Hidden Corners in Kwai Chai Hong

“Kwai Chai Hong” is not only a lane hidden in between Lorong Panggung and Jalan Petaling, but it's also a project which involves the restoration of 10 shophouses. The origins of the name “Kwai Chai Hong” is unclear. 

Some long-term residents claim it came about when children ran around the laneway on rainy days. Senior citizens would refer to the mischievous children as “kwai chai” which translates to ghost children as a colloquial slang. The word “hong” refers to the lane in English. 

Another source cited the presence of illegal businesses in this area as the reason for the moniker of Kwai Chai Hong. During the early days of the Chinese settlers, it was an area haunted by petty gamblers, drunkards, drug addicts and people participating in vice activities. 

Parallel to Jalan Petaling, Project Kwai Chai Hong’s entrance is an arch situated along Lorong Panggung which features six interactive thematic murals, each with a story to tell. These murals are crafted to depict daily activities among the early Chinese settlers living in the area during the 1960s.

My advice: Don't simply try this.

Decorative openwork window

The decorative openwork window is a Chinese architectural feature and is also known by many different names. The carved patterns in the window would often feature flowers, animals or a geometric pattern. The main function of the openwork window is to provide ventilation and lighting, but they can also act as the centrepiece of a garden. 

Due to the similar climate, the decorative openwork windows are a common sight in southern China and also old Malaysian buildings. Old buildings in Petaling Street often feature decorative openwork windows, mostly in the shape of squares, flowers or geometric patterns. These windows can be found behind the old houses of Lorong Panggung and Petaling Street, where some are higher than eye level. The various shapes and carvings are similar to those of the Lingnan dwellings in China.

Apart from that, the ventilation bricks also were spotted at the old wall of Kwai Chai Hong. This kind of structure still remained in some Chinese village houses nowadays.

Besides getting your instagrammable picture taken, be sure to scan the QR code as well on the wall. The QR code links to a website where you could listen to the stories told by each character on the mural. According to Chang, professional voice artists who had recorded drama shows for radio were hired to do the voice clips for each mural. It would definitely give you an interactive and imaginative experience back to the 1960s.

Example of this voice clip: http://l.ead.me/bb6K7q

I will not upload the oldest lamp post picture here. I urge you guys to find it yourself :)

Before the advent of electricity, Kuala Lumpur was a quiet place that was only lit with kerosene lamps. But when electricity came in 1904, it brought with it street lamps that illuminated many beautiful stories in the night. From the beginning of the 20th century, Kuala Lumpur entered the era of electricity. The streets were brighter than before. And in Lorong Panggung (Kwai Chai Hong), an antique street lamp still stand. 

Residents claimed it to be one of the oldest street lights in Kuala Lumpur, although no one can say for sure when exactly it was erected. So, when walking into Lorong Panggung (Kwai Chai Hong), remember to visit this antique street lamp and bask in the light that illuminated this piece of the past once upon a time.

*_*

Kwai Chai Hong is not only a picturesque lane with a few murals but there are lots of treasure waiting one to explore. Make sure you visit any of the shops in Kwai Chai Hong. So far there are only 7 tenants while 3 are still empty. As we were already late to the Kwai Chai Hong, some shops were closed. Thus, we only managed to visit 5 shops as I featured below.

1. Dabao 打包

Craving for some seriously good Bao's? From juicy chunks of meat or to cripsy softshell crab, Dabao has expanded the variety even further with a mix of modern and local twist. 

The big mural in the shop is a nice photo backdrop for a group photo.

The upper floor of Dabao is a different setup. It is a bar serving cocktails that opened at night. What I like here is the maintaining of the old window with wooden shutters that were not seen anywhere else in a contemporary building structure.

Opens daily 12 - 9PM (Closed Mon).

2. Asia Street Food Club

Come to Asia Street Food Club for the most authentic Malaysian and Thai street food - Ramly Burger, Sup Kambing, Crispy Pork Prawn Mee, Green Curry Chicken, Tom Yum, Pad Kra Pao and so much more to get your cravings satisfied. 

Asia Street Food Club recycles the abandoned woods and hangs them as the decorative walls that give the old school look.

The restaurant could be transformed from a Chinese traditional medicine shop with the sights of many drawers that were usually used to store Chinese medicine.

At one side, there is a Nyonya lady taking care of her kid climbing up the staircases. I guess the owner wishes to dedicate his love to his mum.

Not only that, but the collection of many old TV, bicycles, radio, table lamps and many more at the brick wall also amazed me!

This is also a nice spot for the Instagram post :)

Opens daily 11AM - 8PM

3. Concubine KL

Looking for a flirtatious place to chill over Asian-inspired cocktail blends or perhaps a scrumptuos fusion cuisine like cheeseburger gyoza to tease your tastebuds? Then @ConcubineKL is the place to be.

The interior design of the ground floor gives an exotic feel.

That unique washbasin that made me jaw-dropping.

The interior decoration of the upper floor is tasteful with red lanterns and nostalgic murals on the wall. The whole atmosphere gives off a distinctly oriental feel.

The rooftop is remained as of the original building.

The red brick is the chimney in olden days.

According to the owner, the seats at veranda are full almost every night. It's a lively place.

Opens daily from 11:30AM - 10:00PM onwards (Closed Mon).

4. Bubblebee Cafe

Bubblebee serves a wide range of guilt-free, and deliciously healthy food. But you must make room for their Signature Egg Waffles - crispy on the outside, and moist on the inside. Add a cup of roasted cup and you are in HEAVEN! 

The owner said the only table with a garden setting was a hot seat among all in the shop. If I say Bubblebee is a green-themed environment-friendly cafe, aren't you agree?

Opens daily 9AM - 6PM (Pork-Free).

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5. The Soybean Factory 豆香⠀

Sweet or Savoury - The Soybean Factory has a huge variety of offerings with SOYBEAN! They are not only guilt-free on the waist but too sweet for the eyes!

Of warm tones with white, brown, and orangish colours; this cafe will make you feel like you’re in a foreign country. The Soybean Factory has a gorgeous floral arrangement hangs from the high ceiling and aesthetic table flower decoration that turns the space into an Instagrammable corner.

Opens daily 9AM - 10:30PM.

If you never visit the places I mentioned above, why not "jio" your friends to come over together? What's more? There is no need for paying any entrance fee!

Address:

Kwai Chai Hong

Lorong Panggung, City Centre, 

50000 Kuala Lumpur.