More Neighborhood Guide:
- HONG KONG —Tai Ping
- SINGAPORE —Tiong Bahru
Eat
Antipodean Cafe
20 Jalan Telawi 2, +603-2282-0411
This modern Kiwi/Australian style cafe uses the very best coffee blends produced by Indonesian-based franchise Merdeka Coffee. They back it up with a solid menu of brunch/breakfast classics in a simple café setting. The buzz does mean it can be hard to get a seat.
Chawan
69-G Jalan Telawi 3, +603-2287-5507
Half coffee specialist, half upmarket mamak (the Malay equivalent of a street-side 24-hour diner), Chawan has a devoted crowd who come for the impressive range of coffee and inviting, affordable traditional Malay menu. For a light snack, try the Keropok Lekor, a popular doughy finger food. To wash it down, order kopi hang tuah, Penang’s regional rocket fuel.
El Meson Espanol
61-63, Jalan Telawi 3, +603-2282-8290. www.elmeson.com.my
A bar vibe, thanks to a vibrant color scheme and quirky touches, make this place a good spot to enjoy the decent wine menu while snacking on small plates and hearty Spanish classics like rabbit stew and Iberico cheeks.
F by Buffalo Kitchens
69-1, Jalan Telawi Tiga, +603-2201-9307
Head up the graffiti-covered wooden stairs to find this very contemporary French/Italian eatery, with an eco-touch. They use recycled furniture and flooring, make all their own sauces and have a very impressive wine list. We love the large open kitchen and the great vantage point offered by the al fresco balcony.
Les Deux Garcons
36 Jalan Telawi, +603-2284-7833
If you’re into exquisite looking patisseries then this is the place to come. Only open a couple of months, the wonderfully understated little store has a very chic atmosphere and a beautiful selection of desserts, including their best-selling macaroons.
The Social@Bangsar
57-59, Jalan Telawi 3, +603-2282-2260. www.thesocial.com.my
A favorite for its al fresco seating out on the terrace and laid-back ambiance, this local hot spot is at its best on lazy Sunday mornings and after work. They have a good choice of imported beers and an Asian/inter mix of gastro pub style grub.
Plan B
Bangsar Village 1, G5, Ground Floor No. 1, Jalan Telawi. www.thebiggroup.co/planb
Currently the hippest spot in the hood, Plan B is a modern coffee shop cum bar and deli. Good bistro style food, big sofas, a nice outdoor terrace and a seasonal selection of single origin beans make this a top spot to hang.
Nirawa Banana Leaf
43, Jalan Telawi 3, +603-2287-8445
A non-descript shop house that’s always overflowing onto the street with hungry punters enjoying the authentic Indian and Penang-style fare. Don’t miss the dishes served on banana leaves (fried fish, crab, chicken and more) which are eaten by hand and come with additional refills.
Shop
Ben’s General Food Store
Bangsar Village 1, Ground Floor, Jalan Telawi. +603-2284-8790. www.thebiggroup.co/bgfs
While the classy all-white bistro, with its fresh pastas and salads, is well worth a visit, we really love the food and drink store next door. From Wagyu beef and imported pasta to fresh olives and St Agur blue cheese, this place is all about the best in imported and organic food.
C Zip Lee Book Store
No. 1 & 3, Jalan Telawi 3. www.cziplee.com
This book store has been in Bangsar since 1968 but while it has recently moved out of its lovely original building, it has just headed up the street to a larger premise. Thankfully it’s still packed with a huge range of titles; they’re especially good for non-fiction stuff like travel and cooking. The selection of stationery is just as impressive.
Pantry Magic
49, Jalan Telawi Tiga, +603-2201-1578
OK, we know that there are branches in Bangkok but they’re in malls and not in a beautiful terraced shop house with its own quaint country kitchen vibe. Inside you can browse a huge range of high-end kitchen ware from copper pans to retro scales. They also run occasional cooking classes if you want to learn how to use this stuff.
Juice
46-46-1 Jalan Telawi 5, +603-2283-5811. www.clotinc.com
The KL branch of a chain out of HK, Juice is a long-term resident in the Bangsar community where it serves up urban fashion and sportswear by the likes of Nike, Converse and CLOT in an uber cool showroom.
Blueberry Boutique
8, Jalan Tewi 4, +603-2283-1663
This tiny little store is easy to miss, but it’s worth hunting out for fans of distinct vintage styles with a cute girly touch and lots of bright colors. They stock a wide range of women’s wear, from retro skirts and tailored dresses to shoes and bags.
Om Art
4G, Jalan Telawi, +603-2201-9588
Another new arrival, this gallery space has been open for six months. They have a specific focus on Chinese art featuring both local and Taiwanese artists.
