March beckons as a month of exquisite indulgence and serene relaxation. Allow GRAZIA Malaysia to be your ultimate culinary compass, showcasing 12 illustrious newcomers primed to tantalise your discerning palate. From expansive cafes that offer a sanctuary for leisurely contemplation, to the alluring authentic Thai Pad Kra Pow that evokes the vibrant flavours of the Far East, and modern reinterpretations of dim sum classics, immerse yourself in elegant surroundings that soothe the soul and let delectable dishes enrapture your senses.
As March unfolds its welcoming embrace and, of course, with Ramadan approaching, the city hums with anticipation, families eagerly scouring for the perfect Raya attire to adorn during the festive season. Embrace the spirit of unity as families come together for gatherings, apart from savouring scrumptious Ramadan dinner, exploring fresh experiences together can be enjoyable and rejuvenating. Amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, take moments to pause, relish, and connect.
12 New Restaurants in KL and PJ to Tantalise Your Taste Buds in March 2024
Kissa Café & Diner
Truly a game-changer! Perched within the luxurious confines of The Exchange TRX’s Aurum Theatre, Kissa Cafe & Diner sets out to revolutionise the movie theatre dining experience while paying homage to both Japanese Kissatens and mid-20th century Western diners. Blending elements from both culinary traditions, Kissa guarantees a burst of flavours that excites the palate with every bite. Relish in their delectable Umami Fries, savour the flavourful curry ramen and their plant-based Tofu Burger. For dessert, treat yourself to the gooey Caramel Pudding or indulge in a luscious blueberry cheesecake. With Kissa Cafe & Diner, moviegoers can enhance their movie-watching experience with an elevated gastronomic journey.
Address: Level 3, The Exchange TRX, Persiaran TRX, Tun Razak Exchange, 55188 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm daily
Finding
Finding can be found along Jalan Kilang within Tavern 13, tucked away in a hardware warehouse compound. A captivating pop-up coffee bar brought to you by Toothless Coffee. While a standard cuppa is sufficient for your caffeine fix, it’s the inventive concoctions that truly captivate, this innovative coffee and tea sanctuary boasts a repertoire of single-origin espresso-based beverages and filter options for the purists, alongside whimsical creations such as Banoffee Pie, Hojichoco, and Ginger Tong Yuen. For a burst of zest, don’t miss out on the Kopiko and Ice Drip Lemonade. With its expansive and inviting ambience, Finding is the ideal locale to commence your day, whether leisurely unwinding with a book or embarking on a productive morning with your tablet in tow.
Address: Lot 1, Jalan Kilang 51/206, PJS 51, 46050 Petaling Jaya
Opening hours: 9 am – 4 pm daily
Feliz
Introducing Feliz, the latest gem shining in Avenue K’s culinary scene, where Peruvian cuisine unfolds with a sophisticated twist and seamlessly marries indigenous Inca recipes with European, Asian, and African influences. Feliz serves an innovative menu with a fusion of Japanese mastery and Latin warmth, promising a dining experience that transcends borders and captivates the senses. Delight in the Gunkan Anticucho, a reimagined Peruvian staple ingeniously crafted into bite-sized decadence through Japanese Gunkan Sushi, showcasing the culinary finesse that defines Feliz.
Address: L4-05, LEVEL 4, Avenue K, 156, Jln Ampang, Kampung Baru, 50350 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: 12 pm – 10 pm daily
Yakiniku Botan
Yakiniku Botan in Setia Alam epitomises the essence of Japanese barbecue with its focus on grilling premium meats and seafood to perfection. Helmed by the team behind esteemed eateries like Sushi Hana, Menya Ugatsu, and Bar Hanareya, Yakiniku Botan ensures an authentic dining experience. Boasting a curated selection of top-quality ingredients, such as Japanese Wagyu and Black Angus, this establishment offers an extensive menu that includes Japanese curry and beef gyoza alongside the main attraction.
Address: Lifestyle Hub D’Network @, FT-07, Setia Eco-park, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor
Opening hours: 12 pm – 3 pm, 5 pm – 11 pm daily
Kai Nusantara Eatery
REXKL stands as a testament to the city’s ever-evolving youth culture, breathing new life into its historic walls. Now home to a diverse variety of grassroots enterprises, including the latest addition, Kai Nusantara Eatery, this revitalised cultural hub celebrates the multifaceted talents of the city. With a menu inspired by the Malay Archipelago, Kai Nusantara tantalises taste buds with a progressive twist on traditional classics. Dive into dishes such as zesty Kerabu Jantung Pisang to the robustly succulent Bebek Goreng and the aromatic Nangka Muda Rendang, and indulge in the authentic Asian flavours that sustain your ever-ending food for love.
Address: 80, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: 1 pm – 10.30 pm (Sunday to Thursday), 1 pm – 11.30 pm (Friday to Sunday)
The Spot
Hit your spot at The Spot. Situated auspiciously in Lucky Garden, The Spot emerges as a chic café venture by the creative minds behind Chinoz. Boasting a stylish interior with a communal table accommodating up to 16 diners, as well as both indoor and outdoor seating options, it is destined to become a local favourite. Indulge in the divine signature layer cake (adorned with a fragrant quartet of red velvet, chocolate, onde-onde, and pistachio layers), or explore tempting choices, such as house-cured salt beef sandwiches, Potato Gnocchi with pumpkin puree, their comforting laksa, or the delightful Orange Poppyseed Bundt Cake.
