V&VPR City Guide: Kuala Lumpur Part II
From local delights to exquisite haute cuisine, Kuala Lumpur is the ultimate foodie destination. For fine-dining, our top picks are Nobu and Dewakan. Nobu Kuala Lumpur is a Michelin-starred titan in the world of sushi, sashimi and tempura. Dewakan is Malaysia’s first and only entry into the Asia’s 50 best restaurants awards. It seems simple enough to describe Dewakan as a restaurant that specialises in “modern Malaysian” cuisine, but doing so brushes over the extent to which chef Darren Teoh and his team have pioneered a new direction in the country’s fine dining scene. Another lush affair is the afternoon tea at The Majestic Hotel’s Orchid Conservatory. Showcasing a hanging garden and orchid scape within a glass atrium, this botanical wonder is the only one of its kind in the country.
With a booming café scene, lazy afternoons spent in coffee shops is a great way to take a break from a packed itinerary of sight-seeing. The industrial-chic Breakfast Thieves is located in the heart of Bangsar where you can expect to be whisked away by modern Australian cuisine with a touch of Asian influence. Pulp is Papa Palheta’s flagship store in Malaysia and offers a range of different roasts that will delight any coffee connoisseur. Nestled between a contrasting mix of sky-high condominiums and antiquated shophouses along Jalan Galloway, VCR Café is well-frequented by discerning coffee drinkers and brunch lovers for its satisfying range of coffee from single-origin beans and unique blends. Remodelled from a corner-lot building, VCR Café retains much of its original charm and old-world feel with rustic fixtures, wood and brick elements, high ceiling and warm lighting.
Those wanting to get a taste of the local cuisine must squeeze in a visit to the Jalan Alor Night Market. It’s within the Bukit Bintang area, so it’s easily accessible if you’re staying in the city centre. Another culinary highlight is Village Park Restaurant, which is often touted as having the best nasi lemak in town by locals and tourists alike. For something a bit more modern, an up and coming dining establishment joining the cafe scene is Chocha Foodstore. It is located in an old building with a retro interior and offers local favourites that come with a creative twist.
Whether you’re keen on a night cap before bed or somewhere to start a spirited night out, KL’s vibrant night scene will have something for everyone. Located at the W hotel in downtown Kuala Lumpur at the heart of the Golden Triangle, WET Deck is a stylish bar lounge that transcends traditional pool deck bar expectations with its harmonious blend of cutting-edge mixology, bold modern design and view overlooking the Petronas Twin Towers.
Tucked away on a quiet suburban street in Bangsar between a local mechanics and design studio you’ll find the fabulously trendy Coley Cocktail Bar. Expect romantic mauve walls, dim lighting, 1960s beats and brown leather ottomans facing an extensively well-stocked bar. We highly recommend the Gin and Coconut cocktail, which is a thirst-quencher ideal for the tropical heat.
