Heading To Malaysia? Check Out The Best Places To Eat At The Row Kuala Lumpur

From cosy cafes to authentic international cuisines, discover the best eats at The Row KL with our neighbourhood guide.

ByMelissa Foong Published: Dec 24, 2024 02:12 PM HKT7 min read

Heading To Malaysia? Check Out The Best Places To Eat At The Row Kuala Lumpur — Image credit: @babacancook/Instagram

If you’re planning a trip to The Row KL in Chow Kit and looking for the best places to eat at, this guide will point you to some of the area’s culinary highlights. Whether you’re in the mood for a cosy cafe or a chic bistro, The Row KL has a little something for everyone.

Walking through The Row KL, you’ll immediately notice its distinctive charm. A captivating mix of modern Malay rumah panjang design and Peranakan-inspired aesthetics, the area feels both nostalgic and contemporary. Formerly known as Asian Heritage Row, this stretch of double-storey pre-war shoplots has a storied history that dates back to the 1940s. The neighbourhood was once a bustling nightlife hub but fell into disuse over time.

In 2015, The Row KL underwent an extensive refurbishment, breathing new life into the heritage buildings while preserving their historical significance. Today, it has become a thriving destination for food lovers, featuring a variety of contemporary dining establishments. Its transformation seamlessly blends vintage architectural elements with a modern touch, creating an inviting space for locals and visitors alike.

The Row KL offers more than just food; it’s a community hub where culinary exploration meets cultural enrichment. Beyond its restaurants and cafes, the space also includes areas for events, pop-ups, and creative collaborations. Whether you’re there for a casual coffee break, a candlelight dinner, or a social gathering, the ambiance here is unmatched.

In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the best spots to eat at The Row KL. From artisanal coffeehouses to trendy bistros serving international cuisine, there’s no shortage of options to satisfy your cravings.

Your ultimate guide to the best eats at The Row KL

Show Less

Price range

RM20 – RM40 (HKD 34.40 - HKD 68.80)

With its charming blend of brick walls, wooden furniture, and a lush, garden-inspired outdoor space, Common Grind exudes the cosy ambiance of an English cottage. It’s the kind of spot where you could easily spend an entire day unwinding. The food menu, though simple, is thoughtfully curated and perfect for breakfast or brunch. Indulge in a variety of sandwiches, cakes, and pastries like their Chicken Mushroom Pie or croissants. For something more filling, explore hearty options such as their flavourful pastas, rice bowls, or the house-made lasagna.

Pair your meal with their coffee offerings, which include classics like Americano, Latte, and other favourites. Not a coffee drinker? No problem—Common Grind also serves a delightful selection of beverages such as English Breakfast Tea and Hot Chocolate among the others.

**Operating hours:** 9 am – 5:30 pm

*(Image credit: @commongrindtherow/Instagram)*

**Address** 42, Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur

**Phone** +603 2602 0226

Price range

RM20 – RM40 (HKD 34.40 - HKD 68.80)

Perched on the rooftop, Base Camp KL offers a unique dining experience where the space is styled like a cosy campsite, complete with camping chairs, picnic tables, and tarps, Adding to its charm, Base Camp KL is pet-friendly, so you’re welcome to bring your furry companions along for a laid-back weekend brunch.

A must-try is the Nasi Lemak No Nasi, which reimagines the beloved nasi lemak by swapping out the fragrant rice for spaghetti. The dish includes all the traditional accompaniments—cucumber, fried anchovies, hard-boiled egg, and sambal.

Their menu also highlights Japanese-inspired rice bowls like the Karaage Rice Bowl, Unagi Rice Bowl, and the Beef Stew Rice Bowl. The latter is especially noteworthy, featuring slow-cooked beef with a rich umami flavour that takes three hours to prepare. Additionally, taco lovers can savour options like Unagi Tacos and Fried Chicken Tacos.

**Operating hours:** 12 pm – 10 pm (Sundays to Thursdays, closed on Tuesdays), 12 pm – 11 pm (Fridays and Saturdays)

*(Image credit:* *@basecamp_kl/Instagram)*

**Address** Second floor, 62, Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur

**Phone** +603 2602 3152

Price range

RM60 – RM80 (HKD 103.20 - HKD 137.60)

For pizza enthusiasts, Heritage Pizza KL is a must-visit destination. This pizzeria specialises in authentic Italian wood-fired pizzas, offering a variety of protein-packed options that range from pork to seafood. Vegetarians aren’t left out either, with delicious choices like the Funghi Pizza, Cinque Formaggi, and classic Margherita Pizza on the menu.

A standout feature of Heritage Pizza’s offerings is their Schiacciata pizzas. These are not your typical round pizzas but rather Italian flatbreads baked at a lower temperature. The result is a thicker, slightly chewy crust with a delightfully rustic, irregular shape.

**Operating hours:** 6 pm – 10 pm (Mondays to Thursdays), 12:30 pm – 3 pm, 6 pm– 10 pm (Fridays to Sundays)

*(Image credit: @heritagepizza_kl/Instagram)*

**Address** 26-G, Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur

**Phone** +603 2602 1919

Mojo Restaurant & Bar — Price range

RM40 – RM60 (HKD 68.80 - HKD 103.20)

Nestled in the corner of The Row KL, Mojo is a restaurant and bistro that stands out with its industrial chic design, housed in an 80-year-old double-storey prewar building. This inviting spot features a cosy beer garden and is well-loved for its creative cocktails. The garden area is furnished with custom-made communal tables which offer a welcoming setup for gatherings with friends and family, paired with delectable food and outstanding drinks.

One dish you simply can’t miss is the Mojo Crispy Duck, a delightful twist on the classic Peking duck. The dish features crispy duck paired with spring onions and cucumbers, all wrapped in their homemade pancake like a mini burrito. Enjoy it as is, or elevate the flavours by dipping it in their accompanying plum sauce and chili oil for an extra punch.

**Operating hours:** 12 pm – 2:30 pm, 5 pm – 11:15 pm (weekdays), 4 pm – 11:30 pm (Saturdays only, closed on Sundays)

*(Image credit: @mojotherow/Instagram)*

**Address** Asian Heritage Row, 42, Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur

**Phone** +603 2389 1408

Kwong Cheung Loong Kopitiam Bar

Price range

RM20 – RM40 (HKD 34.40 - HKD 68.80)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 广昌龙茶室吧 KWONG CHEUNG LOONG (@kwong_cheung_loong)

Step into Kwong Cheung Loong Kopitiam Bar for a blend of old-world charm and modern innovation. This unique venue transitions from a classic kopitiam by day to an oriental-themed bar by night and the menu celebrates both local and international flavours. Traditional staples like Hainan Toast and Curry Noodles are joined by the Truffle Nasi Lemak with Golden Foie Gras, featuring truffle-infused rice topped with edible gold-wrapped foie gras. Western favourites include Black Angus Steak, Spaghetti Carbonara, and classic Fish & Chips, making it a versatile spot for any meal.

Operating hours: 11:30 am – 12 am (closed on Mondays)