A relatively new kid on the block, Uokatsu prides itself in serving the freshest sashimi and perfectly grilled fish with simple accompaniments ranging from rice to mentaiko to onsen tamago. They also have a breakfast plate which I hope to try on my next visit. Well worth a visit if you're in Hartamas - prices are reasonable, too (the ocean trout belly salmon in the middle cost us RM25)! Uokatsu doesn't have a sign, so you have to feel your way around Plaza Damas 3 - right across the main road from Hartamas Shopping Centre.
Recently given a facelift, Mollydooker's is a Damansara Heights caffeine vendor with a small selection of curated local food and drink (think The Last Polka ice cream, Smooshie juices, Nuts Enough banana bread). Its well-pulled coffee, clean lines, and the fact that it isn't constantly overflowing with customers (i.e. the acoustics are favourable and there is some element of anonymity) will keep me coming back. A hot chocolate (pictured) is priced at RM9.50.
Desa Park City is bustling with life on a Sunday morning because of its lush landscaping that its community fully exploits. The latest addition to Three Little Birds Coffee opens up to The Central Park and serves up mean coffees, teas and food of the same pedigree as its Sentul predecessor. I had a flat white and a Tommy Le Baker chicken sandwich today and highly recommend both, but if caffeine isn't your thing opt for the Dulcey hot chocolate or a HOJO tea. PS All make great photography subjects on their signature marble centrepiece. For reference, white coffees are RM11 each.
I always do a double take when it comes to F+B chains because I find many struggle to maintain consistency across their outlets, but Rakuzen is an exception (for the record, my favourite outlets are at Publika and Oasis Square). Service is good - not excellent, food is always, always consistent and prices are competitive. My top picks are the Salmon Sashimi Zen (pictured, a set meal comprised of salmon slices, rice, miso soup, chawan mushi, fruit - RM30) and the Shimeji Karaage (battered Shimeji shrooms - RM12) but Rakuzen is an all-rounder and gets the nod from tempura to teppanyaki to fried rice. Here's a tip for KL Japanese food lovers: most restaurants get their fish deliveries on Tuesdays and Fridays - my choice days to place that sashimi order. Bookings always advised.
VCR has always been hit and miss for me, but there's something about the way light moves around the space that keeps me coming back. Coffee sits on the acidic end of the scale which is a no-no for me, but when unsure, I err on the side of caution and order a hot chocolate instead. For the sweet toothed, Frost + Flourish's The King - a peanut butter banana cake - is an absolute crowd pleaser!
This cafe will soon celebrate its first year anniversary, and is part of what buffered my return from Melbourne after six years. Podgy & The Banker is fondly named after its lead barista Neil Ng and his banker friends and is one of KL's most celebrated (and lovingly Instagrammed) third wave cafes. Home to consistent, good brews, simple, hearty food (personal favourites are the chicken avocado sandwich, omelette and French toast) and an abundance of natural light, it's no wonder why cafe enthusiasts and avid Instagrammers keep coming back. The interior has what I call "elements that remind me of my favourite cafes in Melbourne" and they stock the meanest bakes from MAD Treats (try the Happy Toast on weekends) - so while I loathe the lack of sound (and heat) insulation, P+TB gets away with murder because of its charm that hasn't quite faded since they first opened doors.
My love affair with sashimi is long-spanning, and I'm always down for anywhere with fresh fish and good cuts. Senya's menu is longer than your monthly grocery list and spans from yakitori, salads and katsus to ramens, grilled fish and sashimi. I'm pleased to report we sampled dishes across several categories and Senya has never disappointed - the salmon belly shioyaki is perfectly grilled, the salmon sashimi fresh, well-cut and well-priced, the yakitori fresh and hits the spot and the donburis very strong. I see myself returning here for fuss-free, casual Japanese dining, more so because it doesn't bust the wallet (RM12 approx. for the sashimi pictured above). Non-halal.
In my books, this cafe pioneered the KL brunch culture and resets the bar with every revision to its menu (their eggs Benedict is currently on version III). Never once have I been disappointed with the food quality, whether it's my favourite Bella and the Jets (chicken chorizo, mushrooms, balsamic vinegar, toast, a poached egg, rocket leaves), the Super Awesome Fry Up (big breakfast, pictured), best-in-class Skyscraper (pancakes), or firm crowd favourite, The Atlantic (salmon Benedict on French toast). The Red Beanbag serves an assortment of drinks (Smooshies and the hot chocolate come recommended) and an all-day menu that extends to the likes of pasta (My Crustacean Cousin is always a good idea), chicken and burgers, and is perhaps the one place I keep sending friends and family to - confidently. Prices are a touch steep (RM20-30 per head) but well worth every penny because the proprietors strive to source and serve quality produce. My only gripe is that I am not alone in my convictions - this place fills up very quickly on weekends. A word of caution: go early (they open at 9.30am).
The Kitchen Table is the labour of love of my friends, Marcus and Mei Wan, who first launched a supper club that quickly grew into a restaurant-bakery that has won many an Instagrammer's/foodie's heart - and stomach! Pictured here is one of their Sunday brunch offerings - soft egg with crispy bacon, tomato jam and watercress on sourdough, a dish some love to death and others stay on the fence about. Their baked goods, dinner menu and morning light have received resounding reviews and I couldn't be more excited for where this place is headed. Priced at under RM25 per person for brunch / lunch, and approximately RM40 per pax for dinner, the somewhat limited menu (which is set to expand soon) barely deters me from going back for more.
Upon M's recommendation, I sampled the oeufs cocotte (left) while she had the oeufs mollets florentine (bottom right). The former was perfection in a ramekin - two soft baked eggs with smoked duck cubes and a thin gruyere cheese crust with a slice of farmer's bread and greens on the side. M seemed to enjoy her eggs florentine - two perfectly boiled eggs with a twist of mushroom and gruyere cheese. We paid close to RM100 for the two dishes, the best mango tart (not pictured, but chilled, and very very good) and three drinks, which is a little steep. But in a market where excellence is rare, Yeast comes highly recommended.
