Previously dubbed Private Room, Collins Sake & Wine Bar has gone from sleek wine bar to localised izakaya—have your chicken karaage and Hakka pork belly too. The drinks menu largely revolves around the Tom Collins cocktail (hence the bar's namesake), which traditionally contains gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water in a Collins glass.
 
Collins Sake & Wine Bar | 48a-2, First Floor, Persiaran Zaaba, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur | 019-334 663 | Mon-Sat, 5.30pm - 11pm

Founded by the 'coffee godfathers of KL', Joey Mah, Keith Koay and Ng Jia Le, Dou Dou Bake (a play on the word 'dough') is a passion project that was painfully put on hold by Covid-19, but one that sees fruition today. We had to experience it to believe it, but the hype is justified—Dou Dou Bake artfully straddles the line between cool contemporary space and cosy neighbourhood café. By supporting local producers (think Milky Whey Cheese and Chocolate Concierge), Dou Dou also sets a positive example to their contemporaries. Swing by later in the day to face less congestion, snag a seat facing the karesansui (Japanese rock garden) by landscape designer Wei Ming, and watch the sunset while swigging some natural wine.

Dou Dou Bake | 38, Jalan SS 4 C/5, Taman Rasa Sayang, Petaling Jaya | 011-6963 5817 | Mon-Tue & Thu-Sun, 7.30am - 11pm (hot food service ends at 3pm)

TATLER TIP: If the queue snakes around the corner and you have to wait more than an hour, know this: you can get the same pastries from One Half X Ilaika a short drive away.

The first thing that hits you is the giddying aroma of pork lard, a premonition of non-halal things to come. "Just to manage your expectations, this is Chinese-style pork bone soup," warned chef-proprietor Aaron Phua when taking our order. "Some come here expecting Japanese flavours." Nothing like tonkotsu ramen or Chinese kopitiam pork noodles, Fifty Tales' signature dish sits in its own category. Choose between light or viscous broth—or neither if you prefer dry noodles. The concrete space is staffed by friendly servers, whose aid is necessary to decipher the vague menu. We'll be back for the rice bowls.

Fifty Tales | 5-G, Jalan Margosa SD 10/4a, Bandar Sri Damansara, Petaling Jaya | 012-399 2697 | Mon-Tue & Thu-Sun, 10am - 3pm & 6pm - 10pm

See also: QQ Foods, From Boba To Oodles Of Noodles

Brand new, brunch-style dishes make up the menu at Pranzo, a subsidiary of Gooddam. Ranging from Milanese salami and mozzarella pizza to the Gooddam Duck Pie, Chef Daniel Yap's lunchtime dishes lean towards the light side, leaving room for a cheeky bottle of wine followed by strong coffee to continue going about your day.

Pranzo by Gooddam | Lot B-G-07, The HUB SS2, 19 Sentral, Jalan Harapan, Seksyen 19, Petaling Jaya | Sat & Sun only, 11.30am - 2.30pm (last order at 1.30pm) | Reservations are highly recommended | Whatsapp +6010-766 9708

So much more than an ice creamery, Pun's has come a long way in a short time. We first stumbled upon owners Elaine and San Eu in their first brick-and-mortar outlet in Seputeh, and have followed their mad culinary collaborations with Tiffin Event, T'lur Caviar and more ever since. To see them set up shop in Damansara Jaya feels like watching our favourite football team score a final goal. Stop by for an Oh Carp! sandwich or a Mala Tofu Burger and rinse away the heat with ice cream.

Pun's Ice Cream | 64, Jalan SS 22/25, Damansara Jaya, Petaling Jaya | Mon & Wed-Sun, 11.30am - 6pm