New Restaurants, Cafés And Bars in KL: July 2016

On the nights when you finish work a little later than expected, reward yourself with satiating skewers and a drink (or two) at Koikeshoten. Bring a friend for company and sit by the counter to watch chef Norio Koike fire up the grill for your made-to-order goodies. The Unagi justifies its hefty RM25 price tag as it arrives glistening and ready to melt in your mouth, while the Wagyu Beef (RM21) sees four skewered cubes of juicy, succulent beef. Then there's the delicious Bishop's Nose (RM4) — albeit lesser known, the chicken rump has a distinctive crispy yet fatty texture that is absolutely delightful! If you're feeling generous, splurge on a bottle of warming sake (from RM108). Otherwise, the bar is unlacking with selections of beer, whiskeys and shochu (a Japanese spirit) to offer.
Avg Price: RM60

Barely a month old and before a full menu launch, Mr. Tush already has in its repertoire an array of soulful bar grub and yummy cocktails. Catch up with a close friend at this quiet spot in Plaza Damansara over their Chili-Spiced Chickpeas (RM12). The tender chickpeas have a simple, comforting appeal that prepares your palate for the contrasts of a rich Butter Bun Stuffed With Chili Con Carne (RM18). This off-the-menu dish topped with jalapenos galore may be daunting, but also incredibly tasty! On cocktails, attempt the Espresso Yo-self (RM25) that presents strong notes of Cottle Coffee's espresso, a cinnamon stick, turbinado syrup and dark rum.
Avg Price: RM45
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh

The latest queue-worthy attraction in Sunway Pyramid, Mr. Tuk Tuk hits the spot with super satisfying Thai dishes that barely surpass the RM10 mark. Swing by with a spice-loving friend to share an 'en-thai-cing' Tom Yam Seafood (RM11.80) — aromatic, sour-spicy soup chock-full of prawns, mussels and fish. For RM8.80, their rendition of Phad Thai arrives sprucely wrapped in an omelette, which opens to a tantalising trove of fried flat noodles. Be sure to reach for the condiments basket and customise your noodles with a generous sprinkles of chili powder and crushed peanuts. Their pre-packed Mango Sticky Rice (RM7.80) is laid temptingly on the counter so allow yourself some indulgence by taking a box home (or back to the office) for tea!
Avg Price: RM15

Much-loved Sarnies in Singapore makes its mark in KL with the opening of Weiner! Wiggle your way into this small, diner-style bar to wolf down sloppy hot dogs and sip on cocktails as early as 10am — way too early, but who's complaining? Meet El Chapo (RM22), a handsome Mexican weiner featuring crushed tortilla chips, chili and onion rings atop juicy pork sausage. With that new friend in your hand, trot a little further to the east for a glass of Saigon Sally (RM28). The cocktail, made extra smooth with egg white and cream mixed into gin with pandan syrup, is best enjoyed with a buddy by the bar counter.
Avg Price: RM45

Soak in the sunlight at Botanica Deli with the company of sandwiches, soups and salad bowls! Located on the ground floor of Vertical Podium, the deli exudes a dreamy, white-walled interior with sleek wooden fittings that makes it perfect for a daytime date. Share the Prawn and Crab Sandwich (RM19.50) — the popular pick sees seasoned prawns and crabsticks sandwiched between lightly toasted French bread. Also spend some time together by the salad bar to craft a salad for sharing, with premium ingredients like edamame, grapes and candied almonds in the mix. For the time being, the deli pairs every meal (sandwich or salad) with a complimentary soup of the day. Three variations are available daily with choices including French onion, potato and even the quintessentially Asian lotus root soup.
Avg Price: RM25

Paying homage to San Francisco's Forbidden City and starlet Jadin Wong, Forbidden City KL shines the spotlight on provocatively named cocktails and remarkable live music. Give your girlfriends a call because you've just found yourselves a place for your next night out! Impressive lineups take the stage nightly, from jazz bands to soulful live acts, but all are succeeded by the venue's own vinyl-only sessions. The music gets better with an order of Jadin's Wet Dream (RM45), the lounge's famed cocktail featuring almond liquor and rosemary. Also delicious is Friends With Benefits (RM55) — gin, campari and cava infused with mint and elderflower. Pro tip: Call ahead for the private couch seats.
Avg Price: RM80

