Bukit Bintang Monorail x Malay Mail – delicious food in Bukit Bintang

LRT No. 3/50 articles  –  Bukit Bintang Monorail:  Prasarana x Malay Mail x Rebecca Saw

NOTE: This is my year long collaboration with Malay Mail and I am charged to explore gastronomic around (within 600 m walk) fifty selected (Prasarana Malaysia Bhd (RapidKL) train stations (LRT & MRT).

** Written work (pre-edit by editor) and images are mine.


Published article: Published 12th June 2017


1. In Malay Mail e-Paper:

Note: Image above was labeled wrongly- that was in Pavilion, not Hutong Lot 10. I SWEAR I labeled my images correctly, but errors happen.

2. On Malay Mail.com: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/print/eat-drink/street-food-mania


ORIGINAL submitted article: My long winded one! 


The AirAsia -Bukit Bintang monorail station located in the heart of Bukit Bintang provides public accessibility to almost 4 shopping malls within its vicinity.
Directly linked to Sg Wang and Lot 10 on and within walking distance to Pavilion KL, AirAsia -Bukit Bintang monorail station connects one to KL’s liveliest district.

Whenever I was requested to recommend an eatery in Bukit Bintang, my default reply is Hutong at Lot 10.

A well-curated food hall of Malaysia’s best street cuisines, majority of the proprietors are descendants of local hawker legends.
Needless to say (but I’ll say it anyways) the offerings at Hutong are superior compared to other malls’ food courts.

With predictable operational hours from 10 am to 10 pm, Hutong is safe, hygienic and not to mention convenient since one has the choice of an amazing variety of street food under one roof.

In general, the prices are reasonable and portions are fair.
Unlike typical food courts, Hutong was designed to mimic an actual hawker street. The use of tiles, traditional decorative items and even the tables and chairs contributed to the pleasant overall ambiance.

Some of the stalls offer views of the cooking process, which makes for great photography opportunities!

Popular fares here are Hokkien Mee, Penang Char Kuey Teow, traditional Bak Kut Teh and freshly made dim sum.
My personal picks however, are Wong Wok’s Chilli Crabs and the Crab Meehoon.

For beverages, look out for a traditional teacart that goes around the tables.
Chrysanthemum tea is a familiar option but the other herbal concoctions are worth a try too, some believed to relieve coughs, colds, cramps and other ailments.

On the same floor, step into a Japanese haven at Isetan.

This is alike a Japanese food court of sorts and one can splurge on Japanese beef, authentic Japanese cuisine, freshly flown seafood and imported Japanese beverages. The bento sets are popular and pretty value for money.

On the 4th floor, The Table is essentially a collection of six premium Japanese dining venues, perfect for more intimate dining.

For street food at street prices, the food court on the 4th floor of Sg Wang offers an extensive array of street food from rice to noodles and even vegetarian.
At the pork free section, the Ayam Penyet (RM7.50) is favored for a good reason; the portion is big, the sambal spicy and the chicken really tasty!

My staple here is “chap fun” aka economy rice. There are 3 stalls to choose from and prices are about RM10 for a plate of 1 meat and 2 vegetables.

I have to admit, I’m not a fan of food courts in shopping malls but Hutong deserves an exception while the one at Sg Wang is convenient, clean, cheap and great for budget meals.

Last but not least, the Pavilion food court is suitable for those seeking a pork free dining environment.

A short stroll from the monorail, Jalan Alor needs no further introduction. The legendary chicken wings and the vibrant night dining scene had its fair share of fame over the years.

However, is Jalan Alor worth exploring for breakfast or lunch?

I seek the answer to that same question and that urged me to Jalan Alor on a Friday morning.

One particular restaurant was bustling with patrons and from the front of the shop; I spied roaring fire, deft movements plus an enticing whiff of tom yam.

Curious, I stepped in and observed the action.

Besides tom yam, Restaurant Gou Lou (housed in Restoran Choy Yee) is famed for their fish head noodles. A small bowl is RM9.00 and there were a fair amount of fried fish submerged in the tasty concentrated soup.

Open daily from 5 am to 4 pm, Restaurant Gon Lou is closed on Wednesdays.

Further down the road, Aunty Yong cooks her heady drunken noodles serving by serving upon order in Beh Brothers Restaurant.
“I’ve been selling this for 40 years!” Aunty Yong smiled at me when she noticed me peering over her shoulder as she cooks.
I promised her I’ll return for that, but I’ll like to try curry laksa today.

I enjoyed the curry laksa and thought it was reasonable at RM8.00. There were chicken, long beans, beancurd puffs, pork skin and my favourite cockles. As all curry laksa should be, the broth was aromatic and thick.

Along the same road I discovered a stall selling Burmese dishes so I asked for Mohinga. Unfortunately they do not serve Mohinga but if you’re feeling adventurous, do try the Burmese food.

The famous Ngau Kee Beef Noodles is further to the end of Alor and needs no further introduction.

My discoveries that day altered my perception of Jalan Alor. Yes, the food at night may be substandard, pricy and in general a tourist trap but the morning businesses were very much catered to the locals and there are some noteworthy hidden gems among them.

A street away is Changkat Bukit Bintang which is known for night entertainment and pubs.
If you in the vicinity for an evening meal before the party hour, I’ll suggest 2 restaurants.

Dining in The Dark is the only no-lights dining outlet in Malaysia. A 4 course dinner is RM118++ and it is an experience that I’ll urge everyone to try at least once in their lifetime.
Not only you would find it an interesting challenge to identify the food you’re served using only your non-sight senses, you will discover that it is a whole new experience eating familiar foods in the dark!

