Chow Kit Market
Chow Kit Market
4
6:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 2:00 PM
About
Wind your way past narrow stalls at this authentic market for a glimpse of where Malaysians shop. Need anything for a picnic?
Duration: < 1 hour
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- Chow Kit • 6 min walk
- Medan Tuanku • 7 min walk
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4.0
230 reviews
Excellent
83
Very good
85
Average
48
Poor
9
Terrible
5
Adora
Auckland, New Zealand2 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Went towards the market thinking it was a market that sold random things, like clothing, crafts and snacks. Instead found a wet market. Wasn't prepared for the whole experience. Definitely out error for not realising what the market is.
Written 25 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Farideh14
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia197 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
I have been living in KL for nearly 10 years and I know many places and streets and districts in this lively colorful city. Ten years ago, Chow kit had its own beauty, with all the colorful local composition which made it a very nice and interesting place to sightsee. But my...! How it has changed in these couple of years... It is no longer the Chow kit many of us knew. In the past, there were wonderful shops and boutiques where you coukd buy quite a lot of worthy, beautiful things with unbelievable prices. I still wear many of those things, because of their good quality. Sweet, humble, polite Malay and Indian crowded this long and busy street and they loved the tourists. However times have changed and there is no trace of THAT Chow kit anymore. For a time, people from Myanmar invaded it, and then went away. Then Uzbek people came and invaded it, but they too left it. Nowadays, it is a marking place for all Sri lankan and Bangladeshi people. 99% of them men. I am NOT racist nor am I prejudging anything. However, it is my duty to explain certain matters. Especially to young tourists who are young women with shorts and t-shirts. This is NO PLACE to go walking leisurely, or with bare legs!! Trust me! I too am a woman and a mother. Tge street in crowded, and I mean it, absolutely crowded with these Indian guys who have seen nothing and who have been no where in the world. If you start walking with all the usual attire of a well-intentionned tourist, they would not stop gazing at you in a certain uncomfortable way. We went there with my husband to reminisce, but OMG, this place has really changed. The street is no longer clean or locally beautiful. It is in ruin, dirty, crowded, with a looooon line of bangladeshi or sri lankan workets who lean on the walls, waiting for someone to come along and ask them to work for them... It is sad and disheartening to the extreme. Indonesian women are sellings fruit or shoes or whatever on the ground and locals just hurry by, so as not to be retained by any of this sadly pictured crowd, which appear to be utterly poor, in need of a job, and hungry. Very dangerous place to walk by for old people or young tourists. They gaze at you, in a bad way. I noticed all that with great concern. Even my husband saw all that clearly and after ten minutes we decided to leave that street. The shops have become places with cheap and bad materials. And: with high prices. The quality of the materials have lessened extremely. They would now sell all things related to Arabs and you would NOT guess at all you are walking in a street in Kuala Lumpur! Instead, maybe you would think you were in Aleppo, or in Baghdad, Tripoli, Riyadh, Dahka or Colombo. Please dont think like you were in one of Indiana Jones' movies!!
It is a lot worse! People throw their saliva on the floor, right before you. Actually a Bangladeshi guy did exactly that, and while "exiting" his saliva to throw it at my feet, he also made a very strange, gurggling sound too. Bizarre way to attract one's attention. We said nothing. Did not protest among that sea of gazing men... The fruit and fish market was so dirty and so smelly that I wanted to throw up, whereas in the past, we used to buy so many nice and clean fruits! The soil was a mixture of dirt and stones and fish entrails and bloody water.
I think it was more like a very dirty and crowded district in Delhi rather than Kuala lumpur. So I decided to write that down. Dont be fooled or lured by agencies! It is not even worth 1$ !! It has become a dangeroys, ugly, smelly place. And girls: dont go walking with bare bronzed sun-tanned legs of yours! They will follow you, with their vivid gaze...
It is a lot worse! People throw their saliva on the floor, right before you. Actually a Bangladeshi guy did exactly that, and while "exiting" his saliva to throw it at my feet, he also made a very strange, gurggling sound too. Bizarre way to attract one's attention. We said nothing. Did not protest among that sea of gazing men... The fruit and fish market was so dirty and so smelly that I wanted to throw up, whereas in the past, we used to buy so many nice and clean fruits! The soil was a mixture of dirt and stones and fish entrails and bloody water.