Bukit Damansara's newly opened Tiki Taka specialises in Asian-accented tapas and pintxos (small plates). Coupled with its splendid al-fresco area and a broad drinks list, the restaurant and bar is a no-brainer for dinner and drinks with friends. Dip deep-fried mantous into the sweet and spicy Singapore Chili Prawns Tapas (RM24) and share an eight-inch Char Siu Pork Pizza (RM20) — fusing japanese cucumber, spring onions and caramelised char siu with cheddar and mozzarella. More of these elevated mini-delights like the Crab and Cheese Bun (RM9) and Indian-style Dabeli Tart (RM6) fill the menu so come with adventurous (and hungry) friends!
Avg Price: RM40
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh

Formerly Butter + Beans OUG, the cafe saw its end with the franchise and has now been resurrected as Chaplang Kafe. The localised name sets a playful tone for the establishment now revamped in mint condition — its walls are even painted in mint green — while its highly residential locale makes it an ideal spot to hang out after a family dinner. Share a few laughs over the Bulatan Kg. Pandan (RM24) waffle. Cheekily named after an actual roundabout in KL, the dessert features a crisp yet fluffy pandan waffle with four scoops of ice-cream, pandan kaya drizzle and gula Melaka syrup. The irresistible ice-cream is supplied by G-Lat and flavours are as local as they can get, ranging from Neslo to soursop and kaya toast.
Avg Price: RM25

By the same people behind Poke Bowl Rice, The Affogato Guys offer an inventive take on their namesake — think fresh carrot juice and Korean matcha in place of espresso. Each affogato is named after a girl (perhaps one for each affogato guy). While Rachel (RM18.90) is the girl-next-door who has espresso, cookies, roasted peanuts and salted caramel ice cream to offer, Jane (RM18.90) is fresh and fragrant, pairing lemon sorbet with black tea and honey to please. Manager Kenry also tells us that more coffee creations are in the works, with shaken honey espresso (available soon) and gula Melaka iced drip (RM18.90) leading the line. The refreshing ice-cold shaken coffee bears an uncanny resemblance to beer, sans alcohol, so drop by for a guilt-free afternoon drink.
Avg Price: RM30
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh

Located within the Korean Wallpaper Gallery, the sighting of a Poke Bowl Rice lightbox signage will lead you straight to a taste of Hawaii's refreshing poke rice bowls. A physical menu is not yet available, but that shouldn't stop you from putting together your dream poke bowl with the help of a friendly server behind the bar. Choose from Beef (RM18.90), Salmon (RM19.90) or Tofu (RM17.90), followed by greens, toppings and sauce. While most can be left up to personal preference, make sure to nod enthusiastically when the scoop reaches the load of furikake, bonito flakes and sesame seeds — these are key to flavouring your rice! On scorching afternoons, escape to this air-conditioned gallery with a friend or colleague for lunch. Perhaps, someone who takes a liking to wallpapers?
Avg Price: RM20

Canberra's Patissez has finally reached our shores, bringing their monstrous milkshakes with them. The home to the Freakshakes opens along Jalan Telawi to an enticing venue for sweet tooths (and we Malaysians love our sugar). Of the four grandiose temptations, Muddy Pat (RM23) proves to be a favourite. Tastemaker Kathryn found herself absolutely smitten by the nutty, chocolate-based milkshake and the soft, decadent brownie that tops it. If you take a fancy to Nutella, the Pretzella (RM23), burying Nutella shake under loads of whipped cream and savoury pretzels is for you. Patissez's brunch menu also warrants a mention with the Freakburger (RM38) — a medium rare beef burger — garnering fans of its own.
Avg Price: RM50
Photo by Burppler Wai Lian Cheah

If you face a constant battle choosing between a plate of indulgent nasi lemak and a visit to the newest hipster cafe, Vibes is the answer. Nestled in the new Utropolis Shah Alam mall, the new cafe gives you the best of both worlds — homey local delights and a condusive space to work, study or simply hang out with your classmates. Priced at RM13.90, the Vibes Nasi Lemak is classic comfort food served with your choice of ayam berempah (spiced fried chicken) or sotong T-Rex (sambal squid). For a fuller, crunchier experience, we recommend you go with their signature ayam berempah, which crackles with fragrant, crunchy bits.
Avg Price: RM20
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh