Pigging Out at Jalan Alor Food Street (Kuala Lumpur Trip - Day 1)

 

My latest travel destination: Kuala Lumpur

After landing at Kuala Lumpur Airport's Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) we proceeded to get a cab from the taxi counters in the airport. As advised in travel blogs and forums, it was indeed cheaper and less hassle here than to hire one outside. We paid 78 Malaysian Ringgit for a one way trip to the City Center. Cab ride from LCCT to Kuala Lumpur City Center took 1.5 hours.

Notice I did not make any comments on the airport? (As the name implies, it was really not worth mentioning :p) 

It was a pleasurable ride as the friendly taxi driver gave us their country's culture and local insights and tips. We passed by a big area of palm trees which he proudly explains as the big mass of greenery that you see from your plane's window.

We soon arrived at our home for the next days, the Furama Bukit Bintang Hotel. (http://www.furama.com/bukitbintang) For a separate review on this cozy hotel, click here.

Furama Bukit Bintang Hotel Lobby

 

After settling into our rooms and freshening up, we excitedly ventured out to have dinner and to get our first taste of what Kuala Lumpur had to offer. The helpful concierge gave us a map and directions to the famous Jalan Alor Food Street and reminded us to keep safe as it is already night time.

It was quite a long walk for first timers especially if you’re not sure of the place. It took us 15 minutes to reach our destination. (pestering people for further directions along the way included.)

 

 

Finally, Jalan Alor was just around the corner. Directions to this place can be found at the end of this post. Previously a red light district, it is now a very brightly lit street lined with many restaurants and food stalls. Seeing the red lanterns all over the place, you will not doubt that the restaurants are mostly Chinese/Malaysian. The look and feel of this place is quite similar to the food streets found in Taiwan or Hong Kong.

 

Jalan Alor Food Street

 

Since we had some “oldies” companions, which translated to no-more-walking-please-the-nearest-resto-will-do, we decided to try out the first restaurant which was just around the corner ~ Long Kee. In all fairness to the restaurant, it seemed to be the largest one, which included a stall selling Malaysian/Chinese goodies such as meat jerkies, moon cakes, chips, snacks, white coffee and local Malaysian delicacies, great for take home gifts. (http://loongkee.com.my)

 

 

Long Kee Restaurant

 

There were seats provided outside if you wish to dine al fresco or if you want to see your food grilled in front of you.

Al fresco dining at Jalan Alor Street

 

Yum Yum

 

For the longest time, I have heard of this Bak kut Teh which is a staple at the any Malaysian or Singaporean menus but I don’t really know why I haven’t tried this before. And that dish definitely showed up at our dinner table. We also chose a dish of spicy clams and a plate of ginger-garnished bamboo shells.

 

Bak Kut Teh
 

 

Spicy Clams

 
 
 

Bamboo Shells in Ginger Sauce
 

The Bak kut Teh did not disappoint. We all like the tenderness of the meat and the flavor. The portion was big enough for 4 persons to have second rounds. My personal fave was the clams as I enjoy spicy food. The bamboo shell dish was good as long as you like the taste of ginger (warning: strong ginger taste).

Moments later, food gobbled, plates emptied, fingers licked (yeah we were THAT hungry), we visited their food stall to check out some foodies to take back home.

Food Shopping Time :)

 

Wallet dent: 95 Malaysian Ringgit (Dinner), 140 Malaysian Ringgit (Goodies)

We strolled further down the road and saw this Turkish ice cream stall. I got to try this one (I always have room for desserts, who doesn’t?)

 

 

 

 

Verdict: Well, it looks unique but it tasted just like any ordinary ice cream. Oh well, at least I could say that I had tasted a Turkish one. (Exotic!)

Next discovery was a hotpot cart on wheels. Since I was not entirely satisfied with my “Turkish” ice cream, and I super love the sate flavored fish balls sticks in Hong Kong (drooling now), so I just had to try this one too (companions’ protests ignored).
 

Eat and Run!

 

Fish balls, squids ball, sausages and many other unknown stuff on sticks. I got a fish ball stick costing 2.50 RM and cooked in it the soup pot.

 

Stick all you want!

 

The taste? Not as yummy as I expected. Sauce was different from that of Hong Kong’s. Do I like it? Hmm. It's ok to try but nothing spectacular.

Soon after, an appetizing smell was calling out to me. My next supposed target was grilled lamb meat on stick. Wow it made me remember the same food that I tried in Beijing before and I liked it. (No need to comment on my appetite.) But sadly, my companions were excited to go and my tummy was forced to sign off for the night. Sorry tummy.

My dining experience at Jalan Alor was a pleasant one. It is a nice place to sample local Malaysian and Chinese cuisine.  
 
As for safety concerns (as warned by hotel staff), I find it safe enough as I was trained well by Manila's Thief Spotting and Self Protection Academy, lol! Just remember to keep an eye on your belongings, as we tourists have the tendency to be too excited that we often forget to be wary of our surroundings. That makes us the favorite target of thieves.
 
I'm not saying that Kuala Lumpur is not a safe place, but extra care is needed when we are in a new place. Regardless of where we go, safety must always be top priority. :)


Directions to Jalan Alor Food Street

1. Coming from Berjaya Times Square (Imbi LRT Station), walk away from the station going to the nearest stoplight at Jalan Sultan Ismail Street.

2. Turn left at Jalan Sultan Ismail.

3. From there, walk straight and you will find restaurants, coffee shops, Sungei Wang Plaza, (all on your left side) until you reach the big street Bukit Bintang.

4. Turn left at the corner of BB Plaza and walk straight. Look for KFC on the right.

5. Cross the street towards KFC.

6. Jalan Alor is right behind it.


Enjoy! :)