New Restaurants, Cafés And Bars in KL: August 2016

A brunch date-worthy refuge from Chinatown's hustle bustle, Chocha Foodstore's leafy courtyard is just as alluring as its refreshing take on locally-inspired dishes and freshly brewed tea. It's never too early for the Cincalok Fried Chicken (RM25), fragrant from fermented prawn paste batter and dangerously addictive with a side of tomato chutney to boost flavours. While we have an unwavering adoration for fried chicken, we also enjoyed the homey Duck Rice (RM25) — steamed barley and rice topped with in-house cultivated ulam (a veggie side dish), duck breast cooked in duck fat and an onsen-style egg. As the sun ascends, cool off with a Dong Ding Oolong Cold Brew Tea (RM16 for two pax). Pro tip: Each dish here has its own tea pairing so seek out Chocha's friendly faces for recommendations! Avg Price: RM40

A few weeks after the madding crowd flooded their deli next door, Botanica + Co swoops in with a stunning space for amazing soul food. The lush greenery provides soothing vibes for a day out with friends, while the parmesan-topped Bo+Co Truffle Fries (RM24) will instantly put you in a good mood. Mains are well-varied and sufficiently hearty. The Halibut Fish & Chips (RM36) is seasoned perfectly whereas the Bianca Funghi (RM33) hits the spot with a tinge of sage, garlic oil and an abundance of mushrooms. When tucking into the crisply-baked pizzas here, don't miss out on the sambal-like concoction that comes with it. It's fresh, spicy and packed with umami!
Avg Price: RM50

Nestled along Bukit Tunku's standalone shoplots, Kenny Hills Bistro is set to become the upclass residential area's go-to for both satiating lunches and dinners. In the day, come for their specialty, Hong Kong Roast Duck Rice (RM25) — not only does the duck have a great skin-to-fat ratio, it's also irresistibly flavoursome, and we love the side of radish soup that evokes the taste of home. Come dinner service at 6.30pm, the bistro dishes out a delicious garoupa Fish & Chips (RM37) and an impressive Prime Cheese Burger (RM35) featuring a house-made bun that meets the standards of its sister bakery Kenny Hills Bakers down the street.
Avg Price: RM45

It's tough to decide what we liked better at West St Coffee — the clever name (the cafe is located on Jalan Barat) or its power-packed Latte (RM10) with beans supplied by Cottle Coffee. But truly, the melt-in-your-mouth Vegan Choc Brownie (RM5.50) and Rustic Banana Bread (RM5) take the cake. Make this your morning stop for their energy-giving Breakfast Set (RM10.90) made up of soft-boiled eggs, soldier toast and a cup of long black. The health-conscious couple who owns this small joint takes to their wholesome food to educate consumers on healthy eating, so expect the likes of breakfast bowls and a yummy Mushroom Truffle Luxe (RM13) sandwich — toasted wholemeal bread with mushrooms and truffle oil.
Avg Price: RM20

Newly opened Farm To Plate will suit you well on days when you have the urge to pig out with a friend (go with one who doesn't judge). Sourced fresh from the founders' farm in Spain, the restaurant's star dish is the remarkable Iberico Pork Ribs (RM79) — available in Shoyu & Sake, Salt & Pepper and Smoked Pimento variations. We prefer to indulge in the tasty Smoked Pimento ribs slow cooked and tender off the bones, but if you enjoy a good chew, there is also an option for it to be cooked over high heat for meat that you can sink your teeth into. Wash it down with a combination of coffee and dessert with the Hot Mocha with Ice Cream (RM12) — the coffee is potent while the latter is pure indulgence since it's cheat day anyway!
Avg Price: RM45
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh

Run along to this plain-in-sight locale in industrial Shah Alam and share the joy of a RM10 lunch with a colleague. While simple, Commoner's Space makes food from the heart — we're sure you'll be able to tell from the RTB Sandwich (RM10). The uber-crispy housemade sourdough bread is slabbed with mustard mayo, beef bacon and gooey cheese for a delish grilled cheese sandwich. The cafe also prides itself on their specialty Kombucha (RM5), a sweetened, fermented black tea. Known to aid digestion, it's a soothing after-meal drink that's also super refreshing! Also look out for the daily rotation of their home bakes, as young owner Syed Asyraf has a penchant for quaint bakes like an Earl Grey Cheesecake (RM9).
Avg Price: RM15

Hailing from Melbourne, the Breakfast Thieves opens to APW's Paper Plates with a dashing menu of morning feed. Come with your smartphones ready, as the locale's use of marble, glass and wood renders it highly photogenic, like its food. Sweet tooths will find a great companion in My French Lady (RM26), fluffy French toast served with the triumphant combination of fruit and chocolate components. Meanwhile, the bolder Mr. Terry Benedict (RM29) features delicious beef cheeks, tender from a 24-hour braise, in their version of eggs Benedict with rosti and fried cauliflower garnishing. Brunch here is dazzling and quite costly, so reserve this spot for days that warrant extravagance!
Avg Price: RM40
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Amy Yeoh

USJ folks, delight in Demitasse's pork-packed menu for dinner when the evening jam is too much to brave for hungry tummies. The quiet restaurant shines a spotlight on its Pork Medallion (RM35), bacon-wrapped and served next to truffle butter. The delicious dish requires that you wait between 20 to 25 minutes, so as you try remember that good food takes time, perhaps order a Portuguese Egg Tart (RM3.50) to tide you over. The crust is gorgeously flaky and the centre so smooth, it will make you forget you were waiting. Alternatively, the Lasagna is well worth its RM15 with a formidable portion and plenty of yummy pork within. Before you fret of a common problem in the vicinity, know that parking spaces are easily found along this stretch.
Avg Price: RM25
Photo by Burppler Emily Choong

The next time you need a little inspiration (and caffeine) to fuel you on, here's a spot! Iron River Studio & Cafe is designed to look more like a working studio and less like a cafe, so enjoy sipping coffee amidst wooden workstations and a small art gallery. Serving handbrewed Single Origin Coffee (RM12), your options come in light, medium or dark roast — we recommend the honey-sweet profiles that the light Liberica gives. If you'd like to get to know your cuppa, their down-to-earth barista will be happy to tell you all about their coffee! Pro tip: As the coffee bar only runs from Friday to Sunday, food is limited to the pastries on offer so save this for a post-meal coffee sesh.
Avg Price: RM15