Tuanku Abdul Rahman Shopping, Kuala Lumpur

Parallel to Jl Masjid India is Jl Tuanku Abdul Rahman lined with shops, noted for their wonderful fabric, antiques and jewellery. Old and new mingle on Jl Tuanku Abdul Rahman; modern complexes rise above retro buildings. Gulatis Silk House (162/164, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman) and Euro Moda (No. 126 & 128), both more recent additions, deserve mention for their exquisite fabric, studded with sequins and beads. This long stretch is also a good spot to hunt for oriental antiques and art.

Udani Carpets (No. 393A) and Shalini Carpets (No. 40) offer quite an extensive range. Stock up on winter essentials like boots, cardigans, scarves and thermal undergarments at P Lal Store (No. 135 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman), the city’s oldest department store. Also check out the pewter at Selangor Pewter Showroom (No. 223). If you need to recharge, check out the 1920s Coliseum Café for a cold beer and heavenly, but spicy, prawn sambal, accompanied by their home-baked Chinese toast with REAL butter. Despite the dismaying crush of tourist coaches, The Craft Cultural Complex (Jalan Conlay) is still a great venue for batik, rattan baskets and other traditional handicraft sourced from around the country. In fact, the complex’s main attraction is its community of artists and their workshops.