New Restaurants, Cafes And Bars: May 2015

"I want to be a Kaya" ("kaya" meaning "rich" in Bahasa Malaysia) has an brow-raising name that makes it irresistible to order (RM22). Contrary to the conventional maple syrup or honey served with French toasts, this one is served with kaya — a favorite local spread made with coconut, sugar, eggs and bathed in the aroma of pandan leaves. It's novelty does not end there, as it boasts a unique combination of poached pears, strawberries, nuts, egg-soaked brioche, mascarpone cheese and kaya. Burpple Tastemaker Food Roll loves how this Western breakfast dish is given an unusual Asian twist that surprisingly works! Looks like you've gotta try this for yourself.

The Butter + Beans people are slowly conquering Kuala Lumpur with their 4th branch along Jalan Doraisamy. Drop by for teatime, and sit back with a slice of cake or pastry with a delightful coffee. Burpple Tastemaker Tracey Wong recommends their amazing mocha and their delightful raspberry pastry to complete your late afternoon!

Formerly located at Pusat Bandar Damansara, Sugar Rush has relocated to Section 16 in Petaling Jaya. Although they have maintained the theme of the predecessor's interior decor, they have expanded their menu to various types of breads, pastries and also all-day brunches. If you have a weakness for chocolate, skip the tour of the mile-long cake display and simply place an order of a slice of moist chocolate ganache cake over the counter, you won't be able to resist.

Since its opening, this white-walled restaurant took off in no time, attracting brunch lovers from all over to the hustle bustle of Damansara Jaya. "Pankek" — pandan pancakes served with caramelised bananas and topped with coconut shavings and gula Melaka — has captured the hearts of many, and will probably get yours too. Prefer savoury breakfasts? Go for the scrambled eggs with bacon and toast.

The Bandits have conquered Bukit Damansara in the form of a cafe with tables and counters made of marble. If you've visited Podgy & the Banker, you may see several familiar faces over here. Famished foodies should attempt to consume "Jabba the Hut" (RM25) — a ginormous breakfast of hashbrowns, eggs, toast, pancakes and bacon on the same plate! Light eaters would appreciate the poached eggs and bacon on toast (RM14), and you can even request for either broccoli or mushrooms for sides (they're open to requests!).

Frustrated that you could not have A Pie Thing's delicious pies any time before 4pm? Head over to their new branch in Sunway which has extended opening hours (12 noon till 9pm, Tuesdays to Sundays) allowing you to finally satisfy your pie cravings during your lunch break! Go for the chunky steak pie with toppings of mashed potatoes, peas and gravy for a brilliant afternoon meal (RM17.90), or dig into their New York cheese pie for an indulgent dessert.

As if their scrumptious brunches and coffee were not enough, Frisson Coffee Bar has a new addition to their cafe: a dessert bar! From waffles to interesting ice cream combinations, it looks like their dessert game is worth checking out. For something new, try the Luscious Surprise (RM17.90) for a sweet and savory combination of their ice cream of the day with peanut butter, potato chips, caramel and whipped cream, or simply go for their waffles with ice cream and 2 toppings of your choice (RM14.90)!

The people behind Ahoy stand out from the crowd with a nautical theme. On-the-floor seating is available, and expect to discover elements of the sailor all over the cafe — from thick ropes to little ships by the counter, and drawings of anchors on the wall. Its location makes it an ideal spot for college and school students nearby to meet up for a chat over coffee and cakes. Go for their red velvet or tiramisu!

1 Utama Shopping Centre is now home to Malaysia's first Coco Ichibanya Curry House. Being the largest Japanese curry restaurant in the world with over 1000 branches in 9 countries, the menu allows for customizng spiciness levels. This flexibility alongside their array of accompaniments to the curry and rice makes it the perfect spot for group gatherings. Burpple Tastemaker Carol Eats enjoyed the pork cutlet curry rice, a great choice for first-timers!