Best Cafes, Restaurants and Bars in Petaling Street

Cocktails, vibes and excellent service – it’s no wonder this Chinatown bar is deemed as one of the best in KL. The pre-war-shop-turned-bar is split into three sections, but you'll want to grab a seat at the main bar to witness all the action. Look forward to cocktails made with Asian flavours as seen in Takeshi’s Cooler (from RM30), a refreshing drink made with dry sake, Pisco El Gobernador, Japanese salt plum, lime and soda. If you’re here with the gang, order a punch bowl that’s good for groups of four and more. Pro tip: Take note that the entrance is a toy shop!
Photo by Burppler Serena Ho

This cool kopitiam is all the rage right now for its no-frills local grub that's done very well. Open from 7.30am, come here for a satisfying breakfast before work – Curry Chee Cheong Fun (RM4.80), Butter Crunchy Sugar Bun (RM4.50) and a strong cup of Kopi (from RM2.90). At lunch, try the Steamed Chicken with Black Fungus (RM11.90) and Ginger Fried Chicken with Sesame Oil and Mushrooms (RM11.90), all served with a bowl of rice and vegetables. Cap off the meal with their daily desserts like the sweet Sea Coconut Longan (RM6.90) or Nyonya kuih.
Photo by Burppler Eryn Ng YW

Chocha Foodstore's space never fails to stun guests with its pastel-coloured walls, big plants and dried flowers. Come by day or night to enjoy the vibes and to share a feast with the gang. Start with the refreshing Kerabu Rojak (RM24), followed by the popular CFC (RM26) — cincalok fried chicken that’s crispy and fragrant. Also delicious is the sweet and slightly spicy Sticky Bebek Goreng (RM60). As for drinks, they brew lovely Cold Brew Teas (from RM18), or cap off the meal with a glass of wine from their large wine list.
Photo by Burppler Huixuan Tan

This gorgeous garden-esque cocktail bar beckons a visit if you’re in the hood. Botak's cocktails are anything but ordinary — housemade infusions and local ingredients combine to create spectacular drinks. Fan of sour flavours should give the Eggless Whisky Sour (RM42) a shot. This one is made with bourbon, fresh lemon juice, agave nectar and interestingly enough, chickpea water instead of egg whites to produce a delectable froth. Also good is the Nangka X Grapefruit (RM38), a sweet and well-balanced cocktail where Tequila Blanco is mixed with grapefruit soda and garnished with charcoal salt. Ps. Botak is located above Chocha Foodstore!

Cool off over coffee and cakes at this cafe owned by the folks of Tian Jing Hotel. The Burpple community raves about the coffee here – dive straight for the smooth and creamy Flat White (RM9) with hints of roasted nuts, chocolate and floral notes. Also try the Iced Mocha (RM11), which Burppler Serena Ho says has a good balance of coffee and chocolate. Share a slice of their housemade cakes such as the boozy Tiramisu (RM14), or the simple yet heavenly Signature Burnt Cheesecake (from RM12).
Photo by Burppler Yong Kai

Swing by for a satisfying meal at this Nyonya-style kopitiam. Here, you’ll find an array of Peranakan delights that warrant more than one visit. At lunch, look to one-dish meals such as the Nyonya Laksa (RM14.90). Burppler Rynz Caryn says the flavours of the Old China Nasi Lemak (RM14.90) remind her of her childhood – a surefire sign it’s cooked with love. Otherwise, come for dinner with the family to share a feast of a la carte dishes. Don't miss the Pie-Tee (RM10.90), Kari Kapitan Chicken (RM18.90), Babi Pong Teh (RM18.90) and Ikan Asam (RM27.90). To seal the meal, you won't go wrong with an order of Sago Gula Melaka (RM7.90).
Photo by Burppler Rynz Caryn

Located on the first floor along Jalan Petaling, this vibrant cafe sees locals and tourists alike swing by for fresh twists on cafe dishes. The community-favourite is the Kai Fan 4.0 (RM24) which they upgrade often, so look forward to new versions in the future! Also good are the Hongkie Beef Stew (RM25) and Better Than Sex (RM20), a sweet dish featuring pandan roti jala with melted cheese, kaya toast-flavoured ice cream and gula Melaka.
Photo by Burppler Sam Chong

Along Jalan Sultan is another great cafe made pretty in its refurbished colonial-style building filled with natural light. It’s the perfect place to catch up with an old friend over food and coffee. Aim for rice dishes such as the Nasi Lemak Fried Chicken (RM23), or light sandwiches such as the Vietnamese Banh Mi (RM20). Burppler Eryn Ng Wan enjoyed the latter for its juicy lemongrass chicken and crispy fries. Burppler Serena Ho also recommends getting the Chicken Satay (RM19) to share – think fried chicken tenders served with a spicy nutty sauce. On hot days, sip on the rich Chocolate Latte (RM13.50) to cool you off.
Photo by Burppler Serena Ho

Feed your inner child with scrumptious egg waffles and ice cream at this cute dessert shop. Stick with the classic Original Waffle (RM16), which you can load up with various toppings like cookies, fruits, mini pretzels and gelato. Chocolate lovers, don’t miss the Dark Beast (RM13), a fluffy, chocolatey eggette. There are also hot food options like a Grilled Chicken Panini (from RM18) and a Black Pepper Mushroom Panini (from RM18) to go with coffee.
Photo by Burppler Sok Chien Lim