New Restaurants, Cafés And Bars in KL: August 2017

From the people who brought us Huckleberry Food & Fare comes this beautiful bistro that does it all. Open from 8am to 2am, Birch goes to the far ends to indulge early birds for breakfast and brunch, as well as late night dwellers for dinner and drinks. Their interior fits all occasions, starting with a smart, sunlit space sporting greenery, chic cushioned seats in the back and a classy bar in between (where you'll find bartenders Alvin and Joel formerly of Case Study). Day or night, dine on an order of their Lemon Ricotta Hotcakes (RM28) — three large fluffy hotcakes, soft in the centre with creamy ricotta cheese, topped with bananas, maple syrup and large blocks of homemade honeycomb butter. On savouries, try the Shakshuka (RM25) for a Middle Eastern brunch done right or sink your teeth into the Korean Fried Chicken Brioche Burger (RM33), at first soft, then crunchy. For a coveted window-side seat with views, call ahead to make reservations.
Avg price per person: RM35
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh

Riding on the success of their early days as a hawker stall in Chow Yang kopitiam, Pho King has opened an outpost of their own along the same street. The decor runs clean and simple; the flourishes are on the menu, where you'll find something perfect 'pho' rainy days! Get the Traditional Vietnamese Beef Noodles (RM15.50), which yields rare beef and brisket slices. The broth is light yet flavourful, gleaming with a gentle sheen. Their menu schools diners on having the dish two ways: Hanoi style that involves adding vinegar and Sriracha, or Saigon style with greens and hoisin sauce — to each their own! Come sunny days, go for the summery Bun Cha Ha Noi (RM14.50), rice noodles with grilled Sanbanto pork patties, pork slices and a side of dipping sauce. The golden hour comes at lunchtime (noon to 3pm on weekdays), when every order of a main comes with a complimentary glass of jasmine tea.
Avg price per person: RM20

One of our finest finds this month is this new, nifty Japanese joint for barbecue and beyond. Shin Nihon shines for its excellent hospitality and a beefy selection of prime Wagyu cuts, charcoal-grilled at your table. Solo diners should snag a seat by the bar, which affords a view of their spirited chefs at work, whereas bigger parties will prefer the more private booth seats. Start slick with the Salted Thick Cut Tongue (RM35), skillfully seared in salt and soy for melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Depending on your budget, follow with either Today's Premium 4 Cuts (RM140) — 200 grams of assorted premium Wagyu — or the simpler Skirt Flank (RM60) for affordably priced umami-packed beef. Spot a hint of Korean dishes on the menu, including a formidable Ishiyaki Stone-Bowl Bibimbap (RM15) that sizzles with flavour. The bar also heralds highballs with a dice game promotion: roll the same number twice for a Whisky Soda (RM20) on the house!
Avg price per person: RM70

Kind Kones enters the buzzy basement of 1Mont Kiara as the mall — and Malaysia's — first ever vegan ice cream bar, and we are thrilled! The kiosk's small but peppy space fits 12, including four kids, not to mention a chiller housing 12 ice cream flavours. Made purely from almond, cashew or coconut milk sans dairy, each flavour carries a contrasting profile and texture. The nut-based ones tend to be chunkier with a lingering nutty taste while the coconut-based flavours are creamy, almost rich. Of the flavours we tested, we liked the French Vanilla Bean, Salted Choc Chip and Jackfruit most. They've also refrained from the use of synthetic additives and refined sugar, allowing for the genuine flavours of their fresh ingredients to shine through. At RM9.90 a scoop (RM11.80 for premium flavours), this clocks in as a solid sweet treat, guilt-free. Add RM1.90 for a crunchy vegan cone!
Avg price per person: RM15

Foremula arrives to Dana Commercial Centre as the cafe arm of creative agency Forefront down the same block, and they've got your breakfast, lunch and coffee covered. Built for those working in the vicinity, the stylish spot sees to ample space and seats. The formula for food is simple — honest-to-goodness comfort fare to fuel one through the day. Those who wake early are rewarded with a well-portioned fry up in the Big Breakkie (RM25). For lunch, there is the hearty Beefy Burger (RM26) and Buttermilk Chicken (RM23), a batter-fried chicken leg doused in curried buttermilk sauce. The drinks menu is for everyone, with coffee topping the list for a slow morning and a roasty Houjicha Latte (RM12) to warm you up on rainy afternoons. If the sun's out, take an Iced Yuzu Cucumber Tea (RM13) and head out to the single alfresco seat by their very chic signboard — it's a picture of peace and perhaps, one for Instagram.
Avg price per person: RM35
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh

