Imbi Market, Kuala Lumpur - Image 1

Imbi Market Kuala Lumpur

4.4
·23 reviews·Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

A bustling local market in Kuala Lumpur, famous for its authentic Chinese-Malay hawker food and vibrant morning atmosphere.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early Mornings (8-9 AM)

Experience the authentic local buzz

CrowdHigh
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Imbi Market, Kuala Lumpur - Image 1

Imbi Market Kuala Lumpur

Best Time

Early Mornings (8-9 AM)

Experience the authentic local buzz

CrowdHigh

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A bustling local market in Kuala Lumpur, famous for its authentic Chinese-Malay hawker food and vibrant morning atmosphere.

4.4
(23 reviews)

"This is the place you need! Good food, local fresh market. What better!!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Early for Best Bites

Beat the crowds and get the freshest food by arriving between 8-9 AM.

🚶‍♀️ Walkable from Imbi/Bukit Bintang

If you don't have a car, it's a short walk. Look for the big tree!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sisters Crispy Popiah

Sisters Crispy Popiah

ICC Pudu

Experience the addictive crunch and delicious filling of this highly recommended local favorite.

Hainanese Coffee & Kaya Toast

Hainanese Coffee & Kaya Toast

Ah Wing Khor stall (ICC Pudu)

Savor the unique blend of coffee and tea, served with thick toast, kaya, and butter – a true local breakfast.

Nasi Lemak with Pork Skin Curry

Nasi Lemak with Pork Skin Curry

ICC Pudu

A unique twist on a Malaysian classic, featuring flavorful pork skin curry that's a must-try for meat lovers.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Local Vibe

Imbi Market (now often referred to as ICC Pudu) is a bustling local hub. Arrive early to experience the authentic morning rush and sample a wide array of Chinese-Malay delicacies. Be prepared for a lively, sometimes crowded, atmosphere.

Navigating the Market

While the original Imbi Market has relocated to ICC Pudu, the spirit of local food hunting remains. If you're not driving, a short walk from Imbi or Bukit Bintang stations is manageable with a map. Look for a large tree marking the entrance.

Best Times

When
Early Mornings (8-9 AM)
Why
Experience the authentic local buzz
Crowd
High
When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere, more stalls open
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

First Tiramisu Drawer in Malaysia🤩 📍Ignition Burgers & Pizza, GS 21, Ground Floor, The Exchange TRX, Market Lane, Persiaran TRX, Imbi, 55188 Kuala Lumpur. (outside area, left side of Uniqlo) ⏰12pm-10pm [Muslim Owned] 🎥 @amirahfoodie
@bestfoodmy
149K likes • 9.7M views

🎯 Arrive Early for Best Bites

Beat the crowds and get the freshest food by arriving between 8-9 AM. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walkable from Imbi/Bukit Bintang

If you don't have a car, it's a short walk. Look for the big tree! Reddit

ICC Pudu, formerly known as (The Iconic) Imbi Market, be prepared to sweat and eat A LOT in this local pasar (market) in Kuala Lumpur🍴🥢 Must-Tries👌🏻 📍Lintang 138 Claypot Coffee 📍Ah Weng Koh Kaya Toast Set 📍QQ Penang Crispy Popiah 📍Chef Ming’s Rice Wine Chicken Buns 📍Special Teo ChewSteamed Fish Hor Fun 📍Madam Eng Curry Mee 📍Imbi Kuih Bakul (Sticky Rice Cake) 📍Ahfook Cheong Fun Yong Tao Fu 📍Bunn C...
jopsalita
37 likes • 2.5K views
ICC Pudu, short for Integrated Commercial Complex is actually the relocated Imbi Market that has to make way for the development of Tun Razak Exchange. 260 stalls of food, fresh produce and dry groceries are shifted to the new building in 2016 in Pudu. Some of the pioneer stalls decided to not be part of the new location so new businesses took over their space. Decades of culinary history reinvent...
thenottichef
0 likes • 196 views

🍜 Explore Diverse Flavors

Don't stick to one stall! Try various Chinese-Malay dishes, from popiah to unique nasi lemak. Reddit

💰 Cash is King

Most stalls are cash-only, so come prepared with enough Malaysian Ringgit. :moneywithwings:

Pingmin Market 📍 Jalan Utara, Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur 🗓️ 3-5 January 10-12 January 17-19 January 24-26 January ⏰ 3pm - 11pm #malaysiafoodtravel #mft #pingminmarket #cnymarket #cny2025
malaysiafoodandtravel
628 likes • 57.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Best Bites

Beat the crowds and get the freshest food by arriving between 8-9 AM. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walkable from Imbi/Bukit Bintang

If you don't have a car, it's a short walk. Look for the big tree! Reddit

🍜 Explore Diverse Flavors

Don't stick to one stall! Try various Chinese-Malay dishes, from popiah to unique nasi lemak. Reddit

💰 Cash is King

Most stalls are cash-only, so come prepared with enough Malaysian Ringgit. :moneywithwings:

🥵 Be Ready to Sweat

It's a bustling market, often without strong air conditioning. Dress light! :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(23 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Imbi Market (now ICC Pudu) is celebrated as an authentic local food haven, offering a vibrant atmosphere and delicious, affordable Chinese-Malay cuisine. While the relocation from its original site is noted, the spirit of the market and its beloved dishes, like crispy popiah and Hainanese coffee, endure. Some visitors find navigating the bustling market and its non-halal focus to be minor challenges.

