If you are planning to do some souvenir shopping, Central Market, Kuala Lumpur is the best place to go. Central Market or Pasar Seni is the top location to shop for souvenirs in KL in its covered air-conditioned building.
There are plenty of Malaysian souvenirs you can get for your friends, family and colleagues. Check out our souvenir shopping guide below.
Read our family’s detailed Central Market Kuala Lumpur review here.
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Souvenirs On a Budget
- Fridge Magnet
Fridge magnets are a classic and wallet-friendly souvenir from RM10 for a few pieces. These petite keepsakes capture the iconic Petronas Twin Tower and other local landmarks.
- Bookmarks
For book lovers, there are a variety of bookmarks you can find here from simple printed designs of Malaysian scenery to handcrafted versions made with batik fabric, wood carvings or pressed flowers.
- Keychains And Buttons
Wooden keychains and plastic buttons can be personalized with names, messages or even hand-drawn designs at the Kraftangan Adik shop.
Uniquely Malaysian Souvenirs
- APoM Store
The Apom (A Piece of Malaysia) Store at Central Market is a must-visit for those seeking souvenirs like T-shirts and canvas bags with playful and catchy Malaysian phrases like Lepak and Tapao.
- Mini Twin Towers or KL Tower Figurines
Miniature replicas of the Petronas Twin Towers or KL Tower are often crafted from metal or resin with intricate detailing for display at home or office workstation.
- Mail a Postcard from Malaysia
Pick out some Malaysian themed postcards from the Paper Adventure Shop and write your message on the spot and mail it directly from Malaysia to your family and friends.
- Mini Malaysia Theme Puzzles
These mini puzzles often have images of famous Malaysian landmarks, traditional art or cultural scenes, and their compact size makes them easy to carry home for some family fun time.
Souvenirs For The Fashionista
- Kebaya Dresses
It is definitely worth buying a kebaya dress or top (to pair it with casual jeans) if you are someone who admires and appreciates its intricate embroidery and lacework with a flattering fit. Check out Peranakan Heritage Shop in Central Market, for some with beautiful Peranakan motifs.
- Beaded Nyonya Shoes
These handcrafted Nyonya shoes often feature beadwork by hand in floral or geometric designs.
- Batik Items
You can shop Malaysian batik clothing and accessories from flowing batik dresses, shirts, scarves, small handbags, clutches and coin purses with traditional and contemporary batik designs, hand-painted or block-printing.
- Name On Rice
At the Name DIY Rice Shop, they personalized and inscribed with your name or initials on a tiny rice grain, which are then encased in clear pendants, bracelets or keychains.
Souvenirs For The Art Enthusiast
- Portrait Painting
At the Rith Studio in the Central Market Annexe, art lovers can take home a personalized portrait painting. Visitors can choose to have their likeness captured from a digital photo or pose for a physical portrait.
- Ponyo Artland
Ponyo Artland offers caricature portraits and commissioned paintings. Ask for a humorous depiction of yourself, a stylized version of a loved one or a painting based on a meaningful photo.
- Wayang Kulit
You can purchase a wayang kulit – traditional Malaysian shadow puppets made from carved and painted leather with characters from folklore and mythology from KL Ideacraft at Central Market.
- DIY Batik Art
Paint your own batik piece using traditional wax-resist techniques under the guidance of local artisans and purchase a DIY batik art set to bring home.
Souvenirs For The Collector
- Keris
Keris are made by local keris makers in the age-old tradition of forging and decorating these weapons by hand, using techniques passed down through generations. Each keris is unique with elaborated carvings on the hilt and sheath, perfect for display.
- Butterfly and Insect Specimens
At My Butterflies and Insects, you can purchase preserved specimens of Malaysian butterflies, beetles and other insects that are displayed in elegant frames to bring home.
- Antiques
Shop at Craftland Enterprise, Art House Gallery and Collectable for vintage ceramics, brassware, old coins, clocks and rare collectibles for a piece of Malaysian history.
- Carved Chinese Seal
You can have your name carved in Chinese characters on a collectible seal made from stone.
- Vintage Posters and Memorabilia
You can buy vintage cinema posters and printed ephemera memorabilia that reflect Malaysia’s pop culture, tourism and everyday life from decades past.
- Chinese Caligraphy
If you are a calligraphy collector, you can purchase hand-painted scrolls or personalized name artworks at Central Market.
Souvenirs For The Foodie
- Beryl Chocolates
You can buy Beryl chocolates (made in Malaysia) with classic and local flavours including tiramisu and durian for chocolate lovers.
