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

The team behind Alison Soup House takes on communal-style dining at this gorgeous, open-air restaurant in Section 17. The menu features familiar Malaysian flavours, such as a Sous Vide Hainanese Chicken (RM22) and Starfruits Assam Fish (RM28) — both pair well with the fragrant Chicken Rice (RM4). End your meal on a sweet note with a warm, super comforting bowl of Bubur Cha Cha (RM7), especially great on a chilly night.

You might know Coley Cocktail Bar for its nightly bustle, but Transparent Coffee now takes over the space in the day. Run by some of the peeps behind One Half and Artisan Roast, this coffee bar aims to highlight fair trade between farmers and roasters. We like both the Filter Coffee (from RM15) and the White (from RM10) — the latter comes with an oat milk option that offers rich, nutty flavours with a sweet aftertaste. If you're feeling peckish, there's tangy, tasty Sourdough Toast (from RM12) for a bite.

New to Bukit Jalil, Define:Food's latest burger venture grills up delicious gourmet burgers. The Salt Bae (RM24.90) comes highly recommended for its juicy beef patty, spicy cocktail sauce and salt beef slice. Upgrade your meal to a set (from RM5.90) for your choice of fries, onion rings or tater tots and a drink. If you're in the mood to splurge, indulge in the Wagyu Cheese Special (RM32.90) – expect a luxurious pairing of wagyu beef and duck bacon.
Photo by Burppler Jamri Aizat

You’ll be crushing on CRUST once you've had one of their yummy, woodfire-baked sourdough pizzas. The folks behind this large and cheerful space also own casual pizza and burger point Patty & Pie, so your food is in good hands. Dive straight for the meaty Carne (RM35) or the Greek-inspired Baba (RM35) topped with feta cheese and baba ganoush. Bring your burger-loving friends along for the ride too – the juicy Cheeseburger (RM28) is simple and super satisfying.

There's a new and healthy way to enjoy desserts thanks to Soylab's soy milk-centric menu. Order the refreshing Soy Frozen (RM13.50) that sees shaved soy ice topped with grass jelly cubes, adzuki red beans and crushed peanuts. It's served on a dish filled with dry ice, creating the perfect misty backdrop for that epic Instagram shot. The Matcha Red Bean Soyffle Pancake (RM23) is one of the more decadent options, and one that Burppler Alyssia Yu declared to be her favourite in town.
Photo by Burppler Alyssia Yu

TTDI welcomes a sexy cocktail bar perfect for date nights, or for catching up with a friend over a drink. Look forward to fragrant tea-based cocktails, from the sweet and fruity Earl de Grey (RM43) to a rich matcha-based Zen Green Tea (RM45). If cocktails aren’t your thing, the spirits list might entice you — gins, wines and an extra extensive whisky list. Pro tip: Look out for a locksmith with a yellow signage to find the bar located right above.

Jump back on the bubble tea bandwagon with Tiger Sugar, famously known for their Brown Sugar Boba Milk Cream Mousse (RM12.90). We hear it’s about a 30-minute wait for these drinks starring warm and chewy brown sugar pearls, but the Burpple community assures it is well worth it. Take Burppler jionghui lim’s advice and shake the cup 15 times before drinking for an even mix.
Photo by Burppler jionghui lim

Taking its name from the Japanese term for ‘creamy texture’, Namelaka Patisserie crafts sweet treats that are gorgeous and delicious. The desserts are made to look like fruits on the outside, while still packing real fruit pieces within. Try the Pear (RM21) for something light and fragrant – the thin and crispy outer shell encases delicate cream and fresh pear cubes.
Photo by Burppler Ethel Tan

Word on the street is that this Las Vegas-born poke restaurant’s menu is designed by Nobu's ex-executive chef, Karu Wedhas, so you can expect a level of finesse. You won't go wrong with signatures like the aptly named It’s Stupid Good (RM23). The umami-packed bowl comes with fresh tuna or salmon cubes, surimi crab and crunchy tempura flakes over a bed of rice. PJ folks, look forward to one opening later this month at The Curve!

This hip burger joint in TTDI dishes up burgers that meld Asian and Western flavours. Start with Pebble’s Signature (RM16.90) for a juicy beef burger with Malaysian-style barbecue sauce – add a slice of duck bacon (RM5.90) for a flavour boost. If you're after wings, have the Soy Garlic Wings (RM14.90) – think three large chicken wings coated in sweet and tangy glaze. P.s. Pebble shares the lot with frozen yoghurt shop llaollao, so save some tummy space for dessert!