New Restaurants, Cafés And Bars in KL: September 2016

Serving three sisters' hopper creations inspired by mum's appam, this quaint establishment is quickly becoming a hotspot for thoughtful dates and lunch with girlfriends. Don't miss out on the bestselling Savoury Hopper with Slow Roasted Chicken Rendang (RM11). Meant to evoke the taste of nasi lemak, this rendition also stars crispy anchovies, sambal, groundnuts and cucumber atop the savoury hopper. Each hopper is delicately made with a fluffy centre that leads to thin, crisp edges, and an optional egg baked in the middle (no extra charge so go for it!). On the sweeter side of things, we fawned over the Milo Ganache Sweet Hopper with Horlicks Condensed Milk (RM11). Peanut crumbs are sprinkled on for a dash of saltiness amidst the rich cocoa of the childhood-favourite. As you feast, freshen your appetite with sips of their sharp Mint and Calamansi drink (RM11).
Avg Price: RM20
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh

In sunny KL, shaved ice desserts are a blessing and the newest kid on the block is the Japanese breed called kakigōri. Bringing in this dessert as both their namesake and specialty, Kakigōri in Taman Paramount is the very cool venture by the team behind Thirdwave. Chill with a few friends over the range of frosty fare here to combat sweltering afternoons. Let the Uji Matcha Kakigori (RM17) ent-ice you with its green tea-red bean combo and Kyoto-sourced kinako milk (soy milk). If you prefer to go local, order the Ginger Tofu Kakigori (RM15), which sees tofu pudding and rice puffs on ice. Designed tastefully to emulate an ice factory, the venue embodies an easy self-service system where patrons get to collect their chilly concoctions from a hole in the wooden wall, and perhaps pause for a photo too.
Avg Price: RM20
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh

Sharing the same space as BRATS, One Half is spearheaded by 2016's Malaysia Barista Champion, Keith Koay. Whether you're a Flat White (RM10) drinker or more a single origin filter coffee (from RM14) lover, expect great cuppas brewed from behind the concrete bar. The condusive corner seats are choice to spend some quiet time alone or to catch up with a close friend over a morning pick-me-up. A steady supply from the skilled bakers at Tart Art and Rubberduck means that baked goods such as cakes and soft cookies are available on daily rotation. For a more wholesome breakfast with your coffee, look to BRAT's breakfast menu (available 8-11am) — it offers a tasty Bacon & Egg Cheese Sandwich (RM13). This cafe may be one half, but it promises the best of both worlds.
Avg Price: RM20

Entrenched in Jalan Sultan's rich heritage, Leaf & Co pairs time-worn appearances with their signature dish — a classic, modern-day buttermilk fried chicken that's on its way up KL's fried chicken charts. Go for the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Rice (RM23), which features the insanely crispy and flavourful whole chicken leg with Malaysian-style fried rice, Indonesian sambal terasi and a Thai-style salad. This dish is not the only sign that the cafe has much to offer from both East and West. Tasty eats include the Swedish Meatballs (RM22) and the local, spiced rendang chicken in Malaysia Spaghetti (RM20). Any last-minute cravings will be satiated with a side of Potato Slices (RM8), fried to resemble thick, crinkle-cut potato chips.
Avg Price: RM30
Photo by Burppler Rueann Dass

Located in One Utama shopping centre, the cleverly named Thai Hou Sek (it means 'too delicious' in Cantonese) is the new winning destination for all things Thai and tasty. Head to the stylish restaurant that exudes Bangkok vibes to dine in a group, be it lunch with colleagues or dinner with your family. Begin with the authentic appetiser of Miang Kham (RM15), a spicy betel leaf wrap that erupts with the aromatic crunch of pork lard. With a plate of steamed rice for everyone, share the Green Curry (RM22), which offers thick, fragrant gravy embellished with pork shoulder and pumpkin. Dishes here are potent with a Chinese-style porky twist, including the Tom Yum with Roasted Pork (RM22). After the spice-laden meal, make room for the irresistible Mango Sticky Rice (RM15)!
Avg Price: RM25
Photo by Burppler Jeff Lim

