The Malaysian food scene is thriving with new ideas, fresh flavours, and creative concepts that constantly keep diners on their toes. From humble cafés tucked into shoplots to big-name chains making their debut, there’s always something new to add to your food-hopping list.
This latest wave of openings brings a variety of exciting choices that range from burger joints and hot dog specialists to bakeries, ramen shops, and Italian comfort food havens. Whether you’re in the mood for indulgent desserts or hearty meals, this lineup has something for every craving.
1. Decker’s
Once known as Triple Decker, this beloved burger spot has found its way back home to REXKL, but with a fresh identity and bigger ambitions. The new Decker’s menu goes beyond classic smash burgers, introducing chicken burgers and perfected chicken tenders that took more than 40 trials to get just right. These crispy, juicy tenders can be enjoyed as a main or dipped into their house-made sauces, such as a creamy tarragon aioli.
- Address: REXKL, 80, Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
- Operating Hours: 12pm – 9pm; Closed on Mondays
2. Big Black Coffee
Hidden on the first floor of a shoplot in TTDI, Big Black Coffee is adding a Thai twist to the café scene. Expect familiar favourites like prawn toast, fried chicken, and beef focaccia, but with bold Thai flavours and spices. The café also focuses on Thai-sourced beans, with cold brews as their specialty. It’s a refreshing alternative for those who want something different from the usual café offerings.
- Address: 3A, First Floor, Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 7, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
- Operating Hours: 7am – 5pm; Closed on Mondays
3. Mervy’s Hot Dogs
At Mervy’s Hot Dogs, the classic American street food gets a Malaysian twist with premium toppings and locally sourced ingredients. It’s a pork-free concept but one that still offers a lively dining experience, with alcohol available to pair with your hot dogs. The menu celebrates the balance between comfort food and creativity, elevating the humble hot dog into a meal worth travelling for. It’s a spot that proves sometimes simple food, done well, can make the biggest impact.
- Address: 1A, Jalan SS 4c/5, Taman Rasa Sayang, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
- Operating Hours: 1pm – 10pm; Closed on Tuesdays
4. Ramen Monster
Ramen Monster, already a hit at pop-ups, now has a permanent home at The Pocket in Sungai Besi. Their ramen is rich, soulful, and designed to comfort on any day of the week. Popular choices include the tonkotsu shoyu ramen, while the truffle shoyu ramen adds indulgence for those seeking something extra. This new ramen spot is already creating buzz among noodle lovers.
- Address: 139, Jln Sungai Besi, Sungai Besi, 57100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
- Operating Hours: 12pm – 9pm; Closed on Thursdays
5. Open Table & Bar
From the team behind PULP in Bangsar, Open Table is the newest name to know in Sentul West’s Pickle Depot. The café pairs industrial chic interiors with a relaxed setting that encourages diners to linger. One of its highlights is a lineup of compound butters in creative flavours such as truffle, chilli garlic, kombu, and even chicken crackling. Served with bread, they’re a unique way to add personality to a simple café meal.
- Address: Sentul Depot, Jalan Strachan, Sentul West, 51100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
- Operating Hours: 8am – 10.30pm
6. Lo & Behold
Recently, Lo & Behold has expanded beyond its Chinatown roots with a new outlet in TTDI. Known for their signature L&B Classic Smash is loaded with juicy patties and caramelised onions, while the Chilli Fish Sauce Fried Chicken offers a punchy mix of sweet, sour, and spicy flavours. Beyond burgers, the menu surprises with dishes like a creamy Tom Yum Pasta and refreshing Baja Fish Tacos, before ending on playful desserts such as Peanut Butter Oreo or Belgian Chocolate Biscoff soft serve, each topped with torched marshmallows.
- Chinatown Address: 141G, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
- TTDI Address: 29-1 First Floor, above Ora Dining, Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 7, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
- Operating Hours: 12pm – 12am; Closed on Mondays
7. Parry Road Bistro & Bar
Named after Jalan P. Ramlee’s original name, Parry Road Bistro serves up a mix of artisanal pastries, handmade pasta, pizzas, sandwiches, and hearty salads, making it an all-day dining spot with plenty to choose from. For drinks, the café offers matcha, gourmet coffees, and healthy smoothies to suit every mood. On the dessert front, highlights include the Chestnut Mont Blanc, a delicate mountain of chestnut cream layered for indulgence, and the Shanghai Chicken Floss Roulade, which brings a playful yet refined twist to the table.
- Address: Ground Floor, Cormar Suites, 10, Jalan Perak, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
- Operating Hours: 10am – 10pm; Closed on Sundays
8. Sando-Icchi
If you love beef, Sando-Icchi is a new sandwich shop that takes things to the next level. Their menu features hearty Japanese-style sandos filled with thick cuts of tender Australian beef. The highlight is the Big-Size Felix Steak Sando, which is large enough to fill both hands. It’s a sandwich that has quickly become a must-try, often selling out before the day ends.
- Address: Lot No.56, Level G2, Publika Shopping Gallery, 1, Jln Dutamas 1, Solaris Dutamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
- Operating Hours: 10am – 10pm
9. Slim Chickens
Hailing from Arkansas, Slim Chickens makes its Malaysian debut in Subang Jaya’s bustling SS15. The fast-casual brand is known for its signature buttermilk chicken, garlic bread sides, and a wide range of sauces. Meals include bottomless drinks and fries, making it a hearty and affordable option for groups. If you’re unsure where to start, go for the Slim Sauce or Cayenne Ranch, which are fan-favourite dips.
- Address: 44-G (Ground Floor, Jalan SS 15/4d, Ss 15, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
- Operating Hours: 11am – 11pm
10. OMNA Restaurant
Pizza and pasta lovers have a new go-to at Omna, a cheerful Italian-inspired eatery in Ara Damansara. Their Carnivore Pizza and Omna Signature Pizza deliver hearty, meaty flavours, while the unique Signature Fried Rice adds a playful twist. The space is warm and casual, making it ideal for a relaxed night out with friends or family. With comforting flavours and generous portions, it’s the kind of restaurant you’ll want to revisit often.
- Address: G-LG-05, Cantara Retail Jalan PJU 1A/42B Pusat Dagangan NZX, Ara Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
- Operating Hours: 10.30am – 9.30pm
Have you found your next must-visit café or restaurant?
