Your Guide To The Top Night Markets In KL To Discover And Experience The Best Of Malaysia’s Street Food Scene

Malaysia’s one of the most unique nations in the world when it comes to food. This multicultural country serves as home to a melting pot of ethnicities and because of that, we get to experience the joys of discovering a multitude of cuisine without going beyond the borders.

While we now have dedicated food truck parks (Tapak anyone?), 24-hour mamaks serving up local favourites, and restaurants hopping in on the bandwagon of latest food trends, there’s one particular street food scene that allows you to both experience the full day-to-day of Malaysian culture while enjoying delights that you can munch on-the-go. 

The night markets of Malaysia, also known as pasar malam. Most who hear the word “night market” would often immediately think of the renowned night markets found in Taiwan, or food truck congregations offering fun eats. 

But Malaysia’s night markets are a unique beast where vendors of all sorts gather once a week to display their wares; think delicious local and international cuisines, trendy fashion pieces, common household items, fresh produce, beauty essentials brought in from various parts of Southeast Asia, to even the occasional pet adoption drives.

So if you’ve been looking for a way to eat and live like the locals for a day, skip the usual touristy Jalan Alor Food Street, Central Market, and Petaling Street Night Market and visit one of these top local night markets that you simply must check out in Kuala Lumpur.

Top 11 Night Markets In Kuala Lumpur To Check Out For Malaysia's Best Street Food Scene

1. Taman Connaught Night Market (A Must Visit For Food Lovers)

The Taman Connaught Night Market held every Wednesday in Cheras is well renowned as the longest street market in Kuala Lumpur, and one of the best night markets around. It’s easily identifiable by the long 2km stretch of yellow tents which make up the street side stalls pitched by the night market vendors that line the street. Because of its length and vast offerings, you’ll easily find yourself spending up to 2 hours here simply to complete the experience.

It’s also known as one of the busiest markets and the night market to visit for those living far from the city centre or abroad because it has almost every trendy Southeast Asian street foods and imported food items of the season gathered in one spot.

Think viral Taiwanese night market dishes, Japanese eats, Korean delights, Thai snacks, street food from China, and our very own local favourites of the iconic stinky tofu, candied fruits, Taiwanese fried chicken chop, salted egg yolk fried foods, char kway teow (local fried noodles), salt baked crab, oyster omelette, fried milk, bubble tea, and the list goes on.

If you’re short on time during your visit to Kuala Lumpur, do make KL's longest night market a must-visit on your list because of how it combines most of Kuala Lumpur’s best night market offerings in one spot.

The only downsides are that the street food and snacks sold here tend to be on the pricier end compared to the neighbourhood night markets, and how parking is a challenge. Which is why I’d recommend opting for an e-hailing service like Grab, which is Southeast Asia’s equivalent to Uber.

Opening Times: 5pm - 1am on Wednesday

Address: Jalan Cerdas, Taman Connaught, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2. OUG Pasar Malam

Surrounding the OUG Market Place building is the OUG Pasar Malam, a weekly Thursday affair that is predominantly purveyed by local Chinese vendors and frequented by the nearby residents. This night market is not as crowded as the Taman Connaught Night Market but it still has similar offerings, making it the perfect alternative to those who want to avoid major crowds.

The OUG Pasar Malam offers similar fare to Taiwan’s famous night markets, only with a bit of local twist. Think fried rice cakes, salted egg fried chicken and squid, apam balik, popiah, peach gum tong shui, and the refreshing coolers from the popular Punc Lemon Tea stall.

It’s also home to many vendors selling trendy clothing, assorted hair accessories, household hardware, fresh produce like vegetables, chicken, fish, and pork, along with fruit stalls and mobile phone accessories (new fun phone case anyone?).

Opening Times: 4pm - 11:30pm on Thursday

Address: Overseas Union Garden, Jalan Hujan Emas 4, Taman OUG, 58200, Federal Territory Of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

3. Pasar Malam Kuala Lumpur (Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman Night Market)

Hidden within the alleyways of Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman in the Kuala Lumpur city centre and a stone’s throw away from the Pasar Malam Masjid India lies a night market which specialises in Malaysian street food that opens only on Saturdays, the Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman Night Market.

It’s an underrated night market, but this is the night market you’ll definitely want to visit if you’re looking for Malay street food and drinks at affordable prices (not forgetting it's convenient location!).

The Pasar Malam Kuala Lumpur is popular amongst its regulars for local delicacies such as the freshly made martabak (or as most locals would call it, murtabak), roti john, keropok lekor, extra crispy apam balik made with Nestum, shawarma, assorted Malay kuih (the kuih koci here is superb), and satay.

I’d recommend starting your foodie adventure here with a cold, creamy fruit blend of watermelon or dragonfruit with sweetened milk to keep you cool as you explore the delicious eats of this night market.

It’s also known for selling various modest-wear (muslimah fashion), accessories, and accessories. Also, the food here is halal so everyone, especially our Muslim friends, can enjoy the delights here with no worries.

