Cover Photo: Alexander Spatari/Getty Images
Photo: Alexander Spatari/Getty Images
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Visit these restaurants if you’re looking to enjoy the comforting Spanish rice dish
Originating in Valencia, Spain, paella typically consists of round-grain rice, saffron and chicken or seafood, and often has a crispy base of roasted rice known as socarrat. Served in a large shallow pan, the dish is ideal for sharing.
With World Paella Day happening on September 20 this year, we've rounded up nine restaurants where you can tuck into a hearty plate of paella.
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Marta’s Kitchen
With a newly opened outlet at the futuristic shopping mall LaLaport, Marta’s Kitchen is known for authentic Spanish dishes. The restaurant serves four different varieties of paella, most notably the Valenciana paella which is garnished generously with chicken, seafood and vegetables. Made with a rich prawn-infused broth, the squid ink paella is another must-try.
Marta's Kitchen | Multiple locations | +603-6411 0832
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Olivia Deli
If you're looking for fresh Mediterranean produce, Olivia Deli boasts a selection of cold cuts, cheese and hearty tapas. Also available is a luscious crab paella as well as fideuà, a dish similar to paella which uses pasta noodles instead of rice. The APW-based eatery also hosts farmers' markets on select weekends.
Olivia Deli | 29, Jalan Riong, Bangsar Lot B03, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Pinchos Tapas Bar
Located along Changkat Bukit Bintang, Pinchos Tapas Bar has two paella dishes on the menu. Ideal for sharing, the Paella Mixta is made with a selection of seafood, chicken and pork. Alternatively, it also caters to plant-forward diners with a vegetarian paella.
Pinchos Tapas Bar | 18, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur | +603-2145 8482
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El Cerdo
Known best for pork-based dishes, it is only fitting that El Cerdo's signature paella is made with bacon, sausages and chorizo. Also available are two seafood-based paellas as well as the Paella Mixta, made with the combination of both meat and seafood.
El Cerdo | 43 & 45, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur | +6013-309 4197
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La Bodega
Three varieties of paella are available at La Bodega, each ideal for sharing between two. The Paella Valenciana is the restaurant's bestseller, adorned with a selection of chicken, prawns and clams. If you're a fan of seafood, try the squid ink paella, served with tiger prawns and squid.
La Bodega | Multiple locations | +6012-316 5010
El Iberico
El Iberico's range of paellas can be ordered as single or double portions. Try the seafood paella, which draws flavours from mussels, prawns and squid, or the Iberico pork paella, which is made with Iberico pork and chorizo.
El Iberico | G-01, Seri, Bukit Ceylon, 50200 Kuala Lumpur | +603-2713 7199
Cava
Above Photo: Cava
Photo: Cava
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Cava's signature squid ink paella is not to be missed when you visit the Bangsar eatery, topped with fresh prawns, clams and squid. For a dish with a local twist, try the restaurant's take on a seafood paella which is spiced with cili padi pesto.
Cava | 71, Jalan Bangkung, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur | +603-2093 6637
See also: A Taste of Home: Chef and Cookbook Author Norman Musa Shares His Favourite Eats in Malaysia
Mercat Barcelona Gastrobar
Four different types of paella are available at Mercat Barcelona Gastrobar, each serving two to four depending on how big of an appetite you bring. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available at the restaurant, the most indulgent being the seafood paella with mussels, cuttlefish, clams and prawns stewed in a luscious lobster-based broth.
Mercat Barcelona Gastrobar | 1 Mont Kiara, 1, Jalan Kiara, Montkiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur | +603-6211 7969
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Cafe Deli by El Mesón
Cafe Deli by El Mesón has something suited to every palate, with dishes on the menu that range from Italian and Spanish to Asian-inspired. For a treat, try the Paella Ibericos, made with tender Iberico ribs and chorizo.
Cafe Deli by El Mesón | Multiple locations
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About
Katelyn is the dining and travel editor of Malaysia and Indonesia. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she offers readers an inside look at the movers and shakers in Asia’s growing food and beverage industry.
