The Row in Chow Kit, KL
When you stroll past The Row in Chow Kit, you can instantly tell that there is something different about the place – it looks like a hybrid of a modern Malay rumah panjang and a chic Peranakan house. Formerly known as Asian Heritage Row, this double-storey terrace comprises 22 pre-war shoplots that have been around since the 1940s.
Following its refurbishment in 2015, the heritage building now looks like a vintage yet modern hub of contemporary restaurants, cafes, and bistros, as well as an open-air space to host events. Keep on reading to find out more about the 9 cafes and restaurants that are nestled here.
Table of Contents
1. The Backroom Coffee
A minimalistic cafe for specialty & filter coffee
The Backroom Coffee is quite the cool kid on the block. Their interior is a studio-like space in minimalistic shades of black and white, with high ceilings and dim yellow lights embellishing different corners.
Image adapted from: Lk “Lazy rabbit” Teng via Google Review, @rainyhuiijun via Instagram
Staying at the forefront of flavours, their speciality coffee comes with unique combinations, which the team calls the Experimental Series.
One example of the novelty flavours is Soul Lab (RM17) – a brew of Fuji apples, grapefruits, calamansi, kiwi oolong tea, and Ethiopian espresso. Another is the Coconut Mango Latte (RM17), which combines Brazilian espresso with fruity mango and coconut for a dash of creaminess.
Image adapted from: @shermanyappie via Instagram, @callmeahoon via Instagram
If you prefer a smoother taste, consider their filter coffee (from RM20) which involves pouring hot water over ground coffee in a circular motion – what comes out is a clean and strong brew that contains less oil and particles from the coffee beans.
Image adapted from: @callmeahoon via Instagram, @rainyhuiijun via Instagram
For something to fill the tummy, treat yourself to their Kyoto Apple Curry Karaage (RM26) – a rice bowl of deep-fried chicken doused in a homemade Japanese apple curry sauce.
Alternatively, if you want a classic Western breakfast, we recommend their Mixed Berries Sourdough (RM22) and Salmon Benedict Sourdough (RM33).
Address: 34A, 36A and 38A First Floor Jalan Doraisamy 50300 Kuala Lumpur TheRowKL, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah
Opening hours: Thu-Tues 10am-7pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
2. Heritage Pizza
Authentic Italian wood-fired pizzas & beers
Image credit: @heritagepizza_kl via Instagram
If you consider yourself a pizzaphile, don’t overlook Heritage Pizza.
Image credit: @herritagepizza_kl via Instagram
This pizzeria serves Italian wood-fired pizzas with an array of protein choices, from pork to seafood. Other than that, they also have vegetarian pizzas like Funghi Mushroom Pizza (RM36) and Margherita Pizza (RM30).
Image credit: @i.seesnapshare via Instagram, @shophia16 via Instagram
Another highlight on the menu is the Schiacciata pizzas (from RM52).
Unlike conventional round pizzas, Schiacciata pizzas are Italian flatbreads baked at a lower temperature, resulting in a thicker and slightly chewy crust that’s also irregular in shape.
Pair your meal with their Italian white and red wines (from RM138/bottle) and let the sweet notes balance out the rich and decadent taste of the pizzas. Furthermore, there are also Italian beers (from RM26/bottle), sparkling water (from RM13), and Italian natural juice (RM12) to indulge in.
Address: 26-G, Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Fri-Sun 12.30pm-3pm (for lunch) | 6pm-10.15pm, Daily (for dinner)
Contact: 03-2602 1919 | Heritage Pizza Instagram
3. Common Grind
A cottage-style cafe for breakfast & brunch
Image adapted from: EveThen via XiaoHongShu
Featuring brick walls, wooden furnishings, and a garden-like outdoor area, Common Grind has a quaint ambience that mimics an English cottage house. It is so cosy that you won’t mind spending your entire day here.
Image adapted from: @commongrindtherow via Instagram, @madebymaria_ via Instagram
Kickstart your visit with their coffee. The classic options span a wide range, from Americano (RM7) to Macchiato (RM7).
If you are looking for something non-coffee, there are English Breakfast Tea (RM9), Matcha Latte (RM12.50), and Hot Chocolate (RM9) to choose from.
Image adapted from: EveThen via XiaoHongShu, @cafe.diaryz via Instagram
The food menu is simple yet noteworthy, ideal for breakfast and brunch. To name a few, there are sandwiches, cakes, and pastries such as Cheese Brownie (RM8.50), Chicken Mushroom Pie (RM13.50) and Ham & Cheese Croissant (RM15).
For an even heartier fare, explore their Pastas (from RM18), Rice Bowls (from RM19), or homemade Chicken Lasagna (RM23).
Address: 42, Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 9am-5.30pm, Daily
Contact: 03-2602 0226 | Common Grind Instagram
4. Kwong Cheung Loong Kopitiam Bar
Local delights & over 30 types of beers from around the world
Image credit: Kwong Cheung Loong Kopitiam Bar 广昌龙茶室吧 via Google Review
Being in the land of kopitiams, we see traditional coffee houses everywhere across Malaysia – but nothing quite like Kwong Cheung Loong Kopitiam Bar.
