New Restaurants, Cafés And Bars in KL: October 2016

Agak Agak will only officially launch in November but its trial run has already drawn a legion of enthusiastic diners to its establishment. Expect local dishes with a contemporary twist — think an Ulam + Quinoa (RM23) pairing and Kacang Pol (RM28), the Johorean adaptation of spiced fava beans. A must-order is the Chili Paté Mee (RM32), which is likened to a luxurious chili pan mee with thick-cut handmade rye noodles, dry chili oil, runny egg and buttery chicken paté. If it's a date (perhaps even if it's not), finish lunch with their beautifully-plated Limau Nipis Bundt Cake (RM14) or the more indulgent Pulut Hitam Cheese Tart (RM14). Tasty food aside, we also like that this little joint cooks for a cause — incubation programmes will soon be introduced where in-house chefs double as mentors to equip underprivileged individuals with culinary skills and with some luck, even a job in the field!
Avg Price: RM40
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh

A venture by 2016's Malaysian Brewer's Cup runner-up Jun Lim and partners Jan and Ang, Little People opens in Avantas Residences to great expectations. But there's more reason than good coffee to visit — through the kitchen glass, you'll be able to watch the chef deftly work dough into fresh pasta. Taking in those sights often means you will proceed to order a Pesto Pappardelle (RM18) or creamy Tagliatelle Carbonara (RM18) — trust us, that is the right thing to do. Early birds, however, can turn to their breakfast Grilled Polenta (RM18) served alongside mushroom stew to jostle your tastebuds as early as 7.30am. The cafe may appear bare with nothing more than basic furnishings, but this space is far from empty when filled with the service crew's warm hospitality. Come with a close friend for conversations over a long, languid lunch.
Avg Price: RM30

Located in the midst of many hawker centres, Mian manages to outshine its more traditional counterparts when it comes to noodles. The small, simple establishment prides itself on two interpretations of Kampua Noodles (from RM6.90) — black is improved from local Sitiawan's recipe whereas white is inspired by the original Fujian dish. Unlike the Sarawakian version, these noodles are thicker, offering more chew in every bite. Go with black if you lean towards savoury flavours, but the lighter variant wins us over with its refreshing taste of sweet nuttiness. Both come with a bowl of wantons and options to add char siew or steamed chicken for only RM1 — this is not the time to scrimp! When here for lunch, juice up on their Vietnamese Drip Coffee (RM5) to shoot back to the office with renewed energy.
Avg Price: RM10

A whale is craft beer terminology for standout beers, and that's what PAUS (which means whale in Malay) strives to bring to the bar table. Shelves here are splendidly stocked with an array of bottled brews (from RM26), from lager, pilsner and wheat beer to the growingly popular India pale ale and more. While you may feel accustomed to ordering a familiar brand of craft beer, we highly recommend you seek the expertise of PAUS' bartenders for fresh flavours in the brewery scene. The bar even has a membership card to help you keep track of which beers you've tasted (because after a few drinks, it's gonna be hard to remember!). For grub to go with the booze, munch on Indonesian Emping (RM10) — belinjo-nut crackers or have a finer snack — Pate (RM17) served with crackers. Bring your beer-loving friends for this.
Avg Price: RM45
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh

Shop fish market-style (that means cheap and good!) at Eatomo Food Co., the city's new trove for fresh seafood air-flown from Japan's famed Tsukiji Market as well as other notable suppliers. With a seafood-loving friend, beat the late afternoon heat at this breezy restaurant over a box of chilly Salmon Sashimi (from RM19.90) — each slice is certifiably melt-in-your-mouth material. Then, delve deeper into the oceanic menu to find their housemade Peruvian Ceviche (RM24.90) and California Poke Bowl Rice (RM21.90), both of which are recommended orders. Imported oysters also make an appearance with fresh batches arriving every Tuesday and Friday. If you're not fond of the freshly shucked sort, dig into the Oyster Basket (RM19.90) with fat, panko-crusted Hiroshima oysters.
Avg Price: RM45

