The highly anticipated Chinatown 1974 has officially opened its doors on 5 September 2026, offering a new living heritage destination at Jalan Petaling. The eight-storey building brings together Malaysian dining, boutique accommodation, wellness and contemporary lifestyle experiences.
The official launch was led by YBhg. Datuk Wira Brian Chow, Chairman of Chinatown 1974 and Founder of iME Entertainment Group Asia, and was attended by distinguished guests from government, corporate and community sectors. Among those present were YB Datuk Seri Johari bin Abdul Ghani, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and Member of Parliament for Titiwangsa; Y.A.M. Tengku Datin Paduka Setia Zatashah binti Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, Her Highness Princess of the Sultan of Selangor; Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Mohd Annuar Zaini, Chairman of UDA Holdings Berhad; YB Mr. Samuel Lee, Deputy Director-General (Promotion II) of Tourism Malaysia, YBhg. Dato’ Seri Saiful Nizam bin Mohd. Yusoff, Managing Director of Menara Rezeki Sdn. Bhd., accompanied by his wife, Datin Seri Dato’ Nurulhidayah.
The launch ceremony of Chinatown 1974 featured a traditional lion dance, marking a significant new chapter for the destination. Guided by the philosophy of “MOVING THROUGH TIME,” it captures the essence of Kuala Lumpur’s Petaling Street in the 1970s, celebrating its vibrant street life and multicultural communities. Instead of merely recreating the past, Chinatown 1974 draws inspiration from it to offer contemporary experiences that blend heritage details, familiar Malaysian flavors, and modern hospitality. Designed as a vertically curated heritage destination, each floor presents unique experiences, from a Malaysian kopitiam to Cantonese dim sum and wellness offerings, culminating in rooftop views of the Kuala Lumpur skyline.
A New Destination in an Iconic Neighbourhood
Chinatown 1974 is strategically located on Jalan Petaling in Kuala Lumpur’s heritage-rich Petaling Street, surrounded by history and culture. Its proximity to Menara Merdeka Maybank, the world’s second-tallest building, enhances its appeal, showcasing a blend of old and new Kuala Lumpur. The property aims to celebrate its unique character while offering new dining, hospitality, and lifestyle experiences, positioning itself as a distinctive landmark that invites both locals and international visitors to engage with Malaysian heritage.
Three Dining Experiences, One Malaysian Spirit
Food is central to the Chinatown 1974 journey, featuring three unique dining concepts across its first three levels, showcasing Malaysia’s diverse culinary traditions from a local kopitiam to charcoal hotpot.
On the Ground Floor and Mezzanine, HUAT n CO. 發達茶室 presents The Modern 70’s Malaysian Muhibbah Kopitiam, encouraging patrons to “Eat Like a Local.” Drawing from Malaysia’s traditional kopitiam culture, HUAT n CO. offers beloved local dishes and nostalgic experiences in a fresh and shareable way. The menu features breakfast staples, rice, noodles, and local favorites, including HUAT n CO. Signature Nasi Lemak, HUAT Roti Tissue with Three Signature Dips, Old-School Hainanese Chicken Chop, Malacca Chicken Rice Balls, and Heritage Nyonya Laksa. With space for 138 guests, HUAT n CO. embodies the warmth and social atmosphere of the Malaysian kopitiam, blending classic dishes with new favorites for today’s diners.
On the First Floor, THIRTY-ONE MANSION 叁壹公館 is a modern take on a 1970s Nanyang dim sum and tea house, blending traditional Cantonese dim sum with Malaysian flavours. Ingredients like pandan, satay, curry, and Nyonya spices enhance the dishes, giving the tea-house experience a unique Nanyang twist. Highlights include Butterfly Pea Satay Glutinous Rice, Pandan Salted Egg Lava Bao, and for dessert, Pandan Musang King Durian Pancake. The experience centers on the Gongfu Tea ritual, allowing guests to enjoy the aromas and flavors of the tea through brewing and tasting. With space for 130 guests, THIRTY-ONE MANSION also offers private VIP rooms and outdoor balcony seating, making it a great spot for gatherings and celebrations.
On the Second Floor, XI JU CHARCOAL HOTPOT 禧聚樓 combines Charcoal Fire, Hotpot, and Gathering, showcasing the traditional Chinese culture of sharing meals around the fire in a modern atmosphere. The restaurant features two main charcoal hotpots: the Teochew Style Fish Soup Hotpot, with fresh tiger grouper cooked over charcoal to enhance the broth’s flavor, and the Malacca Satay Celup Hotpot, which infuses Southeast Asian satay spices into the hotpot experience. Guests can enjoy live seafood, sourced from tanks and prepared upon order. With a capacity of 118, XI JU offers private VIP rooms and outdoor balcony seating overlooking Menara Merdeka Maybank. Elements like calligraphy, rich red tones, charcoal fire, and communal dining create a cozy blend of traditional Chinese culture and modern decor.
