REXKL Kuala Lumpur
You might just walk past REXKL and not even realise it when in Kuala Lumpur. Just a stone’s throw from KL’s popular Petaling Street, the lifestyle hub is nestled inside a time-worn building that was once a cinema hall, blending seamlessly with the surrounding old-school shoplots.
Step inside, and you’ll find a collection of local brands and eateries operating within. Here are the ones that you’ll want to hit up.
Table of Contents
What is the history of REXKL?
The history of REXKL goes way back – all the way back to 1947.
Image credit: REXKL
The original REX Theatre, under Shaw Brothers Studio, opened that year and became one of the few spots in KL to watch movies on the big screen. However, it was forced to close in 1972, when a fire broke out and burned the place down.
Four years later, Golden Communications – now Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) – took over and reopened the place as a single-screen theatre with 1,100 seats. The theatre operated under GSC with fancy upgrades like digital sound processors and computerised ticketing until another fire broke out in 2002, forcing it to close permanently.
In 2007, Red Dragon Hostel briefly welcomed backpackers to its space, only to have a third fire close the building that same year.
Image credit: Stellar
Fast forward to 2019, and this history-laced, 60,000sqft site reopened to the public as an arts and culture hub. New life has been breathed into the building thanks to the diverse array of shops, eateries, and cultural events that now call the space home.
– Things to do at REXKL –
KL is pretty impressive when it comes to shopping and food, and a walk through REXKL will show you just what locals mean by this.
From thrifting for vintage goods and chomping down on New York-style pizza, to exploring a maze-like bookstore and a digital art gallery, the hub has a lot more to offer than your average shopping mall.
1. BookXcess
A maze-like bookstore
Image credit: Alex Lee Photography, @bookxcess via Instagram
Some would say that it’s not a trip to REXKL without checking out the BookXcess outlet here. It’s a popular spot for photos in KL, with towering bookshelves arranged in a maze-like layout.
Not just for show, the shelves are filled with a wide genre of books, ranging from children’s literature to art and design. Take your time to peruse their collections while relaxing in nooks tucked between the bookshelves.
Image credit: Alex Lee Photography, @bookxcess via Instagram
Just watch your head while walking through the snug bookstore. The space once housed cinema seats and a projector room, so it’s slightly cramped. But the cosy atmosphere is a big part of the bookstore’s charm.
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2. RXPKL
An immersive digital art gallery
Image credit: @rxp.kl via Instagram
REXPERIENCE, or RXPKL, is a newer addition to the building, having opened in 2023.
Going beyond the still frames on gallery walls, the permanent digital art space hosts immersive, multi-sensory shows. Visitors are invited to sit on bean bags and benches to take in fascinating digital art projections by local artists that focus on culture.
Image credit: @rxp.kl via Instagram
There are typically three different digital art exhibitions on show, with tickets required for entry. Special rates for MyKad holders and concessions available – we broke the ticket prices down below:
- MyKad holders: RM40/adult | RM20/child (7-12 years old) | RM28/pax for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities
- Standard tickets: RM60/adult | RM30/child (7-12 years old) | RM42/pax for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities
You can purchase tickets online on RXPKL’s website or at their box office.
3. Mentor Bookstore
Old-school comics & knick-knacks
Image credit: @hellorexkl via Instagram
Mentor Bookstore has ‘bookstore’ in its name, but it’s more than just your regular bookstore.
Tucked away on the 1st floor, without any proper signage, the shop carries an eclectic array of items that treasure hunters will have a load of fun plucking through. They’ve got a collection of old-school comic books, vintage toys, and memorabilia beyond books to browse and buy.
Image adapted from: @hellorexkl via Instagram
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11am-6pm (Closed on Mondays)
4. Uwu Record Store
Mainstream & non-mainstream vinyls
Image adapted from: @hellorexkl via Instagram
Uwu Record Store feels like an extension of Mentor Bookstore. Operating just next to the bookstore, the quirky record store has wooden crates carrying vinyls from mainstream and non-mainstream artists. Spot records from old-school favourites like The Beatles and David Bowie, and also albums from Chinese artists.
5. O For Others
Lifestyle shop with quirky knick-knacks
Image credit: @hellorexkl via Instagram
Knick-knack hunters will have a ball at O For Others. The multi-label lifestyle shop spotlights quirky and essential items made by local brands, as well as apparel and accessories. If you have to shop for gifts for friends or that empty space at home that is begging for a statement piece, you’ll likely walk out of this store with something.
Contact: O For Others website
– Food options at REXKL –
Food is an essential part of any outing, no matter the time or day. Luckily, REXKL has you covered with Food Fiction, a food hub nestled on the mezzanine floor of the building that has eateries huddled together and live music performances to entertain diners on selected days.
6. Raijin Ramen
Tonkatsu ramen & skewered sides
Image credit: @raijin_ramenbar via Instagram
Raijin Ramen has become a popular spot in the city to get bowls of slurpy, no-frills tonkatsu ramen, all priced at RM25 a bowl. They have just a handful of bar seats in light wood tones, set partially indoors and outdoors, but you’ll get to peer at chefs whipping up noodles while having a meal here.