Bonus Tip: Make your way here during the Ramadan period for even more choices of delicious Malay street food!

Opening Times: 5pm - 12am on Saturday

Address: 7, Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman, City Centre, 50100, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

4. Pasar Malam Kuchai Entrepreneur’s Park

If you’re looking for a spot with a diverse balance of dine-in options, along with local and Thai street food, then you’ll want to visit the Pasar Malam Kuchai Entrepreneur’s Park.

It’s known amongst locals for its wide range of street food inspired by the Taiwanese and Chinese street food scene, local Malaysian Chinese fare like muah chee, crystal dumplings, and deep fried radish cake.

You must also check out the popular nyonya mixed rice stall which serves delicious spicy stews like pork rendang, nyonya-style chicken rendang, and have it topped off with tomyum spicy vermicelli for a nice change of pace away from the daily economy rice options.

You’ll also find stalls selling wet and dry goods like traditional Chinese herbs used often in TCM, along with the occasional Vietnamese vendors selling banh mi assembled on the spot.

But what sets the Pasar Malam Kuchai Entrepreneur’s Park apart from the other night markets is its diverse options of Thai street food thanks to its resident Thai community. Think freshly grilled pork skewers, your choice of green or red Thai milk tea, mango sticky rice, and Thai grocery products found in abundance.

Opening Times: 6pm - 10pm on Wednesday

Address: Jalan Kuchai Maju 10, Kuchai Entrepreneurs Park, 58200, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

5. Sri Petaling Night Market

The Sri Petaling Night Market is a predominantly Chinese Malaysian run night market which is held every Tuesday at a dedicated parking compound in Sri Petaling that is cleared off for vendors to set up their tent and wares between 5pm to 11pm.

This particular night market is smaller than the OUG and Kuchai Lama night markets, but its offerings are not to be overlooked. Some of the regular fan favourites here include the smelly tofu (it definitely tastes heaps better than it smells!), Malaysian rojak, salted egg fried foods, fishball noodles, grilled Taiwanese sausages, fried radish cakes, candied fruit sticks, and deep fried crispy prawn fritters.

The Sri Petaling Night Market is also frequented by regulars who shop their weekly fresh produce from the night market’s various vegetable stalls, fruit stands, fishmonger, butcher, and poultryman. You also have the usual household hardware stalls and small fashion accessory vendors peddling their sparkling wares and the latest trendy accessories.

It tends to get hot here since the night market is in an open space that is surrounded by tall shoplot buildings, so I’d recommend grabbing a bottle of chilled fresh sugarcane juice to have on-the-go and keep yourself cool! Parking is also easily accessible here at the nearby multi-level parking just opposite the MiX Store at Sri Petaling.

6. Kampung Baru Night Market

If you’re looking to experience a night market that blends in street food and traditional heritage, then look no further than the Kampung Baru Night Market, which is also sometimes known as the Kampung Baru Sunday Market since the market runs from Saturday evening right to early Sunday morning.

This night market takes place in the Malay heritage heartland of Kampung Baru that is found a stone’s throw away from the Petronas Twin Towers. You can access Kampung Baru by crossing the iconic Saloma Link Bridge. It’s also found a few kilometres away from the famous Chow Kit Market.

The Kampung Baru Night Market contains a diverse mix of traditional Malay street food, middle eastern fare, and Turkish street food. You also have plenty of clothing vendors selling traditional Malay clothing like hijab scarves, baju Melayu, kebayas, sarongs, and more. 

There are also a number of permanent dining establishments around that sell fresh produce just by a kitchen so you can pick from the fresh produce of the day and have it cooked in the kitchen, making this night market a little different compared to the usual night markets in Kuala Lumpur.

Some of the dishes here you must try include martabak, deep-fried cempedak, Malay mixed rice, kunafa, baklava, halal dim sum, otak-otak, grilled fish, fresh seafood from the fishmonger’s kitchen, mee celup, and more. There are also buskers serenading diners in some of the food stalls for a nice touch of live music (consider tipping them if you enjoy their tunes!).

All in all, the Kampung Baru Night Market is the place to go if you’re looking to shop for traditional Malaysian souvenirs or Malay clothing and traditional Malay street food.

Opening Times: 6pm - 1am on Saturday

Address: 27, Jalan Raja Uda, Kampung Baru, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia

7. Happy Garden Night Market (Pasar Malam Jalan Lazat Happy Garden)

Nestled within Happy Garden is the neighbourhood night market known as the Pasar Malam Jalan Lazat Happy Garden. It’s predominantly run by Malaysian Chinese vendors catering to the typically Asian neighbourhood similarly to the OUG Night Market and Kuchai Lama Entrepreneur’s Park Night Market.

Happy Garden’s night market is highly popular for its ready-made Taiwanese rice dishes such as the lu rou fan (minced pork rice), black vinegar pork trotters on rice, and the more locally-driven curry chicken with rice dish. 

