KUALA LUMPUR, March 29 — After 7pm daily, a stretch of Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah in Chow Kit here comes alive with the aroma of grilled meat and the chatter of diners.Pakistani...
‘Little Pakistan’ at Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah in KL: A street shaped by authentic food, businesses, and a sense of home for Pakistani immigrants Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah has gotten the nickname ‘Little Pakistan’ due to its numerous restaurants and businesses run by the local Pakistani community.
— Picture by Firdaus Latiffand enjoy FREE RM10 & when you sign up using code VERSAMM10 with min. cash of RM100 today! T&Cs apply.KUALA LUMPUR, March 29 — After 7pm daily, a stretch of Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah in Chow Kit here comes alive with the aroma of grilled meat and the chatter of diners.Nearby, grocery shops brim with spices imported from Pakistan, while barbers offer traditional Pakistani-style haircuts, adding to the area’s lively, colourful atmosphere. Small Pakistani-owned hotels cater to visitors and locals, while nearby Masjid Jamek Pakistan provides migrants with a familiar sense of comfort.Long before the area became known for its vibrant Pakistani community, the former Jalan Ipoh was relatively quiet at night. According to business owners, among the earliest Pakistani restaurants to operate was Mehran, which dates to the early 1990s. “It was the place many Pakistanis went to when they wanted authentic food,” said Malik Naim, 40, co-founder of Pak Punjab, who has lived in Malaysia for about 20 years. “Nobody would walk in that area after 7 pm, the street was like a ‘jalan hantu’ — very quiet,” he recalled. Ras Balouch Restaurant then opened in 2007, drawing more customers in search of Pakistani cuisine, with staples like mutton karahi, chapli kebab, and grilled boti skewers.As restaurants gained popularity, grocery shops specialising in Pakistani ingredients began opening nearby. These stores sold staple items such as basmati rice and red chilli powder, alongside spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, cardamom, and cloves.Naseem Khan, owner of the Khan Jee brand, told Malay Mail that Khan Foods, in its early days, attracted many to Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah with its authentic Pakistani spices. — Picture by Firdaus Latiff Naseem Khan, 42, owner of the Khan brand, explained that his uncle started the shop to provide authentic ingredients for Pakistanis in KL, who often struggled to find them.“Back then, people would bring ingredients from Pakistan for their own cooking at home.” Over time, these ingredients became more readily available locally, turning the area into a trusted source for Pakistani groceries.In 2011, as restaurants and grocery shops began attracting many Pakistanis to the area, Dynamic Hotel was established by a Pakistani immigrant and his Malaysian wife.New wave of restaurants, grocery shops, and salons As the Pakistani community began settling in the Chow Kit area, its central location and strong transport links via the monorail, LRT, and major roads have fuelled a surge of new businesses nearby. In 2013, Pak Punjab launched its first Malaysian outlet here, aiming to introduce Pakistani Punjabi dishes to a broader audience. “We wanted to introduce Malaysians to Pakistani Punjabi dishes because Malaysia is a multicultural country,” Malik said. It was the first brand to introduce pure Pakistani Punjabi cuisine nationwide, later expanding outlets in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Desa Sri Hartamas, another in Chow Kit, and Kota Warisan in Sepang.House of Pakeeza and Khan Jee now occupy the building that once housed Mehran, widely regarded by business owners as the pioneer of Pakistani cuisine on Jalan Ipoh. — Picture by Firdaus LatiffThe first Khan Jee opened in 2017, followed by House of Pakeeza — already established in PJ — which launched its second branch in Chow Kit in 2020, wanting to join the growing wave of Pakistani businesses in the area.Local retiree Muhammad Nasir, 69, says he seldom goes to Chow Kit, except when he wants authentic Pakistani food, and Khan Jee is his preferred spot. Signature dishes at Khan Jee include Pulao rice, BBQ chicken, and flavorful masala tea. — Picture by Firdaus Latiff The restaurant has expanded with a second branch in the same area in 2022 and a third at Jakel Mall on Jalan Munshi Abdullah.Monal, part of an international restaurant brand originating from Pakistan, chose the location for its already established reputation.“There are a lot of foreigners and members of the community here.” The restaurant offers an extensive menu of more than 130 dishes, including favourites such as mutton biryani.Today, more than 20 Pakistani-related establishments — including restaurants and other businesses — operate in the Chow Kit area Business owners note that word of the neighborhood has even reached Pakistan, attracting tourists who make a point of visiting when traveling to KL. The area today offers many Pakistani immigrants a rare treasure: a vibrant center of Pakistani culture. Syed Arshad, 27,who moved to Malaysia three years ago, said he discovered the area while searching for authentic Pakistani food. “Every night, it’s not just Pakistanis — South Asians gather here, including people from Bangladesh and even Europe,” he said.“It reminds us of home,” he added. Islamabad-born Ali Shah, 32, who lived in Malaysia for decades, said the area has evolved beyond being just a food destination.He added that the sense of hospitality is strong, noting that immigrant and local diners are often treated like family regardless of race, religion, or background.Locals and members of the Pakistani community alike enjoy dining and socialising in what is affectionately known as Little Pakistan. — Picture by Firdaus Latiff“Every day, you see Pakistanis and locals coming here,” he said. According to information published on the Pakistan High Commission in Kuala Lumpur’s website, the Pakistani community in Malaysia is estimated to exceed 85,000. As the community continues to grow, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah stands not just as a food destination, but as a slice of home for Pakistanis in the Malaysian capital. Why farmers and traders in Malaysia are bracing for a veg price crunch this April: What’s behind the Hormuz Strait connection
Chow Kit Little Pakistan Kuala Lumpur Pakistani Cuisine Malaysia Masjid Jamek Pakistan Khan Jee Restaurant
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