Ng Su Ann

One of the best ways to enjoy the city is to head to one of KL's rooftop bars at night, where you can unwind and soak in the view with a drink in hand. Many of these bars have unobstructed views of the Twin Towers, and some even have pools that you can take a dip in. 

Malaysia is often lauded as a melting pot of cultures. And we all know what that means: food galore for gluttons like you and I. Now, like most multiracial countries, there are certain issues that seem inevitable, but the one thing that we all share is our appreciatively diverse palate. Malays, Chinese, Indians, Eurasians, Peranakans (even the indigenous tribes of Sabah and Sarawak) have opened places for everyone to sample and feast on their own unique dishes and sometimes, even their take on national favourites.  As the capital of the country, Kuala Lumpur is home to many of these dining establishments and while some of these dishes are better known elsewhere, if you’re in the city, why not head to the places we’ve listed here to fix your cravings or maybe even have a new to-go place for these well-loved classics?

The best public libraries in the city for the bookishly curious, and kids.

Ticking off the main tourist attractions on a city break is all well and good, but it’s only when you veer off down a side street or stumble across a leafy avenue that you really get a glimpse of a city’s true character. Streets are the heart of local life; they’re where communities come together, where new local businesses become go-to staples and where urbanites go out, hang out and have fun.  So what are the world’s coolest streets worth a stroll right now? To find the answer, we reached out to our global team of local expert editors and contributors, who each made a case for the coolest street in their city. We then narrowed down the selection to create a definitive ranking of the best avenues, thoroughfares, backstreets and boulevards on the planet. And so you have it: the coolest streets in the world’s best cities. Over the last few years, street life has gone through something of an evolution. Outdoor drinking and dining, at one point a temporary measure, has become a staple on many of the streets on our hotlist; only bolstered by green initiatives like pedestrianisation and low-traffic avenues. In other words, these streets have become much more walkable and pleasant places to spend our time. On every street on this list, there are bold, creative new ventures in food, drink, nightlife and culture: from listening bars to repurposed heritage buildings, these streets are where you’ll find a city’s most exciting cultural trends. Ready for a wander?  RECOMMENDED: 🏘️ The w

What makes a city great? Some would say it’s all about buzzing neighbourhoods, affordable food and drink and a mighty selection of things to do, from art galleries and museums to live music and theatre. Others might highlight things like the happiness of its locals, access to green space and strong community vibes. We factor in all that and more in our annual survey, which asks city-dwellers around the world to tell us what it’s like to live, work and play in their hometowns right now. Thanks to the opinions and insights of locals on the ground and our global network of city experts, we’re able to create a global ranking of the world’s best cities – and the 2024 results are in. As in previous years, the basis of the ranking remains our global survey of the people who know their city best: the locals. Working with research company Potentia Insight, we surveyed thousands of city-dwellers about the quality and affordability of food, culture and nightlife in their city. We also asked locals how their city makes them feel: are they happy there? Is it a beautiful place? Is it easy to make social connections? Their thousands of responses gave us a unique insight into the reality of living in the world’s greatest cities right now. Now that international travel is forecast to bounce back to the highest levels since 2019, many travellers will be planning a city break this year – so in 2024, we added a little extra weight to a city’s global appeal. Each survey respondent was asked which

Sip, savor, and lounge by the pool at SANTAI on the sixth floor of The RuMa Hotel and Residences. It boasts 380 sq m of open-air, sun-lit space; perfect for an unparalleled poolside (though not quite rooftop, but close) experience. Soak up the city’s skyline with a cocktail, snacks or refreshments throughout the day in the sun — or how about a nightcap, with the glittering city lights as your backdrop?

Yah Ah Shak House, after a complete refurbishment, has become one of downtown Kuala Lumpur’s most luxurious mixed-use addresses. On its rooftop is Terraza, a chic restobar with plenty of seating and stunning views of the Kuala Lumpur Tower and the twins. Cool off with a cocktail, and as for food, there are light bites and sharing plates made with mostly locally-sourced ingredients.

