Ryokan Chic Hotel

Self-taught Chef Chong uses Malaysian produce to imbue his French-leaning 11-course tasting menu with local colour and flavour. His lobster bisque is made with smoky Tahal oil based on asam laksa; his beurre blanc incorporates a creamy curry with turmeric and coconut milk à la masak lemak. Equally inspiring, his curated tea pairings complement the food by flavour bridging. Ask the chef for the tea tasting notes.

Informed by stints in Japan and France and paying homage to his culinary roots, Chef Low refashions European recipes with Japanese, French and Malaysian influences. His set menu takes diners on a culinary journey inspired by his personal history and memories. An array of cooking techniques is deployed to great effect, such as cooking in melted beeswax, dry aging, and searing in claypot. Elevate the experience with local rice wine and sake pairings.

After delivering home-cooked meals during the pandemic, the Syrian chef opened his brick-and-mortar shop, and it quickly became a neighbourhood favourite. The heady aromas of freshly baked goods fill the space. Unmistakably Middle Eastern, the food is rife with bold colours and flavours. The smoked hummus infused with burnt chilli oil tastes mildly spicy and very smoky. Try the kebab khashkhash – lamb skewers in a sharp, spicy poppy seed sauce.

Plaza Damansara offers no end of dining options, but this Peranakan joint stands out with the owner’s family recipes that have been polished and updated. No-frills home-style dishes are made with the freshest local produce and the sauces are made by the owner himself. Try his creamy basil boneless chicken, boasting juicy, velvety meat in a creamy sauce loaded with fresh herbal notes. Alfresco dining on balmy nights.

Amid cute bars and eateries in Plaza Damansara stands Aliyaa, famous for authentic Sri Lankan dishes. On the menu, beef, mutton, chicken, seafood or veggies mingle with distinctive Sri Lankan spices to great effect. Besides the famous whole crab, also try the Negombo prawns in pineapple gravy; or Kuliyal, curry rice and tomato paste baked in banana leaf. Food is generally quite spicy, but the chef will gladly adjust the level of heat to your liking.

Gai (Thai for chicken) delivers tasty northern Thai food to the people of KL. The restaurant embodies the spirit of family and dishes are best shared for a group. Don’t miss Papa Suwit's tom saeb oxtail stew; a spicy-sour broth that boasts intense flavour from a mix of vegetables and herbs. The signature free-range chicken is grilled with a secret family recipe that emits a pleasant, chargrilled aroma. There are several seafood options too, including the flower crab.

Bonsai, round windows and shoji doors set the charming Japanese-inspired scene. Similarly, the 5- and 8-course set menus are of Shojin ryori inspiration. The owner makes sure only the freshest ingredients make it onto the table, and seasoning is kept to a bare minimum. Try the Mizuna citrus salad that combines vegetables, fruit and seeds in a tangy dressing. Ganmodoki, or tofu fritter, is loaded with root vegetables, seaweed, edamame and mushrooms.