There are few things a good, juicy burger can’t fix—unless you’re a vegetarian, in which case I am unable to help you here. For those who do partake in the art of the burg’, you’ll be happy to know that Hot Buns Co. serves up some pretty good burgers—and then some. It’s brought to you by the chef who’s been going around town (and even Penang, during Penang Cocktail Week) in his truck under the Patties & Dough brand. Now that Chef Moe has a brick-and-mortar space in APW Bangsar, he’s calling it Hot Buns Co., because he has an itch to go beyond burgers.
And indeed, we found that there were more than just burgers to be excited about at Hot Buns Co.
Naturally, the main star of the show has to be the classic Cheeseburger: no-fuss smashed beef patties topped with American cheese, sliced pickles, and their secret sauce. It’s good, and it’s basic, perfect for when you want a burger to sate your craving. However, if you’d like to take it a step further, might we recommend the Bone Marrow Burger or The BMO? It’s a work of art by Chef Moe, comprising a decadent bone marrow compound butter with confit garlic and roasted herbs to go with the classic makeup of the Cheeseburger; the only difference between the two is that the latter has sauteed onions. It’s rich and decadent, so save it for when you feel you deserve a treat after eating healthily for a while; we’re sure it’ll spike something in you. For those who don’t eat beef, fret not—there’s a chicken burger that’s equally as satisfying. The 12-hour brined buttermilk chicken cutlet retains its juiciness, while the fresh coleslaw adds a delightful crunch to the burger alongside the tangy house sauce. All in all, it’s a win on the burger front.
Beyond burgers, Hot Buns Co. also offers the full dining spectrum: mains, sides, desserts, and drinks. Cocktails, burgers, steaks, and fries sound like a complete meal—and then some more. As a certified mala lover, the Mala Lamb Ribs got me pretty excited. Heavy, meaty ribs dusted with mala seasoning and finished over a charcoal-fired grill sound exactly like they taste, with that added heat making you come back for more. Wash it down with a refreshingly fruity Garibaldi or a Sbagliato, the former being the spritzy cousin of the Negroni.
One dish that’s unmissable for me—and I would readily add more to my daily calorie count for this—is the pancakes. Time your visit well, as the pancakes are only available on weekends from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for their breakfast menu, but it is so worth it. The buttermilk pancakes are thick and fluffy, with a spongy consistency akin to the types you’d find in the land of the rising sun. The slightly crisped edges are the best part, adding textural fun to the dish. Drizzled with maple-soy glaze and honey-maple butter and topped with fresh strawberries and blueberries, it’s the breakfast of champions you could only ever see on TV—now in front of you.
At Hot Buns Co., you can clearly see the care and consideration Chef Moe and his team undergoes to ensure every dish comes out perfect; from the prep before the doors even open to guests, to when each burger order goes through the system, you know you’ll be in for a good time.
Address: APW Bangsar, B-04, 29, Jalan Riong, APW Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
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