Bangsar's newest destination for dinner and drinks has an attribute rarely found in the area — the dimly-lit bar is wild enough to kick back with your friends yet still decent enough to bring your family for dinner. When huddled over the long marble table with your group, order the Ikan Goreng Cili (from RM42) for moist meat coupled with flavoursome sambal. Another sterling dish served on Shelley Yu's traditional porcelain plate is the Telur Dadar Cincaluk (RM18), which folds crunchy greens into omelette redolent of fermented prawn paste. Have these delights with their oil-seasoned rice (RM6) or even, the aromatic Nasi Goreng Ikan Masin (RM20). With tummies filled, turn to the resplendent bar for nyonya-spiced Gin and Tonics (from RM28), which combines West Winds gin with local elements: jackfruit shrub, asam boi or smoked turmeric brine.
Avg Price: RM40

Melding its quiet, homey ambience with authentic Japanese dishes, Sourakuya is capable of transporting diners to a place of peace. The discreet venue is choice for tranquil dinner dates or for a solo afternoon out. Either way, be sure to begin with the Chashu Nitamago Moriawase (RM12.70) — gorgeous, grilled pork belly featured next to seasoned boiled eggs. The set lunch menu is superb in variety, ranging from ramen to oden (a broth-like stew) and rice selections. If butterfish is available, jump at the chance for the tantalising fish teriyaki — it is absolutely to die for. Priced at a reasonable RM19.50, the set packs a main, appetiser, miso soup, dessert and mugi tea (roasted barley tea). The restaurant is currently running an opening promotion so for a limited time, expect a 10% discount on your bill.
Avg Price: RM30

Revered Japanese barista Masahiro Aoki is fondly remembered as the master behind Pavilion's WA Cafe, which closed last year. Coffee drinkers in the city rejoice, for the man has now returned to churn cuppas at Artelier Coffee x Kitchen! When your legs give out from the shopping spree, make this quiet space your pitstop and fuel up with the delicious Dirty (RM14) — the gorgeous drink is a perfect balance of cold milk and ristretto. Also treat yourself to the Banana Butterscotch Cheesecake (RM17) that reveals toffee-laced banana chunks within. While light eats, which include a smoothie bowl, make up the bulk of the cafe's offerings at the moment, a menu for hot food is in the pipeline. Pro tip: Enter Pavilion via the Chulan Entrance and head straight towards Moschino to find your way here.
Avg Price: RM30

Make this your next after-work gathering place with your friends! Located along the streets of Bangsar's Telawi, LoKhaba surprises with refined local dishes at unexpectedly modest prices. To ease into dinner, nibble on the Cumi-Cumi Rangup (RM14), spice-loaded deep fried squid that might just coax you into having a Beer (from RM22) with it. Mains are luscious — excite appetites with the Masak Lemak Itik Salai (Chargrilled Duck Breast in Turmeric Coconut Gravy, RM22.90) or the Lontong Kering (from RM16.90), a compressed rice dish complemented by delicious beef rendang. The iconic Malaysian drink takes the form of a Killer Teh Tarik (RM5) here, endowed with a smooth balance of black tea fragrance and condensed milk sweetness.
Avg Price: RM30

Monkey Noodle Bar launches this month to join the new faces in old neighbourhood Taman Paramount. Cheerfully named after founder Alicia's zodiac sign, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant focuses on recreating noodle dishes from Sarawak where Alicia hails, with an MSG-free twist. Have a slurp-worthy dinner — Fei Chai's Konlo Mien (RM11.90) stars a sunny side-up with minced pork and thin, wiggly Kampua noodles beneath. If it's a rainy night, the Curry Kari Noodles (RM12.90) is jackpot. Replacing regular noodles with ramen or thick rice vermicelli, this punchy bowl challenges one's tolerance for spice with its wildly intense flavours. Co-founder Daniel tells us that while Sarawakian curry is typically more mellow, theirs is meant to emulate the heat of its Indian-style cousin. Wash it down with the cooling Snow Fungus, Red Date & Goji Berry drink (from RM5.90)!
Avg Price: RM15