Arena Suites Kuala Lumpur

Dewakan means “food from God”, and chef Darren Teoh crafts a heavenly dining experience that is Malaysian down to its very core. Every ingredient is locally sourced; even the dinnerware is handmade by local artists. The tasting menu features many items that are fermented or dry-aged in-house, alongside seasonal fruits and herbs. Stunningly located on the 48th floor, diners enjoy jaw-dropping city views.

Perched atop a skyscraper, the restaurant affords panoramic vistas of KL's skyline. Chef Sidney Schutte hails from the southern shores of the Netherlands. His menu is a delectable amalgam of French techniques, Nordic sensibility and Asian twists; seafood and vegetables are his strong suits. His dessert is the final bow, imparting depth and sweetness. With a menu spanning 3 hours, it's the perfect setup for a date.

The theatrical dining room is quite stunning, and the chef adds drama to local favourites with modern techniques and meticulous plating. His "Tour of Malaysia" menu celebrates the breadth and depth of the country's culinary heritage – even more enjoyable with cocktail and wine pairings. Consider ordering the add-on abalone Lawas rice – creamy Sarawakian heirloom rice topped with abalone cubes, briny caviar and a dash of kaffir lime oil.

A North Indian brand, d'Tandoor opened in Malaysia in 1990 and has since spread to other countries around the world. Located in a residential area, they offer a hearty range of fine Indian cuisine, featuring a consummate blend of herbs and spices. Highlights include well-seasoned butter chicken masala and soft, chewy naan bread, while Kulfi ice-cream – available in a variety of flavours – adds a final flourish to the meal.

Sunny and cheerful like the local celebrity Chef Wan, the room is inviting and bustling. Similarly, the food is guaranteed to lift your spirits with big tropical flavours. Whet your appetite with pomelo salad with crispy prawn cheeks in kerabu lime dressing and a hint of fish sauce. For mains, go for bakar bakar, BBQ meat or seafood that comes with your choice of the chef’s mouth-watering sauces. Portion sizes are big enough for sharing.

For over 30 years, this stall has been selling chicken rice cooked to order over charcoal in claypots. The dish comes with Cantonese pork sausage and ginger, and has a crispy crust at the bottom. You can add salted fish, which imparts extra aroma.

Named after a traditional Malaysian game, Congkak is located in residential Jalan Beremi, not far from the city’s bustling central district. The restaurant is an expression of national pride and identity serving what visitors would deem as exotic, but are classics for locals. The most popular dish, the nasi ambeng platter, offers a multitude of textures and combinations of spicy, sweet and savoury flavours that go nicely with sambal. Different serving size is available to suit for your party size.