Cafe-hoppers, meet your other half. This lofty cafe perched atop TTDI's The Greens ticks all the right boxes of an Instagram-friendly cafe, replete with lots of natural light and beautifully plated bites. The menu sees an elegant play on fusion recipes, thanks to the chef's Brazilian roots and the owner's experience in Australia. The Ox Cheek Rendang Benedict (RM31), for instance, presents poached eggs on sweet potato rosti cups, and in between, a dollop of delectable ox cheek rendang. Nasi lemak lovers will want to look out for their impressive interpretation via the Risotto Lemak (RM29) — sambal risotto with peanut biscotti, crispy drumettes and a poached egg. Desserts aren't forgotten; there is a Tempura Ice Cream (RM28) reminiscent of local sweets with peanut crispy candy and coffee ice cream, as well as fruity Matcha Hotcakes (RM26), and more cakes.
Avg price per person: RM45

Evoking homely vibes in Section 17's Happy Mansion, this new cafe makes all feel welcome. Service remains warm even when the pace quickens at lunch, but we'll recommend a later afternoon visit to really enjoy the cosy neighbourhood's quiet. The Good Blue Men are good at making sandwiches, a claim most true to their Kam Heong Chicken Sandwich (RM20). Tender chicken breast is slabbed with a luscious kam heong sauce, layered with rocket leaves and oregano toast, resulting in a spice-laden sandwich to love. We also enjoyed the Cheezy Meltdown (RM18), a meat-free option that relies on the comforts of warm cheese, hashbrown and mushrooms within crisp white toast to satisfy. Alternatively, there is pasta, like the Sesame Pasta With Grilled Chicken (RM18) that features "beautifully-grilled succulent chicken breast", in the words of Burppler Zactaxe Yeoh. For a mid-day joe, this cafe nails it with their Rusty Latte (RM11) of cold milk with espresso.
Avg price per person: RM30
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Calie Tang

After testing the waters at several pop-ups in town, Singapore's Fluff now has a full-fledged bakery in TTDI. The shopfront invites with bright lights, white walls and colourful cupcakes in tow. For a mood-lifting treat or for celebratory cupcakes, whisk on over to this cupcakery! At this point, their trademark surprise centre is no secret but it still comes with a nice, sweet kick every time. Local flavours steal the show, like their Ondeh Ondeh (RM8) that layers pandan on more pandan (what's not to love?). Other frontrunning flavours include the Nutella Red Velvet, Pengat D24 Durian and Thai Milk Tea. None are cloyingly sweet, which makes them equally yummy as a whole cake. Yep! Our KL store is the first to gain access to their whole cake creations of similar flavours, perfect to take home for group occasions.
Avg price per person: RM20
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Melanie Yu

In place of Case Study in APW is now Biru San, a bar spun from the same web as Kaiju next door. Catering to spillovers or simply, satisfied diners looking for a place to adjourn to, this Japanese-inspired establishment sports a cool, almost-wacky feel — think arcade games, neon-lit lighting and a white cloth installation. For a chill night out, kick back with your buddies at the outdoor lounge seats and turn to the menu of craft beers. The Hitachino bottles (from RM27) are much-lauded, along offerings from Tokyo's Yoho Brewing Company (from RM28). Otherwise, pale ales and pilsners from Australian Hawkers (from RM27) and the United Kingdom's Siren (from RM27) and Tempest (from RM27) also make an appearance here. A handful of piquant snacks come from Kaiju's kitchen, with the Popcorn Chicken + Ice Cream (RM18) and Fries + Chicken Floss + Mayo (RM15) racking up points for intrigue. For an easy treat, play it safe with their housemade Bailey's (RM12) ice cream. It is both delicious and potent!
Avg price per person: RM50

La Juiceria's first foray into Vietnamese food, Super Saigon comes in handy as a halal alternative for the cuisine. Its cheerful, modern-meets-traditional decor also makes it a great spot for a trendy lunch with the colleagues. The use of Australian-imported beef is highlighted in a bowl of Pho Noodle Soup (from RM16.90). Waste not the precious broth, imbued with lots of herbs and beef bones — go for the Special Beef Combination that tops slippery flat rice noodles with sliced beef, brisket, tripe, tendon and beef balls. While the beef is deliciously tender, we can't say the same about the lamb, which on occasion, may be on the gamier side. If you're willing to take that risk, have the Fragrant Grilled Lamb Chop & Crispy Spring Roll Bun Cha (RM18.90), served alongside a pleasantly generous amount of zesty pickled vegetables. Their Iced Vietnamese Milk Coffee (RM7.90) packs a punch, but some may prefer to pair the classic meal with a modern drink of creamy, chocolate-streaked Avocado Smoothie (RM9.90).
Avg price per person: RM30