In the centre of Kuala Lumpur, Chow Kit is a local alternative to the busy, anonymous city streets of the greater city, with an intimate atmosphere and many independent outlets to enjoy. It is a perfect place to experience authentic Malaysian culture, through tasting the cuisine of the numerous food stalls and witnessing the history of the local landmarks.

The most famous attraction of Chow Kit is the daily market, Bazaar Baru, packed full of colourful stalls selling meat, fruit, vegetables, clothes, shoes and DVDs, making it the largest wet market in Kuala Lumpur. The greatest appeal is its atmosphere, as the place is buzzing with noise, energy, and people looking for a bargain, natives and tourists alike, indeed, it is the best way to experience the local culture. Chow Kit also hosts the largest Sikh Temple in Southeast Asia, the Gurdwara Tatt Khalsa, with beautiful and open areas, atmospheric gardens and large carpeted rooms where over 75,000 members of the Sikh community come to pray. One of the avenues running through Chow Kit dedicates itself to Indian culture, selling bargain items from sarees to authentic, flavoursome spices to handmade jewellery, all from local and independent boutiques.

The Kuala Lumpur monorail runs through the area, making Chow Kit easily accessible via public transport. Jalan Haji Hussein is only a two-minute walk from the station of Chow Kit, and the Ampang Line PWTC LRT station is also nearby.

Originally named after the municipal councillor, Loke Chow Kit, who was also a native tin miner, the area retains its local identity. However, with the rise of tourism, the town has adapted its features to suit outsider tastes, through such things as making Bazaar Baru market cleaner and more appealing. The population of Chow Kit has included fewer Chinese communities over the years, now accommodating for African migrants and the increasing amount of travellers.