When it comes to famous food streets in Kuala Lumpur, many might instantly think of Jalan Hang Lekir in Chinatown. However, on the western side of Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur, there’s another gem that is well-known for its culinary offerings, and that’s Jalan Alor (Alor Street). Interestingly, Jalan Alor seems to have become more popular among foreign tourists, while locals rarely visit this iconic street.
Jalan Alor is just a stone’s throw away from Bukit Bintang, and you can even get there directly by MRT, which makes it incredibly accessible. Stretching for about 300 meters, this street is relatively compact, so you don’t really need a car to explore it.
A Food Haven – Jalan Alor as a “Food Walk”
To ensure that visitors can explore Jalan Alor with ease, the Kuala Lumpur City Council announced that, starting from July 1, 2023, Jalan Alor will be officially designated as a “Food Walk.” This means that from 6pm to 3am every night, the street will be closed to vehicles, making it a pedestrian paradise for food enthusiasts.
A Glimpse into History
Jalan Alor is a street with a rich history. Back in the day, it was dotted with makeshift wooden houses on the hill. However, in the 1940s, the area began to see the development of multi-story shophouses, replacing these humble abodes.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Jalan Alor was known for its vibrant nightlife scene. The three- to four-story shophouses that you see today had already taken shape back then, and they housed bars, massage centers, nightclubs, and more. It was a street famous for its nightlife activities.
Evolving into a Food Street
Due to the complexity of the street and its notorious reputation, Jalan Alor had relatively few street vendors until the 1990s. However, in recent years, the food culture of Jalan Alor has evolved and now offers a fusion of Malaysian and various Asian cuisines.
A Culinary Journey
Today, we explore “Meng Kee Grill Fish,” one of the restaurants in Jalan Alor.
The crowd was already big around 6pm.
It’s a spot that’s bustling with diners, and it’s known for its delectable grilled stingray. The slight char on the stingray adds a lovely aroma, and the flesh remains tender.
The Dried Chili Frog is another dish that packs a punch. The sauce is rich and flavorful, but it comes with a spicy kick!
If you’re in the mood for noodles, the Hokkien Mee is quite decent, although the noodles lean toward the softer side.
And, don’t forget to cool off with a refreshing Thai coconut!
Standing out on the street is “Wong Ah Wah Restaurant,” which is a street food vendor that many foreign tourists favor. It’s a small corner that operates multiple outlets, and it’s right at the front, so it’s hard to miss. The shop is known for its roasted chicken wings and grilled stingray fish.
For those who don’t want a full meal, the street is lined with numerous food stalls offering snacks and smaller bites to satisfy your cravings.
A Hub for Tourists
With the growth of tourism, Jalan Alor has also seen an influx of hotels. After all, it’s within walking distance of shopping malls like Sungei Wang Plaza, Lot 10, and Pavilion.
If you’re just here to explore rather than indulge in a foodie adventure, it’s recommended to visit the “Alor Backspace” during the day to view the street art.
Jalan Alor’s backlane murals, supported by the Kuala Lumpur City Council, are themed around the concept of a “river.” Therefore, the murals on both sides depict scenic river landscapes.
The word “Alor” in Jalan Alor is a Malay word meaning “river.” Although you may not see a river nearby now, historical maps from 1921 indicate there was once a small stream in the area. (Mariana Isa & Maganjeet Kaur | Kuala Lumpur Street Names (p34, 2015))
In summary, Jalan Alor stands as a testament to Kuala Lumpur’s history while continuing to shine in its unique way.
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