1. MOG GU MUNG
Priding itself in offering the real Korean BBQ experience, MOG GU MUNG is Sri Petaling’s latest KBBQ joint with a friendly, no-frills atmosphere that feels welcoming whether you’re with friends or family. The star of show at MOG GU MUNG is definitely the fresh, generous cuts of beef and pork, neatly grilled for you tableside, which can be paired with its refillable sides such as kimchi and green onion salad. To complete your meal, order a portion of fried rice that gets prepared right on your grill.
Address: No.10 and 12, Jalan Radin Bagus 7, Bandar Baru Sri Petaling, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12:00PM – 12:00AM daily
Contact: +6017-445 9508
2. LandOn
Hidden beneath Wisma Central is LandOn, an intimate underground escape that fuses London-subway cool with a distinctly Malaysian charm. It’s not a speakeasy, but rather a seamless descent into a cosy, conversation-driven hideaway. Equal parts playful, grounded, and quietly sophisticated, expect early evenings that hum with chill R&B and nostalgic beats, while post-10PM brings soulful grooves, funk, and rotating DJ sets. Besides inventive cocktails, LandOn also showcases a small menu of bar bites for guests feeling a little peckish.
Address: Lot 0.10 Basement Floor, Wisma Central, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, 50450, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: NA
Contact: +6011-6521 2600 and +6011-3902 0799
3. Hot Buns Co.
Hot Buns Co. brings a fresh, elevated spin to comfort dining at APW Bangsar, created by the team behind cult-favourite smash burger popup Patties & Dough. Chefs Moe and Min take their craft far beyond burgers here, serving everything from fluffy breakfast pancakes and juicy hanger steaks to smoky burnt oysters and melt-in-your-mouth beef short ribs, all executed with the same precision and creativity that built their reputation. The indulgence continues with a must-order Sticky Toffee Pudding, while a well-stocked bar of craft cocktails, classics, beers, and wines makes it an all-day, all-occasion spot for anyone craving good food and even better vibes.
Address: 29, Jalan Riong, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur 59100, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12:00PM – 10:00PM (Wednesdays and Thursdays), 12:00PM – 12:00AM (Fridays), 8:00AM – 12:00AM (Saturdays and Sundays), closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Contact: +6014-963 3638
4. Sawee
Sawee, situated in Desa Sri Hartamas, is known for its signature take on Nak-gop-sae, a fiery Busan-born stir-fry combining chewy octopus, rich beef intestines, and springy shrimp, all cooked in a spicy, savoury sauce. Their rendition uses premium ingredients, simmered until the flavours deepen and intensify, delivering sweet-spicy, umami-rich goodness that’s comforting and great for sharing over drinks. Sawee makes Nak-gop-sae approachable and addictive, even if beef intestines aren’t your thing.
Address: No.8, Ground Floor, Jalan 25/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11:00AM – 11:00PM daily
Contact: +603-6211 5273
5. Porca
Brought to you by the team behind The Butcher’s Table, Porca invites you into its space with a lived-in, mid-century charm to indulge in its playful yet refined take on Western comfort food. Serving as a cafe by day and a charcoal grill restaurant by the evening, Porca has on offer inventive dishes like Iberico pork sliders, pasta, sirloins, lamb ribs, and more, and and it channels the same meticulous, meat-loving ethos that earned The Butcher’s Table its loyal following.
Address: 30, Jalan SS 2/103, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 8:00AM – 3:00PM (Cafe), 6:00PM – 10:00PM (Charcoal grill)
6. MODU Samgyetang
MODU Samgyetang inside The Exchange TRX delivers what many are calling the “luxury” rendition of Korea’s comforting ginseng soup. Every bowl of samgyetang is slowly simmered for 12 hours to yield a collagen-rich and deeply aromatic broth that’s nourishing and healing for the soul. The menu offers six variations of the samgyetang – the classic herbal Hanbang, Perilla Seed, Black Sesame, Black Chicken, Beauty, and a Spicy Hangover version. Long lines are almost a given here, but you can take a queue ticket, wander the mall, and return when it’s your turn.
