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

Spotted at SS2’s The Hub — this new cake house is by the same peeps behind Sunway's After Black. The space is decked out in wooden furniture and adorned with planters, providing cosy vibes that make you feel right at home. Expect an ever-changing cake selection in simple and traditional flavours with a twist. Some house favourites include the cheesy Double Fromage (RM13) and Rose Lychee (RM16). If you’re looking for a cold treat, the kitchen also doles out Panna Cotta (from RM15) in flavours like mango and matcha as well as icy Frappes (from RM13).

Run by passionate baristas, KITA Coffee is a quiet space for a quick break over a healthy vegetarian meal and a good cup of coffee in the city. The meat-free plates are done well — order the signature Barista Curry Rice (RM15) sporting vegetables in Japanese curry served with a crack of coffee powder that adds a pleasant bitterness to the thick curry. Coffee fanatics will enjoy the Hand Brew Coffee (RM15) made with beans from around the region – on our visit we spotted those from Johor's Sweet Blossom and Japan's Glitch Coffee & Roasters. Otherwise, the Flat White (RM10) is a smooth and creamy cuppa that hits the spot. Pro tip: This cafe is tucked deep within Fahrenheit 88 – directions are available on their Instagram page.

If you’re a big fan of Hong Kong polo buns, pen this sunny cafe down for teatime with a friend. The Toast + Luncheon Meat + Fried Egg (RM7.90) is a classic, solid combo that will do well for a light lunch. The Butter Toast (RM4.90) featuring a thick slab of butter stuffed between two crispy buns is another favourite for a simple pairing that works delightfully well. Can't have polo buns without a mandatory milk tea! The sweet and fragrant Iced Bucket Milk Tea (RM6.90) is a winner.
Photo by Burppler Twinkle Gan

Tasty Japanese grub, an impressive sake menu and good vibes – your next dinner with the gang, sorted. Start with Japas like the Tempura Moriawase (RM19), lightly-coated tempura prawns and vegetables or Pachi Pachi (RM6), deep fried chicken skin best paired with a drink. On yakitori, both the Lamb Rack (RM19) and Chicken Wing (RM5) are must-orders. Beer drinkers, Peko Peko runs a sweet buy-two-free-one deal from only RM22. But if sake is more up your alley, let the friendly team help recommend which of their many bottles goes best with the food.

PJ folks, spot this new neighbour in Happy Mansion firing up solid wood-fired pizzas! With its diner-esque vibes and good-for-sharing grub, this place is fitting for casual date nights. Stick to the classics and order the no-fail Hey Margherita! (RM26) with buffalo mozzarella and fresh basil. For the carnivore in the gang, get the Holy Pepperoni (RM30), topped with cured spicy beef, fresh onion rings, mozzarella and aged parmesan. The pizzas are yummy on their own, but also try them with the housemade basil and chilli oil that add a touch of freshness and heat to the pie.

Spend chilly nights huddling over hearty hot pot with friends at this newbie in Bukit Damansara. The one-page menu might seem compact, but there is enough variety to keep your belly happy. Go with the option for Mix Soup (RM28) to try both the hearty Double Boiled Pork Bone Soup and the signature Szechuan Spicy Soup. When it comes to meats, we like the Sakura Premium Pork Slice (from RM15), Homemade Truffle Pork Ball (from RM12) and Scallop (RM13.90). Don’t skip out on sauces – the delicious Fermented Beancurd, Green Sambal, Soy Paste and Hoisin go excellently with the meats.

What’s pouring at this swanky new coffee shop in Plaza Mont Kiara? There's nitro brew, espresso shots and more, coupled with a whole lot of swag. The bar highlighting premium brewing equipment (by Modbar) is a sight to behold, so hang around to see how each cup is made – very impressive! Right off the bat, they’ll recommend the Orange Nitro Fizz (RM18), a refreshing blend of cold-pressed citrus juice, nitro coffee and honey topped with coconut nectar — perfect for hot day pick-me-ups. For something other than coffee, there is also the unique Beetroot, Blue Sesame or golden Turmeric Latte (RM15 each).

For value-for-money Japanese lunches with colleagues, look to this no-brainer spot in Jaya One. Weekday set lunches see generously portioned bento sets like a Teriyaki Chicken Bento (RM17.90) and the popular Saba Marinated With Miso Bento (RM22.90), which all come with roasted green tea and miso soup. One of our favourites is the savoury Gyudon (RM23.90), especially for its nicely seasoned beef. Otherwise, look to a bowl of slurp-worthy noodles (from RM17.90) with their housemade dashi broth and either tempura chicken or vegetables.