Cover Natural wines from Fafaba located in REXKL, a lifestyle and dining hub in Chinatown (Photo: Instagram / @fafaba.kl & @hellorexkl)
Natural wines from Fafaba located in REXKL, a lifestyle and dining hub in Chinatown (Photo: Instagram / @fafaba.kl & @hellorexkl)
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Eat your way through these lifestyle hubs where food, culture, arts, and lifestyle intersect
Over recent years, creative cultural hubs have been popping up all over the country, embracing the best of local culture, art, lifestyle, and dining all in one place. When visiting one of these pockets in town, not only are you guaranteed to have a great meal or a good cup of coffee, you might also discover local artists, under-the-radar brands, and new activities to partake in.
Read more: The best cafés in the Klang Valley, according to our readers
For those looking to make a day out of their lunch plans or for a fun filled family day out with something for everyone, these enclaves are sure to do the trick. From RexKL and Tiffin at the Yard to Bamboo Hills and The Hub SS2, here are our ten favourite dining, arts, and lifestyle destinations in the Klang Valley.
1. APW
In the vibrant Bangsar neighbourhood, a remarkable transformation has taken place within the walls of a former commercial printing factory named Art Printing Works. Now known as APW (A Place Where), this dynamic creative hub is helmed by second-generation owner Ee Soon Wei. With its distinct blend of artistic and industrial elements, APW has blossomed into a captivating industrial enclave where you can find some of the city’s most exciting restaurants, collaborative workspaces, fashion brands, local art, and more.
The space also plays host to creative events with brands such as Guinness, The Macallan, Samsung, and Sephora, and even holds its own events on the weekends and during holiday seasons.
F&B highlights: Waig by Chipta 11a, Olivia Deli, Jus Resto Bar
See also: 12 places to explore in APW Bangsar
2. Menara Hap Seng 3
Despite its primary function as an office building and business epicentre, Menara Hap Seng 3 is now home to some of the city’s most venerated restaurants. The space provides so much more than just quick meals for workdays, housing an opulently decorated steak house, authentic edomae-style sushi, an elevated take on yakiniku, and a contemporary European dining venue focused on seasonal produce.
Just a stone’s throw away from the city centre, will soon be connected to the Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur and become a must-visit hospitality destination.
F&B Highlights: Asador V, Sushi Masa, Niku 29, Skillet
3. REXKL
REXKL has made a named for itself by breathing new life into the historic Rex Cinema in downtown KL, refurbished and remodelled by architect duo Shin Tseng and Shin Chang. A creative space for live music, weekend markets, and social events, you’ll find a slew of cultural happenings at the dining and lifestyle hub. Its famed enclave of eateries, The Back Ground, has recently undergone a facelift and is now Food Fiction, complete with a lineup of new vendors and diverse cuisines.
While there, you can sip on natural wine at its in-house ferment specialist, expand your bookshelf with the help of Book Xcess and Mentor Bookstore, or tuck into bowls of ramen or slices of pizza.
F&B highlights: Shhhbuuuleee, Raijin Ramen Bar, Phil’s Pizza, Fafaba, Summation, Kantin, Kai Nusantara Eatery, The Rex Bar
4. Bamboo Hills
Aiming to bring a breath of fresh air to KL’s bustling lifestyle is Bamboo Hills, a dining-focused hub, which boasts lush greenery and a relaxing garden-like ambience. This space is home to a handful of dining options that you can indulge in from brunch to dinner time. Moreover, the picturesque bamboo landscape provides an idyllic backdrop, inviting all to capture memorable moments and create stunning pictures.
Whether you’re craving a fresh slice of Neapolitan pizza or sophisticated French fare, Bamboo Hills has just the meal for you.
F&B highlights: Potager, Pizza Duo, Tap Room, Oeno Wine Lounge & Tapas
Don’t miss: 10 restaurants and bars to visit at Bamboo Hills
5. The Row KL
Formerly known as the Asian Heritage Row, Jalan Doraisamy’s The Row sees 22 pre-war shophouses come together to form a vibrant street of independent business, great restaurants, and an event space. On weekends, you will find The Row buzzing with local markets, home-gardeners visiting its plant boutique, and crowds in search of satisfying plates.
Visiting The Row provides brief respite from the city’s urbanisation, shaded by trees, equipped with al fresco dining areas, and offering a glimpse into KL’s historic architecture.
F&B Highlights: Olea, Heritage Pizza, Common Grind, Limapulo
6. The Zhongshan Building
Over in Kampung Attap, The Zhongshan Building is a an art and research hub, brought to life by a community of creatives and artisans. Its space used to be home to the Selangor Zhongshan Association, and now, it houses a number of community spaces, dining and drinks destinations, bespoke services, exhibition spaces, specialty stores, and archives. Every now and then, you can enjoy live music, flea markets, art events, and more in its ever-evolving space.
F&B highlights: Gentle Giants, Tommy Le Baker, Piu Piu Piu Café
Read more: The Zhongshan Building and its vibrant, diverse creatives
7. Eslite Spectrum
Established in Taiwan, Eslite Spectrum is a venue that is known for its vast bookstore and numerous café venues with a focus on music, lifestyle, and performing arts. Situated in The Starhill at Bukit Bintang, this extraordinary space serves as a bridge between the dynamic cultures of Malaysia and Taiwan, offering guests a peek into some of the creations and goods that these two nations have to offer.
F&B highlights: Come True Café, V88 Listening Café, Uncle Jeff Drinks
8. The Gasket Alley
The Gasket Alley is an industrial creative space located in Petaling Jaya that was established by a group of friends in 2015. Initially located in Cheras, The Gasket Alley currently lends its space to a range of dining destinations, retail outlets, and other services, including a sneaker maintenance and customisation workshop.
The community space also hosts its fair share of events from bazaars for outdoor enthusiasts to a classic cars exhibitions for autophiles.
F&B highlights: Makhan by Kitchen Mafia, Coffeeboy Club, The Bao Guys, Halo Doughnut, Ramen Bar Shishido
9. CommonsKL
Another creative community hub in Bukit Bintang is CommonsKL, a two-storey pet-friendly establishment that aims to bring people together under one roof to enjoy delectable bites and refreshing sips. On some weekends, you’ll find community art events, pop-up markets, and food festivals happening within its alfresco space.
F&B highlights: AoDeeDee, Scratching Post, Pots & Trays
10. Kwai Chai Hong
Bringing a taste of 1960s Chinatown to the present day, Kwai Chai Hong champions heritage and history in its alley space, that also consists of some of KL’s most well-known F&B establishments. This captivating enclave is instantly recognisable with its seasonal art installations and interactive murals, so you’re sure to get a shot or two for your next Instagram post too.
F&B highlights: Small Shifting Space, Baijiu, DaBao
Don’t miss: Wind down after a long day at these natural wine bars
11. The Hub SS2
This pet-friendly neighbourhood space in SS2 is home to a slew of cafés and restaurants, including a renowned Italian restaurant. Its green space is an idyllic destination for families seeking a memorable day out with their loved ones and furry companions. Whether you’re in search of delectable cuisine, a warm ambiance, or a place where your pets are welcomed with open arms, The Hub SS2 promises an exciting experience that caters to all.
F&B highlights: Gooddam, Mei By Fat Spoon, Flakes
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