Usually, China Towns in North America are dirty, not safe to travel, and basically slum areas. But the China Town in Padang is the opposite. I think it is cleaner than other streets in the city, quite safe as long as there are people around, and there were many great Chinese Padang restaurants. This town has almost convinced me that I was in China. The foods here are really nice too.
I came during ramadhan vasting month, most of the restaurant are closed down so the only place i can get lunch is from chinatown. With most of the locals are moslem, we can not have food of drink in public.
A very compact area. Come early morning 7-10PM and come hungry. Rows of Kopitiam in mid-century shophouses. Sample the local chinese & Padang food. Duck into the small market area where you'll find more stalls selling more food! Hunt for the local version of cakue/youtiau!
Padang China Town fulls with shops selling chinese padang cuisine and other things else. But the stand out architecture is the 'kongsi' building (such as HTT and HBT or orther Chinese surname) - it's huge and definitely represent the culture of Padang born Chinese.
Amazing destination at the night. Can buy local culinary and the seller will say why if that is sold there is the pork don't fear .. even the name of hometown of china.
