New Restaurants, Cafes and Bars in Kuala Lumpur: April 2019

Amid the cluster of bubble tea shops in SS15, Xing Fu Tang stands out for its snaking lines around the block. Boba here is taken to the next level – spot the giant wok at the entrance filled to the brim with pearls soaked in brown sugar, which is used in the signature Brown Sugar Boba Milk (RM12.50). Burppler XingWei Cheang waxes lyrical about the drink's well-balanced flavours and boba's mochi-like texture. While waiting for your drink, head over to the 'happiness hall' to draw your fortune from a chest of numbered brown drawers!
Photo by Burppler XingWei Cheang

Spot this unassuming stall run by a young team grilling juicy Balinese-style ribs in Kota Damansara's Restoran Hup May. There are only three items available for now, but more dishes like a chicken chop and pulled pork rice bowl, will soon join the menu. Go for the Sticky Pork Ribs (RM20) that see seven tender-to-the-bone pork ribs with a sweet-spicy glaze. Otherwise, the Banh Mi (RM8) featuring juicy pork and fresh greens stuffed into a toasted baguette make for a quick and tasty dinner.

For a comfort-giving dinner, seek out cheap and good chicken burgers at this Damansara Uptown dig. Located along the alley adjacent to Restoran One One One, this streetstand only does one burger, and they do it well. The deep-fried Chicken Burger topped in homemade Japanese-inspired sauces is a steal for RM9. Add RM1 (only!) for a side of fries — bestsellers include the savoury Salted Egg and a Roasted Sesame reminiscent of Kewpie mayo.

The team behind Kenny Hills Bakers expand to Bukit Damansara with a cosy new spot doling out healthy eats. Order the Open-Faced Gluten-Free Toast (RM13) with creamy house stone ground peanut butter and berry compote — a substantial meal to fill you up after that gym sesh. For protein-heavy options, get the flavourful Morrocan Spiced Lamb Meatballs (RM34) that comes with a side salad of your choice. You can afford to have dessert here too! The baked goods are gluten and refined sugar-free, so treat yourself to the Pecan Pie (RM16) or a slice of Nutella Mud Cake (RM18).

From the same guy who brought you Frozen Ice-Cream comes this idyllic dessert spot in Damansara Uptown. Prices start from RM10.90 for a scoop of ice cream, with funky flavours like French Earl Grey Boba and Miso Caramel in the chiller. Bring a small party (and your sweet tooth) to dig into the ice cream cakes. The Beauty and The Beast (RM25) showcases an interesting combo of dark chocolate and Madagascar vanilla ice cream with Morello cherry sorbet on a chewy brownie.
Photo by Burppler Jesuis Enamourez

For days you're looking for downtime over good coffee and nosh, keep this quiet Kampung Attap newbie in your back pocket. Come hungry so you can indulge in the Pork Lard Rice (RM12), a simple but well-executed dish featuring minced pork, crispy lard and a runny egg on rice. On drinks, the Sober Tonic (RM15) — a fragrant blend of espresso, tonic water and a secret recipe-syrup — is the perfect fix for hot days.
Photo by Burppler Rueann Dass

Here’s a fun spot for dinner with your foodie friends. A new venture from the owners of Apple Samgyupsal and Shinmapo, this barbecue joint sees a focus on the versatile chicken. Come for the Famous Chuncheon Chicken (from RM59) prepared in four different marinades, like Honey Butter and Ganjang. To try several flavours, order the Signature Tasting Set (RM269) that's good to feed four. If you've still got tummy space, get the addictive Fire Ramyeon (RM39) and the Fist Rice (rice balls with seaweed flakes and chicken, RM29) to share. The perfect ending to that meaty meal? Their light and creamy Charcoal Burnt Cheese Cake (RM12).
Photo by Burppler Calie Tang

If you’re itching for a new brunch spot to check out this weekend, this latest cafe concept by the folks of Breakfast Thieves is the answer. Unlike their Aussie-style sister cafe, this loftier spot in The Gardens zooms in on locally-inspired plates. Look forward to hearty rice bowls, like a flavourful Chicken Popcorn Salted Egg Yolk Rice Bowl (RM20) and simpler delights, such as the Malaysia Curry Laksa (RM13). If you're here early, the no-fail Eggs Bennie + Bun (RM21) with charred beef brisket is a good breakfast bet. Seal the meal with Breakfast Thieves’ famed Magic (RM11) — dark, punchy double ristretto with milk.
Photo by Burppler Rynz Caryn