KUALA LUMPUR (March 20): Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown has continued to evolve over the years. Lately, it has transformed from the go-to spot for knock-off luxury products to a place people can gather and explore, especially with the burgeoning café and restaurant scene. 

However, there's more than just food and beverage options going for it — community spaces like REXKL, artistic murals that make for perfect Instagrammable moments, and an exciting nightlife made possible by many new bars and speakeasies, add to Chinatown's vivacity.

Options is guided through the architectural marvels and interesting histories of the area by architect Scarlet Koon, a co-author and editor of the newly released design and architectural travel guide New in the Old: Chinatown Kuala Lumpur. 

Exploring the lesser known stories and intense renovations of heritage buildings in Chinatown, she explained that capturing the essence of the area in this moment is especially important as things are bound to change rapidly once Merdeka 118 is completed. 

“We call it a renaissance period right now, because it’s like another Golden Age. Younger people are coming back and the older generation are also appreciating what is here right now,” she added.

Also in this issue is a review of modern Japanese fare by Johor Baru-based restaurant Initial, and a look at Sequoia Nagamatsu’s debut novel How High We Go in the Dark. 

Get a glimpse of Royal Salute’s 21-Year-Old Richard Quinn Edition, the first collection of whiskies to celebrate fashion icons, and read about Cartier’s push for women empowerment at the Dubai Expo 2022. 

Don't miss the inspiration behind wearable polymer clay art brand Weez, and our interview with the director of Lucky Home Collections, Oliver Lee. 

Read more about the stories in The Edge Malaysia weekly’s March 21 edition.

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