Image adapted from: Yomiko 有米可 via XiaoHongShu
Boasting a solid sense of nostalgia with vintage furnishings and posters of classic Hong Kong films on the walls, this place is a kopitiam during the day and an oriental-themed bar at night.
Their outdoor seating is where you can relish delicious food while gazing at the beautiful KLCC Petronas Twin Towers.
Image adapted from: Kwong Cheung Loong Kopitiam Bar via Facebook
Other than serving local delights that we Malaysians take pride in – such as Nasi Lemak (from RM17.90), Hainan Toast (from RM5.90), and Curry Mee (RM17.90) – the team also ventures into Western gastronomy.
There are exquisite Black Angus Steak (RM69.90), creamy Spaghetti Carbonara (RM19.90), and the British staple, Fish & Chips (RM26.90).
Image credit: @kwong_cheung_loong via Instagram
As the sun goes down, a selection of boozes awaits. It is when you get to sip on their shots (from RM38), cocktails (from RM32), and sake (from RM189).
Furthermore, they offer over 30 types of beers from around the globe, including Heart of Darkness (from RM38/bottle) from Vietnam, Coopers (from RM36/bottle) from Australia, and Hitachino Beer (from RM39/bottle) from Japan.
Address: 34-G, Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11am-12.30am (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 019-710 1582 || Kwong Cheung Loong Kopitiam Bar Instagram
5. Mojo Restaurant & Bar
Alfresco dining in a beer garden
Image credit: The Row KL
Mojo Restaurant & Bar has an outdoor garden graced by lush greenery, sunroofs, picnic tables, and benches so that patrons can have a relaxed alfresco dining experience when they come by.
As you sit under the sunroof and take a sip of refreshing beer, you will feel as if you’re unwinding in your backyard.
Image adapted from: Gayan Pathirana via Google Review, Mojo Restaurant & Bar, The Row KL via Facebook
Their food menu brings together both local and Western cuisines, such as Cantonese Yee Mee (RM26), Authentic Kajang Satay (RM33), and Linguini Duck Aglio Olio (RM32).
Their Austin’s Hot Wings (RM28) are topped with Mojo’s special hot sauce. One caveat: they can be extremely fiery.
The Mojo Crispy Duck (RM46) is similar to the Peking Duck. Crispy duck, spring onions, and cucumbers are placed on a piece of their homemade pancake, then everything gets wrapped into a mini burrito. You can savour the wrap on its own or dip it into the plum sauce and chilli oil on the side for an even more flavourful bite.
Image credit: The Row KL
Even if you are not in the mood for a heavy meal, do stop by for their booze as they serve cocktails (from RM26), wines (from RM27), draughts (from RM14), and even Korean soju (from RM25).
Address: 42, Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11.45am-11.30pm | Fri 11.45am-11.45pm | Sat 3pm-11.45pm (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: 03-2697 7999 | Mojo Restaurant & Bar Instagram
6. Yarl
Northern Sri Lankan cuisines & spiced tea
Image credit: @yarltherow via Instagram
With over five outlets across KL and Selangor, Yarl serves richly spiced northern Sri Lankan cuisines that can ignite a flavour explosion in your mouth with each bite.
Image credit: Methu Savham via Google Review
Start with the “The Jaffna Experience” (RM69 for two pax) that takes you on the ultimate culinary journey with Sri Lankan fare. It is a dinner set of approximately eight Sri Lankan dishes, from appetisers to desserts.
A sneak peek into the Jaffna menu will get you Fish Cutlets With Rasam Soup, Idiyappam rice noodles, tender Mutton Varuval, and Sweet Appam, alongside several Indian dips to pair them with.
Image credit: @yarlrestaurant via Instagram
Or feast on the Sri Lankan Crab Curry (RM18.75/100g) – a whole crab is cooked in spiced gravy and creamy coconut milk, and garnished with chillis and fragrant curry leaves. This is a bold seafood dish that packs a punch.
Another popular pick is the Yarl Thali Set (RM19.80) – a colourful plate of three different vegetables, rice, rasam, and pickles. Or, for something comforting, consider their Odiyal Kool (RM25), which is a warm stew of seafood and vegetables, topped with white rice.
Image adapted from: @yarlrestaurant via Instagram
Don’t wrap up your meal just yet without getting their iconic spiced beverages such as Yarl Tea (RM4) and Nallen’s Bru Coffee (RM5.90). The former is Ceylon tea brewed with creamer while the latter is a blend of coffee and chicory from India.
Address: No 24, Asian Heritage Row, Jalan Doraisamy, 50300 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 9am-10.30pm, Daily
Contact: 012-375 9883 | Yarl Instagram
See all of Yarl’s locations here.
7. Limapulo: Baba Can Cook
Authentic Baba Nyonya cuisines & sago gula Melaka
Image adapted from: @babacancook via Instagram
There is no need to travel to Melaka for authentic Baba Nyonya cuisine as it can be as simple as visiting Limapulo.
Having earned a seat in the Michelin Guide, this restaurant has over 30 Peranakan dishes on the menu. The recipes were handed down from the founder’s godparents, who are Melaka-born Baba Nyonya.
