Cosmopolitan central

Selangor prides itself as a cosmopolitan ‘melting pot’ of cultures that began in the 16th century with miners, immigrants and colonizers, and later on with migrants from other states who brought in their food traditions. Hence, Selangor, does offer a greater variety of both local and international cuisines in smart restaurants. Some favourite eating haunts of city folk are Klang or Port Klang area for chilli crabs and seafood dishes. About 10km west of Port Klang lies Pulau Ketam, a small fishing island which offers seafood dining in unassuming surroundings. Another seafood haunt is Kuala Selangor, a riverine town located 64km northwest of Kuala Lumpur. Buttered prawns are a hot favourite here. For upmarket dining with the full package experience of dining and entertainment, head towards Subang Jaya, an affluent young township with trendy restaurants, pubs, commercial outlets and entertainment centres, Next to Subang Jaya lies Bandar Sunway, a township with a large college population. It offers dining and entertainment outlets at the Pyramid Shopping Complex, hotels and commercial centres. For a special night out with the family, the Mines Resort City, a mixed development of resort, entertainment, residential and commercial establishments built around 150-acre take offers leisure cum dining experiences at various outlets.

Kuala Lumpur, being the nation’s capital, sets the trend in what’s hip and what’s not in dining and entertainment. Restaurant business mushroom but close down just as frequently as the city’s sophisticated diners seek out new eating spots. The Golden Triangle area of Jalan Ampang, Bukit Bintang and Jalan Imbi is still the best area to seek out fine restaurants. It is where most tourists make a beeline for a night out in the city. There are also several international class standard hotels located here, lots of tourist interests and a glitzy nightlife. Most of the city’s hottest nightspots like Planet Hollywood, Zouk, etc can be found here. For casual dining try Bintang Walk, a leisure concept with outdoor cafes and entertainment outlets. For an interesting but cheap night out try Chinatown (Petaling Street) for Chinese cuisines and a cultural experience. Two hot spots for dining and nightlife, Bangsar and Sri Hartamas, with high expatriate population offer trendy dining and entertainment outlets offer for different tastes.