Societe Hartamas by Lyfehaus

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.

Vantador’s vintage yet modern interiors are drenched in soft lighting. Aussie and Spanish beef is either dry-aged for up to 30 days in unsalted butter, or vacuum-sealed and wet-aged in its own juices for 14 days. Steaks are precisely grilled over charcoal and wood to desired doneness, striking a fine balance between smoky and full-bodied, meaty flavours. Non-steak dishes are also available, together with meticulously prepared desserts.

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.

Divided into bars and dining rooms, the three-story restaurant also sports a Louis XIII-themed private room. Diners can choose from the Omakase menu, seasonal menus and vegetarian options. Dishes range from modern classics, such as French roast chicken and freshly made pasta, to novel creations, all of which underscored by solid skills and quality international produce. Don’t miss the cheese trolley with 20 choices.

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.

This simple shop has been selling authentic Hakkanese food in an unremarkable neighbourhood for over 20 years. The must-try Hor Poh lui cha is a sheeny green soup served with steamed rice. Made with ground sesame seeds, peanuts and mint leaves, the soup is nutty and aromatic. The Hor Poh dumpling with dried tofu, garlic and pickles enrobed in a thin skin is also popular. With a range of tasty offerings at bargain prices, this place is always busy.

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.