I’d been hearing about Kampung Bharu (or Kampong Baru) for a long time. I heard stories of this traditional Malay village right in the heart of downtown Kuala Lupur – right across the Klang River from KLCC and the Petronas Towers. I didn’t even realize it, but on my trips to Chow Kit Market and to the National Art Gallery, I was right beside Kampung Bharu and had even walked along its outskirts.

But I finally carved out some time on a hot and muggy afternoon to go there myself. I knew that it was better to go at night. It would be cooler, and the market stalls and restaurants would all be open and active. But I also wanted to see some of the traditional houses, and I thought it was better for that to go during the day time. I could always go back at night later if I wanted to.

I’d also heard that Kampung Bharu was a good place to go for traditional Malay cuisine, so I combined this trip with a 5-Snack Challenge. I’ll never be a professional food reviewer. I don’t have the passion for food to ever rise to that level. However, I found some very good snacks in Kampung Bharu, including my first plate of satay with peanut sauce.