Image adapted from: @babacancook via Instagram
Pongteh Chicken (RM21) is one of the totems for Baba Nyonya cuisine – at Limapulo, it features cuts of chicken slow-cooked in soybean paste, sugar, and dark soya sauce until tender.
The Pai Tee (RM10) is another signature Peranakan appetiser. Each pastry tart looks like a tiny top hat that has been upended, holding fresh jícamas and prawns inside.
Image adapted from: @babacancook via Instagram, P T via Google Review
Additionally, have your taste buds tantalised by the robust kicks of their Nyonya Laksa (RM11.90). The laksa broth is cooked using fresh ingredients and spices for four hours, promising an irresistible savoury joy.
For something cool to cut through the heat, order yourself their Sago Gula Melaka (RM4) – a puck of sago pearls swims in coconut milk with Gula Melaka syrup drizzled on top.
Address: 50, Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11.30am-3pm | Thu-Sat 5.30pm-9pm (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: 03-2698 3268 | Limapulo Instagram
8. Base Camp KL
A pet-friendly rooftop cafe with a campsite setting
Image credit: Kit Teguh via Google Review
Situated on the rooftop of the building, Base Camp KL is where you can enjoy coffee and rice bowls in an idyllic outdoor setting.
Camping chairs, picnic tables, and tarp shelters come together to fill up the space, creating a picturesque and cosy campsite scene for your weekend brunch date.
Image adapted from: BaseCamp KL via Facebook, @happi_yumz via Instagram
Their pasta series showcases a delightful culinary collaboration between the East and the West.
The Nasi Lemak No Nasi (RM27) has everything that you can find in a nasi lemak – cucumber, ikan bilis, hard-boiled egg, and sambal included – but with a twist on the carbs. Spaghetti replaces the usual mound of fragrant rice.
Additionally, they also serve Japanese-inspired rice bowls such as Karaage Rice Bowl (RM26) and Unagi Rice Bowl (RM34). Their Beef Stew Rice Bowl (RM29) carries a full-bodied umami taste with beef that is slow-cooked for three hours.
Image credit: @basecamp_kl via Instagram
For a sweet treat, consider the Summer Watermelon Cake (RM18). Originating from Sydney, this cake has fresh watermelon slices sandwiched between two layers of dacquoise and cream, making a hot day sweet and refreshing.
Brownie points to the cafe for being pet-friendly – you can bring your fur kids here and let them roam around.
Address: 62, Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Fri-Sat 12pm-11pm | Sun-Thu 12pm-10pm
Contact: 03-2602 3152 | Base Camp Instagram
9. Restaurant Dominic
Fine dining contemporary French cuisine & wines
Image adapted from: MICHELIN Guide – The Michelin Group
Snagging a coveted spot in the coveted Michelin Guide, Dominic Restaurant zeroes in on French cuisines with a contemporary flair.
Each dining table is white-clothed, adorned with enticing floral centrepiece and tall wine glasses. Together with subway tiles and wooden floors, the restaurant exudes a classy and elegant aura that makes guests feel as if they are dining in a European locale.
Image adapted from: Restaurant Dominic via Google Review, @restaurantdominic via Instagram
Their food menu runs the gamut from appetisers to desserts, such as Pastas (from RM57), Steaks (from RM210), Fish & Seafood (from RM79), and Gelatos (RM35).
For starters, the Signature Foie Gras Terrine (RM62) is one of their most popular dishes. While it looks like a piece of cheesecake, this dish is far from sweet.
The duck liver is marinated in herbs and spices, and then formed into a loaf shape. Once baked to perfection, the liver loaf is cut into thin slices to serve. As the duck liver carries a pretty intense flavour on its own, it is paired with brioche toast and a blob of pear puree for a fruity touch.
Image credit: @restaurantdominic via Instagram
Another customer’s favourite is the Signature Duck Confit (RM116). The amazing part about this traditional French dish lies in simmering duck legs in a pot of melted duck fat and letting the legs slowly get baked in the oven at a low temperature.
This time-consuming process results in meat that beautifully soaks up all the duck flavours and is so soft that it effortlessly slips off the bone.
Image credit: @restaurantdominic via Instagram
To wash down the greasiness, explore their wine menu which brings together House-pour Red Wines (from RM50/glass), White Wines (from RM50/glass), and Rose Wines (from RM60/glass).
Address: 54G & 56G, Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12pm-3pm &, 6pm-11pm, Daily
Contact: 012-484 5654 | Restaurant Dominic Instagram
A hub of cafes and restaurants within heritage shoplots at The Row
Image credit: Studio Bikin
As new restaurants and bistros fill in the empty units, The Row has turned into a lively hub that still carries a timeless charm. Each corner of the building is thoughtfully redesigned, showcasing a beautiful connection between the present and the past.
So the next time you find yourself in Chow Kit, don’t forget to drop by The Row – whether it is for the tasty food or simply to admire the reworked architecture.
For more guides on food, check out:
Cover image adapted from: @shophia16 via Instagram, @heritagepizza_kl via Instagram, BaseCamp KL via Facebook, EveThen via XiaoHongShu, @babacancook via Instagram