Cover Photo: Back Alley Pasta
Photo: Back Alley Pasta
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Seating may be limited at these eateries but the flavours are in abundance
Do not judge a restaurant by its size. These small—a couple even qualify as tiny—eateries do not compromise on taste despite their compact space.
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Chipta11a
Above Photo: Jena Yek Shepherd Pictures
Above Photo: Chipta11a
Photo: Jena Yek Shepherd Pictures
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Tucked away in a suburban corner of Petaling Jaya, Chipta11a is a no-menu, limited seating, pork-free eatery. The interior is simple and neutral to allow the food and drinks to shine.
The dishes here are unique as it adopts techniques and ingredients from Japanese cuisine but infuse them with a curated sophistication inspired by the rest of the world. From Risotto with Pickled Vegetables and Seaweed to Smoked Tofu Fish served with Miso Beurre Blanc, its offerings are in equal parts enticing and inventive.
Chipta11a | 11a, Jalan 20/16, Sea Park, 46300 Petaling Jaya | +6011 2899 6296 | Wednesday-Saturday, 12pm-2:30pm, 6pm-10pm; Sunday-Tuesday, 6pm-10pm; Closed Monday
See also: Where and What to Eat: 5 Eateries to Try in Taman Paramount
Small Shifting Space
Above Photo: Small Shifting Space
Above Photo: Small Shifting Space
Photo: Small Shifting Space
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The recipient of the Most Innovative Concept Award at the Tatler Dining Awards 2022, Small Shifting Space changes its menu as often as the the innovative minds in the kitchen would allow. Chef Francis Klassen and his team take on classic dishes like the Sunday Roast and congee, and give them a modern twist. And there's something about tasting these inventive plates within its tiny rustic interior of steel and marble slabs; the place may be humble but it's certainly big on character.
Small Shifting Space | 141, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur | +6017 440 5591 | Wednesday, 5pm-10pm; Thursday & Friday, 5pm-12am; Saturday, 12pm-12am; Sunday, 12pm-10pm
See also: Tatler Dining Awards 2022: Meet the 3 Award Winners
Back Alley Pasta
Photo: Back Alley Pasta
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Back Alley Pasta has been going viral for its innovative pasta dishes that incorporate Asian flavours. The wait list to dine at this humble eatery (only 20 seats) is known to be months long. And if you manage to get a table, be sure to order Chef Jay's Signature Gnocchi with Yuzu Brisket with Miso Bechamel Sauce.
Back Alley Pasta | No. 8, Jalan 1/67b, Off Jalan Mengkudu, 55000 Kuala Lumpur | +6014 758 5780 | Tuesday-Sunday, 5:30pm-10pm
See also: 6 Open-Kitchen Eateries in Malaysia You Need to Try for Your Next Meal Out
Shhhbuuuleee
Photo: Shhhbuuuleee
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Shhhbuuuleee's head chef takes flavours from East Asia and morphs them into clever small plates that bring a fresh perspective to traditional taste. Take the red glutinous rice dish that was created to evoke the taste of nasi goreng but using sakura ebi and salt-cured fish. Located at the top floor of REXKL, it also specialises in sake and shochu, making it the perfect spot to wind down at sunset.
Shhhbuuuleee | 80, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur | +6012 612 0786 | Wednesday-Sunday, 5pm-12am
See also: Where & What To Eat: 7 Places To Explore In Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur
Cotta
Photo: Cotta
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Calling all ricotta fans! This little eatery above a sundry shop is a hidden gem in Bukit Damansara; there's no signage on the outside to indicate its presence at all. When you do find it, you will be rewarded with its sourdough toast masterpieces, such as the Chuck Mooris Pulled Beef Ricotta Toast that has become one of its most, if not the most, popular items on the menu.
Cotta | 49M, Jalan Medan Setia 1, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur | +6011 2321 2125 | Monday-Sunday, 9am-4pm
See also: Where & What to Eat: 7 Yakitori Spots You Have to Try
BAC
Above Photo: BAC
Above Photo: BAC
Photo: BAC
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Yet another hidden gem in Bukit Damansara, BAC is an intimate restaurant-bar suited for date nights. Its cocktail menu boasts unexpected combinations but they are sure to please the palate. The DTF cocktail made with toasted rice and miso fat-washed Mackintosh whiskey, seaweed and a wakame kombucha is a must-have.
For a bite, the XXX Wagyu Udon entices with a medium-rare wagyu on top a bed of chewy udon and drenched in the most appetising sauce.
BAC | 73-1, Jln Setia Bakti, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur | +6010 287 0731 | Tuesday-Sunday, 6pm-12am
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Amanda is a KL-born and raised third culture kid, who lives to eat. If not found reading, writing for Tatler Dining, or snacking, she is most likely playing with her dog, Katsu, sourcing new Birkenstocks, or looking for a new restaurant to venture to.
Follow her on Instagram at @feedingamanda.
