10 new restaurants and cafés in Malaysia to visit in November 2023

Speaking of small bites, Oeno Wine Lounge & Tapas is Bamboo Hills’ new wine and tapas bar, nestled within the brand new Potager. Here, you can indulge in creative and intricate small plates with some modern Malaysian treatment while sipping on boutique wines and bespoke cocktails.

Unlike its sister restaurant, Potager, Oeno Wine Lounge & Tapas is a casual hangout, operating on a walk-ins only basis sans dress code. You can look forward to tasteful plates such as Sarawak dabai tapenade, coriander seeds, white anchovy mousseline, and pickled anchovies.

Another newcomer to the tapas landscape is Vermut, located in central Kuala Lumpur along Jalan Mesui. Named after Spain’s favourite aperitif, vermouth, Vermut is the perfect destination for a fun and relaxed night out with friends over Spanish bites and drinks.

Alongside staples such as cured Iberico ham and Bikini sandwiches, you’ll also spot speciality dishes such as steamed Galician gooseneck barnacles, monkfish liver with caviar, and a Socarrat-heavy paella with Huelva prawns. Drinks-wise, choose from a healthy list of cocktails, wines, beers, and more.

See also: The best European delis in the Klang Valley

For a plant-based foodie fix, Desa Sri Hartamas’ new Savor is the answer to your vegan callings. This casual eatery was founded by a trio of friends who have crafted this plant-based menu, which spans a range of cuisines.

Co-founder Beverly Thien’s Sabahan heritage also comes into play as a range of East Malaysian favourites make appearances on the menu, including a Sarawak laksa.

Another relative newcomer to Petaling Jaya’s Thai food scene is M Dining, a contemporary Thai restaurant in Damansara Utama. Helmed by executive chef Wilson Teh, who recently returned to Malaysia after a stint at Melbourne’s Longrain, M Dining has both a tasting menu and a la carte menu, catering to any party size or occasion.

All sauces and pastes here are made from scratch, free of MSG, so your dining experience is guaranteed to be a flavourful one. Standout dishes here include the Red Creamy Coastal Catch Tom Yum, Crab Delight sliders, and Panang Curry Pleasures with lamb shank. 

Up north, Komorebi Dining is George Town’s new Kyoto-style Kappo eatery. Its quaint and minimalist space is located in central George Town and seats up to 12 diners at a time.

The menus put a focus on the natural flavours and potential of fresh ingredients. Menus for both lunch and dinner are available and rotate monthly, allowing for the freshest catches and seasons’ best to shine. On the current menu, highlights include the Zensai course with yellowtail, Japanese yam, and umami jelly and the Mountain and Sea course with the seasonal favourite horsehair crab and mushrooms.

Don’t miss: 7 essential local dishes to try in George Town, Penang

Calling all ramen lovers! Venture to Happy Mansion’s newest kid on the block, Torinana Ramen, for your fix of chicken-based ramen. Its simple and stripped down interiors are reminiscent of a casual ramen shop in Tokyo.

Opt for its Tori Paitan ramen if you want a simple, no-fuss meal that will warm your soul. Its base broth is made by simmering chicken for over 10 hours to extract maximum flavour to accompany its springy ramen noodles. You may supplement your meal with an order of its Momotaro tomatoes or cheese baked gyoza from its selection of side dishes. Rice bowl options are also available for those who aren’t in the mood for noodles.

Plump needs no introduction. The well-loved café by celebrated baker @taobakescakes, Plump, has recently opened the doors to its second location in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail. Its cakes and baked creations are just as colourful as its walls, adding a dash of whimsical and fun to its diners’ days.

Unlike its sister location, this new outlet also boasts a hot kitchen, so diners can also enjoy some warm bites while there. Perennial favourites include the pistachio fig cake, Kaya Toast Victoria cake, and the Ugly Cake, which is made with salted chocolate and pecans.

Fans of bread and pastries can flock to Contour, PJ Old Town’s new café and home to perfectly laminated croissants and well brewed coffee.

Easily spotted by its large croissant sculpture perched above the entrance, Contour is a haven for those who can’t get enough of baked goods, from bagels and cheesecakes to danishes and croissants. Those who are there for their coffee fix can also pick up packs of coffee filters for their at-home coffee stations. 

Operating out of a repurposed airstream van, Kopikku is Mont Kiara’s new grab-and-go coffee outlet, ideal for those in a rush. Open from 7am on weekdays and 8am on weekdays, it caters to the morning rush crowd, early risers, and everyone in between.

Its menu includes your run-of-the-mill coffee drinks like caramel lattes and iced americanos, and speciality drinks such as a Nestum latte and bandung latte. 

NOW READ

Inside 5 Kuala Lumpur restaurants with maximalist design

7 rooftop bars in Bangkok with spectacular views

Standing the test of time: Meet the man behind Ipoh’s oldest bar