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

Slurp on delicious ramen after work at this trendy new joint in Damansara Uptown. Their specialty, Tomo (RM30.90), is best described by Burppler Rachel Yong as "traditional with a little twist". It boasts a sweet-savoury miso soymilk broth, springy noodles, chashu pork belly, a jammy egg and wood ear fungus. Also good is the Tonkotsu (RM28.90) served with the same trimmings but in a creamy 20-hour pork bone broth. Rice lovers should not miss out on the Gyutan Don (RM23.90), a scrumptious rice bowl topped with perfectly grilled ox tongue and chilli padi. Wash that with a fresh sake from the drum! A carafe of Premium House Sake goes for only RM43.
Photo by Burppler Rachel Yong

Watch out TTDI peeps, there's a new kid in town dishing out wood-fired pies. Look forward to the Quattro Formaggi (RM34 for a 12" pizza) that sees a mouth-watering combination of four cheeses (mozzarella, cheddar, blue cheese and gouda) and creamy white sauce on a thin-crust base. Also share the Spinach, Feta & Chicken (RM34 for 12" pizza) featuring flavourful roasted chicken and soft feta cubes. Pro tip: Get the Half and Half Combo (from RM30) to enjoy two flavours at a go!

Plan your next food adventure around these tasty, unique pastas — matcha pasta, duck rendang pasta and tom yum fettucini. First-timers should try the signature Boom Duckalaka (RM18.90) that sees al dente fettucini in a spicy duck rendang ragout. For something simpler, the Basic Batch (RM11.90) with delicious Pomodoro sauce, black pepper and parmesan will not disappoint. Another specialty worth trying is their handmade pesto served with housemade Matcha Pastas (from RM21.90). This unique matcha pasta is done two ways — with seafood, or a raw egg yolk with toasted panko and parmesan.

Look to this dessert parlour in OUG for Bentong ginger-inspired sweet treats and hot meals. For something substantial, have the DSR Bentong Ginger Stew Chicken Rice (RM15) that sees tender chicken in a pungent ginger gravy and a fried egg. The meal also comes with a free beverage! Save some space for the DSR Peach Gum Stew Egg (RM9), a silky custard that features a strong eggy flavour, or the DSR Bentong Ginger Bang Milk (RM9). Another must-have is the refreshing DSR Cendol (RM8) — shaved ice with fragrant gula Melaka and toppings such as longan, sweet corn and cendol.

Settle your nasi lemak cravings at this SS2 newbie set in a fully air-conditioned space. Order the Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng Serai (RM15.90) and look forward to juicy fried chicken covered in crispy spiced bits along with the usual fixings of fluffy coconut rice, sweet-spicy sambal, crunchy ikan bilis and peanuts. Also try the Nasi Lemak Daging (RM15.90) featuring tender beef that explode with flavour. More mouth-watering sides to share include the Cabbage in Tumeric Coconut Sauce (RM3.90) and the Sambal Sotong (RM7.90).

This cosy Korean restaurant tucked in Jaya One dishes out home-style grub that is sure to satisfy. Start with the Kimbap (RM12) for a delicious seaweed roll filled with veggies, egg and sausage. For something heavier, get the spicy Ramyeon (RM14) with egg, or the filling Bibimbap (RM170). Ps. Bring a friend along and share the Lunch Set 1 Menu (RM42) featuring kimbap, tteokbokki, fried vegetables and two cans of Coke!

The Hub welcomes a sleek new bakery decked out in cosy sofas, marble tables and a sleek counter filled with fresh pastries. We highly recommend the Salmon Quiche (RM7) for something savoury, and the Chocolate Muffin (RM7.50) or the Pandan Chiffon Cake (RM13) for a sweet treat. Pair your snacks with a creamy Flat White (RM12) or the sweet Matcha Latte (RM12). Dujour also offers a solid selection of lunch sets such as the Nasi Kerabu Kelantan with Ayam Percik (RM23) or the Homemade Lasagna (RM18).