What and Where to Eat During Your First Trip to Kuala Lumpur
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A Culinary Travel Guide for First-time Travellers in Kuala Lumpur

Excited? Nervous? Overwhelmed? Travelling abroad for the first time can feel as though you are on a rollercoaster due to the unfamiliar environment, but no doubt it’s an amazing opportunity to learn about new cultures, meet new people, and taste different foods.

If you’re thinking about visiting the bustling metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, it can be the perfect getaway for those who love exploring enticing cave temples and marvelous architectural landmarks.

Aside from safety travel tips, planning what and where to eat is essential so you can leave home well-prepared and with full confidence. For a happy tummy, we’ve created a food travel guide for first-time travellers in Kuala Lumpur.

Marini’s On 57 near Petronas Tower

If you have extra budget to splurge for a relaxing evening after spending the day touring in Kuala Lumpur for the first time, why not visit one of the city's most iconic bar and Italian restaurants? Marini’s On 57 boasts of its “ultra-chic rooftop bar” filled with high-quality Champagnes and exclusive wines.

It is only a two-minute walk from the tallest twin towers in the world – the Petronas Towers. The restaurant offers one of the best spots to enjoy spectacular city views, thanks to its renowned architectural design with glass windows. Its Founder’s Menu (RM1,010 per person) will satiate your Italian and Japanese cravings as it serves Fegato Grasso, Uova e Insalata Di Feta, Tagliatelle Al Tartufo Pasta, Merluzzo, Japanese Wagyu, and Dolci Viva Marinis, among others. The rooftop bar is open from 5 PM-3 AM daily. You can make your reservations here.

Location: Marini’s On 57, Level 57, Menara Petronas 3, Persiaran KLCC

Atmosphere 360 in KL Tower

Just a stone’s throw away from Menara Kuala Lumpur, popularly called the KL Tower, is the spaceship-themed restaurant Atmosphere 360. After exploring KL Tower’s observation deck and mini zoo, it would be a shame to pass up on the opportunity to dine at this restaurant built 282 metres above ground level.

The restaurant flaunts a ravishing view of the city infused with an epicurean culinary experience to make your first trip to Kuala Lumpur truly unforgettable. Tourists flock to Atmosphere 360 to taste its wide selection of buffet meals, à la carte dishes, and cocktails. Check out its updated dining time slots and book your reservations here.

Location: Atmosphere 360, Level 7, Unit 1, Menara Goldstone Holiday Inn Express No. 84, Jalan Raja Chulan

Mandala Restaurant near Merdeka Square

As a first-time tourist in Kuala Lumpur, Merdeka Square is an essential stop because of its historical significance among locals. It is where National Day parades are held and the spot where the world’s tallest flagpole with the Malaysian flag is erected.

Merdeka Square is ideal for tourists who want to explore downtown. You can find here the Nepalese restaurant Mandala Restaurant, which is just five minutes away from this famous landmark.

Since 2015, the restaurant has been serving authentic Nepalese flavours in Kuala Lumpur. Some of the set meals it offers are the Khasi Khana Set, Dhindo Khana Set, Chicken Khana Set, Pork Khana Set, Vegetable Khana Set, and rice pudding. The dining place is also vegan-friendly, as it serves a vegetarian menu that includes Pani Puri, Aaloo Gobi Chili, and Chana Chatpat, to name a few.

Mandala Restaurant is open everyday from 8 AM-8:30 PM.

Location: Mandala Restaurant, No.18, First Floor, Jalan Medan Pasar, Wilayah Persekutuan

Dhivya's Café near Batu Caves

After climbing the 272-step Batu Caves and seeing the enormous gold-painted Hindu deity statue of Murugan, grab a quick bite at Niko Neka Matcha before getting on the road again.

The café and vegetarian eatery is a two-minute walk from the Batu Caves and home to local Indian eats such as wraps, roti canai, and onion uttappam, among others.

Location: Jalan Lingkaran Tengah 2, Batu Caves

Chocha Near Central Market (Pasar Seni)

From souvenir shopping to Batik painting, there are exciting attractions and activities you can do at Pasar Seni during your first visit to Kuala Lumpur. You can also find this cosy and casual nook in the heart of the bustling central market.

The menu regularly changes according to the availability and seasonality of its produce harvested from its humble garden.

Chocha’s Menu #16 features stingray on toast (RM18 per piece), grilled zucchini (RM26), salted sinsilog noodle (RM 42), aged duck breast (RM108), and more. For drinks, the Asian fusion restaurant serves sparkling wines, white wines, red wines, sake, homemade soda, and cold brew tea. For reservations, you may book here.

Location: Chocha Foodstore, 156 Jalan Petaling

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