Best of Bangsar
Almost always packed with regulars, Sri Nirwana Maju’s banana leaf rice needs no introduction to Bangsar visitors. Priced at RM8.50, you get a regular serving of banana leaf rice with fiery curries of your choice and vegetable sides. And if you want more proteins, top it up with a piece of fried chicken or ikan tenggiri (mackerel fish) to spice up your meal! Come here for a quick eat-pay-and-leave meal with your colleagues and friends who are fans of spicy food and rice. p.s. Expect to queue if you come during lunch hours!
Away from the hustle and bustle of the Telawi area, Pulp by Papa Palheta naturally stands out as the only café along the row of office buildings and warehouses in this developing area. They have recently extended their opening hours, as well as added a couple of exciting items to their menu such as the Berrista’s Choice (RM14) – a muesli bowl of berries, nuts and other seasonal fruits served with yoghurt – and the Avocado & Egg Mayo (RM16). Pulp is also one of the few cafés that specialises in filtered coffee bringing you coffee beans from all over the world (selection changes quarterly). With friendly baristas and crew, this is the perfect spot for catching up with friends or an unhurried meal with the family on weekends.
Uptown isn’t the only place blooming with soft serve ice cream spots; Bangsar has its own little gem located along Jalan Lengkok Abdullah! Run by Jeremy Chan – who also owns Brewmen in Mont Kiara – Bean Reserve’s cereal soft serve (RM8) is a must-have treat here, perfect for sunny days, especially when it gets warmer in the “reserve” decked in glass windows. Need a caffeine kick? Order the intriguing Nitro Coffee or Tea (RM13), or go for the Soft Serve Affogato and enjoy both ice cream and coffee all at once. What’s more, the naturally-lit space makes Bean Reserve super conducive for study sessions and business meetings.
About a year ago, F by Buffalo Kitchen was reconceptualised to become Roost with a philosophy shift towards farm-to-fork dining, using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients whenever possible. Try to request for seats overlooking the trees and city lights and you’ve got half the recipe right for a date night. Impress your special someone further by recommending the delectable Pumpkin Risotto and Sea Bass (RM38), but if you’re feeling ravenous, their Roost Beef Burger (RM32) served with triple-cooked fries (to die for!!) might be a better option. Don’t forget to pair the superb dishes with a glass of wine from their well-curated selection for an indelible night.
Did you know that this unpretentious half-a-shop-lot shop along Jalan Telawi 3 is the only cake shop in Bangsar? Upon opening the door, a heavenly whiff of baked goodies welcomes you, making it perfectly understandable if you want to immediately buy and gobble a piece of madeleine up just to ease the temptation. Take your time browsing through the assortment of cakes and pastries. From the Vanilla Bean Baked Cheesecake (RM14.50) to salted Valrhona Brownie (RM10.90) and Banana Yoghurt Loaf (RM8.90) – your options are endless. If you’re dining in, order a cup of tea (RM10/pot) to accompany your cakes and pastries for a full English high tea experience!
Done with work and looking for somewhere to eat without burning a hole in your wallet? Devi’s Corner is just the place you need for a mamak session with your buddies. You cannot go wrong with the Roti Canai or Maggi Goreng paired with a Teh O Ais Limau to end the night. If you’re up for Banana Leaf Rice (RM7) or if you need to fix an urgent curry craving, this is also another place in Bangsar that serves this local favourite!
Bangsar is no short of drinking spots but The Social constantly brings in the crowds most nights. The food menu offers an impressive assortment of western and Asian favourites, and the drinks selection is just as superb with many types of beers, wines, spirits and cocktails. Catch their Happy Hour from noon till 9pm with beers from only RM13, and reds or whites by the glass from RM19. With something for everyone, this outdoorsy bar and restaurant is great for catching up with friends, especially in big groups. They even have sharing platters like The Social Mezze Platter (RM41), packed with all things lamb, salads and dips you can mop up with the pita bread!
Just across Jaslyn Cakes sits Yeast Bistronomy, a place for French pastries and food. Unlike other restaurants that serve brunch all day, Yeast observes the French tradition of serving different menus for all three meals of the day – breakfast, lunch and dinner. For late breakfast or lunch, go for the Croissant au Jambon et au Fromage (RM21, turkey ham and gruyere cheese croissant with green salad) for a choice of sandwich, while the Crispy Duck Confit (RM36) is a recommended dish for those who would like to try something different. Do not leave without taking away some pastries from the display and keep a lookout for their Happy Bread Hour where all breads and danishes are sold at a 30% discount daily!
Bangsar has its fair share of local foods like Nyonya cuisine, available at Straits Food Company located just off Jalan Bangsar. If you’re on a hunt for Nyonya laksa, make a pit stop here and check out their Malaccan version for RM7. Burppler Mavis Mok loves the consistency of their soup base, which is neither too thick nor too diluted. To cool down on a hot day, order a bowl of cendol to share (RM4.50) and indulge in the local sweetness of the gula Melaka with coconut milk all in a bowl of shaved ice. If your family loves Nyonya food, you know where to bring them next!
The top picks, popular finds and newly opened places in Singapore, Malaysia and Philippines, curated by Burpple editors!