New Restaurants, Cafés And Bars in KL: November 2016

Experience New York vibes here in Bowery Kitchen & Bar, where a 30-foot-long bar takes centrestage next to a dining space tailored for a swanky Friday night out with family or friends. Kick things off with a drink — a Cocktail Of The Day on offer will only set you back RM15 and, based on the Kisses we had (grapefruit, watermelon, mint and Cinzano), it's gonna be good. With big groups, it's always wise to order a starter lest someone falls into hangry mode — the Salted Egg Yolk Chicken Popcorn (RM23) served with a honey Thai dip will be perfect. For mains, order the Surf & Turf Burger (RM49), a colossal creature that marries thick, delicious beef with housemade shrimp patty between soft buns. It's good for two! Also earning our seal of approval is the Bonito Somen Noodles (RM39) that serves pepper-crusted seared tuna with noodles in a light yet umami-packed bonito broth — have this warming dish on a cool day.
Avg price per person: RM50

A forerunner in Singapore's cafe scene, Common Man Coffee Roasters hits town this month with the full works — a brew bar that'll impress serious coffee-drinkers and brunch that reigns supreme. The corner-lot cafe is a spectacle, from its' marble counters to the leather-cushioned stools, so bring a date or someone to impress. Revered barista Pablo of Brass Boiler cafe fame now helms the bar here so your coffee is in good hands. Attempt the UnCommon (from RM15), their filter coffee of the day brewed with specially farmed coffee beans. For the full experience, order the Common Man Full Breakfast (RM39). As you delve into perfectly done eggs with streaky beef and vegetable rosti among other delights, you will soon realise that the steep price is worth every penny. Alternatively, spend afternoons here with the luscious KL Churros (RM19) for tea! Avg price per person: RM45
Photo by Burppler Jeff Lim

From the same people behind the flourishing Wood & Steel cafes comes this unsuspecting locale for lunch, dinner and everything in between. Guantanamo melds warung-style offerings like Asam Pedas (RM17.90) with more international dishes like a hearty Marrakesh Braised Lamb Shank (RM46), but its finest work has got to be the mamak-style Sup Kambing (RM15). Served in a claypot, the mutton boasts melt-in-your-mouth tenderness while the deeply flavoured broth breathes the fragrance of herbs. We recommend choosing the soft white bread to soak in the soup, but there's an option for rice if you prefer. To share, order the Nacho Carnes (RM15) drizzled in spicy beef sauce. For drinks, the cafe steps out from the comforts of flat whites and lattes to serve instead Vietnamese Coffee (RM10) and Hang Tuah Coffee (RM6) — both are robust, dark-roasted coffees that suit the rugged vibes here.
Avg price per person: RM25

Between classes, swing by Nomms in SS15 for fried chicken (you deserve it after all that studying!). The chic eatery has ample seats, as if they knew the goodness of fried chicken must be shared, so bring company. The menu-topper is the Nomms Fried Chixx. (from RM10 for 2 pieces), featuring crisp, golden skin and moist, juicy flesh beneath. The chicken mains come in three flavours — original, seasonal (this month's is garlic) and the best one yet, spicy. Sides (from RM2) range from good-for-you options like mesclun salad to the more indulgent hashbrowns and chicken-flavoured rice. If you're here with a party of four or more, go big with The Nomtorious Big (from RM79) that gives you more value for money. It comes with nine pieces of chicken, two sides, four drinks and four Ice Dreams, their housemade ice cream dessert.
Avg price per person: RM15

Nestled in the new Bon Estates building, The Good Co. draws crowds for brunch items like its Triple BLAT sandwich (RM18.90) and Kimchi Fried Rice (RM15.90) salad pots. The food sounds so exciting that you probably won't realise that the menu's all-vegetarian! For a business brunch or a morning pick-me-up with the ladies, come for their Acai Bowl (RM21.90) — the fresh splash of colours and flavours is a wonderful way to start the day! For something more substantial, the Healthy Organic Nasi Lemak salad pot (RM15.90) uses sambal, tempeh and virgin coconut oil millet to achieve the spicy, aromatic taste of nasi lemak, minus the guilt. To jolt your senses in the morning, there is an array of cold-pressed juices or coffee to choose from, but we're taking the barista's recommendation for their specialty Carob Peanut Latte (RM14). Carob is a healthy substitute for cocoa and it's paired here with peanut butter and a shot of espresso for a smooth, creamy drink.
Avg price per person: RM30
Photo by Burppler Sarah Voon

At Big Singh Chapati, it's easy to feel like you're dining at a friend's home, thanks to a chef who jives as he makes chapati out front and the friendly servers who strike spontaneous conversations. Come for dinner to experience the full menu, and bring a few friends who'd enjoy eating with their hands — an experience we recommend here! The set menu is king, and offers platters of a main dish, dhal, chutney, dessert of the day and your choice of either two chapatis, naan or biryani to mop it all up with. A foolproof combo would be the Mutton Set (RM14.90). The Kashmiri specialty, mutton rogan josh, offers plenty of lamb-aromatic gravy to go with your carbs. The restaurant also has a list of desi specials such as the Puree & Chole (RM14.90), which serves aloo chole (masala-style cauliflower, chickpeas and potatoes) with three pieces of puree (deep-fried, unleavened bread) — wrap a dollop of aloo chole in a piece of puree for a delicious mouthful!
Avg price per person: RM20

For frequenters of Sunway Pyramid, the opening of Tuk Tuk Cha is tea-rrific news. Landing here with a cool spin on Thai drinks and Shibuya-style toasts, they're already drawing long queues, but the fast-working staff ensure you don't wait too long for a teatime thrill. Dominating the menu is a splendid Thai Iced Milk Tea (RM5.50) — while the Thai original is known for being exceedingly sweet, this version tones down sweetness for the tea fragrance to shine. Pair that with a Milo Golden Toast (RM7.90). The crisply toasted bread glazed in Milo powder and condensed milk is served in bite-sized cubes for instant satisfaction. Or if you can't get enough of tropical flavours, try the Aloha Coconut Shibuya Toast (RM13.90) that pairs coconut ice cream with chocolate drizzle.
Avg price per person: RM15

Have pizzas that are a little out of the box at Pizza Craft, and be sure to bring your colleagues — the group-friendly bench tables await. Inspired by pizza maker Theo Kalogeracos, known for his award-winning pizzerias in Perth, the roulette of flavours seen here is a refreshing change from usual suspects like chicken ham and pineapples. The Blueberry Beef (from RM16.90) pizza may sound peculiar, but its combination of Swedish-like meatballs and blueberry jam offers a pleasantly familiar flavour. Also an intriguing option is the Billy Goat (from RM21.90) that features a flurry of herbs with minced lamb and mint sauce. We especially liked that they nailed a solid ratio of dough to toppings. All pies come with an iced lemon tea and garlic bread during the set lunch promo (weekdays, noon-3pm) and if ever the clock is ticking on lunch hour, give these guys a call 30 minutes earlier to prepare your pizzas ahead of time!
Avg price per person: RM20

Located along Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, this newcomer in Chinatown's cafe scene will please those working nearby with a variety of set lunches and a comfortable dining space. Bring a colleague and order their Grilled Fish Fried Rice (RM16), which features a tasty red sauce redolent of tomato and herbs. The set comes with a choice of iced lemon tea or the punchier grapefruit juice. If you walked here, like most would in the area, beat the heat with a deserving Chocolate Banana Waffle (RM12) for dessert. Come evening, coffee and tea make way for beers, making this also a spot for relaxed drinking! A bucket of five Heineken bottles go for a reasonable RM75 at happy hour.
Avg price per person: RM25
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh