Most tourists will put down Chinatown on their intinerary for KL drawn by the bright lights and the promise of cheap bargains. Few would come to know of the Chinatown wet market which is hidden away in between the old shophouses that line Petaling Street.
The wet market is situated on Madras Lane and is just off Petaling Street nowadays called Jalan Petaling. This is historically one of the first wet markets in Malaysia which has survived till today against the trend of airconditioned supermarkets. If you want to experience the sights and smells of a wet market which hasn't really changed much over the years this is a must visit site when you are in KL.
Here you will find fresh vegetables from Cameron Highlands, To Fu displayed in water to keep fresh, live chickens, eggs, live fish from the rivers, and an array of spices which gives Malaysian food its distinctive taste. See whether you can spot any century eggs while walking around the market. Give it a try. It has a unique taste and I especially like the yolk.
Here you will also find fresh Malaysian fruits like the solo papaya, pineapple from Sarawak, durian, banana, watermelon, honey dew, mangosteen, etc.
They are open 7 days a week and business will be done from the early hours of the morning until lunch time usually. There will be stalls open till later when they have not finished their selling.If you go early enough in the morning you can also find an intersting breakfast spread of noodle and rice dishes. Locals going to work in Chinatown and nearby areas will usually stop over for a quick breakfast, read the local newspapers, perhaps catch up with friends before trotting off to work.
You may get a feel of old Kuala Lumpur while walking through the narrow lanes listening to the vendors yelling out their bargains after the morning rush. If you are on a self catering holiday visit the wet market in mid-morning and you may get some really good prices for your purchases. There's this particular fish seller located at the side entrance/exit facing the old Indian temple whom I use whenever we want really fresh seafood. You will find that his prices are reasonable 
and can be subject to bargaining.
