Editor's Picks: Restaurants and cafes we love in Malaysia that have shuttered

One of my must-visits whenever I rock up to Penang, Tree Monkey, located right by a Tropical Spice Garden, holds a special place in my heart. I remember first discovering the charming Thai restaurant, perched on a hilltop, on a work trip. I made it a point to visit every time since for its amazing back-to-nature dining experience overlooking the panoramic sea view out on its homey outdoor dining area on a wooden deck.

As a staunch Thai cuisine lover, I was obsessed with its extensive menu (I still am!), which boasts everything from tomsai soup (clear lemongrass soup with mushroom, chilli, and lime) and kaengsom fish (steamed seabass with spicy and sour tamarind juice), to thubthim krob (ice water chestnut with coconut milk) and a lip-smacking array of Thai tapas.

It has been said that the restaurant's name was inspired by the Dusky Leaf Monkeys that made the tall trees surrounding the restaurant their home. Alas, I was never fortunate enough to catch glimpse of them.

–Lainey Loh, digital director

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Tau eu bak (braised pork in soy sauce) is one of my favourite homey dishes and Champs at Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC) was where I went when cravings hit. Champs also scored bonus points for serving it with cucumber pickle and legit sambal belacan. Even though it was in one of Kuala Lumpur’s posher malls, Champs was an unpretentious spot with a semi-outdoor section to tuck into tau eau bak or a very hearty bowl of prawn mee.

The restaurant's stinging bacon, a bar snack of bacon and wasabi, was also a favourite. It tragically folded up during the pandemic but this spot will always live in my food memories as being a number one Champs-ion of non-halal comfort food!

–Jennifer Choo, editor-in-chief, Tatler Homes Malaysia

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Some of my fondest childhood memories were spent over meals with my family. What comes to mind for this is Oliver’s Super Sandwiches, once located in the Old Wing of 1 Utama. It was always crowded with other families; nevertheless, my long-suffering parents would haul my siblings and me there for a Saturday brunch treat. Till today, avocado and oozy cheddar cheese grilled sandwiches remind me of its wood-panelled European-style café culture ambience.

–Tania Jayatilaka, senior digital writer

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My choice would be the Petaling Jaya branch of Khunthai Authentic Thai Restaurant which closed down in February 2020. Being a five-minute walk away from home previously, I often frequented the place with friends, knew all the waitstaff and workers, and would get slightly special treatment. I was privy to its off-menu items, would have corkage waived, and enjoy other privileges.

Once, I even brought a Thai exchange student there when she was missing a taste of home and she confirmed the authenticity of the flavours. Although it has shut down, the saving grace is that there are other branches in the city, which sadly I've yet to visit.

–Aaron Pereira, deputy editor

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Sitka Restaurant is a place I hold dearly in my memories. To be fair, I only had two meals there (I wasn't based here during its heydays), but both were extremely memorable. My first time was for my 23rd birthday and it was one of those rare occasions when everyone at the table enjoyed every dish that we ordered. Thankfully, its sister restaurants Studio and Alta are running and thriving, so I can still get some of its signature tastes and well-executed dishes today. 

–Amanda Fung, writer, Tatler Dining Malaysia

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