Bukit Bintang needs no introduction. Go there on weekends and expect to witness the real deal of what makes Kuala Lumpur so lively, energetic and enjoyable from day till night. While it is undoubtedly and understandably known for being a shopping haven among shopaholics, thanks to social media, Bukit Bintang has grown to become one of the most popular places in Kuala Lumpur for foodies to do food hunting!
Recently, my friend and I played tourist in Bukit Bintang just to try out everything viral and also discover some hidden gems around the area. Read on to find out what you can discover during your next food-hunting trip in Bukit Bintang!
Tip: To indulge in the experience, stay a night at WOLO Kuala Lumpur. It is strategically located, which means you can go to many of these places, including Pavilion Bukit Bintang, in just few minutes’ walk! And the hotel also has rooms with incredible views of Jalan Bukit Bintang and the new iconic building in town, Merdeka 118!
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1. Nasi Kahwin Hari-Hari
Opened since July 2019, the humble stall near Jalan Berangan is no more a secret though it is well-hidden between the back alley of buildings. It serves delicious Nasi Hujan Panas with tantalising traditional Malay dishes usually cooked during traditional Malay wedding including Ayam Rose Terangkat (RM9), Ayam Madu Dua (RM9), Daging Masak Hitam (RM10), and Kambing Pasamah (RM13). Rose cordial is provided for free!
Operation hours: 10:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. (daily except Sunday)
2. Damascus Shawarma & BBQ
It has two outlets that are just a walking distance from each other, one in Sungei Wang and the other situated next to WOLO Kuala Lumpur. Expect to see lines of people queuing to buy the outlets’ juicy Syrian shawarma, chicken and beef. They do live cooking too and phew, these guys are super fast!
Operation hours: 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 a.m. (daily)
3. 32 Parfait
Hailed all the way from South Korea, this small stall stands right at the entrance of Lot 10 Shopping Centre. Known for that 32cm tall ice cream, this outlet in Bukit Bintang is 32 Parfait’s first outlet in Malaysia. There are many flavours to choose from, but among their best-sellers are strawmango, vanillachoc and yogurtblue. It is priced at RM16 per cone.
Operation hours: 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. (daily)
4. Don Don Donki
Best known for the juicy, mouthwatering, Halal-certified wagyu skewer, this outlet is quick to grab people’s attention due to its aromatic, tender grilled wagyu aroma that is so tempting, prompting one to just stop just and find out where the aroma comes from. The premium wagyu skewer is sold at RM16 per piece.
Operation hours: 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 a.m. (daily)
5. Al-Ammar Express
The restaurant actually serves Lebanese cuisine but it is mainly known for its ice cream, simply because of the playful ice cream guy likes to play cheeky and entertaining tricks with his customers when dispensing the ice cream! The restaurant lies right in front of Fahrenheit 88’s entrance.
Operation hours: 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m. (daily)
6. Friend Fries
Also close to Fahrenheit 88 is a small shop painted in yellow serving patat fries, like the one in Amsterdam. There are as many as 12 types of sauces or toppings that you can choose such as cheese, garlic, chilli, ketchup, mayonnaise, barbecue, mustard, Mexican and more. It is available in three sizes: large (MYR11.90 with three toppings), medium (MYR9.90 with two toppings) and small (MYR7.90 with one topping). But no matter the size, you will be surprised how generous the amount of toppings are!
Operation hours: 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. (daily)
7. Kunafa Crisp
Kunafa is a famous Middle Eastern dessert. There is one restaurant that stands out for serving one of the best kunafas in town: Kunafa Crisp, which hands out kunafa that is delicious and contains stringy cheese! To make it even better, they also serve Turkish Coffee, uniquely prepared using a long-handled cezve and brewed using hot sand. The combo set of the crisp cheese kunafa and Turkish coffee costs MYR24.90.
Operation hours: 2.00pm until 2.00am (daily)
8. Starbucks Reserve Bukit Bintang Junction
Yeah, I know Starbucks is ubiquitous but I included this one because it is special too. Opened since November 2019, this is Starbucks’ 300th outlet in Malaysia! Attached to WOLO Kuala Lumpur, this outlet has high ceilings with high-arched windows allowing ample light to enter and guests can enjoy their food and drink while people-watching. And since you are here, why not try the viral, fluffy, square-shaped Starbucks Donut and pair it up with your favourite Starbucks beverage?
Operation hours: 8:30 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. (Sunday – Thursday) / 8:30 a.m. until 1:00 a.m. (Friday) / 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m. (Saturday)
9. Bröom at Bukit Bintang
There are several hipster bars, cafes and restaurants around Sin Chew Kee Road, Bukit Bintang and Bröom Artisan Bakery is one of them. It is generally famous for its flaky, buttery croissant. But it also has other more fulfilling options such as Proudly Malaysian, The Prawny Kid and Salmon Rice Bowl, which are all highly recommended. Oh, don’t miss its Hazelnut Praline Latte and Coffocado for drinks!
Operation hours: 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. (daily except Tuesday)
10. V88 Starhill
Besides the famous Bukit Bintang Junction that resembles the well-know Shibuya crossing in Japan, there is another crossing that is said to be the epicentre of this area which is right in front of Pavilion Bukit Bintang’s water fountain.
V88 Starhill, which sits at the opposite, is one of the best spots to have this lively, urban view while sipping your drinks of choice. It does have some heavy foods by a more lighter options, you should try their signature cakes such as Malaysian Onde-Onde and Strawberry Matcha Shortcake as well as some highlighted beverages such as Pandan Coconut Milk Latte and Rose Pandan Lychee Lemonade.
11. Eden Coffee Roftop Cafe, Lot10
Almost in every nook and crook of Bukit Bintang has something for curious travellers to discover and this particular one is well-hidden on the very top floor of Lot10 Shopping Mall. To get here, travellers can take the dedicated, not-so-secret elevator right next to Lot10’s entrance. It is a really cozy coffee shop with quite a lot of drink and food options, including cakes, which what they are mostly recognized for.
