A good portion of 2021 had many of us stuck at home and missing out on the freedom of cafe and restaurant hopping. Despite how different things have been in the past two years, we have now moved to the endemic phase, allowing us to dine in again. There are many new cafes and restaurants that are springing up all over the city, waiting to be explored.
If you plan to have a weekend food hunting for the best lunch or good coffee but are unsure which cafes and restaurants to go to? Worry not here; we will guide you to the best spots to enjoy the best coffee, food and Instagram-worthy corners. Whisk yourself away to The Coffee Academics and The Orange Couch if you are big fans of coffee lovers. Aside from that, you can check out Keopi & Sul for a cosy Korean vibe to chill while enjoying the food. Suppose you are looking for something unique and traditional. In that case, you can go to The Qing (pork-free), which promises a delightful mix of traditional and contemporary fare.
1. The Coffee Academics
All the way from Hong Kong, The Coffee Academics has finally opened its first outlet in Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur. The Coffee Academics is well known for its delicious and high-quality brews, making it an excellent spot for any coffee connoisseurs to savour their brews to the fullest. Led by a founder, Jennifer Liu and her team have taken their business to massive heights while maintaining integrity by serving the customer the best quality cup of coffee. What they bring is the cream of the crop when it comes to speciality coffee, together with sustainability that goes beyond the usual effort.
The Coffee Academics offer a variety of menus that boast espresso-based coffees, fresh iced teas, and hot teas. Apart from the coffee, The Coffee Academics is also known for its amazing dining experience, where its avocado toasts and Egg Royale are something you should try when you visit this cafe.
2. Keopi & Sul
Keopi & Sul is a Korean-inspired café located in Mont Kiara. This cafe serves delicious kimchi bulgogi rice bowls, pastries, refreshing coolers and pretty drinks like Butterfly Cotton Candy. Aside from its delicious food, this cafe also provides a unique experience that you shouldn’t miss out on; its warm and cosy atmosphere gives off a sense of indoor camping.
3. The Orange Couch
Is it possible to get any more excited? The answer is YES because there is a new cafe in Subang, “The Orange Couch”, paying homage to the hit NBC sitcom “FRIENDS”. You will find a plethora of references, from the iconic Central Perk sofa to its menu of six waffles that are named after characters from the show, including Chandler Bean (topped with tau-fu-fa ice cream) to Rachel Berries, Monica Mocha, Ross Chocs, Joey Oreo and Phoebe Earl-Grey. We suggest ordering their Chandler Bean, which is topped with Tau-Fu-Fa ice cream and Joey Oreo with Salted Egg Oreo ice cream.
4. The Qing
If you’re in the mood for dim sum, head over to Chow Kit’s latest addition, The Qing. Step inside and be mesmerised by the modern Chinese interior with warm neutrals and saturated tones. The menu comprises savoury and sweet goodness from Black Truffle Siew Mai to Lava Peanut Cream Sesame Ball. Highlights include Signature Prawn Beancurd Skin Roll Wrapped with Rice Roll, Steamed XO Scallop Dumpling wrapped with Beetroot Skin and Golden Salted Egg Cream Bun with Charcoal Skin. Keep a lookout for the set lunch and premium lunch set for a curated fuss-free meal. Reserve a spot here.
5. Baan Phadthai
Baan Padthai, the Michelin BIB Thailand restaurant, has just opened its first franchise in Malaysia, which is located at Pavilion. Baan Phadthai isn’t just an ordinary Thai street food restaurant; it has a unique credential which it has been awarded recognition as a Michelin restaurant for five times in a row by Michelin Guide Bangkok, making it a definite spot for the Thai food lover.
Baan Phadtai serves a variety of Phad Tais and their secret sauce with the 18-ingredient sauce and the “Sen Jan” rice noodles, which will satisfy you. If that doesn’t satiate you, a range of appetisers and desserts such as satays and sticky mango rice is available too.