- Durian Snacks
Check out DurianBB and bring home some durian (King of Fruits in Malaysia) snacks for your loved ones to try. You can find freeze-dried durian, durian coffee, durian chocolate and more.
- Malaysian Tea
Tea lovers can buy colourful and collectible tins of Malaysian tea from local brands: BOH and Cameron Valley available in a variety of flavours including teh tarik, durian and rose.
- Dodol
Dodol is a traditional snack made from coconut milk, palm sugar and glutinous rice flour with a soft and chewy treat with a toffee-like texture. Get some at Shirin Homemade Cookie Shop in Pasar Seni.
- Local Biscuits
Shop for local biscuits including pineapple tarts and kuih kapit at Central Market’s Market Hall.
- Malaysian Coffee
Coffee enthusiasts should get some famous Ipoh white coffee and durian flavoured coffee available in instant and ground coffee at shops like Sri Anang and Seranting in Central Market.
- Eureka Popcorn
Eureka takes popcorn to a whole new level with Malaysian flavours which include nasi lemak, white coffee, spicy cuttlefish and durian.
Souvenirs For The Home Maker or Interior Designer
- Tiffin Carrier
The tiffin carrier or tingkat is a multi-tiered food container traditionally used to pack home-cooked meals. You can find both vintage-style enamel tiffin carriers decorated with floral patterns and modern stainless steel versions.
- Pottery
Check out Tenmoku Pottery at Central Market for an exquisite range of pottery such as elegant Chinese teapot sets and crafted vases.
- Pewter
Royal Selangor offers some of the finest pewter tableware and decorative pieces you can find.
- Copper
At Meraki Copper, you will find stunning copperware like serving trays, bowls and decorative pieces.
- Silverware
The House of Silver shop at Central Market specializes in handcrafted silver ornate cutlery and other decorative pieces.
- Mugs
Buy ceramic mugs with Malaysian-inspired designs and spoon holders for everyday use at Seni Kita.
- Ceramic Coasters
You will find colourful ceramic coasters and trays at Art Bites that are often hand-painted with intricate patterns or inspired by local motifs.
- Wind Chime and Dreamcatcher
Shop for wind chimes and dreamcatchers crafted from materials including bamboo, metal and shells at Sakai Shop.
Souvenirs For Kids
- Journaling Items And Stickers
For journaling enthusiasts who love decorating, doodling, and keeping diaries, these colourful stickers and washi tapes are perfect!
- Sepak Takraw
The traditional lightweight sepak takraw ball, made from woven rattan that allows kids to enjoy one of Malaysia’s most iconic sports.
- Slingshots
For a touch of playful nostalgia, you can get a traditional wooden slingshot for kids to be used for target games under adult supervision.
- Wau Bulan
The Wau Bulan or traditional kite in handcrafted designs with vibrant patterns and curved shapes are available in Wau Tradisi Shop.
- Congkak Set
Get a congkak set, a traditional Malaysian game beautifully carved from a wood board played with marbles or seeds for some fun.
- Batu Seremban
You can buy a Batu Seremban set, a simple portable game played with small cloth bags filled with rice or beans.
- Local Kids Snacks
For a tasty treat, bring home some Malaysian childhood snacks including crunchy fish crackers, sweet iced gems and even colorful jelly cups.
Souvenirs For The One Into Self-Care
- Gamat Soap
Self-care enthusiasts can bring home natural gamat (sea cucumber) soaps and other bodycare products for soothing and pampering the skin. Shop these at Lagenda Shop.
- Home Spa Products
Shoppers can find beautifully packaged natural herbal scrubs, essential oils, traditional massage oils and bath salts from Tanamera Tropical Spa and Nirmala Sari for a spa day at home.
Souvenirs For The Eco-Conscious
- Coconut Products
The Coconut Shop which has coconut bowls, baskets, macramé pieces, and kitchenware all crafted from repurposed coconut shells and fibers.
- Plant-Based Handmade Soaps
BT Shop sells plant-based handmade soaps made from pure ingredients that are FREE from harsh chemicals ensuring they are gentle on both your skin and the environment.
Shopping Tips
- Arrive Early
For a more relaxed shopping experience, we recommend that you arrive around 10am ish. The morning hours are quieter and will give you more time and space to shop at the stalls without having to squeeze through large crowds.
- Bring a Bag
A sturdy tote or foldable shopping bag will be easier to carry around and environmentally friendly too.
- Food For Fuel
A hearty breakfast or snack will keep your energy levels up so you can fully enjoy Pasar Seni. There are several F&B outlets in Central Market and Chinatown with local delicacies to try.
We have fun exploring and shopping Central Market, KL and we hope you will find some wonderful souvenirs to bring home too!