Food + Drink

#BUROEats: 7 New cafes and restaurants in KL to visit for March 2021

07.03.2021

By Sanjeeva Suresh

#BUROEats: 7 New cafes and restaurants in KL to visit for March 2021

It’s almost a year since Malaysia went into a full lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As Malaysia adapts and returns to some semblance of pre-Covid normalcy, restaurants and cafes are starting to open up and welcome dine-in customers. March seems to mark the food industry’s rebirth, with a slew of dining options now made open to the public. While staying safe and following the government’s SOPs are still a must, as the population waits to get their vaccinations, Malaysians now have the option to show their support for local businesses by dining out. So regardless if you’re an avid cafe-hopper, looking for somewhere to celebrate your birthday or perhaps searching for a special place to celebrate that significant woman in your life this upcoming International Women’s Day, we’ve got you covered.

1. Licky Chan

Photo: Licky Chan

Sticky, sweet and incredibly salacious, Licky Chan is Kuala Lumpur’s new ice cream shop where cones are served with sharp, hot flavours. When we say ‘hot’, we mean it. Have you ever tried an ice cream flavour that is a combination of strawberry, sake and wasabi? Well, that’s what you get when a bartender opens his own ice cream shop. You’ll find liquor-infused ‘cone-tails’ that put your average rum and raisin to shame. Safe to say, Licky Chan serves up a lot more than your basic batch of ice cream. Each scoop is made using natural ingredients and non-refined sugars. Plus, customers are also privy to a wide selection of dairy and vegan-friendly flavours.

The shop’s concept is “cow-to-cone”, meaning they use milk from grass-fed cows, sourced from a local farmer in Pahang. We recommend the Gin and Juice (RM14.80), which contains Bombay Sapphire mixed with tonic and calamansi. They don’t stop at soft serves. If you’re feeling extra frisky, try out Licky Chan’s Boozy Cakes. Their Red Wine Coulis and Dark Chocolate Mousse (both priced at RM138) are also worth trying. Located in an unassuming double-storey shophouse, the space is something out of an early 90’s dream. A combination of vivid lights with bright perspex floors and ceilings in blazing hues of red and orange emphasises the beaming energy of the space. For an added layer of fun, there is even an adult-sized ball pit filled with colourful balls that are perfect for an Instagram post while you reminisce about your childhood.

Photo: Licky Chan

Address: 24, Jalan Yap Ah Shak, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur

Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm

Email: [email protected]

Contact: 03 2694 1100

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2. Fox Paradox, The Grange at Ampwalk

Photo: Fox Paradox

Don’t be fooled by Fox Paradox’s textured grey concrete walls. Inside this Ampang cafe holds dishes that are every bit as flavourful as they are colourful. You’ll find the inclusion of green, leafy plants that beautifully contrast the walls (and makes for a great picture too). This cafe is a must-try for those who appreciate a great breakfast or brunch menu. Here, you’ll find signatures like avocados on toast, gluten-free pancakes and even a Sriracha Spiced Crab Omelette. But the must-try dish is the Salmon Avacado Hollandaise Benedict On Normandy Bread (RM36). You won’t be disappointed by the succulent dill poached egg mixed with a generous serving of home-made avocado hollandaise cream. When it comes to the drinks, check out their Ajisai Matcha (RM13) and Single Origin 72% Chocolate (RM14). The Ajisai Matcha is made from matcha courtesy of the popular Niko Neko Matcha, and as the name suggests, if you love chocolate, you’ll definitely enjoy the Single Origin 72% Chocolate.

Photo: Fox Paradox

Address: G02-G03 The Grange, 218, Jalan Ampang, 55000 Kuala Lumpur

Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm (closed on Tuesdays)

Email: [email protected]

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3. Ruma Puteh

 

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A post shared by Ruma Puteh. KLCityscape (@rumaputeh)

You might have been seeing pictures of white column arches forming a walkway on Inst gram. The installation is synonymous with Ruma Puteh’s namesake (loosely translated to ‘white house’ in Malay), and its interior is second to none. Walk into the dining area, and you’ll find a tropical-themed space with vibrant, eclectic furniture that complements its surroundings. The inclusion of lush greenery brings the outside in and harmoniously ties together the outdoor garden and the stunning architecture. However, this popular new restaurant isn’t just for show. Local celebrities have been raving about the food too, which leans towards Malay cuisine. Scha Alyahya enjoyed the Johor classic, Laksa Bugis (RM21.90), while actors Ashraf Muslim and Awal Ashaari had nothing but praise for the Nasi Kerabu Puteri Saadong (RM22.90). The flavourful Kacang Pool (RM16.90) is a great option too, featuring a combination of beef gravy, spiced fava beans and poached eggs.

 

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A post shared by Ruma Puteh. KLCityscape (@rumaputeh)

Address: 60A, Jalan Kuantan, Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, 54200 Kuala Lumpur

Opening Hours: 12pm – 9:30pm (closed on Mondays)

Contact: 014 714 0993

Instagram

4. The Butter Pantry KL

Photo: The Butter Pantry KL

Coffee, cakes, croissants and scrambled eggs, Ampang Avenue has a new restaurant called The Butter Pantry, and it is your go-to place for a divine brunch or a casual afternoon tea. Their Matcha Loaf cakes (RM9) are both buttery and light with a tantalising matcha flavour. Brownies are a must-try here too. From their signature S’mores Brownie to the traditional Chocolate Fudge Brownie to the Nutella Pecan Brownie, chocolate lovers will be spoilt for choice. Even better, all their brownies are gluten-free. For something on the savoury side, their Smoked Salmon and Mushroom Quiche is delightful. The team tells us, “our ethos is really to make everything in-house and from scratch. From sourdough bread, pasta sauces, croissants to our entire range of cakes”.

The Butter Pantry also claims to be the first cafe in Malaysia to bring some “not-so-usual” Japanese teas that contain a fusion of Rojicha flavours. When it comes to coffee, the cafe only uses Oatly Barista Edition. They explain that the reason behind this choice is because oat milk is the most sustainable form of alternative milk. As far as the interior goes, you’ll find light brown wooden fixtures amidst a minimalist space with a touch of greenery. It’s calming, cosy and the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon.

Photo: The Butter Pantry KL

Address: Jalan Ampang Utama 1/1, Ampang Avenue, Ampang, 68000 Kuala Lumpur

Opening Hours: 9:30am – 7pm

Email: [email protected]

Contact: 017 902 1132

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5. Mary Jane Dining

 

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