One of Central Kuala Lumpur's best-kept secrets is a street laced with charm and character, with history woven into each crack and seam of its pre-war shophouses.
Lorong Panggung brings together old and new in a perfect marriage where art meets heritage, and soul remains the foundation for every delightful thing you'll find here. So, if you're looking to explore our city's latest happening street, then this guide will be useful.
This once-neglected alleyway has been transformed to house cafes, restaurants, and bars in old pre-war shophouses. It's hard to miss the vibrant yellow walls, teal doors, and windows that front restaurants and cafes.
2. Pandan Republic
The Pandan Republic is a Chinese dessert shop in Kwai Chai Hong, and its a family-run business that serves up classic Malaysian desserts, dishes, and drinks. The menu encompasses traditional dishes like their Hakka Lei Cha as well as some fresh ideas with familiar flavours such as the Pandan Softserve and Gula Melaka Cheesecake. There is also a drinks menu for artisanal coffee and teas.
3. Beryl's Chocolate & Cafe @ Lot 18
If Willy Wonka could pick his favourite spot in town, we imagine this would be it. This homegrown chocolate brands boutique cafe in Lot 18 sells and serves a variety of chocolatey treats.
Cakes, mousses, chocolate drinks, and Beryl's chocolate bars fill this refurbished shophouse with chocolates sweet and delicious scent.
4. Moutou
Hidden in the back alleys of Lorong Panggung is a rooftop garden and community-run space for artists and musicians. Moutou's independent space hosts regular events ranging from live music to activism, sustainability conversations, and occasional barbecue grill nights. Go for the music, stay for the drinks!
5. Findars
On Jalan Panggung, up on the fourth floor, Findars is an art gallery acting as a hub for anything from improv music sessions to indie film screenings. They also host the occasional art exhibitions and audio-visual displays in a cafe, drawing many local and foreign art enthusiasts.
6. Baijiu
Residing in the shops of Kwai Chai Hong, Baiju serves oriental-style cocktails and a bar snack selection of dim sum in their dreamy backlit bar, perfect for those Instagram shots. The bar has a unique appearance, retaining much of the streets historical art and interior influence, and the setting has a warm and inviting appeal to it.
7. Panggung Kuala Lumpur
Lights, camera, action! Panggung brings the roaring 20s back to life with its Hollywood theatre-themed bar featuring cocktails inspired by films. You'll feel like a movie star in this restaurant that does not shy away from grandiose interiors.
Fancy a glass of peanut butter-infused Jameson whiskey called the Harry Potter or a piña colada called the Pineapple Express? There is also a tray of six shooters known as The Purge, but we'll let you discover that drink on your own. Pair your drinks with meat skewers and an assortment of pates.
8. Concubine
Concubine is a contemporary restaurant and bar. A place where high-quality drinks and good food are the foundations for this menu, Concubine celebrates the modern woman in what used to be a risque part of town.
Striking paintings of women and a neon installation lead you into a space both old and new. With much of the buildings original structure in place, it is an urban reinterpretation of Chinatown.
Order a glass of one of their handcrafted cocktails or opt for an Earl Grey Gin and Tonic and pair it with juicy burgers, tuna tostada, or spicy Korean chicken wings. You might even want to take home a canned or bottled cocktail.
