New Restaurants, Cafés And Bars in KL: February 2017

A new name joins the al-fresco dining strip on KLCC Park this year. Helmed by chef Jet Lo from Singapore's Ding Dong restaurant, Duddha dishes out seductively delicious Southeast Asian dishes with a modern spin. This epicurean experience is best enjoyed with an outgoing group of friends. The menu is sectioned into bites: cold, hot and big. Try the Deconstructed Tofu with Oyster Sauce (RM26) — oyster sauce is injected into firm tofu slices for a saltish bite, and the dish is immersed in refreshing daikon water. Next, get the 5 Spice Lamb Ribs (RM38). These sous vide ribs are soft and delectable when had with the zesty apricot ginger sauce (served in a tube!). While everything is good to share, make sure to also order the Green Curry Saltwater Barramundi (RM30) for a main — the fleshy fish doused in rich green curry gravy is divine with the fragrant bone marrow rice it comes with. To end, the Caramelised Pumpkin Rice Cake with Smoked Coconut Ice Cream (RM22) is a mindblowingly yummy dessert!
Avg price per person: RM60

A short flight of stairs leads you to Kopenhagen Coffee, KL's favourite new Scandinavian-inspired space decked out in vast windows, mellow tones and a concrete bar. This serene second-floor cafe is great for a morning pick-me-up and is a conducive place to work away from the office — tables are few but all are well-equipped with nearby power sockets. Promising a personal touch, Danish owner Peter is often behind the bar making coffee with beans supplied by dependable local roaster Sprezzatura. Power through your day with their milk coffee served in beautiful cups sourced from Copenhagen, perhaps the especially satisfying Flat White (RM11). There is also simple fare for the hungry. For now, fill up on breakfast plates, fresh fruit and an occasional bake as the open kitchen works on churning out more choices. We hear of Danish open-faced sandwiches in the pipeline.
Avg price per person: RM20

Running out of a half-lot shop in Lucky Garden, Delhi Snacks Cafe is the closest we'll get in KL to experiencing Indian street grub for now. This unassuming cafe sports bright red and yellow-coloured furniture, making it a cheerful nook for mid-day respites with a friend. A young chef from the Indian capital doles out tasty, spice-laced snacks like Chole Bhature (fried leavened bread with chickpeas, RM11.90) and Pav Bhaji (bread with vegetable curry, RM11.90). Both are deliciously abundant in the comforts of dipping bread into warm gravy. But for something distinctive, rely on the Noodle Samosas (RM7.20 for two pieces) and the Pani Puri (mini potato and onion-filled crispy bread cups, RM8.90) that will surprise your tastebuds with bursts of tangy mint flavours. Bolster teatime with a glass of Fresh Milk Masala Tea (RM4.80), which the cafe calls liquid wisdom. We bet you'll leave with a renewed view of Delhi street food!
Avg price per person: RM15

Having long won the hearts of fried chicken-lovers across the straits in Singapore, Korean fusion chicken factory Chir Chir finally clucks its way over to KL. Come armed with hungry friends to feast! The original-recipe Crispy Fried Chicken (RM49.90) is a classic with crunchy, slightly spicy batter that reveals juicy flesh within, but for the adventurous, there is also Spicy Chicken (RM56.90) glazed in their special hot sauce. Special tongs are available so you can devour your chicken without getting your hands dirty! The chicken platters come in mountainous portions that can easily feed up to four, and go incredibly well with a cold glass of their popular Chir Cream Beer (from RM24.90). The sweet whipped cream lends a pleasant, creamy finish to the drink, making it great for a daytime treat.
Avg price per person: RM40

Housed in multi-concept foodstore Greenhouse by Muir, this restaurant garners a dinnertime crowd for its unique, contemporary dishes. An overhanging chopsticks feature coupled with seats shrouded in white grills make this an inviting venue, especially for a date. We like that anything goes here when it comes to their customisable dinner course set meals. For variety, go with the Three Course Meal (RM46) that gives you any three items from the menu. Start with a cold dish, either the hana salmon sashimi or tuna carpaccio, which comes fresh from Kuroshio Fish Market downstairs. Then, find a palatable snack in the flavoursome teriyaki beef taco. Meant to be a sampling experience, even the mains come in junior size — opt for the tender rack of lamb, or a tasty unagi carbonara fettuccine that is surpisingly light.
Avg price per person: RM50

