where to eat in kl!
hi everyone! i went back to kl again for a second time earlier this year and i js wanted to share the good food that i ate ~
1. fowl boys
similar concept to chix hot chicken in sg, its a burger joint and you can pick your spice level as well, they also sell savoury waffles with chicken (which we didn't try)
2. three years old cafe
one of the more popular cafes(?) and the food was great! they even have an open courtyard area that you can dine and also take photos
3. bar kar restaurant
decided to try a michelin restaurant this time round and the food was absolutely DELICIOUS. we ordered the burrata cheese naan, grilled asparagus, white pomfret claypot rice and dry aged duck. meanwhile, their cocktail menu was quite limited but with super interesting drinks like luo han guo and nyonya truffle. the restaurant has an open concept kitchen so if you wanna see the chefs in action, do remember to book the bar tables!
4. 山木
this restaurant specialises in japanese cuisine, i ordered the salmon ochazuke & the green tea taste was quite light! the tables and chairs in the restaurant were made from wood which added to the zen vibes
5. nobu
my friends and i just wanted to try a fine dining restaurant and take advantage of the exchange rate so 🤣🤣🤣 the food and service was great as expected and the restaurant was located on a higher floor so you could really see the kl skyline while you dine ~
6. ps150
a cocktail bar located in chinatown that plays jazz music! we decided to visit this bar because of their unique drinks like pandan, etc. one interesting thing is that the menu comes in those old school exercise books which i thought was quite amusing 🤣
7. common space cafe
came here to hide from the rain but turns out its one of my favourite finds of all time 😆 the cafe sells your standard coffee/tea as well as food, but the main selling point were the two cats in the shop that were SO CUTE, the owner even let us carry the cats! plus, they also have a small section in the cafe selling handmade jewellery that were reasonably priced. my friends and i were taking our time to browse & the owner even offered to show us more designs that were not on the shelves
8. wawafish
ordered the lunch set and it was not bad, though me & my friend didn't like the drink they served (not sure what it was because it wasn't stated in the menu). this restaurant is actually a wine bar but we didn't order any cos we went in the afternoon, but would return again to try their wines/cocktails!
9. pulp cafe
i ordered the ottoman eggs and my friend ordered the smoked salmon bagel. the ottoman eggs were slightly spicy and the greek yoghurt really added a tangy flavour which i liked! overall quite a filling meal i'd say and this cafe is also located at A Place Where (APW) which used to be a printing factory and was revamped. there are many other cafes/shops within APW that you can check out after eating!
Having visited Kuala Lumpur multiple times, I've found that exploring its vibrant food scene is one of the city's best experiences. Beyond the places mentioned, what truly makes KL special is the diversity — from street-side stalls to elegant dining. For example, Fowl Boys offers a fantastic range of spice levels on their chicken burgers, catering to both mild and adventurous palates. If you're into savory waffles paired uniquely with chicken, it's worth giving them a try when you visit. Similarly, Three Years Old Cafe provides a perfect spot for food and photography lovers with its open courtyard and inviting ambiance. Bar Kar delivers an exceptional dining experience with its Michelin-level offerings. The burrata cheese naan and dry-aged duck were particular highlights on my visits. Booking seats at the bar tables not only lets you enjoy great food but also allows you to watch chefs prepare dishes in an open kitchen setting — a nice touch for food enthusiasts. For a zen vibe and light Japanese cuisine, 山木 (Shan Mu) stands out with its salmon ochazuke paired with subtle green tea flavors. Nobu is always a go-to for fine dining with a breathtaking view of Kuala Lumpur's skyline — the perfect spot for celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in great service and food. Cocktail lovers should not miss PS150 in Chinatown, where the old-school exercise book menu and jazzy atmosphere make for a memorable night. Common Space Cafe is an unconventional find, not just for its quality coffee and teas but also for its feline residents and handmade jewelry section, adding a homely and artsy charm. Wawafish offers a relaxed environment as a wine bar, ideal for afternoon visits. Though we didn’t favor the mystery drink served during lunch, their wine and cocktail selection promises a delightful evening return trip. Lastly, Pulp Cafe at APW is a hotspot for hearty brunches; the ottoman eggs with spicy notes and tangy Greek yogurt were both satisfying and unique. If you’re exploring Kuala Lumpur’s food culture, I recommend allocating time to wander around places like APW, which houses several cafes and creative shops, giving you a full day of discovery. Be sure to check out local recommendations and perhaps try some local delights outside the popular spots to get the full flavor of KL’s culinary landscape. Overall, KL’s food scene offers a wonderful blend of innovation and tradition, making every meal an adventure. Whether you're a local or a traveler, these eateries guarantee memorable tastes and experiences worth sharing.
