A guide to Kuala Lumpur
In collaboration with ELSE hotel, I present to you my personally curated guide to Kuala Lumpur. Whether you are in transfer of spend a couple of days, this guide is for you. Filled with places to eat & drink, experience and shop.
STAY
ELSE HOTEL
A response to a new breed of conscious explorers. People who journey to fostering cultural connections through curated experiences and relishing stillness, reflection and self-discovery. Else is a globally connected beacon, locally rooted in downtown Kuala Lumpur.
ELSE is housed within the iconic conserved Lee Rubber Building in downtown Kuala Lumpur and poised to be a new beacon for the burgeoning neighborhood. Else was created by architect Justin Chen and concept designer Javier Perez to offer a different way to explore cities, encouraging people to live in the moment and connect with their environment. It houses multiple unique suites filled with textured natural materials, organic-shaped furniture, and soft cotton bed linens, all with a touch of warm urban glamour. Along the hotel’s amenities you'll find a well-equipped gym, exfoliating salt-water floatation pods for relaxation, a library stocked with encyclopedias and reading material, versatile working and meeting spaces, art galleries showcasing local talent, a cozy sunken living room for unwinding, and a dedicated gratitude space ideal for private yoga sessions, meditation, or quiet reflection. Last but not least, their amazing rooftop pool overlooking a part of the city. Their two in-house kitchens: RAW & Yellow Fin Horse bring together the best of local produce and suppliers with an international perspective to create an unforgettable world-class dining experience.
EAT & DRINK
RAW
At the foot of Else Kuala Lumpur sits RAW a dining-living hall reserved for the vibrant and curious. An extension of the diverse neighbourhood, the restaurant’s menu adds flair to the Chinatown fare, drawing inspiration from Asian & Latin flavours to reveal layers of tantalising simplicity and bold tastes.
Upon the opening of Else's large doors, you immediately arrive into a perfectly designed dining hall with rich textures and tones making you drift away to mid-century Manhattan. A space filled with stunning green marbles, vibrant velvets, woven rattans, daring leathers, and a variety of captivating stone textures that come together to create a truly unique and inviting atmosphere. From Japanese Oysters, Cauliflower Tacos, Beetroot Buratta as sharing plates to Crispy Whole Seabass, Nam Jim Octopus and Gorganzola Gnocci for the table, a unique blend of diverse flavours is what truly thrives at Raw.
YELLOW FIN HORSE
An ongoing journey filled with the experimentation of basic, foundational cooking techniques and ingredients. Open-fire, ingredient-driven, seafood-centric—Yellow Fin Horse sets off bright, fresh flavours layered with a serving of smoke and fire.
At the to-floor of Else you'll find an experimental space build for a constant exploration of elemental cooking. Helmed by Chef Jun Wong, the kitchen team is dedicated to celebrating the art of crafting dishes from scratch, focusing on traditional methods such as open-flame cooking, curing, fermenting, and aging. Their menu exists of many experimental drinks & dishes such as homemade kombuchas, tualang wines, flame grilled local squid, burned orange scallops and Malaysian chocolate cake. Enjoy the option of dining at your own private table, or opt for shared seating at the front row of the bar, where you can witness the kitchen in action.
MONOGRAPH
A symphonic kitchen where the harmony of proportion and meticulous calculation define the essence of culinary craftsmanship. Monograph - ‘A detailed written study of a single specialised subject’ - lives up to its name.
Located along the historical rich stretch of Jalan Tun H S Lee, Monograph reveals itself as an understated gem where Mediterranean soul and Japanese precision are combined. Each dish is carefully crafted with a slight subtle touch and attention for detail. From worldwide influenced pastas, salads to beef curry and roasted fish. Don't forget to leave with a plate of their signature roasted Sicily Pistachio Terrine in your tummy. The atmosphere complements the tasty food, making it an intimate experiencet that enhances the beautifully served dishes.
CHOCHA
A Malaysian food concept rooted in tradition and build out of the act of sharing. ChoCha is all about simplicity and connection where local sourced ingredients are crafted into small plates and drinks for people to share. Fresh, simple and full of flavour.
Tucked inside an old red light hostel with dim lights and many secrets, walking into Chocha feels like walking into a time capsule. The original structure, tiled floors and fading paint on the walls still remained from the past mixed up with modern elements such as the red wood benches, wooden tables and contemporary ceramics. Their menu can be described as subtle, unassuming, yet deeply tied to the essence of Malaysian kitchen. With dishes such as their Umai - raw fish cured in tangy calamansi, tossed with mango and red onion - and Banana Blossom - harvested from the banana tree, this part is pickled and deep-fried in tempura butter, served with a shrimp paste tomato sambal leaving a surprising taste on your tongue.
More TO EAT
DEWAKAN (MICHELIN)
BARRA
PICKLE
PINCHOS TAPAS BAR
KEDAI KOP LAI FOONG
FUNG WONG BISCUIT
THE HUNGRY TAPIR
RAIJIN RAMEN BAR
& DRINK
JANN
RAKH
CONCUBINE
TRIPTYK
PENROSE
TERUMI
RIMBAR
BOTAK LIQUOR
EXPERIENCE
guan di temple
Build in 1888, this temple is one of the oldest in the city serving as a spiritual sanctuary and is a beautiful reminder of KL's multicultural heritage.
Dedicated to Guan Di, the God of War and Literature, the temple serves as a place of worship for many devotees seeking guidance, protection, and wisdom. The temple is not only a spiritual haven but also a cultural hub. During festivals, it comes alive with vibrant celebrations. Visitors can witness various rituals and ceremonies, experiencing the deep-rooted traditions of the Chinese community in Kuala Lumpur.
REXKL
A creative hub located in a formerly abandoned cinema showcasing art, music, film and performance by local and international artists.
Originally opened in 1945, the art deco building has undergone several transformations over the decades, evolving from a popular movie house into a space that now hosts a variety of art-related activities, including film screenings, performances, and community events.
The cinema features a classic interior, characterised by its retro design elements, which evoke a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era. Its large, intricately designed screen continues to draw film enthusiasts, while smaller screening rooms provide a more intimate setting for indie films and documentaries.
MASJID JAMEK
One of KL's oldest mosque, dating back to 1909 stands as a striking symbol of the city's rich cultural tapestry. It played a pivotal role in the founding of the city, as it was built where the first settlement of KL began.
Located at the convergence of the Klang and Gombak rivers, this mosque was completed in 1909 and showcases a beautiful blend of Moorish architectural elements, characterized by its elegant arches, domes, and ornate chandeliers.
The mosque plays a vital role in the local community by hosting events that showcase Islamic culture. It is still a place of worship for local Muslims today.
More TO EXPERIENCE
THE GODOWN
HIGH STREET STUDIOS
SRI MAHAMARIAMMAN TEMPLE
DATARAN MERDKA
NATIONAL MOSQUE
ISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM
SHOP
Fashion & Interior
Pavilion Shopping Mall
Weng Hoa Flower Boutique
Lilin + Co
Tudung People
Bonia
Haus of Malaysia inside Vitra
Books
BookXcess
Tsutaya Books
Markets
