Central Market in Kuala Lumpur
Central Market, also locally known as Pasar Seni, in Kuala Lumpur is a gem for tourists and locals alike. Located smack dab in the middle of KL, just a stone’s throw from the city’s Chinatown, it’s the perfect place to look for anything Malaysian – from traditional dishes to cultural performances.
So if you want to explore and learn more about the culture and history of Malaysia, here’s a guide to things to do and places to eat in Central Market.
Table of Contents
What is the history of Central Market?
Established in 1888, Central Market started as a wet market, where locals purchased fresh produce from meats to fruits and vegetables. Additionally, the site became a hub for traders, which helped in the economic development of Kuala Lumpur.
Due to its popularity and architectural significance, the art-deco heritage building that houses the market was saved and preserved, despite threats to demolish the site in the 1970s when KL underwent rapid developments.
Today, Central Market stands as the oldest market in KL, making it a historical and cultural landmark in the city.
– Things to do at Central Market –
Central Market features over 350 shops, as well as two food halls, a batik emporium, and an annexe where studios of local artists can be found. A new addition to the space is Pasar Besar, which encompasses three zones – Market Hall, Makan Hall, and Makers Hall.
Here are some of the highlights of each attraction in Central Market:
1. Market Zone
Central Market is known for its wide range of locally crafted products. The Market Zone, designed like a bazaar, features stores offering a variety of goods including souvenirs, knick-knacks, and handicrafts.
Most products are created by local artisans who have mastered the art of their craft.
The products here mainly focus on Malaysian cultural items, including wau bulans, a uniquely Malaysian kite, as well as cashmeer sarees and Chinese antiques.
2. Batik Emporium
Batik, a traditional hand-drawn textile art on fabric, is one of the things that Malaysia is known for.
The Batik Emporium has an extensive collection of shops on the mezzanine floor, such as Cynthia Tang, Estana Batik & Crafts, and Localista. They offer different sorts of items featuring batik prints, including apparel (from RM29) to accessories such as bags (RM29/each) and scrunchies (from RM25/each).
If you are interested in trying out batik painting, Bear It Art & Craft, located within the Batik Emporium offers daily DIY painting workshops from 10am to 10pm. They also offer other workshops such as canvas painting and slime making.
3. Makan Hall
Like all countries, Malaysia takes pride in its local cuisine. Located on the first floor of Central Market, near the entrance is Makan Hall. This stylish food court is part of a newly refurbished space in the bazaar called Pasar Besar.
The food hall has over 10 food stalls that serve an array of Malaysian dishes, such as Chicken Rice (RM13) and Nasi Lemak (RM10). The popular The Ganga Cafe, a vegetarian-friendly restaurant, also has a stall here serving Indian meals and snacks such as vadai (RM3) and curry puff (RM3).
Like the rest of the market, this food hall is divided into three zones, each themed after the country’s main cultures: Malay, Chinese, and Indian.
In the Malay-inspired zone, you’ll find the classic mamak chairs commonly seen in local eateries. The Chinese-inspired area features red kopitiam-style chairs and decorative bird cages. And lastly, the Indian-inspired zone is decorated with marigold garlands hanging overhead.
Moreover, feel free to drop by the no-frills Central Market Food Court on the second floor to look for more local food options at affordable prices.
These two food halls are the perfect spots to take a break from shopping and enjoy some delicious food.
4. Market Hall
For grocery shopping, head to Pasar Besar, a market near Makan Hall that houses local Malaysian produce.
Here, you can find a variety of food items, household ingredients, and even kitchenware.
Even more so, the market has a section called Kedai Runcit, where you can get nostalgic items from snacks to grocery items.
5. Kasturi Walk
Just steps away from Central Market, is the Kasturi Walk, a tourist-friendly flea market that features a range of kiosks and stalls of snacks and souvenirs.
This is where you can practice your bargaining skills, too.
Built in 2011, the metal kite or “wau” is another significant part of the walkway as it features the culture coming from the eastern part of Malaysia.
6. Pop-up events, cultural shows & art exhibitions
Image adapted from: Central Market Kuala Lumpur, Central Market Kuala Lumpur
Aside from shopping and dining, Pasar Seni also hosts pop-up events throughout the year. Upcoming events include Cerita Bumi, Beli Jiwa, and Jolly Shoppy.
Image adapted from: Central Market Kuala Lumpur, Central Market Kuala Lumpur
For art lovers, there are numerous art galleries and exhibitions to check out around the market. Most showcased works, from contemporary to traditional, are created by Malaysian artists.
The Annexe Gallery, for example, is a must-visit for fans of contemporary art. It features various art forms from film screenings to photography exhibits.
Image credit: RivieraBarnes via Wikimedia Commons
Throughout the year, Central Market hosts cultural events, performances, and workshops, especially during Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali.
You get a chance to watch traditional dances, musical numbers, and art shows such as shadow puppetry.
How to get to Central Market?
Central Market is easily accessible through public and private transport.
For public transport, the market can be easily reached by alighting at the Pasar Seni station via the LRT, MRT, and KTM Komuter. Alternatively, the free GO KL City Bus makes a stop here on the Pasar Seni – Bukit Bintang Purple Line.
If you have a private vehicle, rest assured that there are available parking spaces at Central Market. Rates are RM5 for the first hour and RM2 for every subsequent hour. However, many recommend using public transport, as the parking spaces are limited in the area.
Visit Central Market to explore local handicrafts & food in KL
Central Market in KL is a lot more than just a shopping place. It’s an educational journey through Malaysian culture and heritage. Whatever you’re looking for regarding Malaysian finds, the KL landmark has it.
Tourists can be introduced to diverse Malaysian culture and locals can reconnect with their roots.
Suffice it to say, Central Market is truly a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the city of Kuala Lumpur.
Address: Lot 3.04-3.06, Central Market Annexe, Jalan Hang Kasturi, 50050 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 1300 22 8688 | Central Market website
For more things to do in KL, check out:
Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal Malaysia
Photography by Janet.