The internationally-acclaimed Malaysian fashion designer lets us in on his favourite haunts in two cities he loves
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Kuala Lumpur
What do you love most about this city?
I like the buzz and the energy, and basically everything is accessible here. My office and home are based here. This is where I call home!
What is your favourite local dish from here and where can we find it?
I like Malaysian street food like ikan bakar and grilled squid. You can get delicious ones in Jalan Alor, Bukit Bintang.
Where would you take a first-timer to in this city?
Mainly to chill in Publika or the Bangsar area.
What is the one thing that the first-timer must do in this city?
Taste our local fruits like durian and rambutans.
The best place to have dinner with:
family – we like exploring many places, especially local food around the Damansara and Bangsar areas.
friends – Nobu.
colleagues – Jalan Alor and Jalan Imbi area.
The best thing about the locals:
They are friendly and smile a lot.
What should visitors avoid?
Back alleys. Trust your intuition; it will somehow alert you.
Name one souvenir to bring home.
Malay traditional wear, the Kurung or Kebaya.
Five words that sum up this city.
Vibrant, friendly, delicious, chill and colourful.
Where might we find you at 1am in this city?
At home sleeping.
Paris
One word to describe the locals.
Chic.
What do you find most refreshing about this city?
Refinement.
Name the café/restaurant where you had the best:
coffee – Café Charlot.
lunch – Restaurant Georges.
dinner – Chez Omar.
The best thing you can do here for free.
Visit the parks.
What was the best experience in this city for you?
I studied there.
Your favourite memory of the city?
Mary and I were a young couple then, and we got to stay with a French family. It brings back lovely memories.
The one thing you would do again if you went back:
To study.
A lesson learnt from this city/town:
To appreciate your own city.
What was the best piece of souvenir you took home from here?
Abstract art piece that was painted at the Love Bridge.
Name something they have here that you wished you had at home:
Well-known museums.
Photo Credits: Jalan Alor, Nobu, Restaurant Georges, The Love Bridge