I think it was more like a very dirty and crowded district in Delhi rather than Kuala lumpur. So I decided to write that down. Dont be fooled or lured by agencies! It is not even worth 1$ !! It has become a dangeroys, ugly, smelly place. And girls: dont go walking with bare bronzed sun-tanned legs of yours! They will follow you, with their vivid gaze...
Written 2 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
howard c
Cape Town, South Africa35 contributions
Jan 2014 • Solo
The GM Plaza at Chow Kit is a seven stores building in the Chow Kit area. The building is actually seventeen floors but the wholesalers occupy only seven floors. You must buy in quantity normally 12 or more of an item or the vendor will not give you the wholesale price. However if you buy 12of an item and then select other items where you only want one or two this will be acceptable and you will get wholesale prices on all your items.
The wholesale prices are very low. I bought 12 Ice watches for US1.7 each, plus some other watches for US0.55.
There are many other items offered like handbags,luggage, Tshirts, costume jewelry,wallets , make up, toys etc etc.
The vendors are all kind and polite.
You can also explor the surrounding area and find many other wholesalers.
The wholesale prices are very low. I bought 12 Ice watches for US1.7 each, plus some other watches for US0.55.
There are many other items offered like handbags,luggage, Tshirts, costume jewelry,wallets , make up, toys etc etc.
The vendors are all kind and polite.
You can also explor the surrounding area and find many other wholesalers.
Written 19 January 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tabby London
London, UK121 contributions
Jan 2017 • Family
This is as loco as you can get. Typically frequented by the locals and not many people speak English, but food is food regardless of which country you are from.
Plus
- Market was in full swing by the time we got there at 11.30am. We were told that the day market closes around 4ish and the night market starts. The concept sounds great which enables the workers to buy fresh produce without paying an arm and a leg.
- Enclosed market and plenty of fruit and veg stalls. The sides of the enclosed markets are all household ware shops. It's all stuff you can pick up in a pound shop and similarly priced. So unless you feel you need to bring some more plastic back, shop away.
- The fruits on display are impressive. Lots of Jackfruit, starfruit and all the exotic fruits you can think of. Never seen such large jackfruit ever, which is always a delight.
- Fish market was impressive. Lots of fish and lots of hawkers selling their wares.
- The cacophony of noise makes the market fun place.
- It's really cheap to pick up what you need. We did the customary jackfruit for £2 for 2 packs. We chose the honey jackfruit. Very tasty it was too. Felt super chuffed for getting the jackfruit at bargain prices.
Cons
- As the market is enclosed, it can feel claustrophobic and hot, but that's part of the overall experience.
- Wouldn't feel comfortable going alone, but that shouldn't stop anyone from experiencing the market. People generally just stare if you're not a local or the men start humming tunes!
- Watch where you step and go comfortable as there are lots of uneven paving on the floor especially in the fruit section.
- It's very wet in the fish market, so watch your step
Plus
- Market was in full swing by the time we got there at 11.30am. We were told that the day market closes around 4ish and the night market starts. The concept sounds great which enables the workers to buy fresh produce without paying an arm and a leg.
- Enclosed market and plenty of fruit and veg stalls. The sides of the enclosed markets are all household ware shops. It's all stuff you can pick up in a pound shop and similarly priced. So unless you feel you need to bring some more plastic back, shop away.
- The fruits on display are impressive. Lots of Jackfruit, starfruit and all the exotic fruits you can think of. Never seen such large jackfruit ever, which is always a delight.
- Fish market was impressive. Lots of fish and lots of hawkers selling their wares.
- The cacophony of noise makes the market fun place.
- It's really cheap to pick up what you need. We did the customary jackfruit for £2 for 2 packs. We chose the honey jackfruit. Very tasty it was too. Felt super chuffed for getting the jackfruit at bargain prices.
Cons
- As the market is enclosed, it can feel claustrophobic and hot, but that's part of the overall experience.
- Wouldn't feel comfortable going alone, but that shouldn't stop anyone from experiencing the market. People generally just stare if you're not a local or the men start humming tunes!
- Watch where you step and go comfortable as there are lots of uneven paving on the floor especially in the fruit section.
