chinatown 1974 aims to become a distinctive new landmark in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown.
The destination seeks to preserve and reinterpret the cultural spirit of Petaling Street while creating new ways for Malaysians and international travellers to connect with Malaysia’s multicultural identity.
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