"Morning market, with a lot of food.
Are you traveler who want to eat and go in place where local go?
This is place you need!
Tell you the truth ,I have ask many local here and not many people know about this place!

Start from early Morning (8.00am-9.00am) this place will be busy with many people and shop!
I can not recommend or review everything here but this is my favorite
(Most of food here is non-halal)

1. Sisters Crispy Popiah! This is one of most my favorite here! it crispy and very delicious .
2. Nasi lemak.Yes, you can find nasi leak in almost every where in KL .But not this kind. It Nasi lemak
with Pork Skin curry! Pork lover will be love here! and many menu that you can not easy find in KL.
many other thing here is nice it good place to eat and see chiness-malay people life :)
good food ,Local fresh market.What better!!

The only hard thing about this place is where is locate. If you do not have any car it will be a little morning walk for you. Just start from IMBI or bukit. And walk with google map. it a little off the main road do not worry about it.Big tree in front of market will tell you that you are in right place!"

Lacalos Xnone

"One of the few places in the heart of the city which serves authentically made Hainanese tea, which is a blend of brew coffee and tea lightly flavoured with evaporated milk and sugar. The outlet, affectionately nicknamed "Ah Wing Khor" or big brother Wing's stall serves this signature brew with thick cut slices of steamed bread served with kaya (curded egg jam) and butter."

Simon Choy

"Better known as Imbi Market. End of era for this landmark for many KL folks. The market will be close soon. This is the market where many came for shopping; vegetables, fruits, meat etc and have breakfast; ever popular Hailam Kopi, popiah, noodles ..."

Sam Loh

What People Like

Authentic local food
Affordable prices
Bustling market atmosphere

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Primarily non-halal

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

From KL Sentral, you can take the LRT Kelana Jaya Line to Masjid Jamek, then transfer to the LRT Ampang Line towards Sri Petaling and alight at Chan Sow Lin station. From there, it's a short taxi or Grab ride to ICC Pudu. Alternatively, take a direct Grab or taxi from KL Sentral, which is often the most convenient option. Reddit

Yes, the closest LRT station is Chan Sow Lin. From there, it's a short ride-sharing service or taxi trip. Many locals also walk from Imbi or Bukit Bintang if they enjoy a bit of a stroll. Reddit

Bukit Bintang is relatively close. You can take a short Grab or taxi ride, or if you enjoy walking, it's a manageable distance, especially if you use a map. Reddit

Parking can be challenging due to the market's popularity. If you're driving, arrive early or be prepared to search for parking in nearby areas. Ride-sharing services are often a more stress-free option. :car:

The relocated market, ICC Pudu, is generally well-marked. If you're looking for the original Imbi Market vibe, locals suggest looking for a large tree that marks the entrance to the market area. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no entrance tickets required for Imbi Market (ICC Pudu). It's a public market, and you only pay for the food and goods you purchase. :ticket:

The market is primarily a morning spot, with many stalls opening from around 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM and closing by early afternoon. Some food stalls might extend their hours. Reddit

While it's a daily market, some stalls might close on specific days or take breaks. It's best to visit on a weekday morning for a more local experience, though weekends are also very popular. Instagram mentions specific dates for a CNY market.

The traditional Imbi Market experience is best in the morning. While some food stalls might operate later, the main market buzz and variety are in the early hours. TikTok and Instagram mention Ignition Burgers & Pizza operating until 10 PM.

Imbi Market is a bustling hawker-style market, and tables are typically on a first-come, first-served basis. Be prepared to share tables during peak hours. :people_hugging:

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Highly recommended are the Sisters Crispy Popiah, Hainanese coffee with kaya toast from Ah Wing Khor, and the unique Nasi Lemak with Pork Skin Curry. Many other Chinese-Malay delicacies are available. InstagramReddit

No, Imbi Market is predominantly a non-halal market, with many stalls serving pork and other non-halal ingredients. TikTokReddit and Instagram mention Muslim-owned stalls like Ignition Burgers & Pizza.