- It's very wet in the fish market, so watch your step
Written 1 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
highburychampion
Melbourne, Australia482 contributions
As soon as you arrive at Chow Kit station and walk down onto the street you will begin to feel the vibe of the place.
It is raw, authentic and how the locals live. I didn't feel threatened or worried but there were definitely some questionable characters around and a lot of beggars.
I didn't see any other tourists in the market at all. Lots of cheap shoes, bags, food, clothes and groceries. It is definitely targeted at locals.
I sampled some lovely delicacies from the hawkers and enjoyed satays for lunch. Have a go. I did and it was great.
It is not a must see, especially if you don't like to be confronted with dirt, crowds and beggars, but it is the real Malaysia so for those of you who want to see that, here it is!
It is raw, authentic and how the locals live. I didn't feel threatened or worried but there were definitely some questionable characters around and a lot of beggars.
I didn't see any other tourists in the market at all. Lots of cheap shoes, bags, food, clothes and groceries. It is definitely targeted at locals.
I sampled some lovely delicacies from the hawkers and enjoyed satays for lunch. Have a go. I did and it was great.
It is not a must see, especially if you don't like to be confronted with dirt, crowds and beggars, but it is the real Malaysia so for those of you who want to see that, here it is!
Written 8 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashley E
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia485 contributions
Mar 2013 • Couples
Easy to get to, jump on the monorail line and get off at Chow Kit.
The clothing and Textile section of the market is typical of any asian market, cheap and nasty.
The food section was rather interesting, filled with delicious smells and colours it provides for a enchanting type experience. Come with an open mind and be prepared for large crowds of people.
The markets are open day hours during the week, and night time on a Saturday.
The clothing and Textile section of the market is typical of any asian market, cheap and nasty.
The food section was rather interesting, filled with delicious smells and colours it provides for a enchanting type experience. Come with an open mind and be prepared for large crowds of people.
The markets are open day hours during the week, and night time on a Saturday.
Written 6 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
noseygeorge
Corby, UK289 contributions
May 2015
The Chow Kit area is a bit of a dump. Dirty streets (bins overflowing with rubbish) rats - dead and alive, beggars, run down buildings, abandoned hotels. Our hotel was in this area and the nearest monorail station was Chow Kit. Plaza GM is worth a visit - wholesale shops. i bought 3 G Shock watches for about 5GBP each, leather belts for 5GBP each (copied Timberland and Armani).
Written 4 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leigh W
Brisbane, Australia4 contributions
Mar 2014 • Couples
I visited chow kit on 30 March, 2014.
This market is great, if you want to see a more authentic market this is the place to go. This is where the locals buy all their fruit, vegies, spices and meat. They also have heaps of stalls for clothing, watches, bags etc and are definitely the cheapest.
I recommend wearing closed footwear as they are 'wet markets' in that the ground is all wet from local produce upkeep and melting ice from the meat sections.
To get there catch the monorail to chow kit station, cross the road and that is where it starts. Monorail tickets are very cheap (about RM1.20 to get me across 4 stations).
Hold onto your bags and take money out of your pockets as you may find some children following you looking to take what they can.
I was with my husband only, and there were very few tourists. If going with children, I would keep them as close to you as possible.
This is where you go If you want to the authentic Malaysian market place.
This market is great, if you want to see a more authentic market this is the place to go. This is where the locals buy all their fruit, vegies, spices and meat. They also have heaps of stalls for clothing, watches, bags etc and are definitely the cheapest.
I recommend wearing closed footwear as they are 'wet markets' in that the ground is all wet from local produce upkeep and melting ice from the meat sections.
To get there catch the monorail to chow kit station, cross the road and that is where it starts. Monorail tickets are very cheap (about RM1.20 to get me across 4 stations).
Hold onto your bags and take money out of your pockets as you may find some children following you looking to take what they can.
I was with my husband only, and there were very few tourists. If going with children, I would keep them as close to you as possible.
This is where you go If you want to the authentic Malaysian market place.
Written 30 March 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
romusha
Melbourne, Australia145 contributions
Nov 2011 • Couples
If you like durian, then this is the place where you can eat them a lots
Written 13 May 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dnaray
Aberdeen, UK837 contributions
Feb 2020
We wandered and bought a few things very cheaply and stopped a few times for a nibble of something - satay was the best although everything we ate was tasty and well prepared.
Written 26 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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