Whether it’s Mexican, South American or Spanish food you’re especially fond of, we’ve got your Latino palate covered.

The beauty of food is that it transcends languages and geographical boundaries. Food travels across nations to offer a glimpse of a nation or region’s culture through the ingredients, flavours and techniques incorporated into each dish – down to the way it is meant to be eaten.

Besides our own unique Malaysian cuisine(s), it’s no secret that we Malaysians love our Japanese buffets and omakase experiences or the occasional French dining. Then there’s the flavourful spices of Latin American cuisine, offering can’t-go-wrong favourites like tacos, tortillas and salsas.

If you’re particularly craving the latter, we’ve rounded up 5 Latin American restaurants around KL to check out. Whether it’s Mexican, South American or Spanish food you’re especially fond of, we’ve got your Latin American palate covered.

Sala KL

Good news for those with a plant-based diet: you don’t have to scrutinise the menu for a vegetarian-friendly dish at Sala KL. Located in the Desa Sri Hartamas area, this Latin-inspired Tex-Mex restaurant offers bowls, tacos, burritos and salads that are vegan yet protein-packed for a balanced, wholesome meal. Popular picks here include the Chimichanga, Mushroom Asada Burritos and Protein Packed Tacos. W salakl.com

Fuego

Famed for its al-fresco dining complemented with views of KL’s skyline, Fuego at Troika Sky Dining is a South American restaurant offering tapas-style dishes and big plates that are ideal for sharing. It is touted for having some of the best guacamole and ceviche options in the city, as well as a lip-smacking selection of grilled meats. Complementing the food menu are carefully crafted cocktails that are also inspired by South American ingredients and spirits, such as Caipirinha, mezcal and pisco. W troikaskydining.com

La Boca Latino Bar

For a vibrant Latin American experience that spans food, beverage, ambience and music, look no further than La Boca Latino Bar in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. At a glance, the restaurant’s painted walls resemble the colourful houses along Caminito, a famous tango street in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This unique atmosphere is highlighted by live Latin-inspired musical performances as well as salsa, bachata or latin beats by the resident DJ. As for the menu, expect a comprehensive selection of empanadas, ceviche, arepas and tamales as well as thirst quenchers including pisco sour and margaritas. W laboca.com.my

El Toro Loco Tapas Bar

Charging into the local Spanish dining scene last year is El Toro Loco Tapas Bar – offering an array of pinchos, tapas, cold cuts and sandwiches that are great for an afternoon snack or combined for a fuller meal. There’s a good mix of classic dishes like paella and patatas bravas, as well as original creations like Mejillones a la Marinera (black mussels cooked in a homemade marinera sauce). W etkl.com

Havana Dining

Opened in November 2019, Havana Dining (not to be confused with the bar of the same name in Changkat) calls itself a “rolled cigar music café”. Nestled on the rooftop of NU Sentral mall, this spacious Cuban restaurant takes pride in its Havana identity that encompasses its interiors, lively entertainment and Latin cuisine. The menu comprises of courses like Havana Lamb Rack and Salmon, each prepared with Cuban elements such as black bean rice and cumin spice, at times combined with a Malaysian twist. W havanadiningkl.com