Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya are eating globally this month. The latest openings move from Sichuan-spiced mala to New York-style pizza, with plenty of coffee, pastries and cocktails in between. JUNGHEE gives Korean favourites a modern spin, Taan Thai brings the flavours of Thailand to Sunway Velocity, and BAB turns Middle Eastern comfort food into an easy grab-and-go affair. Elsewhere, new cafés and bars keep the city covered from morning coffee to last call. Consider this your perfect excuse to eat your way around the city. Esquire Malaysia covers what is new and what you should order first.
Jaga Cafe, Perdana Botanical Gardens
Consider this your post-walk pit stop. Located in Perdana Botanical Gardens, this open-air café overlooks the lake and sits just minutes from the Butterfly and Bird Parks. They also reward repeat visits with a loyalty programme that lets diners earn points, so that extra lap around the park feels completely justified. Keep an eye out for occasional community events, such as Exhale with Jaga, an intimate yoga session that invites you to stretch it out and let the rest of the world wait.
Turn your morning stroll into a breakfast date with Curate Coffee Roaster’s Monday Blues Signature Blend. Plus, the used grounds are available to take home as skincare. It’s a simple way to give coffee waste a sustainable second life. For more unique combinations, the signature drinks include the Coconut Pandan Matcha Cloud, Matcha Strawberry Latte or the Tangy Kedondong. Feeling hungry? Fuel up after your morning stretch and grab some bagels, ranging from the savoury Egg Mayo and Cream Cheese to sweeter picks like the Pandan Kaya & Butter.
Curiosité, Kampung Attap
Formed by Grill Haven co-founder Afiq Nazar, Afiq has swapped smash burgers for something simpler. This newly opened spot in Kampung Attap blends cool, contemporary vibes with rustic charm. Its laid-back atmosphere makes it the perfect place to catch up with friends or enjoy a quiet solo date. Treat yourself to some coffee! Use Afiq’s eternal discount code ‘AfiqSleepsAt10’ (as seen on his Instagram) to get your daily fix. Open from 8 am to 8 pm (and extending until midnight on weekends), it’s a cosy hideout for both early risers and night owls alike.
Its menu brings together bold flavours, from Shio Pan Meatballs with tomato kantan sauce to Ayam Berempah Toasty paired with sambal hijau mayonnaise that demands a moment of silence with every bite. Snack on Satay Wings, Chilli Butter Chicken, and Mantao for a flavour-packed feast that might make sharing feel like a difficult decision. Pair it with some matcha creations and signature drinks such as the Raspberry Fizz, Mango Earl Grey and Raspberry Latte, because a café hunt isn’t complete until there’s a pretty drink joining the table.
Universal Bakehouse, Damansara Kim
Since opening in 2019, Universal Bakehouse has risen again in Damansara Kim, quite literally. The beloved bakery has transformed a 40-year-old laundromat into a neighbourhood spot for fresh pastries and artisanal breads. It returns with a bigger space, an expanded kitchen, and even more reasons to linger. Alongside new breakfast additions, the menu gives its comforting classics a thoughtful refresh, while its inviting atmosphere keeps regulars coming back for more.
Make your way through the bakery, and you’ll find plenty to love. Diners should try the Granola Bowl paired with fresh mango passionfruit compote, or reach for the Apple Sourdough with a warm apple filling and just the right touch of sweetness. For something more filling, tuck into the Smoked Mackerel Croissant, Eggplant Romesco Focaccia or Pineapple Chilli Chicken Sandwich, each offering a satisfying twist on familiar favourites. And of course, a bakery run isn’t complete without a refreshing sip of Ruits’ Wake Me Up to accompany those golden, flaky pastries.
JUNGHEE, The Campus Ampang
Located at The Campus Ampang, this Korean fusion restaurant has opened its first local outpost. With over 20 outlets across South Korea, this new spot thoughtfully adapts Korean cuisine to suit local palates. Inside, you’ll be greeted by wooden details, Korean-inspired touches and an atmosphere designed for unhurried dining. Instead of barbecue meats and stews, the menu twists the classics through a modern fusion of techniques, flavours and culture.
The menu is a feast worth making room for. The Wagyu Beef Kimchi Fried Hot Pot Rice arrives in a sizzling stone bowl, delivering warmth with every bite. For a more traditional dish, the kale wraps and beef rice soak up a rich soybean paste. The sides are just as tempting, from the Shrimp Potato Pancake and Kimchi Cheese Tteokbokki Chicken Fries to a selection of sashimi. Noodle lovers won’t be left behind either, so indulge in the spicy buckwheat noodles tossed in perilla oil or the Yukgaejang noodle stew paired with JUNGHEE’s signature sauce.
Taan Thai, Sunway Velocity
A trip to Bangkok can wait as Taan Thai lands in Sunway Velocity. From the team behind its sister brand Ǎn Viet, the restaurant’s first outlet centres on Thai cuisine at approachable prices. With consultant chef Korn Yodsuk behind the menu, dishes are made without MSG and focuses on quality ingredients and traditional preparation. Curry pastes are prepared in-house, while broths are slowly simmered for greater depth of flavour. Conveniently located inside the mall, it makes for an easy post-shopping detour for a taste of Thai food without the hassle of travel.
The menu goes beyond the usual pad thai and tom yum, drawing on dishes from different regions of Thailand. The smoky Isaan-style salad with grilled pork leans into the heat and acidity of the country’s northeast. Further south, the yellow curry cockle combines fresh cockles with turmeric and aromatic spices. Desserts keep those Thai flavours in focus, with red ruby bingsu and the classic mango sticky rice among the options for a sweet finish. For a refreshing drink, try the Tom Yum Cooler, which reworks lime, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf, and a hint of spice.
Mokky’s Pizza, Glo Damansara
You can never go wrong with a slice of pizza. What started as a roadside hustle with friends in 2021 has since grown into Mokky’s, a homegrown brand founded by Shahmi Shaharudin. Built from his EPF savings and a passion for New York-style slices, the pizzeria has now expanded to 10 outlets, including its latest location in Glo Damansara Shopping Mall. Mokky’s swaps the standard ghost-kitchen setup for a proper restaurant space, pairing vibrant orange accents, warm lighting and communal seating. It’s the ideal spot for gathering family over a good pizza.
Mokky’s New York-style slices are only just the beginning, with favourites such as the Fake Margherita, Beef Pepperoni and Smoked Lamb pizzas stealing the spotlight. Available in 8, 12 and 16-inch sizes, each pie can be tailored for a solo craving or a proper feast to share. It’s not just a pizza joint though, as the pasta lineup holds its own with crowd-pleasers like the Salty Chick, Smoking Olio and Beef Bolognese. For those saving room for dessert, the new menu brings a sweet finale with the Double Choco Cake, Marble Cheese Tart and Lime Coco Tart.
BAB, TTDI
Located in TTDI, BAB puts a fast-food spin on Arabic favourites, serving grab-and-go shawarma and kebab plates. The latest venture from chef and restaurateur Ameer Alzalek follows the success of Leen’s, which earned a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide. The idea behind BAB is simple: everyone loves a quick, accessible meal, especially when shawarma is involved. This spot commits to the concept with a bright orange colour palette and streamlined ordering system, giving it the feel of a modern fast-food joint rather than a traditional Arabic restaurant.
The menu keeps things simple, with plenty of Middle Eastern comfort foods to choose from. The Beef Shawarma Wrap is an obvious crowd-pleaser, while the Chicken Shawarma Wrap makes a strong case for poultry. For a more substantial dish, check out the Chicken and Beef Shawarma Rice Bowls, or go all in with the Arabic Platter, which includes your choice of meat and a selection of sides. For vegetarians, don’t worry, there’s plenty to choose from. Indulge in the Falafel Wrap or the Hummus Bowl, both offering a meat-free fix that still leaves you feeling full.
Mala Bistronome, TTDI
Spicy lovers, this one’s for you. Mala Bistronome has landed in TTDI, serving up bowls of no-pork, no-lard mala to satisfy those fiery cravings. From the minds behind PJ’s THB Bistronome, Chef Andy Choy and Wei Han bring malatang and modern bistro dining together under one roof. Their reimagined take on malatang lets diners build their own bowls with a choice of rich, flavour-packed broth and a spread of ingredients. Its neon signage, laid-back atmosphere, and heat-packed dishes make it the ideal neighbourhood hangout spot for friends and family.
The signature menu shouldn’t be overlooked, with the Mala Platter serving up a variety of dishes made for sharing. For an easy bite, try the Flat Bread Spinach Parmesan. There’s also the Tiger Prawn and ½ Spring Chicken to pair with your rice, while the Mapo Tofu with Rice is sprinkled with Sichuan peppercorn. And of course, you can build your own malatang. Priced at RM6.90 per 100g, you can pick from five soup bases, including their signature Mala, White Mala and Collagen Chicken Soup. Then, load up your hefty bowl with whatever catches your eye.
Poo Loong & Co., Petaling Street
Nothing says a night out in Chinatown quite like discovering a new bar. Formerly known as Up & Away, this hidden cocktail bar offers a new space to unwind after a long week. The mind behind the bar, Jordan Lim, decided it was time to trade Up & Away’s usual party scene for a slower pace. He has reimagined it with plenty of lounge seating and a fireplace nestled between its traditional windows overlooking Petaling Street. Open from 6 pm to 2 am, this is one of those speakeasy-style bars you’ll find yourself returning to whenever you’re in the area.
Behind the bar, classic cocktails come with a twist. The Jungle Bird takes a tropical turn with rum, pineapple juice and gula apong, balancing sweet and sour notes. The Daiquiri also contains gula apong, this time paired with rum and lime for just enough sweetness. If you prefer the classics, the Espresso Martini, Highball and Negroni are all safe bets that never go out of style. Whatever your drink of choice, this bar gives you every reason to stay for another round.
Bar Vetro, Cheras
Ever find yourself craving a coffee during the day and a cocktail come nightfall? Bar Vetro has you covered, serving both under one roof. Tucked away in Cheras, this hidden gem shifts gears from a daytime coffee hangout to an evening cocktail spot. Bring your best camera and a good outfit because its colourful drinks aren’t the only thing worth snapping. Inside, a collision of retro charm and futuristic flair creates a space that’s playful, nostalgic and straight out of a sci-fi film.
The creative coffee selection has plenty of surprises, with the Watermelon Cheese sounding a little funky on paper, but it seems worth a sip. Wander further down the menu, and you’ll find the Vietnamese Coconut Toffee for a taste of Ethiopian espresso. And then there are the cocktails, including the wild-sounding Jerry’s Expired Cake and the Trouble Maker, a nutty and coconut-forward choice for those looking to shake things up. Pair your drinks with sweet treats such as the Caramel Pudding or Pistachio Canelé to round out all those unexpected flavours.
This article was first seen on Esquire MY.
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