KU NA at TREC is a laid-back rooftop joint with libations potent enough to rival the view. Should you feel like starting early, there’s always a happy hour deal. Aside from the rotating roster of DJs spinning house, techno and more, go for live performances from the late-night circuit, shisha, and delicious nosh.

From the kitchen of Chef Mui Kai Kuan, this rooftop restobar atop REXKL features a terrace overlooking Chinatown; sculptural seating and a tranquil garden add to Shhhbuuuleee’s hidden gem ambience. A menu of inventive east Asian plates — like mala cauliflower tempura and smoked gyutan with edamame — plus highballs, sake and natural wines make it the perfect spot for a perfect evening.

Hokkien mee is a Kuala Lumpur hawker stall staple — and many late-night cravings have been satiated at Damansara Uptown. The long-standing legend began operations in 1998, plastic tables and chairs sprawled out on the kaki lima of Damansara Uptown.  Today, it’s spread out over three shoplots, complete with air-conditioning, and even has branches in Kuchai Lama, Puchong, and USJ Subang Jaya. A plate of Hokkien Mee glistening with dark sauce, topped with prawns, cabbages and — the all-important addition — crispy pork lard will set you back RM15.90. (The version without prawns costs RM14.40.) For pairing, also order a plate of fried chicken wings (RM11 for two pieces). 

Tina’s Taquiera seems like it's been around a lot longer than its couple of months, in part because it’s the restaurant reincarnation of Curbside Cantina, the OG of Mexican-inspired taco trucks in Kuala Lumpur, wheeling since 2014. If you pop by Tina’s Taquiera in Damansara Kim today, you’d still find the recognisable red-and-black food truck parked out front.  The husband-and-wife team of Awangku Imran aka Tubby and Noreen has earned a deservedly loyal and devoted following with their signature Baja-style tacos topped with beef brisket (RM14) or fresh fish fillet (RM11), plus a heaping of crunchy cabbage slaw, avocado salsa, and pico de gallo. Other protein options: chicken, lamb, local Perak duck (also a crowd favourite), prawn, or zucchini for non-meat eaters. To drink, find iced teas, Mexican chocolate, smoothies and more.

In 2020, Phil’s Pizza first opened as a narrow half-lot in the buzzy suburb of Bangsar — yep, during the height of the pandemic — and today, has two locations at REXKL and The Gaskey Alley, and is even sold frozen at BilaBila Mart. It has a consciously cool, Gen Z-approving energy that everyone loves to snap, but its extra-large, thin-crust New York-style slices are more satisfying than a thousand views.  The beef pepperoni (RM13) and the truffle (RM15) options are particularly popular. Other flavours, such as chicken hot wings (RM13), margherita (RM13), and smoked duck with pineapple (RM13) are also available on the short but sweet menu, alongside craft sodas and cookies. For bigger groups or sharing, opt for the 12-inch or 18-inch whole pizzas.

In a city teeming with four-figure, MIchelin-rated omakase menus, Shin Zushi has earned a following for being an unfussy sushi spot with still-affordable fresh fish. Start with some edamame (RM6), tamago mentaiko (RM10) or a light seaweed salad (RM7). If you’re after a roll, there are plenty to choose from: fresh tuna (RM6), salmon roe (RM8), soft shell crab (RM7), and more. Sashimi lovers will want to go in for salmon belly (RM15), or classics such as tuna (RM12) and octopus (RM11).  If raw fish isn’t your style, Shin Zushi offers plenty of cooked and hot options; their signature, in fact, is aburi sushi i.e. nigiri sushi prepared grilled, seared or torched. Also popular and under RM15: gyoza (RM9), rice bowl with your choice of protein, like teriyaki grilled chicken (RM13) or tama mentaiyaki (RM13), and roast duck ramen (RM15). Go early to beat the queue.