In the city centre of Kuala Lumpur, situated north of Dataran Merdeka, bordering Bukit Nanas and Medan Tuanku is a humble and tranquil area that those-in-the-know call Dang Wangi.

Jalan Dang Wangi, formerly known as Campbell Road, is named after this area the road cuts across. Running in an east-west orientation, it interchanges into Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman on its western end and Jalan Ampang on its eastern end.

Odeon Theatre in its heyday. The theatre mainly screened Hindi movies. Credit: The Star

The road was previously named after Douglas Graham Campbell, the first British advisor to Johor. He is different from the individual after whom Campbell Street in Penang was named, and also different from the one honoured with Campbell Lane in Singapore.

On April 24, 1980, the road was renamed after a legendary lady featured in Sejarah Melayu as well as Hikayat Hang Tuah.

Dang Wangi, also called Dang Baru and Dang Inangsih, is the mother of Hang Jebat’s son, Laksamana Hang Nadim. She is said to have been present during the cataclysmic duel between Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat.

Despite the rapid gentrification around the Dang Wangi area, for some reason, there are some old businesses and establishments that still remain. Well, obviously modernisation cannot sweep away establishments deeply rooted in history.

Here is a glimpse of the transformation Dang Wangi has undergone through the years as it weathered the tide of development and the progress of culture.

Let’s start with the ones that have been in the area for quite some time.

Yut Kee Restaurant

Still a crowd puller for breakfast and lunch.

This legendary 90-year-old kopitiam is one of KL’s busiest breakfast and lunch spots. Previously located at Jalan Dang Wangi, the shop continues its operations now at Jalan Kamunting, with a slew of loyal patrons coming back for more of the good stuff.

Mamak Cowboy

Many swear this joint cooks-up the best Mee Goreng Mamak ever.

Opening early for breakfast till lunchtime, this humble stall is located across The Stripes Hotel. Some swear Mamak Cowboy cooks-up the best Mee Goreng Mamak this side of the Klang Valley.

MMZ Bistro Sup Haji Abu

Come over for some comfort food like their famed Goat Tongue Soup.

Not to be missed is the Oxtail Soup from MMZ Bistro, located on nearby Jalan Dang Wangi and famed for its other hearty soups, including Goat Tongue Soup.

Kedai Makan Al-Faris

This shop is also known as Mamak Container since their kitchen is essentially a black shipping container.

Probably one of the best Mamak eateries you can find in the area, they once operated a humble stall along Jalan Doraisamy but now have shifted to a space behind MOJO at The Row.

The new name given is Mamak Container as their kitchen is essentially a black shipping container.

With the on-going transformation of Dang Wangi, this place has attracted quite a number of tourists who stay at the hotels nearby.

There’s the boutique hotel called The Reeds and MiL Design Hotel, as well as the international Stripes Hotel and 5-star Sheraton Imperial Hotel.

There’s also a new hotel just next to Stripes Hotel called The Red Hotel.

The following are a number of newbies in the area that are definitely worth a visit.

MiL Cafe

Woo Pin

A must-try is the crispy fried fish skin.

One of the latest outlets to open, this place offers patrons a jaw-dropping exhibit of murals splashed across its walls inside to complement their signature offerings of good-quality homemade noodles.

Pizzeria Dihyang

Located at Lot 14, Jalan Yap Ah Shak, Pizzeria Dihyang promises patrons a pizza experience unlike any other in the city, grounded authentically in Naples’ art of pizzaiuolo.

Gavel

Gavel Coffee Kitchen Craft Beers or simply Gavel for short, is a dining spot that emphasises on healthier comfort food options that don’t sacrifice on taste.

Limapulo