A Foodie’s Guide to Bangsar South
Curated by a foodie, for a foodie. Read on to learn about the myriad of eateries in Bangsar South. Enjoy!
BY HIRANMAYII AWLI MOHANAN
# FIVE O’ CLOCK BRASSERIE
The gleaming and lavish Five O’ Clock Brasserie nestled in the food enclave of The Sphere at Bangsar South exudes a sense of familiarity and comfort. Inside, clean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, complementary black accents, teal velvet upholstery on rattan chairs and paintings run throughout the brasserie. The Tuna Tataki, the restaurant’s signature starter comes unassuming but sweeps you off your feet with its umami flavour after one bite. The marinated tuna is lightly seared, served on a bed of sliced avocado and accompanied with a ginger soy dressing. Something heftier and with more depth calls for the Traditional Seafood Paella — a copious plateful of fresh squid, mixed vegetables, Australian fresh mussels, clams and king tiger prawns tossed in saffron-infused Spanish rice.
Address: Five O’ Clock Brasserie, The Sphere, Unit G5, 1 Avenue, Bangsar South, 59200 Kuala Lumpur.
# SUNBATHER COFFEE
Swathed with influences from The Land of the Rising Sun, Sunbather Coffee looks at the sunny side of things. It physical store cosily tucked at The Sphere in Bangsar South, this cafe has recently opened it arms to delivering to its surrounding 10km radius. Sunbather Coffee prides itself in being a distinctive destination for yoshoku — Japanese interpretations of Western and European fare. You can’t go wrong with the Sunbather Big Brekkie for lunch or any time of day. East meets west with this dish, featuring heartwarming Japanese potato and egg salad, teriyaki chicken meatballs, shōyu sausage onigiri with torched cheese, tamagoyaki, corn salsa, minestrone and smoked salmon. The Beef Mapo Tofu Rice, Sunbather’s rendition of the Mōbōdōfu sees steaming soft silky tofu and minced beef coated in Sichuan chilli bean paste. It’s moderately spiced with the characteristic málà flavour that gives a tongue-tingling sensation.
Address: Sunbather Coffee, UG-12, Upper Ground, The Sphere, 8, Jalan Kerinchi, Bangsar South City 59200 Kuala Lumpur.
# BUENA BRASA GASTROPUB
Buena Brasa Gastropub is a relatively new addition to The Sphere at Bangsar South, specialising in the distinctive Spanish cuisine. In addition to the incredible food, a key part of the gastronomical experience is the modern, yet cozy and welcoming interior. The signature dishes here include the Prawns in Olive Oil and Garlic, Jamon Iberico with Tomato Bread and Seafood Paella Made On Charcoal, prepared with special Spanish rice called Arroz bomba with prawns, black mussels, squid and vegetables. Alternatively, dig into the BB Cheese Burger — a glorious hand-pressed grain-fed patties sandwiched between smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, cheese, caramelised onion on brioche bun with mustard mayonnaise.
Address: Buena Brasa Gastropub, Unit G9 & G10, Ground Level, The Sphere, 8, Jalan Kerinchi, Bangsar South City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur.
# THE FARM FOODCRAFT
Enveloped by ubiquitously-placed plants and exuding a rustic ambience, The Farm Foodcraft is quite literally a farm and restaurant that doles out farm-to-table experience. Almost every ingredient for its dishes is freshly grown and harvested from its urban farming lab. What it can’t grow in its lab are sourced directly from local farmers and vendors. The menu is a harmonious marriage of various cuisines, each embracing all that is fundamentally ‘good’ such as fresh vegetables and seasonal ingredients, to serve up fresh, contemporary dishes. This is evident in the Soil to Soul Garden Pot — the Farm’s signature appetiser featuring edible ‘soil’ made from mushroom, sour dough, onion and black olives. This is served alongside heirloom tomatoes, ice plant, Farm-grown cress and finger lime citrus — such a beautiful medley of wholesomeness.
Address: The Farm Foodcraft Restaurant Bangsar South, Unit G-1 & G-2, Level Ground, The Sphere, 8, Jalan Kerinchi Bangsar South City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur.
# PORTOFINO
Since its establishment in 2014, Portofino has expanded from its flagship restaurant in Lucky Garden to the beaming outpost at The Sphere, Bangsar South. A cosy, welcoming ambience with floor-to- ceiling windows, sprawling dining area, homey bar and beautiful mural depiction of Venice become Portofino. The restaurant’s eponymous name pays homage to the small, tiny sea village of Portofino that draws celebrities and wanderlusters alike — bringing a piece of Italy to Malaysia. Try the Sicilian Arancini — crispy, deep- fried saffron balls that unveiled stuffed mozzarella and mushrooms upon digging in. Another relishing pasta basking in its simplicity was the Squid Ink Seafood Ravioli, with light tomato sauce served atop.
Address: Portofino Bangsar South, No. 1, Avenue 1 Bangsar South City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur.