AlestraIf you haven’t visited any night markets (or “pasar malam”) in the greater area of Kuala Lumpur, you’re definitely missing out. Before shopping malls thronged our neighbourhoods, this was one of the best ways to walk and shop from late in the afternoon to after dinner. Stalls selling essential vegetables and fruits were the main fare in the past, but these days, you’ll also find an abundance of merchants selling entertainment items, clothes, snacks, electronics and so much more.
Check out our fantastic night market suggestions below spanning from Monday all the way to Sunday:
Monday: Chow Kit Night Market
Image credit: Nicholas Chan
During the daytime, this famous area is home to the largest wet market in Kuala Lumpur (situated along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman). If you want an authentic wet market experience, do visit Chow Kit between the hours of 9am to 5pm. Otherwise, the night market stalls will be open from 6pm onwards. You’ll get to peruse a large array of clothes and accessories as well as various electronic gadgets and add-ons at very reasonable prices.
Location: Along Lorong Haji Taib
Operating Hours: 6pm to 11pm
Tuesday: Sri Petaling Night Market
Image credit: Pauleon Tan
This night market is a popular spot out of central Kuala Lumpur. It boasts a large mix of merchants and is usually crowded. If you’re looking for a night market which serves up plenty of food and snack choices, this is it. You’ll be spoilt for choice with food items such as stinky tofu, pork and leek dumplings, herbal drinks, fried foods and various types of bread products and pastries. This is definitely a night market you should visit if you’re interested in sampling a large variety of food.
Location: Jalan Radin Tengah (spans across several streets)
Operating Hours: 5.30pm to 10pm
Wednesday: Taman Connaught Night Market
Image credit: evelynquek
If you’re looking for a night market with plenty of stalls, you’ve got to pay a visit to one of the longest night markets in Kuala Lumpur. It used to hold the record as the longest night market in Malaysia, but it has since dropped to second place. Still, you won’t be disappointed with this night market. With over 700 stalls thronging one long street, you can easily spend several hours just perusing and sampling from each merchant. This is a popular spot catering to a young crowd so you can be assured that there will always be something new to see and try out when you drop by.
Location: Jalan Cerdas, Taman Connaught
Operating Hours: 5.30pm to 12pm
Thursday: Plaza Mont Kiara Fiesta Night
Image credit: Attila Siha
This happening spot houses a newer version of a night market that sees plenty of young visitors (both local and foreign) every week. Gathered around the fountain courtyard of Plaza Mont Kiara are merchants of various local and international ethnicities. The special theme of this night market focuses on the letter “F”. That means you’ll get to enjoy lots of food, flora, fruit, footwear, fitness and fictional books, fauna, fragrances and fabrics.
Location: Plaza Mont Kiara
Operating Hours: 3pm to 10pm
Friday: Bandar Baru Sentul Night Market / Pasar Sentul Night Market
Image credit: Nicholas Chan
Discarding with trendy additions and crowd-pleasing items, this neighbourhood night market is a favourite haunt for regulars. It’s a great place to enjoy various local delicacies spanning from asam laksa, mee jawa, nasi kerabu, tomyam, and many more. If you can’t make it to visit this location at night, you can still drop by in the daytime from 6am to 3pm. It’s a popular breakfast spot that’s usually crowded. Depending on your preferences, you might like this night market as it serves up traditional street cart foods you might not find elsewhere.
Location: Jalan 9/48A, Bandar Baru Sentul
Operating Hours: 6pm to 10pm
Saturday: Setia Alam Night Market
Image credit: al-jubey
Strictly speaking, this isn’t located in the greater Kuala Lumpur area, but as the longest night market in Malaysia, it’s well worth a visit. Serving up a healthy dose of local Malay and Chinese stalls, this long night market is a good place to stock up on vegetables, fruits and other basic necessities. You can also line your stomach by visiting the various stalls serving up authentic Malaysian delicacies. It also adheres to Malaysia’s halal laws, which means the earlier part of the night market houses Malay stalls whereas the latter half is filled with Chinese stalls.
Location: Jalan Setia Prima A U13/1, Setia Alam
Operating Hours: 6pm to 11pm
Sunday: Kampung Baru Night Market
Image credit: mainur risyada
If you’re interested in sampling the local Malay delicacies and cuisines, this is your stop. This is also a great place to pick up some traditional Malay apparel at affordable prices. With its origins dating back to the year 1899, you’ll find lots of items here that range from the norm to trendier purchases. Since you’ll be in the oldest Malay village in the city centre, you can also enjoy the atmosphere of traditional wooden homes and lots of coconut and banana trees.
Location: Jalan Raja Muda Musa
Operating Hours: 6pm to 1am
Also read: A 3D2N Itinerary for a Weekend Getaway in Kuala Lumpur
