For something more than just the regular Eggs Benedict and Big Breakfast, these 5 places will blow your socks off.
If you ever have a moment in time when you drive out for brunch during the weekends and think, "What can I have today, instead of the usual Eggs Benedict?", then you've come to the right place.
Brunch is a burgeoning trend in Malaysia and we have even talked about it in places where you can have all-day breakfast menus in the city. Now, we bring you five 'brunch with a twist' places you should absolutely try.
From a cross-order venue for dim sum and Mexican food to a brunch creperie, there are plenty of exciting establishments to have a non-Western traditional brunch.
Strangers at 47 at Seksyen 17, Petaling Jaya (halal)
First spotted in our July 2014 new openings listing, Strangers at 47 has made its name with a crepe-focused menu that features delicious, sweet and savoury crepes. From its 'Eggcited over Cheese' crepe to the pineapple-based 'Spongebob's Crib v2', you will be spoilt for choice with its list of exciting ingredients and flavours.
There are also plenty of special menus created for celebrations like Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year. Who wouldn't want a love-fused indulgence in the form of red velvet crepes with mascarpone strawberry yoghurt, blueberries, white chocolate curls and vanilla ice cream?
Smoking Hog at SS2, Petaling Jaya (non-halal)
Modelled after the speakeasy concept, Smoking Hog is not only a great weekend bar hangout spot but it is also known for its delicious pork-heavy brunch menu. Here, almost every dish consists of pork bacon.
When at Smoking Hog, be sure to try out dishes like the Guinness Stout beer batter pancakes stacked with aromatic smoked bacon or the Egg Bomb made with runny yolk embedded within a globe of mashed potatoes. To find this hidden joint, just go to the back entrance of Crab Factory and take the elevator located right next to the kitchen. Head on to the third floor and voila! You're ready for a bacon-filled brunch feast!
Dolly Dim Sum at Avenue K, Kuala Lumpur (halal)
Located on the ground floor of Avenue K, Dolly Dim Sum serves delicious Chinese dim sums in an eclectic setting. The signature egg custard buns and pan fried salted fish buns served here are not to be missed. There are also plenty of food choices from traditional to innovative variations for diners to savour.
But the highlight to this quaint little joint is the flexibility to cross-order dishes from its neighbouring Mexican restaurant, Fresca. So while tucking into some oriental delights, you can also add some tacos and jalapeno poppers to the mix. To this, we say: 'Sí, por favor!'
Bandits Coffee Bar in Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur (halal)
This few months old joint is the new hype in town. Owned by former barista of Podgy and the Banker - Neil Ng, Bandits' fame has been on the rise since its first day of operation. Like many other great cafes in KL, coffee and food here are on point, with little to no room for errors.
What makes this place a great brunch spot is the unique menu with a strong focus on avocados in its dishes. From chocolate avocado cupcake to the quinoa salad with avocado, the choices are delicious and healthy at the same time. For those who prefer to indulge, there are also S'mores brownies, raspberry coconut slices and cheese tarts topped with macadamia nuts and salted caramel.
Ali, Muthu and Ah Hock at Oasis Ara Damansara (halal)
If western cuisine and dim sum don't tickle your fancy, then maybe a touch of nostalgia will be your cup of tea. Head over to Oasis Ara Damansara to find Ali, Muthu and Ah Hock, a kopitiam-styled restaurant that serves up a storm of delicious local dishes. From laksa to nasi lemak and mee goreng, the menu here is simple, hearty and plain delightful.
Paired with its old-school kopitiam setting, including ceramic chicken bowls and beige floral cups, you will be transported back into the past in no time at all. This is a great place to take your parents to and for your kids to see what it used to be like in Malaysia before the invasion of Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts.
(Photos courtesy of respective outlets)
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