Brickfields: Your Gateway to KL's Little India
Brickfields, the heart of Kuala Lumpur's Little India, is a treasure trove of culture. Once filled with wooden houses, a devastating flood and fire in the 1880s gave birth to a town made of tiles and bricks. Today, Brickfields stands as the oldest and largest Indian enclave in Kuala Lumpur, home to generations of Indians.
Wandering the streets of Brickfields, you'll see shops brimming with colourful Indian clothes, jewellery, and unique goods. Little India is also home to the beloved mamak culture — food stalls that serve a delicious fusion of Malay and Tamil dishes, including Chettinad specialities.
Whether you're looking for culture, food, spirituality, or just a good time, Brickfields has it all. Here's a guide to Brickfields, where every step reveals new gems.
1. Discover the harmony of faith and natural beauty in Thean Hou Temple
Thean Hou Temple is one of Southeast Asia's largest and oldest Buddhist temples. Even if architecture isn't your thing, you won't be able to resist admiring the temple's arches and intricate carvings.
The temple pays homage to Thean Hou, the deity of the Hainanese people and guardian of fishermen. The best part is that it's situated atop Robson Hill, allowing you to appreciate the stunning Kuala Lumpur skyline.
How to get there:
Board the BRT Sunway Line bus from Sunway Lagoon BRT Station to USJ7 Station.
Take a 38-minute LRT train ride (Kelana Jaya Line) from USJ7 to Bangsar.
Walk for roughly 3 kilometres to Thean Hou Temple.
Address: 65, Persiaran Endah, Taman Persiaran Desa, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2. Unleash your inner shopaholic at Jalan Tun Sambanthan
If you're on a shopping spree, go to Jalan Tun Sambanthan. You'll find various small shops packed with colourful saris and fabrics here. What sets this place apart is that they sell saffron, cumin, and cinnamon in large bags instead of little packets.
3. Embrace spirituality at Tamil Methodist Church
While strolling around Brickfields, you'll notice a unique triangular building. That's the Tamil Methodist Church Brickfields, established in 1896 by young Christians who held prayer meetings in their homes.
Today, this place hosts services in English, Tamil, Nepali, Telegu, and Sinhalese. Visiting this church will give you an insight into Malaysia's rich spiritual and cultural diversity.
How to reach:
Board the 600 rapidKL Bus from Pasar Seni Bus Hub and take a 10-minute bus ride to Brickfields Asia College.
Walk for 2 minutes from Brickfields Asia College to Tamil Methodist Church.
Address: 197, Jln Sultan Abdul Samad, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
4. Savour traditional flavours at Little India
Go to Little India on an empty stomach, because you'll find an endless selection of authentic Indian food. Here are some must-try Brickfields restaurants.
MTR 1924
MTR 1924 brings the flavours of South India to Brickfields with their delicious vegetarian food. Try their podi idly (RM 9), or their crispy masala dosa (RM 10.50). End your meal with kesari bath (RM 7), a dessert made with semolina, cashew nuts, and saffron.
Brickfields Pisang Goreng | Fried Banana Stall 炸香蕉
You can't miss the famous Brickfields Pisang Goreng, serving up the best banana fritters in town. Try their Pisang Goreng (RM 1.40), made with local pisang raja. Or go for their gooey kuih bakul (RM 1.30), curry puffs (RM 1.50), and sesame balls (RM 1.30).
Restaurant Saravanaa Bhavan Brickfields
At Saravanaa Bhavan Restaurant, you can savour authentic South Indian vegetarian food. Try their ghee sambar idli (RM 12.50), gobi 65 (RM 14), and medhu vada (RM 8).
Vishal Food & Catering
Vishal is hands down one of the most famous Chettinad restaurants for Brickfields Banana Leaf Rice. Get their delicious white rice served on a banana leaf with vegetables, papadum, and curries for RM 6. They also serve the best biryani in Brickfields for RM 16.90.
Ah Keong's ABC & Cendol
Cool down from the heat with Malaysia's beloved ABC (Ais Batu Campur) dessert. Have a bowl of ice kacang (RM 4.50) - shaved ice with evaporated milk, sweet corn, grass jelly, and red beans.
Annalakshmi
At Annalakshmi, you can enjoy a buffet priced at RM 25 per person. They also have a pay-as-you-please restaurant in Annalakshmi Riverside. Don't forget to try their til mil aloo mutter, palak paneer, and taufu pok kulambu.
Lawanya Food Corner
Lawanya Food Corner offers delicious home-cooked meals under RM 5. With over 20 meat and vegetarian dishes, they also have the best thosai in KL. Try their nasi lemak and roti canai.
Mr Naan & Mrs Idly
Mr Naan & Mrs Idly is a vegetarian restaurant in Brickfields that's a hit among the lunchtime office crowd. Savour the best chat masala in Brickfields, along with their veg jalfrezi (RM 20.50), mushroom masala (RM 20.50), and channa bhatura (RM 20.50).
Yarl Restaurant
Want to taste delicious northern Sri Lankan food? Try the Yarl thali set (RM 12) and the puttu set (RM 8), or relish their mutton masala thosai (RM 16) and prawn poriyal (RM 18).
Seni Sattissorru
Seni Sattissorru is famous for its Indian curry clay pot packed with 15 different ingredients and spices. Enjoy the chicken sattisoru for RM 12, the mutton varuval for RM 17, or the sattisorru prawn for RM 19.80.
