Often we forget our roots and where we come from. I, for a fact, am not a very fluent speaker in Malay and English would definitely be my stronger language despite Malay being my mother tongue. So I would like to dedicate this post to the place I call home, Kuala Lumpur, to share with you the hidden gems in this wonderful city. Born and raised here, I know exactly where to go whether you are craving some local delights or if you would like a more insightful stay in this international city.
Being a melting pot of cultures, KL (for short) boasts a rich history and has a variety of different ethnicities. The three most prominent ones are: the Malays (natives), the Chinese and the Indians. These races have lived harmoniously since 1957 when Independence was given.
The following list is a mixture of tourist attractions/restaurants/food/things to do in KL!
KLCC – Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) is the tallest twin towers in the world with also a massive mall on the lower floors. Filled with many many people, I highly recommended you do not go to KLCC so instead check out Pavillion or Gardens (I shall talk about them later) but please do admire the amazing architecture and the building itself. Take a ‘classic’ photo of the KL Skyline on top of the KL Tower where you get a 360 degree view of the city.
Link: http://mobi.suriaklcc.com.my/index.htm
Pavillion/Gardens/Mid Valley – These three shopping centers are really great if you are looking to shop for more high end brands and are perfectly located in the city centre. It is never really too crowded and brands such as Topshop, Cotton On, Zara are all in there.
Link 1: http://www.pavilion-kl.com/content/
Link 2: http://www.thegardensmall.com.my
Link 3: http://www.midvalley.com.my
Petaling Street – Petaling Street gathers all of the local Chinese food, with a bit of Malay and Indian into one huge area. It is compulsory if you are a tourist to visit this market where you can eat all the Malaysian food you can every dream of, as well as bargain for cheap items.
Link: http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/es/places/states-of-malaysia/kuala-lumpur/petaling-street
IAMM – The IAMM is an islamic arts museum in the more quiet area of KL. It’s location perfectly makes it more convenient if you are heading to the National Mosque or Bird Park as they are five minutes walk from each other. With exhibitions twice a year, the museum showcases artwork that will keep you excited through your whole time spent there. Also, for all the toddlers who would prefer running around in a park, the IAMM has a children’s library where they could read books or do some arts and craft.
Link: http://www.iamm.org.my
Acme Bar & Coffee – This retro cafe looks like it could be in Fifth Avenue in New York City and fit right in. Inspired by cities like Seattle and Portland, the owners were trying to create a laid-back vibe while building the restaurant. Located in the KLCC area, Acme Bar & Coffee (ABC) is the perfect place for you to dine.
Link: http://acmebarcoffee.com
NOBU @ Mandarin Oriental KL – The world famous Nobu has brought his renowned restaurant to the city of KL. With the fusion of Japanese and Latin American cuisine, the restaurant is the ‘it’ place in 2015.
Link: http://www.noburestaurants.com/kuala-lumpur/experience-3/
Sage @ The Gardens Residence – This restaurant has been one of the most popular places for the high society of Kuala Lumpur. With its Japanese cuisine with a twist, it really revolutionizes the whole food scene.
Link: http://www.sagekl.com/home.php
Bens @ Pavillion – Started by a very dynamic man called Ben, ‘Bens’ is a very western influenced, at the same time asian restaurant. One of the new restaurants in KL that everyone just can’t get enough of.
Link: http://www.pavilion-kl.com/content/store_guide_detail.php?cat=5&catc=27&str=524
Madam Kwans @ Mid Valley – This fine dining restaurant serves the most authentic Malaysian food but for the more up scale market. It is a favourites for locals as well as foreigners by taking all of Malaysian cuisine and using the best ingredients to serve a wonderful dish.
Link: http://www.midvalley.com.my/tenant/Madam_Kwan%27s/f437f62f-cfe5-4946-9b55-32708a2e09a5/EAT
Nasi Lemak – If you translate ‘Nasi Lemak’ from Malay to English, it literally means Fat Rice. And no surprise, there is no better description of the dish. But traditionally, you would eat Nasi Lemak in a banana leaf. Inside the banana leaf would consist of white rice, anchovies, sambal (spicy chill sauce), cucmber, egg, chicken etc. etc. Essentially, it is whatever you would like to eat wrapped up in a tiny banana leaf and sold for very cheap. A mandatory local dish that must be tried by all.
Durian – And then there’s durian. My sworn nemesis/arch enemy, (whatever you would like to call it) It could either be the highlight of your trip and you would come back to a tropical region just for the fruit, or the worst thing that has ever happened to you in your wonderful lives. Unfortunately for me, it was the latter. You most definitely (and I repeat definitely) need an acquired taste to fully enjoy this (how should I describe it…) peculiar fruit. The skin of the Durian is extremely spiky and could possibly be the cause of your death if it falls on your head from it’s ‘skyscraper-like’ tree. Apparently it tastes like ice cream but with an extra bunch of even more calories. And to top it all of, it smells very strange but frankly speaking, I don’t mind the smell. However, some people despise the stench with the whole of their little hearts. So indeed, it is a very very peculiar fruit.
Even the Durian has a link! http://goseasia.about.com/od/malaysianculturepeople/a/durian_fruit.htm
Wherever I go, Malaysia will always be home. A place where food and culture combine to produce one of the most vibrant cities.
sevenpeoplee 
Leave a comment