Address: Jalan Ara, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 9 am – 10 pm daily
Pad Boy
Pad Boy brings a burst of fiery Thai flavours to the Taman Paramount neighbourhood, housed in a vibrant yellow establishment adorned with a bold red logo. Unlike typical Thai restaurants offering a diverse range of dishes, Pad Boy’s singular focus on the beloved pad kra pow ensures a truly authentic culinary experience, offering a simple yet customizable dining experience. Customise your orders by choosing your preferred protein, egg style, basil variety, and spice level to suit your taste. Delights in their premium wagyu kra pow or siu yuk kra pow with a sunny-side-up egg, every plate promises a delightful explosion of flavours.
Address: 53, Jalan 20/7, Taman Paramount, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 11 am – 10 pm (close on Tuesday)
NOA
NOA is located within the verdant surroundings at The Courts Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC), embracing the ethos of togetherness and fostering an environment where connections are forged, memories are made, and laughter resounds. With a steadfast commitment to community, NOA offers a culinary experience centred on sharing, featuring nourishing meals and delectable small plates meant for communal enjoyment. Adjacent to The Courts at KLGCC, the menu spans from hearty breakfast options to protein shakes, sandwiches, and pastries. Explore a wide range of flavours with an eclectic selection of small plates, spanning from salmon tataki to soft-shell crab bao. Complement your dining experience with a wide option of inventive beverages, including Coconut Calamansi Margarita, Kedondong Mojito, slammers and Latin-inspired cocktails, ensuring a feast for the senses that promises both indulgence and delight.
Address: The Courts, 3, Jalan Bukit Kiara 1, Bukit Kiara, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 9 am – 1 am daily
Sōfte
Sōfte serves love. As the newest addition to the local ice cream scene, Sōfte debuted on 14 February. Situated at Ilham Gallery, spearheading this culinary haven is Chef Elwyn Boyles, whose expertise in pastry and culinary artistry imbues each creation at Sōfte with unparalleled finesse. Drawing inspiration from Asian culinary traditions, Sōfte reimagines classic ice cream flavours, including toasted rice, salted egg, pink cow (pink guava sorbet with dragon fruit purée and crushed meringue), elevating them to new heights. And with the introduction of curry leaf Madeleines, Sōfte continues to push the boundaries of flavour, delighting discerning dessert enthusiasts at every turn.
Address: Ground Floor, IB Tower, 8, Jln Binjai, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11.30 am – 9 pm (Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday) | 11.30 am – 10 pm (Friday to Saturday)
Towzen
Kyoto’s renowned plant-based ramen specialist, Towzen Ramen, has brought its two-decade legacy of vegan ramen excellence to Kuala Lumpur. It was founded by Minoru Yonekawa, whose passion for environmentally conscious dining was sparked while assisting in his parents’ yudoufu shop in Kyoto. The Towzen Kyoto Soy Milk Ramen’s innovative approach preserves the signature silkiness of traditional ramen while eschewing pork bone broth in favour of a harmonious blend of soy milk, dashi, and soy sauce, stands as a must-try for every vegan connoisseur. Additionally, Towzen offers a walnut milk broth option, perfectly complementing umami-rich or spicy toppings like black sesame or Sichuan mala, elevating the ramen experience to new heights of culinary delight.
Address: 01-01A, Level 1, Annexe Block, Menara Milenium, 8, Jalan Damanlela, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12 pm – 3 pm, 5 pm – 9 pm (Monday to Friday) | 12 pm – 9 pm (Saturday to Sunday)
Pucks Coffee
Pucks Coffee, the latest venture from the creators of Whatever Works Coffee and Coffeenies, emerges as a vibrant addition to Kuala Lumpur’s coffee landscape. With an ambience blending creativity and eccentricity, boasting vintage decor and street art, Pucks aims to cultivate a unique community space. Alongside coffeehouse classics, patrons can indulge in grilled cheese sandwiches and anticipate future amenities like a film processing lab. Aptly named as an acronym for “People United by Coffee & Kooky Souls,” Pucks promises creamy latte brews and delectably crisp grilled cheese, inviting guests to join their coffee-loving community. Drawing inspiration from the eclectic charm of creative studio MetaHaiku’s Los Angeles loft, Pucks’ interior reflects a curated blend of thrift store finds and whimsical touches, enriching the coffee experience with every visit.
Address: Back Portion, 180, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12 pm – 8 pm (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday) | 11 am – 10 pm (Saturday to Sunday)
Bakul Dimsum
Taste the innovative tradition at Bukit Damansara’s newest dim sum haven, Bakul Dimsum, situated within The Five @ KPD. Inspired by the iconic basket that houses these delectable steamed treats, Bakul Dimsum offers an array of pork-free Chinese delights, aiming to celebrate the communal essence of dining. Set in a sleek environment, Bakul Dimsum embodies ‘Muhibbah Teahouse Dining’ with its contemporary twist on traditional favourites. Dive into modern interpretations like Sichuan-inspired chicken Dumplings with chilli oil, Australian Scallop Dumplings with black truffle paste, Vietnamese crispy Cheong Fun, and Black Garlic Prawn Dumplings. Indulge in innovative creations like Pan-Fried Chicken Dumplings with kimchi and Deep-Fried Sticky Rice Dumplings with barbecued chicken. For a sweet finale, savour oven-baked polo buns with chicken char siew and egg tarts with pandan custard and gula Melaka, the menu is replete with mouthwatering options.
Address: E-1-2, Block E, The Five @ KPD, Jalan Dungun, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 9 am – 9 pm daily