Many restaurants had opened and subsequently ceased operations over the year, but El Cerdo is a Spanish restaurant that had withstood the test of time with a solid menu and consistent quality.

Are there more delicious options within walking distance of the Bukit Bintang monorail?
I bet there are!


DIRECTIONS:


Info:
1. Restaurant Name: Hutong, Lot 10 AND Isetan The Japan Store
Address: Jalan Bukit Bintang, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.
LRT: Monorail Bukit Bintang

Google map: 100m walk from Monorail Bukit Bintang

Directions: Monorail Bukit Bintang
2 exits:
1. Lot 10, Starhill, KL Pavilion, Komplexs Kraf KL
2. Pusat Jualan AirAsia, Plaza Sg Wang, Lot 10

Exit the fare gates and take the Lot 10 exit.
Then proceed to basement for Hutong.

Info:

2. Restaurant Name: Sg Wang Foodcourt
Address: Jalan Bukit Bintang, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.
LRT: Monorail Bukit Bintang

Google map: 100m walk from Monorail Bukit Bintang

Directions: Monorail Bukit Bintang
2 exits:
1. Lot 10, Starhill, KL Pavilion, Komplexs Kraf KL
2. Pusat Jualan AirAsia, Plaza Sg Wang, Lot 10

Exit the fare gates and take the Plaza Sg Wang exit.
You will be walking under covered walkway. Once you exit the walkway, proceed to take the first lift on your right to the 4th floor where the food court is.

Info:

3. Restaurant Name: Pavilion Foodcourt
Address: 168, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.
LRT: Monorail Bukit Bintang

Google map: 300m walk from Monorail Bukit Bintang

Directions: Monorail Bukit Bintang
2 exits:
1. Lot 10, Starhill, KL Pavilion, Komplexs Kraf KL
2. Pusat Jualan AirAsia, Plaza Sg Wang, Lot 10

Exit the fare gates and take the KL Pavilion exit.
You will be in front of Lot 10. Keep to the same side of the road and walk against traffic. This is a one-way street.
In front of Sephora, cross the road to Pavilion. The foodcourt is at on basement level.

Info:

4. Restaurant Gon Lou, Curry Laksa – Beh Brothers Restaurant, Burmese rice, Ngau Kee Beef Noodles Jalan Alor Food Street
Address:, Jalan Alor, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.
LRT: Monorail Bukit Bintang

Google map: 300m walk from Monorail Bukit Bintang

Directions: Monorail Bukit Bintang
2 exits:
1. Lot 10, Starhill, KL Pavilion, Komplexs Kraf KL
2. Pusat Jualan AirAsia, Plaza Sg Wang, Lot 10

Exit the fare gates and take the Plaza Sg Wang exit.
Get down to street level and keep left.
Cross the road and turn into Changkat Bukit Bintang.
On your first left is Jalan Alor. Walk along Jalan Alor for about 100m and keep a lookout to your left. The restaurants are all on your left.

Info:

5. Dining in The Dark, El Cerdo @ Changkat Bukit Bintang
Address: 50, Changkat Bukit Bintang, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.
LRT: Monorail Bukit Bintang
Google map: 500m walk from Monorail Bukit Bintang

Directions: Monorail Bukit Bintang
2 exits:
1. Lot 10, Starhill, KL Pavilion, Komplexs Kraf KL
2. Pusat Jualan AirAsia, Plaza Sg Wang, Lot 10

Exit the fare gates and take the Plaza Sg Wang exit.
Get down to street level and keep left.
Cross the road and turn into Changkat Bukit Bintang.
Keep walking straight and you will come to the whole stretch of restaurants and pubs.
Dining in the Dark is on the right side of the road while El Cerdo is on your left.


Last but not least…. 


My original article is usually longer/ ‘more complete’ since I wrote on and on without restriction.
Understandably, due to space constraints, the original was edited prior to publication. Thus I’ve shared my original article as above.

You may also find that my articles for this Prasarana x Malay Mail x Rebecca Saw series rather diplomatic/non- opinionated, but it is meant to be so as per the brief given.

Anyhow, if you think I’ve missed out on some eateries worth highlighting near any MRT/LRT stations, please let me know! I’ll be sure to go check it out.
Please do be in touch via FB message HERE.

Thank you and I look forward to your suggestions! 🙂

 

This Post Has 4 Comments

  1. Alan

    Yet another salivating article, concise and descriptive. On the same side of Jal BB half way between BB and the Grand Millenium is an Iranian restaurant (name forgotten) which I entered at the invitation of a pleasant Iranian who was standing at the door. The food, I sampled a bit of everything, was excellent. Lamb with rosemary falling off the bone into a spicy yogurt sauce was memorable! As you say however, restaurants come and go. I do hope to return soon. I do miss KL.
    I hope you are fit and well.
    Love,
    Alan

    1. Rebecca Saw

      Hi Alan! 😀
      Tq TQ for reading. There will be 49 more of such articles with Malay Mail + Prasarana so I hope you enjoy them hehehe!
      I’m fit and well and wish I could see you soon.

      And that Iranian restaurant is Naab.
      The food is great! 😀 Nowadays it’s more competitive so there are many more Mid Eastern restaurants.

  2. Sean EDKL

    i always imagine that if we’re a traveller to kl, bukit bintang could be one of the city’s most interesting areas to wander around and to cari makan! 😀

    1. Rebecca Saw

      You’re right Sean. You can get from local to fine dining to all sorts of cuisines within 1 km walk!

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