Chow Kit Market in Kuala Lumpur

Chow Kit Market in located at the northern end of Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Chow Kit is acknowledged as one of Malaysia’s most infamous landmarks. Even though it may not be as well known by tourists in comparison to its starlet cousin, Petaling Street – which is located within the same area – it is definitely exciting although not for the faint hearted.

Chow Kit is divided into two fairly detached halves. The first half is home to some of KL’s most sordid avenues while the other part plays host to a bazaar that is perhaps KL’s most popular.

Red Light District

The first half resembles Amsterdam’s Red Light District – though it’s not as prolific or as seedy. The notorious side avenues, house a labyrinth of buildings that house some of Chow Kit’s more shady ‘businesses’. There are working girls hovering near doorways of the inner lanes, calling out sweet nothings as you walk by. Many Malaysians often lament this area of KL due to its high crime rates, yet if truth be told its presence enriches the Kuala Lumpur tourism scene.

Wet Market at Chow Kit

On the other hand the spotlight on Chow Kit focuses on its main street – a lively and culturally-enriching scene. Although the area may not be the most kosher quarter of Kuala Lumpur it still plays host to the largest wet market in Malaysia – the Bazaar Baru Chow Kit – a Malay-oriented market that sells local goods and produce.

A kaleidoscope of colours and fragrances dominates this rustic makeshift market; the bazaar is shaded by colourful umbrellas and the ground is often wet. Open from 09:00 – 17:00 this colourful souk is commonly frequented by locals, especially the neighbouring Malay community.

A maze off stalls laden with fruit, vegetables, tofu, spices, meat as well as clothes, shoes, CD’s, DVD’s and fabric, the market may not be a popular tourist stopover yet it is the best place for you to sample local fare at dirt cheap prices. Vendors are unfailingly polite and this is one of the areas where you can see Malaysian hospitality at its best.