You'll find a wide variety of authentic Chinese-Malay hawker food, including noodles, rice dishes, snacks, and traditional breakfast items. InstagramReddit

While the market is known for its meat dishes, you might find some vegetable-based dishes or snacks. It's best to inquire at individual stalls. :leafy_green:

Food prices are generally very affordable, typical of Malaysian hawker centers. You can expect to spend a few Malaysian Ringgit per dish. :moneywithwings:

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the vibrant atmosphere of the bustling market stalls, the colorful array of food, and the interactions between vendors and locals. The early morning light can be great for photos. Instagram

Most vendors are accustomed to people taking photos of their food. However, it's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up shots of vendors, especially if they are busy. :camerawithflash:

Early morning offers the best light and the most authentic market activity. The vibrant energy of the morning rush is perfect for capturing dynamic shots. Reddit

The crispy popiah, the unique nasi lemak, and the traditional Hainanese coffee are visually appealing. Keep an eye out for any viral food trends, like the Tiramisu Drawer mentioned in TikToks. TikTokInstagram

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm or a prime lens (e.g., 50mm) is great for capturing both wider market scenes and detailed food shots. A smartphone with a good camera is also perfectly adequate. :iphone:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Imbi Market (ICC Pudu) can be a fun adventure for families, offering a taste of local life and a wide variety of food. While it can get crowded, arriving early can make it more manageable. Look for stalls with simpler dishes that might appeal to children, though many options are quite adventurous. Reddit

Be mindful that the market is primarily non-halal, so if you have specific dietary needs, explore options like the Muslim-owned Ignition Burgers & Pizza mentioned in some TikToks. TikTokInstagram The bustling environment is exciting, but keep a close eye on children due to the crowds. Bringing a stroller might be difficult on busy days, so a baby carrier could be more practical.

💰 Budget Travelers

Imbi Market (ICC Pudu) is a fantastic destination for budget travelers looking for authentic and affordable Malaysian cuisine. You can enjoy a hearty and delicious meal for just a few Malaysian Ringgit per dish. Reddit

This is the perfect place to sample a variety of local specialties without breaking the bank. Instead of one expensive meal, you can try several different dishes from various stalls, making it a culinary adventure that's easy on the wallet. Remember to bring cash, as most vendors do not accept cards. :moneywithwings:

🍜 Food Enthusiasts

For serious food enthusiasts, Imbi Market (ICC Pudu) is a pilgrimage site. It offers an unfiltered glimpse into the heart of Kuala Lumpur's hawker culture, with generations-old recipes and passionate vendors. Reddit

Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try dishes like the pork skin curry nasi lemak or the unique popiah. Engage with the vendors, ask about their specialties, and savor the authentic flavors that have been passed down through families. InstagramReddit The early morning hours are crucial for experiencing the market at its most authentic.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Evolution of Imbi Market: From Landmark to ICC Pudu

Imbi Market was a beloved landmark in Kuala Lumpur for many years, known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious local food. However, due to development, the original market had to make way for the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) project. This led to its relocation to the Integrated Commercial Complex (ICC) Pudu in 2016. Instagram

While some pioneer stalls chose not to move, many others transitioned to the new location, bringing their culinary traditions with them. This relocation aimed to preserve the essence of the market while accommodating urban development. Visitors can still find many of the beloved stalls and dishes that made Imbi Market famous, albeit in a new setting. Instagram

Despite the change in location, ICC Pudu continues to be a hub for authentic Chinese-Malay hawker food. It offers a similar bustling environment, where locals and tourists alike can experience the rich culinary heritage of Kuala Lumpur. The spirit of community and delicious food remains the core of this relocated market. Reddit

Culinary Delights: Must-Try Dishes

Imbi Market (ICC Pudu) is a paradise for food lovers, offering a diverse range of authentic Chinese-Malay dishes. Among the most highly recommended is the Sisters Crispy Popiah, praised for its perfect crispiness and delicious filling. Reddit

Another iconic experience is the Hainanese Coffee from the stall affectionately known as 'Ah Wing Khor'. This unique brew, a blend of coffee and tea with evaporated milk and sugar, is best enjoyed with thick-cut steamed bread served with kaya and butter. Reddit For those seeking a more adventurous palate, the Nasi Lemak with Pork Skin Curry offers a distinctive twist on a Malaysian staple, a true delight for pork lovers. Reddit

Beyond these highlights, the market is brimming with other culinary treasures. From various noodle dishes and rice specialties to traditional snacks and desserts, there's something to satisfy every craving. Exploring the market and trying different stalls is part of the immersive experience. Instagram

Navigating the Market: Tips for First-Timers

For first-time visitors, understanding the market's rhythm is key. Arriving early, between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, is highly recommended to experience the market at its most vibrant and to secure the freshest food before it sells out. Reddit This also helps in avoiding the peak crowd. Reddit

If you're not driving, getting to ICC Pudu is feasible via public transport, with the Chan Sow Lin LRT station being the closest. From there, a short ride-sharing service or taxi will get you to the market. Alternatively, it's a walkable distance from areas like Imbi or Bukit Bintang for those who enjoy exploring on foot. Reddit

Be prepared for a lively, bustling environment. While some stalls might offer air-conditioning, many are open-air, so dressing in light, comfortable clothing is advisable. Instagram Most vendors operate on a cash-only basis, so ensure you have enough Malaysian Ringgit with you. Reddit