5. Indulge in retail therapy at Nu Sentral
Nu Sentral is a shopping mall connected to KL Sentral, the central transportation hub. Whether you're on the hunt for souvenirs, fashionable clothes, fancy restaurants, or just want to grab supplies for dinner, Nu Sentral has got you covered. The mall also has a beautiful glass rooftop that's perfect for all your Instagram-worthy photos.
How to get there:
You can choose between the KLIA Ekspres or KLIA Transit services at the KLIA ERL station to travel to KL Sentral.
It will take you roughly 3 minutes to reach, as Nu Sentral is linked to KL Sentral through a direct elevated pathway.
Address: 201, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
6. Experience Saivite devotion at Sri Kandaswamy Kovil Temple
Sri Kandaswamy Kovil is a Saivite-style temple that's over a century old. The intricate pillars and sculptures here will take your breath away. While photography isn't allowed inside, you can capture the temple's exterior, particularly the stunning gopuram (entrance gate) with carvings of Hindu deities.
How to get there:
Board the Kajang Line MRT from Kwasa Sentral to Muzium Negara, which takes about 30 minutes to reach.
Walk for roughly 3 kilometres to reach Sri Kandaswamy Kovil Temple from Muzium Negara.
Address: No 3, Jalan Tebing, Brickfields 50470, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
7. Explore the cultural heritage of the Buddhist Maha Vihara
Established by the Sinhalese community in the late 19th century, the Buddhist Maha Vihara has multiple buildings and shrines. The highlight of this temple is the Wesak festival celebrating Lord Buddha's birthday. Visit the temple to meditate and learn from resident monks. Or check out their museum with Buddha statues from various regions.
How to get there:
Take the KLIA Transit service from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and get off at KL Sentral.
Walk towards the Buddhist Maha Vihara, which is located 1 km away.
Address: 123, Jalan Berhala, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
8. Experience therapeutic bliss at PB Blind Massage
If you're looking to unwind after a long day of exploring, you've got to check out PB Blind Massage. It's Malaysia's very first blind massage centre, founded by former Paralympian Lee Seng Chow.
Here, you'll be treated by blind therapists who have mastered traditional Chinese massage techniques. But here's the real kicker – they also incorporate techniques from Thai and Swedish traditions to make sure you get the absolute zen experience.
Opening hours: Open daily, 10am to 10pm.
How to get there:
Take the KLIA Transit service from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and get off at KL Sentral.
Walk towards PB Blind Massage, which is located 750 metres away.
Address: 4A, Jalan Thambipillay, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
9. Discover a slice of tropical paradise at Mai Bar
Looking for a rooftop experience with breathtaking city views? Look no further than Mai Bar. In this tiki-themed bar, you can sip on cocktails and bar snacks by a rooftop infinity pool. Try their signature Malaysian Princess Mai Tai (RM45) to unwind.
Opening hours: Open daily, 2pm to 12am
How to get there:
Take the KLIA Transit service from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and get off at KL Sentral.
Walk towards Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral, which is located 130 meters away.
Address: Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Prep for your Kuala Lumpur trip like a pro
Explore Kuala Lumpur hassle-free with these essential tips:
Cruise through Kuala Lumpur on a Vespa
Ready to experience Kuala Lumpur in the coolest way? Hop on a Vespa and navigate Kuala Lumpur's traffic and hidden alleys to find cultural gems. Discover Kuala Lumpur's rich culture, savour the tastiest street food in hotspots like Brickfields and soak in the vibrant nightlife.
Stay connected with a local SIM card
Enjoy an uninterrupted 4G network throughout your visit to Malaysia by getting a local SIM card, available for collection at the airport. Choose from various options tailored to your length of stay, including flexible minutes for local calls.
Explore Kuala Lumpur on a double-decker bus
Discover Kuala Lumpur's landmarks at your own pace on an open-top double-decker bus. The bus pass comes with knowledgeable guides and access to over 60 attractions. But hold on, there's more to this ride. Curious?
Learn about Malaysia's Indian culture on a day tour
Discover Malaysia's Indian culture at Batu Caves and engage with the local Indian community. Learn about Malaysia's Indian heritage by joining a private day tour.
Travel fast with KLIA Ekspres
You can travel from the airport and the city centre of Kuala Lumpur in just 35 minutes with KLIA Ekspres. By getting your train tickets, you can connect to various destinations in the city from KL Sentral Station.
How to reach Brickfields
Train
You can take the KTM Komuter, monorail, or Kelana Jaya LRT line and get off at KL Sentral station. If you're coming from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), hop on the KLIA Ekspres or KLIA Transit to KL Sentral station.
Bus
Popular Rapid KL buses like 450, 600, 710, 770, P701, T790, and T850 now go through Brickfields. You can also get off at KL Sentral station and take a 9-minute walk to Brickfields.
Road
Brickfields is easily accessible via the main road called Jalan Tun Sambanthan.
Commonly asked questions
How old is Brickfields?
Brickfields is over 140 years old. It was established in 1881.
What is the main street in Brickfields?
The main street in Brickfields is Jalan Tun Sambanthan. It's known for its variety of shops, restaurants, and businesses.
Why is it called Brickfields?
The clay-rich soil in Brickfields made it an ideal location for brick-making, hence the name Brickfields.
What district is Brickfields in?
Brickfields is in the district of Kuala Lumpur, situated just southwest of the city centre.
What is Brickfields known for?
Brickfields is known for its cultural diversity, particularly its Indian community and the Little India area.