Address: Lot L2T.04.0 & L2T.05.0, Level 2, The Exchange TRX, Persiaran TRX, Imbi, 55188 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11:00AM – 11:00PM daily
Contact: +6011-7575 8000
7. Firewood KLCC
Firewood KLCC brings both the flames and the flavour of its Michelin-selected Penang roots to Kuala Lumpur. Recognised for its open-fire cooking, the grill house sticks to its wood-burning origins and offers diners a mix of signature firewood steaks as well as fresh seafood like Hokkaido scallops and Norway sea trout. Led by Chef Qaia Yew, a must-try is their Australian Stone Axe full-blood Wagyu – the first in KL – which is available as sirloin or Firewood KLCC’s signature firewood wagyu claypot.
Address: SR-05-05, Star Boulevard KLCC, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12:00PM – 2:30PM, 5:30PM – 10:00PM (closed on Mondays)
Contact: +6012-258 9246
8. The Bread Project
The Bread Project is a neighbourhood bakery-café that turns everyday pastries into inventive, small-batch creations. From hojicha mochi terrine buns and passionfruit brownie danishes to mentaiko-mala baguettes and focaccia-style sandwiches inspired by global flavours, the menu balances whimsy with craft. Whether you’re swinging by for a buttery croissant, a comforting lunch, or something beautifully unexpected from the pastry case, The Bread Project brings a fresh, imaginative energy to PJ’s café scene.
Address: 34, Jalan SS 4c/5, Ss 4, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 8:00AM – 5:00PM (closed on Mondays)
Contact: +6010-205 3340
9. douhao
Tucked away in Ara Damansara, douhao is a welcoming bakehouse where early risers and pastry lovers can hit pause and treat themselves with its soft, buttery pastries and thoughtfully brewed drinks. Founded by two friends, Gareth and Keng Ho, the cafe aims to soothe the senses with simple, high-quality offerings in a relaxed, calm setting. Oh, and it’s also pet-friendly!
Address: 16, Jalan PJU 1A/42A, Ara Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 8:00AM – 5:30PM daily
10. Mana Dining
Yet another dining establishment has cropped up at KL’s Chinatown, and this time, it’s Mana Dining, delivering pan-Asian dishes from midday into the night. Lunch sees comforting offerings like pad kra pow rice and chicken ramen with hand-pulled noodles, whereas for dinner, diners can expect more elevated fare, such as starters like rendang croquettes and meatballs, as well as mains like beef short ribs, Denver lamb ribs, and freshwater prawns.
Address: 66-1, Jalan Hang Kasturi, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11:00AM – 4:00PM, 5:00PM – 11:00PM daily
Contact: +6012-453 8979
11. Jan’s Gelato & Bakes
Located at Menara KEN TTDI, Jan’s Gelato & Bakes slow-churns its gelato fresh every morning so by noon, the counter is lined with silky, creamy scoops. Flavour-wise, you can opt for classics like pistachio or macadamia, or try more local-inspired ones such as cendol or banana miso. On top of gelato, Jan’s showcases bakes from pastry-chef Janice Siew (of Petiteserie) so you’re getting a dual charm of a cafe and dessert spot in one.
Address: G2-GF, Menara KEN TTDI, 37, Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 8:00AM – 9:00PM (Mondays to Wednesdays), 8:00AM – 10:00PM (Thursdays to Sundays)
Contact: +6012-235 9511
12. CHARA
A sister restaurant to Bangsar’s BAIT, CHARA delivers fiery, unapologetic flavour via an open-flame parrilla grill that transforms premium cuts and seafood into smoky, char-rich delights. What makes it stand out from a regular grill house is its bold seasoning that includes house-fermented chillies and complex marinades that bring local and global influences to the grill. If you cannot decide from its a la carte menu, CHARA also offers a four-course Chef’s set dinner that includes an amuse bouche, starter, main, and dessert.
Address: 63, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 5:00PM – 11:00PM (Mondays to Wednesdays), 12:30PM – 2:30PM (Thursdays), 12:30PM – 2:30PM and 6:00PM – 12:00AM (Fridays), 12:00PM – 5:00PM and 6:00PM – 11:00PM (Saturdays), 12:30PM – 2:30PM and 6:00PM – 11:00PM (Sundays)
Contact: +6019-897 2899
Explore last month’s Eat List here or head here for more food stories.
Featured image: MODU