Lately, small food and beverage businesses have mushroomed all over Klang Valley, signalling that the food industry is heading in the right direction. Due to the competitive market and the unpredictable state of the economy right now, the F&B businesses are becoming more innovative in how they can stand out.
It has become more than just selling food and beverages, they are selling their concept or brand. Be it for sustainability or convenience, consumers crave for something that they can believe in.
Small yet Strong
Small businesses have streamlined the concepts of their businesses based on current trends. Malaysian entrepreneurs, especially, are taking advantage of the trends in order to bring cash in.
Lately, trends have been showing that consumers are getting cultured. They want authenticity and they want to enjoy it in groups. Restaurants heard their demands and they are more than happy to supply it.
Here’s 7 up-and-coming locally-owned businesses in the Klang Valley area that you need to keep an eye out.
Siti Li Dining
Though Siti Li Dining made a brief appearance at KitaKita last year, the restaurant is now back for more and hopefully, for good too. Siti Li Dining is definitely the place to go to for authentic and classic Malay cuisines. This year, they’re setting up shop in Bukit Damansara and we have all reasons to believe that their kitchen will be busy once again.
Instagram: @sitilifood
Address: 15 Jalan Setiakasih 5, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur 50490
Opening hours: 11am until 7pm
Kintry Artisan Snacks
While everyone is crazy for imported salted egg yolk snacks, we decided to go for something local. Our choice is Kintry Artisan Snacks because who can resist healthy snacks that are affordably priced yet offer great quality to customers?
Starting from RM5, you can treat yourself to some gula melaka granola and whole oat chocolate chip cookies. You can provide yourself with some healthy goodness and satisfy your cravings too!
Website: https://kintry.co/
Instagram: @kintryco
MyBobaLab
The new venture by MyBurgerLab seems very promising and there is no doubt that they are here to stay. The local’s favorite burger joint has definitely garnered some die-hard fans over the years. So even though they are still in the midst of some R&D, we forecast only good things for their new venture.
Instead of becoming yet another milk-tea-boba-joint, MyBobaLab are very experimental with their creations. Though their gula melaka boba sounds interesting enough, they have no plans of stopping there. They definitely took a risk with their latest concoction as previewed at this year’s Tiffin Food Court — Roasted Oolong Cheese Tea and Burnt Tiger Jasmine.
According to Chin Ren Yi, the co-founder of MyBurgerLab, the inspiration for the two boba drinks came to life because he wanted to create a guilt-free bubble tea.
Not to burst your boba but they also have boba pizza in collaboration with another of their new venture, MyPizzaLab. The best part is, you can get the drinks and the pizza at their first outlet of MyBurgerLab Sea Park.
Instagram: @mybobalab_malaysia
Address: Next to myBurgerLab Sea Park (Jalan 21/22, Sea Park, 46300 Petaling Jaya)
Opening hours: 5PM – 10.15PM
My Fishman
One of the best ways to make it in the food industry as a small business is through e-commerce. MyFishMan figured out how to address the problems that most busy bees face which is not having enough time to shop for groceries. However, with a simple click, you can now stock up your fridge with fresh seafood.
Aside from that, MyFishMan is definitely a local business to look out for as they emphasize on sustainable fishery. Hence, you may get different varieties of fishes depending on the seasons. They also support local fishermen to ensure that you get the best products there is.
Website: https://myfishman.com/
Instagram: @myfishman_ig
The Swimming Club and Kedai Kopi Journal @ KL Journal Hotel
Another local phenomenon that people are raving about is the new a-la-mode bar, club and restaurant The Swimming Club and Kedai Kopi Journal. The newly opened club is bringing back the 80s retro and we are so here for it.
They also have classic, local menu to match the vibe. Pop by for some assam boi mojito and kafir lime margarita. You can thank the local designer, Cassey Gan for the nostalgic aesthetic of the club.
Not to mention, their Kedai Kopi Journal is also worth a visit. The coffee shop offers cheap lunch sets for only RM30 and believe it or not, RM15 on Mondays– made especially for those with a case of the Monday blues. Lunch sets consist of soups, mains and wait for it, desserts! If pool parties aren’t your thing, then pop by Kedai Kopi Journal for some lunch.
Instagram: @swimmingclubkl
Address: The KL Journal Hotel, off, 30, Jalan Beremi, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 7AM – 12AM (Bar opens 12PM onwards)
Atap Rooftop Cafe
Another newly opened cafe that is on our list is Atap Rooftop Cafe. Though we must admit, food is not the focus here. However, like most trendy cafes in the Klang Valley, the aesthetic value is the only thing that keeps the Instagrammers coming back.
Owned by a local actor Sean Lee, the millennials just couldn’t get enough of this place. And we totally understand why. The cafe is more than just a cafe. It is an amazing space for gatherings and good company. Seeing as the restaurant has such a wonderful view of Sunway city, we have all reasons to believe that Atap Rooftop Cafe is here to stay.
Instagram: @ataprooftopcafe
Address: NO. 1-3, Jalan PJS 8/12, Dataran Mentari, 46150 Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya
Opening hours: 5PM – 1AM
Dapur Mekwa Grub Club
Have you ever wanted to join a secret club with like-minded people? Don’t get us wrong, we don’t mean anything illegal by that but if you have ever wanted to be apart of something special then we definitely recommend you to try out Dapur Mekwa Grub Club.
Diners can expect a supper club of Kelantanese fine dining. Just when you think it doesn’t get any better than that, the 4-course culinary adventure is narrated by Tok Selampit, a traditional Kelantanese storyteller.
It is listed at number 7 on our list because it is our favorite so far. Always save the best for last, right? Unfortunately, this elusive club is only available in the month of October and the first slot, is already sold out. So, hurry up and buy your ticket! Immerse yourself in a homely yet avant-garde experience by booking yourself a seat at the table.
Website: Eventbrite Dapur Mekwa Oct/Nov Listing
Instagram: @dapurmekwa