From Daylight to Moonlight at Twilight Terrace
At the top of the building, TWILIGHT TERRACE offers a new view of Chinatown and the Kuala Lumpur skyline.
This rooftop space focuses on Rooftop × Specialty Drinks × Twilight, combining specialty tea, coffee, and kombucha with comfy indoor and outdoor seating. Its main feature is the stunning view of Menara Merdeka Maybank, along with KL Tower and the city skyline, which changes beautifully from day to night.
Whether you’re enjoying the afternoon view, relaxing with drinks at sunset, or hanging out with friends as the city lights up, TWILIGHT TERRACE encourages guests to take their time, stay a while, and savor the moment. As the day turns into night, the rooftop becomes a chill social spot above Petaling Street, offering specialty drinks, great company, and some of Kuala Lumpur’s most famous sights.
With three unique dining options and a rooftop bar, Chinatown 1974 is dedicated to providing a Muslim-friendly dining experience, working towards Halal certification. From local and Nanyang-inspired dishes to specialty rooftop drinks, the venue welcomes Malaysia’s diverse communities and international visitors through shared dining experiences and warm Malaysian hospitality.
Wellness Inspired by the Art of Slowing Down
The journey continues on the Third Floor with YANG HE Wellness Pavilion, a modern wellness center inspired by the 1970s. It focuses on Wellness × Restoration × Slow Living.
YANG HE offers foot massages and spa services, providing a peaceful escape from the busy city. It’s a place where visitors can relax, recharge, and leave feeling refreshed.
This idea fits with the Chinatown 1974 philosophy: moving through time is not just about reflecting on the past, but also about taking time for yourself in the present.
Sleeping Inside the Story of Petaling Street
Occupying Levels Five, Six, and Seven, THE SEVEN STARS HOTEL 七星酒店 brings the heritage of Chinatown 1974 to life with a cozy 32-room luxury boutique hotel right in the heart of Petaling Street.
This hotel is designed to be a peaceful escape where the charm of the 1970s meets modern luxury. It captures the feeling of old-world travel and nostalgic memories, encouraging guests to unwind and experience a different time. From the hotel lobby and reception on Level Seven to the beautifully decorated guest rooms and suites, warm wooden tones, deep greens, herringbone wood flooring, patterned surfaces, soft lighting, and vintage-inspired details create a welcoming and stylish atmosphere.
With a choice of Standard Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Premier Rooms, and Couple Suites, every stay includes high-quality amenities, specially selected in-room products, and attentive, personalized service, enhancing the overall guest experience.
Focused on Heritage Stay × Nostalgia × Hospitality, THE SEVEN STARS HOTEL is more than just a place to sleep; it invites visitors to not only explore Petaling Street but also to pause, immerse themselves in another era, and become part of its story.
Malaysia’s King of Fruits | From Farm to Plate
Durian Village 榴蓮村庄, located at the entrance of Chinatown 1974, celebrates the cultural significance of durian in Malaysia. It focuses on a farm-to-plate philosophy by sourcing durians from its own supply, enhancing the experience for visitors. The concept emphasizes that durian embodies more than just taste; it represents shared moments of connection among family and friends. At Durian Village, the enjoyment of the fruit becomes a cultural ritual, fostering togetherness and creating lasting memories.
Malaysian Shaved Ice, Made for the Move
AISICE is a modern Malaysian dessert brand situated on the Ground Floor, offering a mobile shaved-ice concept that aligns with today’s lifestyle. It serves bowls inspired by current moods, ensuring convenience for enjoyment on the go. The mobile truck format adds a youthful vibe, complementing the heritage of Chinatown 1974 while modernizing familiar Malaysian experiences.
A Walk Through Time and Malaysia’s Heritage
Connecting the experiences throughout Chinatown 1974 is its signature art mural staircase, an Instagrammable journey through Malaysia’s heritage and time. Visitors ascend through evolving murals and cultural elements, culminating at the rooftop with views of the modern Kuala Lumpur skyline.
The staircase embodies Chinatown 1974’s MOVING THROUGH TIME philosophy, offering photo opportunities while inviting both local and international guests to engage with Malaysia’s cultural identity. The destination captures the essence of Petaling Street in the 1970s, showcasing cultural diversity, street life, and culinary traditions.
From dining at a Malaysian Muhibbah kopitiam to enjoying Cantonese dim sum and charcoal hotpot, the experience extends beyond food. Guests can relax at a wellness pavilion or watch the city transform from day to night, with each floor providing a unique connection to culture and memory.
By preserving old Petaling Street’s character while introducing contemporary elements, Chinatown 1974 aims to shape the district’s future as a cultural hotspot, celebrating Malaysia’s multicultural identity and creating lasting memories for visitors.