Kuala Lumpur is more than your typical cosmopolitan city. Beneath the embroidered skyscrapers and city lights, lies a colorful cultural tapestry. Rich in culture and deeply rooted tradition, it is the melting pot of three major culture which is Chinese, Indian and Malay. Therefore, it is only pertinent for you to experience the ethereal feel of the culture in the vicinity.
Situated just south of the City Center and heart of Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station, Brickfields is known as our very own “Little India.” With a burst of colors unfolding before your eyes, the area is distinctive to any other part of Kuala Lumpur. Brickfields is proud to invite you to experience the bold flavors, vibrant sights, festive sounds and aromatic fragrances of all things Indian. As home to the majority of the city’s Indian population, the street takes you on a trip to India.
Wander along the street as a merchant will try to sell you’re his most authentic silk sari and jewelry. Take a sip of masala chai and a plate of chapatti serve in every corner of the area, a bouquet of fragrant fresh flowers and a henna tattoo by professional artists. You will be enticed to the bustle and novelty of Little India that you may even forget you’re in Malaysia – it is a blend of spice and everything nice!
Today, our Butterkicap team is taking you on a one-day tour itinerary in Brickfields – let’s get lost in the vibrant setting of the area and unravel the beauty it has to offer.
Sentral Chapatti House
If your palate is yearning for an authentic Punjabi cuisine – or Chapatti in particular, always make it a habit to get a seat at Sentral Chapatti House. Located in the heart of Brickfields, they have been opening their door for a memorable food journey since May 2002.
They have a team of experienced chefs all from India who promises to serve a wealth of the best of authentic Punjabi, South Indian and Malaysian delicacies under one roof. Their breads are freshly made to order in a traditional cooking method – in an open flame and clay oven tandoor which gives it a divine taste.
Once you get a bite of their warm Aloo Pratha with homemade dhall, it will feel like a revelation. Soft, fluffy yet hearty than any other, setting a new standard which will be difficult to beat. For extra texture, try their Gobi and Mooli Pratha which is stuffed with cauliflower and radish, respectively.
Carnivores will enjoy it with their mutton curry – juicy, soft tender mutton in Indian style in flavorful spiced gravy. It takes the Pratha to a whole new level of flavor. While waiting for your food, order a cup of comforting Masala tea which has rich aromatic Indian spices.
If you want something refreshing, indulge on their fresh, smooth mango Lassi which takes away the heat. Sentral Chapatti is a house with a lineup of comfort foods for any days.
C: +603 2260 4210
W: http://www.sentralchappatihouse.com/
L: 45, Jalan Thambipillay, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
O: 7.00 am – 10.00 pm daily
As you roam around the district while hearing the melody of some Bollywood’s greatest tunes playing, you might as well buy some beautiful flower garlands to decorate your house. In this little floral garland lane, engange yourselves with varieties of vibrant, fresh flowers. In every shop, you can see them carefully stringing the flowers together. Perhaps, you can even buy a bouquet of flower for yourself because who does not love flowers?
Citra Spice Mart
Are you up for a challenge to make your own fragrant chicken biryani and flavorful mutton curry? Lucky for you if you are, because you can practically get every spice you need from A–Z in Citra’s House of Spice. As one of the largest retailers, wholesalers, importers, and exporters of quality raw and processed spices and herbs, everything you could not find in the city will be there.
In fact, you can trust everything regarding spices to this shop which has opened since more than 30 years ago. Possibly, if you have just realized that your Idli steamer insert needs an upgrade, don’t worry! Citra also offers a broad range of Indian household necessities because we know how particular an Indian kitchen is to make the best out of our Indian cooking.
Besides, Citra also takes pride in providing everyday life essentials such as costume, pieces of jewelry and even stainless steel. Citra is basically a mini department store in the heart of Brickfields.
C: +603 2273 6215
FB: https://www.facebook.com/citras.my
L: No. 25G, Jalan Thamby Abdullah Satu, Off Jalan Tun Sambanthan, 50470, Kuala, Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
O: 8.30 am – 10.00 pm
Just steps away from Citra Spice Mart, you’ll spot an old abandoned building which somehow captures your attention for its appealing antique distinctiveness. Its vintage style speaks retro which makes you ‘feel’ something.
In fact, the key to an Instagram worthy shots is not about what you wear but where you make the shot. Whether it is a simple #sneakerhand shot or a high-end fashion photo shoot, you should not let your outfit goes into a waste. Take a shot or two in this building located at the intersection between Jalan Thamby Abdullah 1 and Tun Sambanthan 1.
Let’s be honest, what is a trip without having one worthy shot for all of our followers to admire, no? All things considered; Food, shopping, and photography are after all three peas in a pod.
Restaurant Chat Masala
Amidst the bustle and color of Little India, Chat Masala specializes in serving authentic South and North Indian cuisine. The restaurant stood out with the Teh Tarik man statue welcoming you warmly for a meal. The Thali Set is perfectly executed for a light lunch; balanced with every required nutrient.
You can choose either a fragrant rice or fluffy chapatti for the primary carbohydrate, accompanied with mixed vegetables and lentils “Kootu,” stir fried diced vegetables “Poriyal,” spicy and tangy curry “Kara Kuzambhu,” Tamarind based vegetable stew “Sambar,” Pickle, Crispy Papadam and Coconut Masala sauce. The most important is that it is fulfilling to the stomach without desolating your wallet.
You can also order the vivid sweets which strike you even from meters away for a post-lunch dessert. The most striking one would be their Lotus Kaju which has a hint of nutty taste from the cashew nuts. The flavor is as sweet as the illustrated lotus flower with gradients of bright pink, yellow and green shades. Their best-selling classic Mysore pak which is slightly crunchy with a porous texture and aromatic cardamom.
It takes a thorough understanding of method to make a good Mysore pak which Chat Masala delivers. If you’re in for an afternoon tea time and coffee is your thing, go with their Madras coffee. As the lifeblood of most South Indians, it’s entirely reasonable once you get a sip of it; steamy and aromatic. However, if you’re more of a milk person, their Badam milk is nutritiously energizing.
C: +603 2260 3244
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Chat-MasalaKL-161322307236081/
L: 259, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
O: 9.00 am – 9.30 pm daily
To mark the end of your journey of the day, you should shop for authentically Indian stuff. Dress in a traditional ethnic Indian sari, buy colorful lamps for your home, draw a henna tattoo, wear fancy bangles and feast on snacks to munch on while watching your favorite Bollywood TV series.
The options are endless in this magical destination where mythology meets modern day. Little India depicts the grandeur of the Indian culture and embraces a life that is dynamic, lively and theatrical. It is truly a spectacular culture!
