17 Roaming Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown

Petaling Street aka Chinatown, at times referred to as Banglatown. Laugh. I would elaborate but this article on NST sums it up : Nothing Chinese About Petaling Street Anymore

I still enjoy coming to this part of Kuala Lumpur, if only to walk down memory lane and bring the occasional tourist. Life is a balance of good and bad. If I stick to visiting only the places we have labeled 'safe' and 'rich', then it means that I am choosing to turn a blind eye to our heritage, to shun a part of our country and its issues. Well, that's what I believe anyway. The world isn't all sunshine and rainbows. There are rainstorms we must weather and Kuala Lumpur's imperfections are just that for me.

Petaling Street didn't earn its less than stellar reputation for nothing . The shops and night markets are a haven for imitation goods. This was the place I had seen a beggar put his crutches aside, then walk away with his day's collection. This is the place everyone tells you to watch out for pickpockets.

Petaling Street, A Part of KL's Chinatown

Anyway, one of the most famous wonton noodles around can be found here - Koon Kee Wan Tan Mee. A true blue KLite introduced it to me. I've been back here several times with family members who visit. Just plain ol' wan tan mee like how it used to be in the old days.

Koon Kee Wan Tan Mee, Petaling Street

Outside this noodle shop is a happening Apam Balik (Sweet Peanut Pancake) stall manned by a sprightly old man. I savoured every bite, a taste of years of expertise. His pancakes are so popular that it is sold as soon as it is off the pan and cut.

Apam Balik, Petaling Street

Apam Balik

Air Mata Kucing (Dried Longan Drink) anyone? A thirst quencher. No food journey in Petaling Street is complete without a cup of this. Our humid weather demands it.

Air Mata Kucing, Petaling Street

Food is not all you'll find interesting here. In between a row of shops, a friend and I came across this lovely piece by established street artists LeDania from Colombia and our very own Cloakwork. 'Lucy In The Sky' - look for this cafe and you should find it. I don't know how long it'll be there before it gets painted over though.

LeDania and Cloak

I remember the cafe - a cosy place. My aunt and I breakfasted here once long ago. We were in the area to buy cookware at the shop a door away. Such fond memories. When my aunt first saw the shop, her eyes shone in excitement, "I wantttt, I want those pots, pans and plates!" it said.

Lucy In The Sky Cafe

Lucy In The Sky Cafe

Around the bend is a newly opened bargain store opposite Pasar Seni LRT. Gilasco is sort of a gift shop similar to the likes of Yubiso and Miniso.

Gilasco

My walkabout around this part of the city has been interesting but I hope to be back again soon and perhaps this time, I will take a closer look at Central Market. The place seems to have come up nicely. I wonder if the second-hand book shop I used to frequent during my college days is still around.

Just a couple more pictures and that's that for this post.

Graffiti Across Pasar Seni LRT Station

The Scene at MRT Pasar Seni