New Restaurants, Cafés And Bars: January 2016

Back in the Prohibition era in the 1920s, a speakeasy was known as a bar that illegally sold alcohol in the US. Today, bars in cities all over the world have adopted the retro, underground, mysterious feel of the speakeasy. Private Room is KL's first speakeasy-style wine bar, boasting the perfect ambience for those looking to wind down after work with great music, good friends, and a bottle or two (they do not sell wine by the glass). Run by wine enthusiasts who are quick to admit that drinking wine is "an expensive hobby”, this wine-centric bar allows you to enjoy an affordable bottle (RM100-200) from their impressive collection displayed from floor to ceiling. For tasty bar bites, share a serving of indulgent spam fries (RM15), or pair that gorgeous bottle of red with a Prosciutto Set with brie and walnuts (RM35). Private Room also has a fair share of wine-based cocktails like Little Bubbles (RM65) — an exotic fruity drink with floral aroma and light toasted oakiness for a paradise-esque drink — or the Mocking Mistress (RM35) for a more elegant, fresh drink with flavours of coconut, kiwi, mint and a hint of lemon zest! A night here can be a great escape from reality. In fact, there isn't even a signboard in sight. Instead, look for the yellow door beside Bowery Petit. Pro tip: make a reservation and they will also include the password to their door in your text message ;)

Run by The Social, Ekkamai is a pork-free Thai concept situated at the Jalan Batai area in Bukit Damansara. The bar-like ambience, dim lighting, plush furniture and soothing sounds from the water fountain fixture offer a relaxed environment, making it ideal for cosy catchups with friends. Authentic, comforting Thai staples such as Boat Noodles, Thai Laksa, Pad Thai and Green Curry with Rice are available, but you should really come by for their affordable RM19.90 (excluding service & GST charges) set lunches, which come with a drink and dessert. If you’re still hungry, share a bowl of Red Ruby (RM12) or a Mango Sticky Rice (RM18) with your colleagues to finish off!

Much like London's famed Cereal Killer bar, Like, Cereals-Ly lets you unleash the kid we all have inside us, with a crazy range of about 50 cereals to choose from (think Reese's Puffs, Fruity Pebbes, Cheerious, Frosties, Honey Stars and more!). At the moment, it shares the same lot as the Republik Awan vape cafe, and is easy to spot with its wall lined with joyful, colourful boxes. Prices range from RM6.90-12.90, and you get to pick two types of cereal, and two toppings of your choice, from Maltesers and Hershey's Kisses to vanilla ice cream and strawberries. Prices differ based on whether you select a local or imported cereal, or a combination of both. Ask the owners a.k.a. Cereal Enthusiasts for their recommendations, and you're likely to be told to add ice cream to any combination. It's good advice. Alternatively, live out those unbelievable childhood dreams of putting together the most insane combination you can think of with no parent looking disapprovingly at you. Open from 3-10pm everyday except Monday, this might be the next spot to try the day after a big night out to nurse that throbbing head. Heck, why wait, cereal for dinner tomorrow?

Smack in the middle of the bustling Damansara Uptown sits a zen Japanese tea press room, where tea-brewing is treated as a serious craft. With a tea room established in Shibuya, the owners are passionate about bringing the joys of Japanese tea to Malaysians. Expect green teas and hoji teas (RM10-12), including their espresso forms (think super kao matcha!). The clean lines and zen vibes demand that you relax, and sip your tea as you enjoy the lovely tea presentation at the approachable bar. Drop by alone to unwind, or come by with a friend to experience how tea is brewed Japanese way. They also serve lovely bites such as the sweet Daifuku, a traditional rice cake, or mochi, served with strawberries, or the Sakura Mochi (both RM5), a sticky rice cake served in an edible cherry blossom leaf to accompany your tea.

Fulfill those #EatClean resolutions at Goodness Greens cafe in TTDI, founded by the people behind La Juceria. This cool, blue-hued, spacious cafe allows you to customize your salads from RM14.90-23.90. Simply choose a base, main, supplementary ingredients and a dressing to create your ultimate salad. Think a brown rice or mixed salad leaves base with edamame, beetroot, grilled mushrooms for mains, and supplementary ingredients such as feta cheese or sundried tomatoes. Your best bet is to select the Grand size (RM23.90), where you also get access to one Prime ingredient such as avocado, smoked salmon or grilled chicken! Besides greens, you could opt for their Acai Berry Bowl (RM24) or Granola Bowl (RM15) for something light. This spot is both vegetarian and vegan-friendly, perfect for those looking to bring their meat-less friends out! Pro tip: up till 30th January, get a juice at a 50% discount when you order a salad.

Run by the people behind That Latte Place in Cheras, Tulip is one of Sunway Pyramid’s newest additions with lots of pork-centric dishes to offer. Go for their Signature Crunchy Porchetta (RM39) — a home-roasted porchetta made with special in-house BBQ sauce and served with greens on the side — or the Ultimate Pork Burger (RM23) to tame those wild pork cravings. For a tasty, pork-free alternative, the Salmon Aglio Olio (RM32) is bound to satisfy. Drop by to refuel with your friends after a serious shopping session!

Occupying the space of a former yarn factory, WhupWhup is an industrial-themed cafe that boasts quirky character both in its food and environment. Think fun items like Nu Yolk (RM35) where 5 pieces of scallops sit in a salted egg puree or light and tasty dishes like Posh on Diet (RM12) — coffee carrot butter on toast. Don’t miss out on the Beef Bouguignon on Mash (RM28) marinated in wine, the perfect dish to feed your hungry soul! Free parking is available within their premises so there’s no need to worry about tickets and fines. Be sure to come in a group of four to truly enjoy a variety of dishes! Finish off with a long black, adorably named The Dark Knight (RM7).

Fans of Disney’s Pixar as well as DC comics would enjoy the colourful, fun ambience of Go-Getter Cafe. Bright paintings on the walls and a comfortable space is just the right setting for families with young children to dine at. Opt for their tasty pastas, particularly the Spaghetti Peranakan (RM17, regular size) that's tossed in a creamy curry base and served with chicken, serai and curry leaves — a great option for those looking for a local flavour. Their pastas also come in small sizes (RM10-12), basically perfect kiddy portions, or for customers with small appetites! For a fun dish, order the Salted Egg Yolk Charcoal Waffle (RM12) which Burpple Tastemaker Christal described as very aromatic and crispy.