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

The talented team behind Kenny Hills Bakers take on Vietnamese, Thai and French-inspired cooking in this new stylish concept at Republik. Lunch specials (from 11am to 3pm) range from elevated classics from the Nam Signature Roast Duck Rice (RM28) to the Grilled Chicken Banh Mi (RM24) and the no-fail Nam Beef Pho (from RM30) with choice of black Angus ribeye or beef short ribs. The night brings out French flavours that are great for sharing — think Foie Gras Parfait (RM46) and a tender Tamarind Braised Beef Cheeks (RM58) served with kale and orange and carrot puree. End it all off on a sweet note with their traditional Crepe Suzette (RM28) doused in caramelised orange butter and housemade vanilla ice cream.

Bookmark this stunning restaurant for special occasions with your loved one. Word on the street is that it's owned by the same peeps behind Merchant's Lane, so trust that you're in good hands! Start with the umami-packed Assam Unagi, Nori, Sushi Rice (RM32), which Burppler jionghui lim enjoyed the crunchy seaweed wrap with unagi. Another delicious option to share is the Mapo Tou Fu, Nachos (RM26) – think creamy mapo tofu to replace guac. On mains, dive straight for the Shao Xing Mussel, Prawn, Squid (RM42) served with Hainanese bread for dipping. Cap off the meal with some wine from RM30 a glass.
Photo by Burppler jionghui lim

Flavourful chicken broth, chewy handmade noodles and juicy chicken – all the makings for a perfect bowl of ramen, and you can find it at this newbie in SS15. Swing by for after-work dinners with your best mate and tuck into the simple Chicken Chintan (RM19) with al dente noodles and generous pieces of pan-fried chicken. Also good is the flavourful Chicken Kuro (RM19) in an irresistable creamy garlic broth. Make room for sides – the delicious Fried Chicken (RM12) with crispy skin and ultra juicy meat is to die for. Pro tip: This restaurant is only open from Wednesdays to Saturdays, so plan your ramen dates accordingly!

Park yourself at this minimalistic cafe and find respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. In the hopper, you'll find beans from KL roasters like The Hub and Toothless Coffee (spot them tucked at the back of the cafe!), which you can sample in the no-fail Black Coffee (RM8). Otherwise, the Brew Of The Day (RM11) is also good for coffee drinkers who prefer something fruity and light-bodied. On food, look forward to simple and belly-filling eats like the popular Chicky Egg Sandwich (RM15) that sees scrambled eggs and cheese on a waffle. Psst! Gluten-free cakes like the Cotton Cheesecake (RM11) are available here too.

Make this newbie at The Hub your one-stop shop for breakfast, lunch or tea. Start your day with their signature croissant used in many of their dishes like the Sinful Breakfast (RM26) served alongside scrambled eggs, peanut butter, chicken sausage and more. On mains, the house speciality Double C (RM23) is a unique combination – think grilled chicken, roast potatoes and quinoa salad doused in sweet cranberry sauce. Don't leave without snagging a croissant! They are freshly baked and come in yummy flavours like Almond (RM7), Cinnamon (RM7) and Pistachio (RM9). Wash that down with a cup of coffee, or tickle your tastebuds with their concoction called Blue Choc (RM14) – an iced chocolate with blueberry sauce.

Made for Sunday brunches with the fam and your pooch is this pet-friendly bakery in Mont Kiara. Look forward to the thick and fluffy French Toast (RM25) generously loaded with good-for-you nuts (think tons of walnuts, almonds and pistachios), caramelised bananas and strawberries before being doused in a delectable blueberry sauce. For something savoury, go for the S'More Lava Eggs (RM18) – more fluffy brioche topped with chickpea tomato sauce and two perfectly poached eggs. Don't leave without their signature buttery Almond Croissant (RM7)!

Fuel up before heading to the office with these scrumptious charcoal-grilled toasts that hail from Taiwan. Go for the Jumbo Pork Sandwich (RM12) that delivers on what it promises – three layers of toasted bread stuffed with marinated pork slices, mashed potatoes, shredded cabbage and egg. Also try the Taiwanese pancakes when here, especially the Chicken Floss (RM8) for crepe-like pancake enveloping sweet chicken floss and BBQ sauce. Seal the meal with a cup of Local Coffee (RM3). Pro tip: They're open as early as 7.30am!

Whether you're a craft beer rookie or connoisseur, Hop has a brew for all. The list ranges from sour pale ales from Hong Kong to medium-bodied and fruity amber ales from America and creamy stouts from Italy. Not sure what flavours you might like best? Let the friendly service team help you out! Fans of sour flavours should give the Classic Pale Ale (RM32) by Hong Kong’s Young Masters a try. Also good is the fruity amber ale Hitachino (RM28) from Japan. You’ll also find fresh beers on taps like Connor’s Stout Porter and Kronenbourg 1664. If craft beer isn’t your poison, choose from their selection of wine and cocktails instead.

Unwind with your best buds after work at this trendy bar in Damansara Uptown. The team refers to this place as Japanese mamak, and you can look forward to Japanese salads, donburi and ramen with a local twist. Get the ball rollin' with a refreshing Miyagi Highball (RM17). Alternatively, the cocktail highballs like the sweet-sour Boufu Yuzu (RM20) is just as good and dangerously easy to sip on. Don't drink on an empty stomach! Fill up on the Fries With Egg (RM13), a seriously addictive snack of crispy fries dressed in spicy mayo, furikake and bonito flakes. To share with the gang, order some yakitori – the succulent Tandoori Chicken Thigh (RM7) and juicy Pork Belly (RM6) are must-tries.

This late-night ramen joint (ideal for rainy night respites!) is the brainchild of meat maestros Beard Brothers. Choose from three types of ramen available – Beef Ramen (RM22), Chicken Ramen (RM18) and Seafood Ramen (RM20). The former comes highly recommended, featuring tender beef bacon and springy noodles swimming in a savoury 12-hour beef ramen broth served alongside a jammy egg. The seafood version highlights flavours closer to home that's almost lemak-like. Ps. They share the space with Beard Brothers' other project – a deli that offers the same delicious beef sandwiched between rye bread.