When you’re tired of the mall life, look for these hidden gems down alleyways and behind non-signposted doorways
1. Shhhbuuuleee
Make your way through the much-photographed stacks of Rex KL’s BookXcess to the top level of the bookshop and look for the neon sign – you’ve found Shhhbuuuleee. This unpretentious rooftop bar is perched on top of converted cinema Rex KL, and serves up inventive small plates and a refreshing lineup of sake, shochu and highball cocktails. Prepare to spend a lot of time exploring Shhhbuuleee’s unusual, delicious menu – tempura cauliflower with Malaysia vinegar caramel, grouper head terrine with chayote – and delicious cocktails. Our recommendation? The deceptively easy-drinking signature cocktail Yuzu-Hi, a zesty combination of shochu, Nimbura lemon and yuzu. 80 Jalan Sultan, KL; instagram.com/shhhbuuuleee
2. BackAlley
Named after its location in, literally, a back alley, BackAlley is known for its modern take on fresh pasta. The by reservation only restaurant serves up fresh, handmade pasta that combines traditional techniques with inventive Asian flavours and exceptional ingredients. Look for tagliatelle tossed in truffle-infused cacio e pepe or nori and garlic butter, topped with foie gras, or Kurobuta pork, or golden snapper. 8 Jalan 1/67B, off Jalan Mengkudu, KL; instagram.com/backalleypasta
3. Small Shifting Space
Tucked inside a converted shophouse in KL’s Chinatown, Small Shifting Space is an experimental restaurant and natural winebar with an ever-changing lineup of chefs and menus. The kitchen serves as a base for different guest chefs each month, each of whom take over the space with their own styles and menus. Perch at the bar and enjoy small plates with a front-row view of Small Shifting Space’s great selection of natural and biodynamic wines. 141 Jalan Petaling, KL; instagram.com/smallshiftingspace
4. Curiousity Iron River
Down a back alley, through a set of rusting metal doors, you’ll find Curiousity Iron River. The restaurant, bar and performance space combines an eclectic mix of styles, with a rustic open-air courtyard filled with plants and mismatched furniture, and an elegant 1950s-style dining room and bar. The menu features a classic mix of local and old-school Western dishes – think fish & chips, chicken chop and old-fashioned steaks – alongside fried rice and noodles. The real charm in Curiousity Iron River is when live performers take over and the space comes to life. If you can, drop by one of their jam sessions. Even if you’re just spectating, the energy is always electric. 138 Jalan Sungai Besi, Chan Sow Lin, KL; fb.com/thecuriousityironriver
5. Hide and Seek
Behind a nondescript storefront lies Hide and Seek, a bright, airy atrium filled with light and an idiosyncratic mix of very colourful furniture. (“Weird but colourful chairs” is a key part of their branding.) Come for the rice bowls (the karaage and Japanese char siew, especially), stay for the vibes, that include artworks by local artists hanging from the rafters, an incredible lineup of cakes and artisanal coffee. Plus, whether you’re visiting during the day or after dark, there’s a rotating programme of pop-ups by KL’s most interesting people: flash tattoo events, reading performances, art exhibitions, cocktail nights. 33-A Jalan 20/16, Taman Paramount, Petaling Jaya; instagram.com/hideandseekcoffee_
