Cafe etc.

For RM10 a cup of smooth Matcha latte, I’d say it’s pretty worth coming here to unwind.

Located along Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, this newcomer in Chinatown's cafe scene will please those working nearby with a variety of set lunches and a comfortable dining space. Bring a colleague and order their Grilled Fish Fried Rice (RM16), which features a tasty red sauce redolent of tomato and herbs. The set comes with a choice of iced lemon tea or the punchier grapefruit juice. If you walked here, like most would in the area, beat the heat with a deserving Chocolate Banana Waffle (RM12) for dessert. Come evening, coffee and tea make way for beers, making this also a spot for relaxed drinking! A bucket of five Heineken bottles go for a reasonable RM75 at happy hour.
Avg price per person: RM25
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh

Joining the ranks of other cafes in the vicinity, etc. takes a commoner's approach to the menu — set lunches of simple food and drinks that may not impress your Instagram followers, but will certainly get you fed for a less-than-exorbitant price. Set lunch prices start at RM15 and end promptly at RM18 for a main and a free drink. From the sides menu, I ordered a Tom Yum Chicken Nachos (RM15) that seemed like the most adventurous-sounding item there was. The flavours of tom yum and cheese actually came together for a creamy, tangy combination that was quite pleasing. Sadly, the dish was steeped in excess oil that leaves you with an unpleasant aftertaste. Stick with the safer set lunch options.

Set meals are the name of the game in this new entry to KL’s burgeoning food scene. Had my pick of the Grilled Fish Fried Rice set which came with a complimentary ice lemon tea for RM16. Their menu also offers a selection of other fusion dishes such as the Tom Yam Nachos and Salmon Fillet with Pasta Aglio Olio. Sorta like western food your mother would cook once in a while when she feels inspired while still maintaining some Asian elements.

Mocha with comfortable ambiance