Ampang, one of the oldest neighbourhoods just outside Kuala Lumpur city centre, is home to many eateries. From a tin mining town, Ampang has evolved into a huge melting pot of cultures. Other than Malaysians, Ampang is also home to most of Kuala Lumpur’s embassies and a Koreatown. You’ll find a huge variety of restaurants in the area, including European, Japanese, Korean, as well as modern cafés. Get ready to explore the area and have a taste of Ampang at these must-try restaurants.
Head on over to Restoran Teochew & Hakka for a feast of delicious seafood and authentic Chinese dishes. You fill find the usual Chinese fare – a variety of styles for omelettes, noodles, stir-fry vegetables, beancurd, and tofu options. The seafood, especially river fishes, are a favourite here. Fishes are steamed and paired with sauces to delicately bring out the sweetness of the meat. Staying true to their roots you will Teochew porridge which is enjoyed with lots of side dishes ranging from vegetables, meat, braised eggs, peanuts, and more. Several Hakka dishes can also be found here including Hakka Salted Kampong Chicken and Hakka Abacus.
Lauded as one of the best places in town to have a romantic dinner, Tamarind Springs is nestled in a lush rainforest. The restaurant has a few pavilions for diners who enjoy being close to nature as they feast on refreshing traditional Indochinese and Thai dishes. Taking inspiration from Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand, the dishes showcase the sweet, salty, sour and spicy flavors of the region with a modern twist. The Terrace, the pool lounge restaurant on the same grounds, offers steaming Thai Hot Pot with platters of sustainably-sourced ingredients including seafood, meat, and vegetables. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a quiet and intimate meal at Tamarind Springs.
Located along the stretch of Jalan Ampang, Greenhouse by Muir is a unique F&B hub that is home to several cafes and restaurants. Its glass house design pays tribute to the influential Scottish-American naturalist John Muir. On the upper floors, Minu serves contemporary Japanese dishes while BRYCG is the place to go to for a New Orleans feast. Kuroshio Market on the ground floor offers a casual dining experience that serves various Japanese dishes, from sashimi, sushi, makimono, and hand rolls to don, salads and noodles.
Nestled in Koreatown, B Station is different from other Korean cafés and restaurants. The café is decorated to the brim with old-school knick-knacks that the owner, John Lee, has collected over the years. The country-style vibe gives off the feeling as though you are dining at someone’s home. While searching for healthy Korean food, John eventually decided to open his own place. You will find homemade Korean food that is free from MSG and preservatives, including kimchi, tteokbokki, sausages and beancurd. Some of the favourites here include Bibimbap, Bulgogi, Seafood Pancake, as well as their own creation – Bulgogi hotdog. Each main dish comes with refillable banchan (side dishes).
One of the most well-known Italian restaurants in town, La Risata has been around since 1996. This rustic restaurant features brick walls and warm furnishings, creating a cosy setting for diners. Patrons will find themselves in for an authentic hearty Italian meal here and an extensive wine list to drink from. Choose from their popular traditional wood-fired oven thin and crispy pizzas, pastas, meat and seafood dishes.
Sapore, a hidden gem in Ampang, is an Italian, Spanish-Mediterranean restaurant serving classic Italian and Spanish dishes with a contemporary flair. If you are a fan of Jamon Iberico, tapas and wine, Sapore is the place to go to. Some of the highlights include Suckling Pig, Iberico Pork Seafood Paella, Roasted Octopus and Iberico Abanico Loin.
Las Carretas, ‘The Wagon’ in Spanish, is a down-to-earth Mexican restaurant that offers authentic Mexican cuisine in a cozy little nook in Ampang. The interior is welcoming with a rustic vibe to it – Mexicana-style decorations and Aztec features on warm yellow walls. Quench your thirst with their Margaritas and munch on nachos or corn chips as you wait for your main meal. Their selection of food is scrumptious and some of the specialities here include fajitas, chimichangas, quesadillas, enchiladas, home-smoked short ribs and nachos.
Chalet Suisse has been around since 1996 and has hosted parties for foreign dignitaries and royal events. The interior is built to look like a traditional Swiss cabin. To keep it authentic, over 6,000 kg of recycled pinewood was shipped via sea freight containers to create this quaint looking restaurant. With its snug, comfy settings, you will feel right at home when you dine here. They offer dishes like chicken liver terrine, mozzarella caprese, escargots a la maison, barley soup Grison-style, veal cordon bleu, and lamb chop de vinzel – Chef Heinz Bauert’s creation of lamb chops with a mixed crust on port wine sauce. For something cheesy, try the Swiss Cheese Raclette.
After operating in in Bangsar for almost a decade serving gourmet burgers for the adventurous, The Daily Grind is now available in Ampang. This outlet takes up two floors – a naturally-lit courtyard with beautiful plants is located on the ground floor; while the upper floor is catered towards small corporate events or gatherings. The Ampang branch offers selected gourmet burger options but have taken a slightly different direction on the menu with new comfort food dishes like Lobster Mac & Cheese, Lamb Ribs, Southern Fried Chicken, Hangover Breakfast, Fish & Chips and Smothered Steak. So, kick back and relax at The Daily Grind as you enjoy their juicy burgers and hearty meals.
A good place to chill for a cup of coffee and delectable bites, 28 Fireplace has touches of a modern minimalistic Australian cafe. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the resident cat, Saturday, here. Drop by for brunch and try the popular Eggs Benedict – 63 degree eggs, homemade hollandaise sauce and beef pastrami on a toasted English muffin. As the new kid on the block, 28 Fireplace continuously revisits its menu to make upgrades and come up with new creation. For example, the pesto chicken, one of the best sellers, made from a hand-me-down recipe has been upgraded with more oomph. For those with dietary restriction, vegan and vegetarian options are available here as well.