Image adapted from: @raijin_ramenbar via Instagram
Their recommended dish to order is the Shiro Ramen, a classic that has a pork broth boiled for 10 hours. For a kick of spice, go for the Aka Ramen, which is further flavoured with numbing peppercorns and Japanese sansho. Pair these with skewered sides, such as pork belly and enoki (RM5.90) and grilled shiitake (RM3.90).
7. Apartment 80
A rooftop dessert shop with views of KL’s skyline
Image adapted from: @apartment80.kl via Instagram
REXKL’s rooftop shhhbuuuleee has been transformed into a dessert shop, Apartment 80, with the same great views of KL’s skyline from its open-air space. Instead of tipples, you’ll get to order locally-inspired desserts to have along with trusty cups of coffee and the view.
Image adapted from: @apartment80.kl via Instagram
While most cafes settle on Instagrammable spots shaped around a sofa or chair, Apartment 80 stays true to its apartment concept with a mattress placed in the middle of its space. It isn’t off limits either – diners are welcome to get creative and take photos with it, or on it.
Read our feature on Apartment 80 here.
8. Summation
A canelé specialist
Image adapted from: @rey.winter.s via Instagram
Canelés specialist Summation doesn’t settle on typical vanilla canelés with deep-brown shells and custardy insides. They have a lineup of canelés at the counter, usually around eight, in flavours such as pandan kaya, matcha, and apple cinnamon.
These are priced around RM5 each, with party boxes available.
Image adapted from: @atsummation via Instagram
Beyond these handheld pastries, they also serve madeleines, financiers, and sandwiches. Their Matcha Latte (RM14) also receives raving reviews from patrons.
9. It’s Herbs Sense
TCM-inspired drinks
Image adapted from: @hellorexkl via Instagram
Skip that order of bubble tea and order a drink from It’s Herbs Sense. The new beverage shop at REXKL crafts TCM-inspired drinks – or sips that have a touch of traditional Chinese medicine methodology to them.
Image adapted from: @hellorexkl via Instagram
There’s the classic Herbal Tea (RM10) that changes daily, or signatures like the Hanka Punch (RM18) that melds the flavours of luo han guo, chrysanthemum, liquorice, teapresso, and dried lemon slices exceptionally well.
Read our feature on It’s Herbs Sense here.
Contact: It’s Herbs Sense Instagram
10. Phil’s Pizza
New York-style pizza by the slice
Pizza aficionados should not miss Phil’s Pizza for a slice of literal heaven.
Whether you’re dining with a group or enjoying a solo outing, this pizza joint has something for everyone. Indulge in their delectable slice pizzas (from RM13) or opt for a whole pie in 12- or 18-inch pizza (from RM44).
They’ve got flavours like Pineapple Sugus Pizza, which features a mouthwatering combination of cheese, pineapple, and duck, and the best-selling Pepperoni Pizza, a classic favourite topped with gooey cheese and tangy tomato sauce.
Read our feature on Phil’s Pizza here.
11. Battered
Legit fish & chips
Image adapted from: @hellorexkl via Instagram
Fish and chips are having their moment in KL, and Battered joins the list of spots serving up this quintessentially British duo. Their Classic Fish & Chips (RM28) features fresh sea perch deep-fried till blistered, and served with large-cut fries, mushy peas, and tartar sauce.
12. Stellar Coffee
Speciality coffee drinks
Image adapted from: @coffeeineseeker via Instagram
For coffee lovers, make a pit stop at Stellar Coffee. Cosy up on benches indoors or take a seat outdoors to soak in the bustling energy of the streets – all while enjoying a delightful selection of speciality coffee and freshly baked pastries.
Image credit: @stellarcoffeee via Instagram
Savour rich coffee blends here, including Arabica, Single Origin, and Light Roasted. Or treat yourself to more unique concoctions such as the Pandan Coffee Tonic (RM18), which boasts a refreshing burst of pandan-infused goodness, or the tantalising Black Coconut (RM16), which blends tea-like flavours with the exotic essence of coconut.
How to reach REXKL by public transport?
To get to REXKL by public transport, you’ll need to alight at Pasar Seni Station, with both LRT and MRT lines stopping at this station. The station is about a 7-minute walk away, down Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock and towards the building.
Where to park at REXKL?
If you opt to drive to REXKL, do note that there are no parking bays at the building.
It’s recommended to park at the nearby Kotaraya Complex, just a 2-minute walk away. When you exit the mall, take a left towards Jalan Pudu and then cross the road to head down Jalan Sultan. REXKL will be on the right side of the street.
Parking rates are RM3.50 for the first hour, and RM2.50 for every subsequent hour. There’s a flat rate of RM4 for entries after 6pm.
Things to do and where to eat at REXKL
In a city like KL that never sleeps, the thrill of uncovering new spots to explore never goes away. And places like REXKL, which seamlessly blends the past and the present, will surely inspire you to discover an even more colourful side of the city, often hidden in plain sight.
You might also want to discover these other spots in KL:
Cover image adapted from: @raijin_ramenbar via Instagram, Alex Lee Photography, @hellorexkl via Instagram
This article was first published on 21st February 2025, and was last updated on 27th March 2026.