Among the traffic laden, concrete hub of the Bukit Bintang area, you’d hardly expect to stumble upon a verdant, forest-themed dining hideaway. And yet, quietly tucked to the side of the Westin KL, happily oblivious to the constant clamouring of the city, there sits Finch in all its sparkling, lush glory.
Recently opened in August 2021, Finch was dreamed up with the tagline ‘Seek Magic Everyday’, a philosophy extending to its varied menu as much as it does its thoughtfully decorated setting.
“We wanted Finch to be more than just a restaurant. We put in a lot of thought in creating and transforming this tropical oasis to awe and inspire, and to awaken the inner child in all of us,” said group marketing manager Ms Brenda Ou.
Where the magic happens
Despite what one might expect, Finch’s decor doesn’t just tack on a one-note, enchanted woods theme ripped from the pages of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale and call it a day. Rather, its design evokes a dynamic blend of fantasy and the faraway.
Stepping past the entrance, guests are greeted with a velvet-covered Moroccan-esque lounge and bar area splashed with a kaleidoscope of rich, jewel shades. In secluded corners of the restaurant, flowers in powdery shades populate walls from floor to ceiling, echoing the light exuberance of a garden in spring. Guests making their way up to the second floor seating area are enveloped by tropical foliage on either side of the stairway while gilded birdcages hang overhead.
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Catering to every whim and fancy
Walking the line between playful and elegant, Finch’s offering of contemporary fusion cuisine ranges from its Magic Mushroom Brew soup with truffle and fresh cream, to the Charbroiled Australian Wagyu with an M4/5 rib eye.
An array of elevated local and asian dishes leave the diner spoiled for choice, with options like the Aussie Beef Rendang Nasi Lemak and the Prawn Truffle Chahan. The restaurant’s kitchen makes no secret of its love for truffles, as it features in a number of items on the menu, perhaps as a continuation of its magical garden motif.
Once fully immersed in the fanciful interior backdrop, guests can kick off their meal with a series of light yet decadent bites. The straight-cut Truffle Fries generously sprinkled with earthy truffle pate packs a flavourful punch, while the parmesan ties even more umami into the indulgent snack.
The Crispy Soft Shell Crab, seasoned with a blend of spices, unites the contrasting textures of the light crunch of the shell and the tender, fresh crab meat underneath.
The Finch Jungle Crab Salad may be just an appetiser, but as it descends onto your table, it’s already a full feast for the eyes. A full soft shell crab dominates the dish, sitting on a bed of leafy greens and Kyuri cucumber which are interspersed with tomatoes and tobiko roe. Drizzled with an orange sesame vinaigrette, this seafood salad brings together the elements of the tropics from the sea and sun to the abundant jungles all in one bite.
After the previous courses have tantalised the taste buds in preparation for the main dish, lovers of all things seafood will particularly enjoy the Freshwater Prawn Saffron Pappardelle. The beautifully presented dish showcases its large freshwater prawns as its centrepiece, laying atop a heaping portion of pappardelle pasta, all luxuriously blanketed by a rich, creamy sauce.
While the prawn flesh is succulent and a little sweet, the flat pasta’s delicate, springy texture makes an appropriately light accompaniment. To let these flavours shine, the addition of Iranian saffron subtly enhances the dish without overtaking it. Closing out a satisfying meal infused with touches of whimsy, diners can peruse the selection of cakes in the display cabinet to end the dining experience on a sweet note.
Finch KL is open for dine-in and also available for takeaway and delivery at finchkl.beepit.com/ordering
To make a reservation, call +6010 308 0888
Location: Lower Ground, Level 1 & 2, The Westin Kuala Lumpur, 199, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Photos: Finch KL