From the coffee aficionado behind Three Little Birds comes a beautiful locale for elevated soft serve and HOJO tea. Given the dreamy location with black and white tiles against the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, you will want to bring a date to share the experience. Someplace Beautiful is nestled in D7 Sentul, where its predecessor is also located. For now, its menu is powered by its unique soft serve flavours — bittersweet single origin Panama Kotowa Mandarina Geisha coffee (RM11) or the dark and delicious 70% Papua New Guinea Dark Cocoa (RM10). The specially handcrafted flavours have a stark contrast, but both are top-notch so just this once, we'll encourage two-timing! Order a pot of artisanal Silver Needle White Tea (RM16) for two and enjoy the rest of your day with senses soothed.
Avg Price: RM20
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh

Supremely unique, The Sticky Wicket is a cricket-themed bar that will appeal even to those who don't know the sport (surely you didn't think we meant the insect!). Cocktails are the attraction here and every classy concoction is named after a cricket team or match positions. Zero in on their English take on gin and tonic — the Nottinghamshire (RM25) mixes Beefeater with salted carrots, toasted barley, honey and thyme for a mellow yet charming tipple. Make sure to get it at happy hour (4.30-7.30pm) when the delicious drink goes for only RM10. That's reason enough to make this your after-work watering hole with colleagues. When dinnertime rolls around, tuck into the fantastic British Cod and Chips (RM42) with mushy peas and fat chips — this will serve to fuel you on for more drinks!
Avg Price: RM50
Photo by Burppler Sarah Voon

Located in PJ's Dataran Millennium, The Narra opens to offer the area's growing Filipino community a taste of home. The Filipino resto lounge has the heart of our very own Manila-born Burpple Tastemaker Aileen Marie, who implores you to try silog, a common breakfast in the Philippines consisting of fried rice, an egg and a meat. Bangsilog (RM10) is a delightful version served with deep-fried milkfish (known as bangus, hence the name Bangsilog). Marinated in soy sauce and vinegar, the firm flesh is fragrant and a clever pairing next to plain fried rice. The authentic establishment also serves a mighty Lechon Kawaii (RM18) — bite-sized seasoned pork belly that's bound to please the belly (yours, we mean). Cap off your experience of the Philippines with a creamy glass of Avocado Shake (RM9).
Avg Price: RM20
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Aileen Marie

Set in student-populated Jalan PJS11/9, The Fish Bowl's got the art of perfecting poke bowls in the net. For RM17.90, you get to put together your own poke bowl starting with a base, four sides, an ocean-sourced protein, toppings and two sauces of choice. The list is long and tempting, so skip the read and go for this — brown rice with classic shoyu, cucumber cubes, edamame, cherry tomatoes, crunchy walnuts and without a doubt, the shoyu-marinated salmon with a poached egg (additional RM2.50). The secret of poke goodness is in the unlimited toppings so be sure to lay on the furikake, seaweed flakes, fried garlic chips and sesame seeds for a burst of flavours! The pickled veggies will also do your appetite well. Finally, sauce it up with the popular Gar-Gar (garlic sauce) and Baby-Racha (sriracha mayo)! The set also comes with a bottomless drink of the day.
Avg Price: RM20
Photo by Burppler Rueann Dass

Having thrived as a baking delivery service, the Skinny Bakers finally decided that they could escape their flourishing fans no more. Their newly opened brick-and-mortar dessert parlour Escapade focuses on simple yet decadent desserts — think Twix Milkshake (RM13.90), Banana Split (RM9.90) and the ultimate childhood memory, Roti Ice Cream (RM8.90). Aptly named, this spot is perfect for when you need to forget your worries and focus on finishing your ice cream. Bring a friend who needs cheering up, or a girlfriend in a bad mood for their remedying Ice Cream Sandwich (RM9.90). The smooth vanilla ice cream is sandwiched between warm, homebaked cookies for a comforting treat. If it has been a really bad day, make things right again with an extra chocolate drizzle (RM0.50).
Avg Price: RM10
Photo by Burppler Emily C