Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, sometimes referred to as Jalan TAR, was the 'grande dame' of Kuala Lumpur shopping in the days before modern shopping complexes took over.

This stretch of road is flanked by pre-war buildings whose distinctive façades have been preserved and readapted to accommodate modern retail businesses. A walk through the archways of shops is like a trip back in time spanning several decades. Many established shops like G.S. Gill, P. Lal and P.H. Henry have remained when others moved out. The shops here offer a wide range of fabrics and textiles, imported leather goods, bags and luggage, carpets, sports goods and winter clothing.

Narrow alleys between the shops offer a fantastic range of textile at irresistible bargain prices. Other established names offer collections of silver and crystalware. Sogo Shopping Complex and Maju Junction Mall are also located along this stretch.

The Coliseum Café, a veritable institution on Kuala Lumpur’s food scene famed for its legendary Hainanese chicken chops was once a favourite hangout of the British colonials. Today, it is the place locals come to for sizzling steaks and beer. Undoubtably, the café still maintains its old world charms.

Every Saturday between 5pm-10pm, Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman is closed to traffic and transformed into a night market (“pasar malam”) where petty traders and hawkers sell an assortment of goods and delicacies in the open air.