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.
An adult version of my fav local dessert? Yes please! Great beancurd texture (it’s so smooth and bouncy!) paired with a killer dark rum syrup that’s not to be taken lightly. This sells pretty fast, so come early to try!
From the same team behind Pokok, Daun is the chic sibling offering baked goods, cakes and coffee. The space is made for the 'gram – think clean white walls, hanging plants and rattan furniture. The selection of cake flavours are inspired by Malaysian delights, as seen in the Apam Balik Cake (RM15) and toothsome Sirap Bandung Cake (RM15). For simpler flavours, have a slice of buttery Lemon Poppy Seed Cake Loaf (RM6) drizzled with a sweet lemon glaze. Pair the desserts with a velvety cup of Flat White (RM9) and you're set for a chill afternoon! Pro tip: Find Daun on the second floor of MAHSA Avenue, located within the premises of KEDAI, an artisanal marketplace.
Spotted along Jalan Panggong is this beautiful kopitiam housed in a decades-old building. Come for breakfast and dig into the Luckin Toast (RM12.90), where five slices of Hainan toast are served with spreads like peanut butter and kaya, alongside soft-boiled eggs. For lunch, opt for the Indo Mee (RM5.90) with a choice of protein, of which the chicken karaage and buttermilk chicken stand out. Look out for other unique dishes on the menu like the Seafood Mala Hot Pot (RM28.90) that's only available after 5pm.
Photo by Burppler Sok Chien Lim
This cool spot in Damansara Kim will quench your thirst all day long – with caffeinated drinks to fuel you or boozy one to relax you. The creative team here make almost everything from scratch including the drink infusions and ice. For a non-alcoholic option, try the coffee-based Tropical Express (RM18) that sees a blend of pink grapefruit, citrus, rosemary and kaffir leaves. Otherwise, get the Too Gouda To Be True (RM32), a sweet-savoury concoction featuring coffee liqueur, vanilla and white peach dressed generously with shaved Gouda cheese – different and delicious. Boba lovers, have the sweet Brown Sugar Milk Tea (RM10.90) with chewy housemade pearls. Pro tip: Outside food is allowed, so pack some snacks before you pop in for a drink!
Fans of family-style restaurant Table & Apron — get excited about their sister bakery-cafe that just opened next door! The star here are the freshly baked breads, which is best enjoyed in the simple Country Sourdough set (RM6). Expect two thick slices of bread served with luxurious French butter and sea salt. For something more filling, turn to the Hummus and Tomato Tartine (RM11) – topped generously with hummus and juicy tomatoes. Also good is the Ricotta and Avocado (RM15) that comes drizzled with sweet gula Melaka. Pro tip: Bring enough Ringgit as Universal Bakehouse only accepts cash at the moment!
Photo by Burppler Po Po
Make brunch plans with your gal pals at this chic restaurant in Republik. First timers, dive straight for the satisfying Big Breakfast (RM36). Find two slices of whole grain bread, a juicy chicken sausage, crispy potato croquettes and other good stuff. On other mains, Burppler Thokoh Makan favours the Squid Ink Spaghetti (RM39) sporting al dente pasta alongside fresh and sizeable Hokkaido scallops, topped with flower crab meat and ikura. Also worth a try is the Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella Pizza (RM35), featuring a generous amount of mozzarella and on a chewy pie crust. Seal the meal with a cup of nutty Cafe Latte (RM12).
*Muslim-owned
Photo by Burppler Thokoh Makan
Good pork burgers here! Very juicy and grilled perfectly. A regular ol’ bun would have been good enough for me, but the charcoal holds up the burger very well.
In case you haven't heard: this charming dessert shop tucked in Happy Mansion is showcasing three special desserts, one of which is the cake that took home the coveted World Pastry Cup by four Malaysian pastry chefs. Find the award-winning La Nature (RM22) that Burppler Serena Ho says is an extremely well-balanced dessert with a chocolate base and three types of honey. Also available are other delicate cakes crafted by the in-house dessert team like the refreshing Pear Vanilla (RM17) and the fragrant La Vie En Rose (RM16).
Photo by Burppler Serena Ho
Swing by Damansara Uptown for ice cream cakes with your gal pals. Perfect for that Instaworthy shot is the rose-shaped Beauty and The Beast (RM25) that sees a Morello Cherry core and thick 63% dark chocolate shell. Another standout is the Longevity (RM25) that's shaped like a Chinese peach and served in a dim sum basket. It is made with layers of matcha and black sesame ice cream with mango yuzu compote, lemon curd, matcha sponge cake and white chocolate. Otherwise, go light and opt for their housemade ice creams – we hear the Miso Caramel and Pandan Kaya Toast (from RM10.90 a scoop) are to die for!
Photo by Burppler joshua liew xuan
Shaped to look like real fruits, these delicate desserts in Namelaka contain bits of the actual fruit within! Order the Passionfruit (RM23) for a punchy sour-yet-sweet dessert, or the Green Apple (RM19), which Burppler Calie Tang declares as her favourite. Not shaped like a fruit, but also yummy is the Yuzu (RM23), which Burppler Rachel Yong says is perfect for those who don't have much of a sweet tooth – expect hints of sourness! The creative team also make more traditional desserts like pancakes and burnt cheesecake.
Photo by Burppler Rachel Yong
Bookmark this bakery tucked away in SS17 for wholesome baked goods to bring home, such as buttery chocolate chip cookies and savoury quiches! A must-have is the fudgy Seasalt Brownie (RM10) topped with a sprinkle of sea salt. Burppler Joey Tee recommends the to-die-for Matcha Tart (RM10) featuring a rich filling and dusted with powdered matcha. Don't miss out on Good Ground Bakery's Plain Croissants (RM6) and Almond Croissants (RM8) that are bound to satisfy!
Photo by Burppler Joey Tee