It also features local Malaysian Chinese hawker dishes like fishball noodles, char kway teow, freshly made spicy popiah rolls, fresh tau fu fah (beancurd pudding) with brown sugar syrup, assorted crystal dumplings in various flavours, freshly made pork burger, and the childhood favourite traditional salt-baked chicken.

You can also find traditional baked goodies by local bakers being sold there such as old school sponge cakes with buttercream, tau sar peah (mung bean pastries), and siew pao (pastries with barbecued meat). The night market is also popular for its fruit and vegetable vendors with nearby residents being their weekly regular shoppers.

Even though this night market is scheduled to open between the hours of 4pm to 11:30pm, it sometimes closes earlier at about 9:30pm because of its more quiet nature as a neighbourhood night market. So if you want to get a glimpse of the Malaysian local’s day-to-day, this is the night market to check out.

Opening Hours: 4pm - 11:30pm on Saturday

Address: Jalan Lazat 2, Taman Bukit Indah, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia

8. Bangsar Baru Night Market

Bangsar’s night market is an interesting one that has perhaps one of the most diverse cultural offerings out of the list. You’ve got a balance of Malay, Chinese, and Indian vendors selling anything from food and snacks to household essentials, clothing, shoes, and kid’s toys.

Things you’ll regularly find at the Bangsar Baru Night Market include fruit sellers, deep fried dough fritters (youtiao or yu char kway), dried fruit candies, freshly cut jackfruit, fresh sugarcane juice, tau fu fah, fresh mango milk drink, assorted Malay kuih, freshly made martabak, turmeric chicken rice, and more.

But do note that despite this, the Bangsar Baru Night Market’s food choices are one of the smaller ones compared to others on this list.

That said, parking is the easiest out of all the night markets here, even the Sri Petaling Night Market, because you have multiple places to select from; the Bangsar Village 1 carpark, Bangsar Village 2 carpark, and Bangsar Village 3 carpark. Not forgetting the choice of dedicated street parking spots.

Opening Times: 4:30pm - 9pm on Sunday

Address: Bangsar Baru, 59100, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

9. Pasar Malam Masjid India

Pasar Malam Masjid India is a traditional night market held every Saturday on the streets of Masjid India, and it is home to various Indian Muslim vendors catering to the local Indian Muslim community selling delicious local and international street food such as laksa penang, martabak, putu piring, barfi (Indian milk confectionery), fishballs loaded with cheddar cheese, baby crabs, and more.

It’s a little more quiet than the bustling Pasar Malam Kuala Lumpur which is just a stone’s throw away. The nearby areas of this particular night market are also fantastic for those looking to shop traditional Malay apparel and Indian garb thanks to its diverse Indian Muslim community.

Bonus Tip: Once you’re done with the night market, pay a visit to Hanifa nearby to check out vast choices of imported delights from India and the Middle East.

Opening Times: 5pm - 11pm on Saturday

Address: Jalan Masjid India Market, City Centre, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia

10. Chow Kit Night Market

The Chow Kit Night Market is not to be confused with KL’s largest wet market, the Chow Kit Market. This night market is a unique one compared to other local night markets as it is run predominantly by Malay, Indonesian, and Chinese vendors offering a diverse range of local street food and fresh produce.

Think steamed buttery sweetcorn, cendol, achar, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, household essentials, and even vendors selling potted plants akin to a nursery! You’ll also run into the occasional semi-permanent convenience stall and even vendors that offer steamboat dinners. And if you’re lucky, you get to enjoy durian or the rare petai (stink bean) if they are in season.

This night market is well loved by the locals because it offers vast varieties of fresh produce after dark for those who need a quick grocery run at night for unexpected dinner happenings!

Opening Times: 6pm - 11pm on Monday

Address: Jalan Raja Alang, Kampung Baru, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

11. Pasar Malam Sentul

Our last one is a fun one found in Sentul that is predominantly ran by Malay vendors selling anything from international inspired street food to fresh local produce that regularly sees returning customers from the local Malay community who are after the fresh and affordable offerings.

Think fresh local fresh fruits like honeyed jackfruit (nangka madu), langsat, durians, fresh catches of the day from the local fishmonger, fresh vegetables from local farmers all over Malaysia, the occasional street busker, freshly made assorted Malay kuih, deep fried corndog, halal yong tau foo, grilled meat, freshly boiled soups with large chunks of meat and offals, takoyaki, pisang goreng with assorted sauces, Ramly burgers, churros, and the list is endless!

It’s known to be one of the more affordable night markets that feature approximately one quarter of goods found commonly during Ramadan, making it a haven for street food and local produce.

That said, it does tend to close early during quiet periods at about 8pm, so try making it by the opening hour at 5pm to avoid missing out on any potential yummies!

Opening Times: 5pm - 9pm on Friday

Address: 65, Jalan 1/48a, Bandar Baru Sentul, 51000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia