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Wednesday, August 26, 2026
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Tuesday, August 25, 2026
The New Rules of Engagement in Malaysia’s Luxury Property Market
LUXUO dives into current trends in investing in Malaysian luxury property, where selective resilience has replaced the speculative exuberance of years past. The 2026 investor wins not by trying to time the market, but through better asset selection—a shift that is redefining how high-net-worth individuals approach prime real estate across the country.
A Market of Two Stories
On the surface, Malaysia’s residential property market presents a puzzle. The economy expanded by a robust 5.4 percent in the first quarter of 2026, driven by steady growth across construction, services, and manufacturing sectors, with unemployment holding at a decade-low of 3 percent. Yet transactional activity in the residential market moderated from the previous quarter, with volume down 8 percent year-on-year in Q1 2026.
This apparent contradiction resolves upon closer examination. The total value of property transactions surged to a record RM 108 billion in 2025, revealing a clear market pivot towards higher-priced, premium assets. As Savills Malaysia observed, although transaction volume declined 8.5 percent year-on-year in the central region during Q1 2026, total value rose 1.8 percent—indicating sustained demand for better-positioned, higher-value properties. The Malaysian House Price Index rose 1.7 percent year-on-year to 235.5 points, with the All House Price rising to RM 507,533, suggesting underlying demand continues to support locations with strong connectivity, established amenities, and proven liveability.
The Luxury Segment Decouples
The most striking development in 2026 is the luxury segment’s decoupling from the broader market. Juwai IQI reported a surge in high-value subsale transactions in Kuala Lumpur, pushing the city’s average house price up 52 percent to RM 1.203 million. Properties priced between RM 750,001 and RM 1 million accounted for 6 percent of total sub-sale transactions in the first half of 2026, while homes priced above RM 1 million made up 10 percent.
This strength in the luxury tier reflects deeper demographic shifts. According to Knight Frank’s Wealth Report 2026, Malaysia’s ultra-high-net-worth individual population is projected to grow 20.1 percent over the next five years, from 1,566 individuals in 2026 to 1,881 in 2031—a marked acceleration from the previous five-year growth rate of 6.5 percent. The country’s billionaire population is set to grow 39 percent by 2031, earning Malaysia fifteenth place among nations with more than five billionaires.
Keith Ooi, group managing director of Knight Frank Malaysia, attributed this rise to the country’s strong economic expansion, supported by the Ringgit’s continuing perfoRM ance and an active capital market. Luxury residences in Kuala Lumpur showed stable appreciation, growing 1.1 percent in 2025, according to Knight Frank’s Prime International Residential Index. This contrasts with Hong Kong’s 2.1 percent decline, while Singapore continued to set record prices above US$6,000 per square foot.
Beyond the Capital: Johor and Penang Emerge as Luxury Powerhouses
While Greater Kuala Lumpur remains the anchor of Malaysia’s luxury property market, wealth is shifting decisively in 2026. Two regions are emerging as formidable alternatives: Johor Bahru and Penang Island.
The Johor-Singapore Corridor
While other regional property markets experience cooling cycles, the Johor property market is actively “sizzling”. Two massive structural catalysts are supercharging this cross-border economic engine: the impending rollout of the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and the fast-tracked progress of the RTS Link rapid transit system connecting Johor Bahru to Singapore. The state attracted RM 91 billion in approved investments by the third quarter of 2025, driven by the data centre boom. Luxury investors are moving swiftly to acquire premium acreage and waterfront penthouses in Iskandar Puteri, attracted by exceptional spatial value at a fraction of Singapore city prices.
A recent Arcadia Consulting report cited: Johor presents the more powerful, and perhaps the less forgiving, story. The RTS Link is scheduled to begin passenger service in January 2027, offering a five-minute train journey between Woodlands North and Bukit Chagar with a capacity of up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction. The JS-SEZ adds a deeper economic layer, spanning more than 3,500 square kilometres across nine zones and eleven sectors. Yet better connectivity does not make every residential tower in Johor scarce. CIMB Research counted 108,863 existing serviced apartments in the state in Q1 2026, with another 41,832 units under construction and 18,712 more planned through 2030 and 2031. Separately, the National Property Information Centre (NAPIC) recorded 9,972 completed but unsold serviced apartments. These are two distinct measures: the first reflects total existing stock and future supply, while the second tracks completed overhang.
Penang Island
Earning its reputation as a sophisticated alternative to Kuala Lumpur, Penang Island is capturing a significant share of regional domestic and expatriate wealth. The island’s robust semiconductor boom and growing high-tech manufacturing sectors have created a wealthy new class of corporate buyers demanding elite real estate. Along Gurney Drive and the premier enclave of Tanjung Tokong, seafront high-end residences are commanding impressive premiums.
According to Knight Frank Malaysia’s Real Estate Highlights 1H2026, Penang’s property market remained relatively resilient in the first half of 2026, although activity was more measured as buyers became increasingly selective. The Penang High-Rise Residential Price Index rose 3.4 percent year-on-year to 229.9 points, reflecting sustained value even amid softer transaction volumes. The industrial sector continued to stand out as a key growth driver, with Penang recording RM 4.9 billion in approved manufacturing investments in 1Q2026, including RM 3.4 billion in foreign direct investment. Major investment announcements during the period included Nexperia’s RM 1.6 billion semiconductor investment, WaferWise Semiconductor’s RM 700 million investment, and Boston Scientific’s RM 308 million project in Batu Kawan.
For 2026, seafront and well-located high-end residences in Penang could therefore offer a compelling value proposition combining relative affordability with lifestyle and long-term value potential.
Arcadia Consulting reported that Penang operates on a different demand base, one shaped by manufacturing and technology, established local business wealth, international education, healthcare, tourism, and island lifestyle. Approved investment reached RM 32.9 billion in 2025, with another RM 6.2 billion recorded in the first quarter of 2026. Yet the wider housing market is mixed rather than booming. Penang recorded 3,165 completed unsold conventional homes in Q1 2026, a 16 percent increase from a year earlier. IQI’s subsale measure showed average resale prices slipping about 2 percent year on year in the same period.
That does not signal a weakening prime market. Instead, it suggests that the island must be broken into smaller, distinct markets. Gurney and Pulau Tikus remain mature prime locations. Tanjung Tokong, Seri Tanjung Pinang, and Andaman offer newer waterfront product. The southern waterfront corridor and Batu Ferringhi cater to different buyer profiles again. Prime landed neighbourhoods behave differently from all these segments. Penang is therefore better understood as a collection of micro-markets rather than a single island-wide scarcity narrative.
Foreign buyers are present, but their influence should not be overstated. Penang state data recorded 365 property units involving foreign buyers in 2025. The state later clarified that only 15 units in the RM 400,000 to RM 1.5 million range were sold under the relevant Home Ownership Campaign arrangements. Reports suggesting that all 365 units were transacted below foreign-purchase price thresholds were incorrect.
The New Geography of Wealth
Within Kuala Lumpur itself, the geography of luxury property demand has shifted. The epicentre of buyer demand has moved toward the newly minted Tun Razak Exchange financial district and established luxury towers surrounding KLCC and Bukit Bintang. High-net-worth buyers are prioritising ultra-high-specification buildings with elite concierge services, high-security protocols, and immediate proximity to high-speed transit networks.
JLL’s research provides a granular breakdown of this landscape. KLCC stands as the market’s primary growth engine, consistently leading in capital value gains. Bukit Bintang, with significant new supply entering the market, presents a tactical entry point for investors. Bangsar delivers resilient rental yields as a classic core income asset: a mature, supply-constrained submarket with an established community that protects it from development pressures. Damansara Heights, a low-density, high-value enclave, serves as a defensive trophy asset driven by scarcity. Mont Kiara offers a balanced core profile with high liquidity, a deep expatriate rental pool, and an active secondary market.
The Rise of Branded Living
Alongside geographic diversification, another trend is reshaping luxury property expectations: branded residences. Affluent homeowners are embracing hotel-inspired living where service, convenience, and peace of mind become the ultimate indulgence. While this concept first took root in Malaysia in the early 2010s with developments like Fraser Residence Kuala Lumpur and Pavilion Banyan Tree Signatures, the segment has since evolved. Projects such as The Residences at St Regis Kuala Lumpur, Four Seasons Private Residences Kuala Lumpur, and YOO8 serviced by Kempinski have brought hospitality-branded living to the forefront of luxury expectations.
Branded residences offer something distinct from conventional luxury developments: buyers purchase an established ecosystem shaped by hospitality principles, where top-notch services become part of daily life. Savills world research director Paul Tostevin noted that as market conditions and buyer preferences evolve, branded property is positioned to stand out in more challenging market conditions. According to Knight Frank’s The Residence Report, branded residences are gaining traction in luxury markets as buyers increasingly seek lifestyle, service consistency, and curated experiences beyond prestigious addresses.
The Supply Equation
Supply discipline is a critical factor shaping the 2026 luxury market. Unsold housing inventory in Kuala Lumpur has declined by over 66 percent from its 2021 peak, and the market is entering a healthier, more sustainable phase. Overall housing starts in Kuala Lumpur declined 14.9 percent year-on-year, reflecting a more measured pipeline into 2026. Developers, facing rising construction costs and limited land, are maintaining a cautious approach to new launches.
Savills Malaysia noted that while some quarters remain cautious about a supply overhang—residential and high-rise property overhang in Q3 2025 rose 12 percent year-on-year—the firm is not overly concerned, as the increase mainly reflects aggressive project launches over the past three years aimed at capturing the sector’s delayed recovery since 2022. The luxury segment, which tends to favour lower-density, high-quality, well-managed developments, appears less affected by this oversupply, as demand remains selective and quality-driven.
Leong Boon Hoe, Chief Executive Officer, Arcadia Consulting, also opined, “Malaysia has been ‘cheap’ compared with many other Asian markets for quite a long time, but being cheap by itself doesn’t make it a good investment. What feels different now is that growth, infrastructure and connectivity are starting to create clearer winners. So, for me, it’s about being selective. Finding the locations and assets with real scarcity, real demand, and importantly, a credible next buyer. That is where we think value will increasingly be created.”
The Investor’s Calculus
For investors considering entry into Malaysia’s luxury property market in 2026, the landscape demands a more sophisticated approach than in previous cycles. JLL’s analysis underscores that performance is not uniform across the city, requiring a granular, data-driven approach to asset allocation. Investors must align investment mandates with each district’s distinct risk-return profile.
The selective buying phase that Savills Malaysia identified is reshaping buyer behaviour. As Fong of Savills observed, buyers are no longer motivated solely by price or incentives; they are placing more importance on accessibility, established townships, functional layouts, and long-term value retention. This shift has created a clearer divide between projects that meet evolving buyer expectations and those that struggle to differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
Adrian Yeoh of Knight Frank Property Hub noted, “We’re looking at a mixed outlook in 2026, as supportive housing reforms such as the proposed Real Property Development Act and Transforming and Empowering Data Usage in Housing platform serve to buoy dampened market sentiment amid wider uncertainty. Against this backdrop, prime residential assets continue to hold their value. However, he cautioned that private capital and institutional investors may investigate diversification to mitigate risks.”
The ultra-mobility trend among ultra-high-net-worth individuals is reshaping buying patterns and boosting demand for super prime rentals as more UHNWIs spend fewer than 90 days per year in traditional hubs. Malaysia’s direct investment abroad rose 65 percent quarter-on-quarter to RM 2.8 billion in Q4 2025, supported by family offices actively managing tax, lifestyle, and political risk across multiple jurisdictions.
The Verdict: Selective Resilience
Malaysia’s luxury residential property market in 2026 is not a story of broad-based exuberance, but one of selective resilience. The era of speculative, across-the-board gains that characterised previous cycles has given way to a more discerning landscape where rewards flow to those who understand the granular dynamics of each submarket.
For the high-net-worth investor, the opportunity lies in recognising that the market itself has fundamentally changed. Success in 2026 comes from identifying assets with strong fundamentals—location, connectivity, building quality, and sustainable design—rather than attempting to time market cycles. As JLL’s research suggests, by allocating capital strategically to KLCC for growth, Bangsar for income, established neighbourhoods for defensive qualities, and emerging corridors like Johor and Penang for long-term value, investors can build a resilient portfolio for 2026 and beyond.
The Malaysian luxury property market is not crashing. It is becoming more selective. And in that selectivity lies the opportunity for the discerning investor who understands that the new rules of engagement are about asset selection, not market timing.
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Monday, August 24, 2026
A Celebration of Malaysia: Where to Experience Merdeka
Riuh Merdeka
What’s more Malaysian than food, music, and good energy? With a vibrant schedule filled with talented artists such as Dametrill, Kien Lim, Sophia Liana, and many more, you are set to experience authentic Malaysian melodies and performances alongside a spot of shopping and eating.
Date: 2 pm to 4 am, 30–31st August
Location: Monumen Alaf Baru
Merdeka Food Run
(@jomrun.official)Fill your bellies while staying active at the same time at the Merdeka Run happening in Mutiara Damansara. As you run or jog leisurely, you’ll be met with a variety of food stations along the way, serving delicious Malaysian favourites. This activity is perfect for those who want to create unforgettable memories with family and friends while staying fit.
Date: 11 am to 9 pm, 27-28th August
Location: The Curve, 2nd Floor (near the playground, in front of Astana)
Ragam Rona Rakyat
We’re celebrating Malaysia the right way, with a classic Central Market event filled with Malaysian nostalgia—local and traditional food, live music, traditional and modern fashion, and cultural activities.
Date: 10 am to 10 pm, 28th August to 2nd September
Location: Pasar Seni, Kuala Lumpur
Forestborn – A Solo Exhibition by Calvin Chua
The month of Merdeka calls for us to recognise and appreciate what makes Malaysia what it is today. Forestborn focuses on the rainforests of Borneo and the people; these cultural heritages are presented in this exhibition through depictions of cultural gatherings and dances, children by the rivers, and intimate visuals. Instead of being viewed as mere scenery, the forest is portrayed as much more in Calvin Chua’s artwork, where it shapes lives.
Date: 21st August to 3rd September
Location: AweGallery, Taman Paramount
INDEPEN+DANCE
For those of us who love a good party and some dancing, celebrate Malaysia’s Independence Day by being surrounded by house music on the dance floor. Party away Merdeka at WET Deck featuring DJ Alam, Axel Groove, Azran, Shazan, and Victor G, delivering us electric melodies and funk.
Date: 9 pm, 30th August 2026
Location: WET Deck, Kuala Lumpur
For more information and booking, click here.
Pesta Kopi Merdeka
Pesta Kopi is having their Merdeka spin, and it takes place at the new and upcoming Ombak KLCC Rooftop Skygarden. Coffee lovers, this is an event you must not miss. Think three days of endless variety of freshly brewed coffee, alongside the beautiful architecture of the newly opened mall. Sip some coffee as you bask in Malaysian pride.
Date: 10 am to 10 pm, 29-31st August
Location: Rooftop Skygarden, Ombak KLCC
Gapai Merdeka
This event takes place at Stadium Merdeka, which is really the cherry on top of the occasion, as the stadium holds historical ties to Malaysia’s independence. Gapai Merdeka aims to unite all goers through many cultural and creative experiences.
Date: 29 to 31st August
Location: Stadium Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur
Xplorasi Warisan KL
For those who’d prefer to learn more about Kuala Lumpur for Merdeka, this event is perfect, as you have a chance to explore the heart of KL, from historical monuments to heritage sites, alongside fun quests and the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of this beautiful city. You will be put into a team of three to four pax, so if you’re not into working together with strangers, bring friends and family.
Date: 30th August
Location: Start at Stadium Merdeka, finish at Dataran Merdeka.
Sunset airshow
A Merdeka sunset air show for free? Sign us up. If you’re looking for an event that won’t hurt the bank this month, this show, with breathtaking colours and planes decorating the sky from flight training sessions will not require a single penny.
Date: 20-29th August
Location: Monumen Alaf Baru, Putrajaya
Cultural art showcase & bazaar
Culture and art goes hand in hand, so it is important to appreciate the cultural stories and craftsmanship this month. At KLGCC Mall, different cultural arts will be showcased alongside crafts at their bazaar. Get to know the voices behind the artworks as you learn, explore and recognise at The Maybank Foundation Cultural Art Showcase & Bazaar.
Date: 10 am to 10pm, 20th August to 20th September
Location: 1F, Main Atrium, KLGCC Mall
This article was first seen on Grazia Malaysia.
For more on the latest in culture and events, click here.
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The New Flavours Shaping Kuala Lumpur & Petaling Jaya
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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