A restaurant and bar set atop One City's Skypark, Great Hall takes to their decor and menu to channel the zeal of 1950's China — think servers in red army caps and dishes named after Chairman Mao. Take your date out for a revolutionary rendezvous here! For a bar, the Chinese-meets-Western food menu is pleasantly affordable. The Angel's Mane (RM14.90) has all the right notes, pairing tender pork belly slices and thin angel hair in satisfying stir-fry. Delight your date with dessert — a modern Gui Hua Gao (RM6.90) that features osmanthus jelly with ginger lemongrass cream. The Oriental bar's best bet is its rice wine cocktails so be sure to stay for a nightcap. Order the Mao's Chamber (RM80 for two to four pax) to share. Served in an unusual but enchanting teapot with two cups, the potent, fruity drink will present a perfect end to the night.
Avg price per person: RM50
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh

New to Happy Garden, Wonton & Pho offers homey vibes and a menu spilling with options for both local and Vietnamese delights. There is something for everyone here, and by everyone, we mean noodle fanatics! On the local end, the Char Siew Wonton Noodles (from RM8.90) is easily loved for the slurpy noodles and thick cuts of barbecued pork. Aside from the usuals, you can also have your wanton noodles with dry curry chicken or braised chicken feet. On cool, windy days, sit outdoors and order the Pho Bo (RM12.90) — the dish supplies warmth, deeply-flavoured broth and a generous side serving of fresh basil leaves and beansprouts. The chairs are of noticeably shorter height, adding to the joint's authentic Vietnamese charm. For lunch with your family, this place will hit a home run.
Avg price per person: RM15

Fueled by founder Andrew Sanchez's belief that healthy food can be fun, Poke Bear opens to please patrons of Sunway Pyramid. For a post-gym meal or a quick lunch with your friends after class, these tasty, guilt-free poke bowls will satisfy. The eatery encourages you to build your own bowl, with over 20 toppings to choose from and helpful staff to walk you through the process. For RM18, the bowl comes with a base, five sides, your choice of poke and unlimited toppings. There is also an intriguing poke seaweed wrap option for the same price, if you don't feel like having rice. Instead of marinated fish, Poke Bear serves fresh chunks of salmon and tuna, and leaves it to their housemade sauces to provide flavour. Of the seven sauces, the piquant mentai remains the crowd favourite while an underrated spicy mayo hits you with a delicious zing.
Avg price per person: RM20

Weekend mornings are better now that Purple Miao has set up shop along Jalan Merdeka in Kampung Baru Ampang. Reminiscent of Taiwan's street stalls, this outdoor breakfast stop opens four days a week to serve up tasty egg rolls and soothing cold brews for early risers. The menu is handwritten in Mandarin, so don't hesitate to ask the friendly owner behind the wooden bar for a verbal version. Don't pass up on the Spring Onion Egg Rolls (RM5.50). Fragrant and fresh off the pan, these pillowy rolls are comfort at its best. They also come with coffee in a set meal for RM13. Cold brews are made from Liberica beans so expect smooth sips with a light aftertaste. There are only three tables, but in case there isn't one available, grab a stool and sit by the road for an extra rustic experience!
Avg price per person: RM15
Photo by Burppler Rueann Dass

Tucked away on the second floor of Starling Mall, The Embassy Cafe is blessed with plenty of sunlight and features charming murals and a diverse menu. Burpplers working in Damansara Uptown, here's a new lunch locale to uplift your afternoons. There is more than enough to satisfy different palates, from lavish local rice plates to classic paninis and burgers. The waiter will recommend a Embassy Nasi Istimewa (RM28) and we concur! The pineapple fried rice is surrounded by heaps of anchovy and tempe sambal, mango kerabu, fried cabbage AND a creamy ayam pindang to boot. Unless you're working a half-day shift, be sure to share this food coma-inducing meal! Meanwhile, Western-loving diners should order the Synfull Roast Chicken (from RM26), a wholesome slow-roasted chicken, flanked by roasted vegetables and rosemary butter potatoes. Avg price per person: RM35