So, Where To This Weekend?
Despite the pandemic, new shops and exciting spots have been sprouting up all over Klang Valley, providing more places for us to hang out at over the weekend! Who's ready to check out some of these exciting new openings?
New Spots To Check Out Around KL
1. Don Don Donki, Lot 10
Don Don Donki requires no further introduction, this brand-new three-storey outlet is the popular Japanese discount chain store's first outlet in Malaysia, and has drawn so many excited Malaysians to it! We heard the queues are still long - so if you're not keen on spending over an hour in line, perhaps it's better to wait till the hype dies down a little, or head over early in the morning on a weekday for the shortest queues.
The three-storey Don Don Donki in Lot 10 is divided into many zones where you can find literally everything you need - expect shelves stocked to the brim with all sorts of goodies, from a huge variety of Japanese snacks to plushies, skincare items, electronic products, and fresh food items such as Japanese-imported strawberries, fresh sashimi, bento boxes, and premium wagyu beef slices.
Psssst, the second Don Don Donki outlet (which will be bigger than the first one) is set to open in Tropicana Gardens Mall real soon! PJ folks, you won't have to drive all the way to KL after this, so hold your horses for a bit before heading over to the Lot 10 branch.
- Address: G8-G11 Ground Floor, Lot 10 Shopping Centre, 50, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.
- Opening Hours: 8AM - 12AM daily
2. %Arabica, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
Following the hype of Don Don Donki, the long-awaited %Arabica outlet that also hails from Japan has also opened its first store in Malaysia! The shiny new coffee spot is located in Pavilion (just a short walk from Lot 10), and most people are trying to visit both of these new spots in a day. Besides to get a taste of their iconic coffee, people are flocking over to snap ig-worthy shots at the minimalist, chic outlet that looks absolutely #aesthetic. Coffee lovers, you won't wanna miss this out!
- Address: 168, Bukit Bintang St, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
- Opening Hours: 10AM - 10PM daily
More coffee spots to check out if you're hesitant about joining the queue:
3. Starbucks Reserve, Tropicana Gardens Mall
The biggest Starbucks Reserve is now open in Malaysia at Tropicana Gardens Mall in Petaling Jaya! This spacious outlet is a new shiny addition to the list of Starbucks Reserve stores in Malaysia, and is bound to delight all Starbucks lovers with its expansive indoor and outing seating areas, floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as unique reserve brew coffees. You can also get limited edition Starbucks merchandise here!
- Address: Lot G-22, Ground Floor, Tropicana Gardens Mall, Tropicana Indah, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
- Opening Hours: 9AM - 11PM, daily
4. Fujiwara Yakitori Restaurant
Manga fans who've read the Initial D manga (or watched the movie featuring Jay Chou) will be familiar with the Fujiwara Tofu Shop owned by Bunta Fujiwara, the father of Takumi. Much to the delight of manga fans, a Fujiwara-inspired store has just opened its doors in Old Klang Road this month! While the shop in the manga sells tofu, the one in Malaysia is a quaint yakitori bar that's perfect for a casual meal with friends or family.
Keep your eyes peeled for elements from the manga at the restaurant including an iconic Toyota AE86 parked at the entrance. There are even Initial D mangas and arcade-style racing machines in the restaurant. Due to limited seats available at the restaurant, reservations need to be made to dine in here. Check out their social media to find out more!
- Address: 24 Jalan Kampung Pasir, Kampung Pasir Baru, 58200 Kuala Lumpur.
- Opening Hours: 3PM - 11PM (closed on Mondays)
5. Taco Bell, Cyberjaya
Sooooo, would you drive all the way to Cyberjaya for some tacos? Apparently the answer is 'yes' for many Malaysians, proven by the long queues at the first Taco Bell outlet in Malaysia that just opened its doors last Friday (2 April 2021). For those who are unfamiliar with Taco Bell, it's a popular American fast-food chain that serves a variety of Mexican and Tex-Mex delicacies including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and nachos.
Taco Bell is well-loved by Americans of all ages and is known for its innovative menu, bold flavours, and yummy Mexican-inspired favourites available at affordable prices. The Taco Bell outlet in Cyberjaya serves tacos, loaded nachos, burritos, quesadillas, and even a special Bell Rice Bowl - a localized dish that's only available in Malaysia and Indonesia. It even comes with a drizzle of good old sambal. So, ready for some tacos?
- Address: Lot SD-02, Off Persiaran APAC, Cottage Walk, 63000, Cyberjaya, Sepang.
- Opening Hours: 10AM - 10PM daily
6. CU Convenience Store, PJ
Korea's popular CU convenience store is now in PJ! The first CU store opened its doors in Centrepoint Bandar Utama PJ on 1st of April - in fact, we heard that approximately 30 - 50 more stores will be opening across Malaysia within the next one year.
CU is probably familiar to those who have been to Korea - it is one of South Korea's most popular and well-loved local convenience stores that has approximately 15,000 stores all over South Korea. Besides usual items that you can find at other convenience stores, CU stores also carry their own range of products like unique snacks, cup noodles, drinks, desserts, and even hot food, making them super fun to explore! CU there, maybe? *winks*
- Address: 3, Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
- Opening Hours: 12PM - 11PM daily
7. Eat and Cook, Bukit Jalil
Eat and Cook is the latest dining hotspot in Bukit Jalil - this sleek hidden gem pays homage to the unique Japanese-style omakase experience, but with a special twist. Indulge in an eight-course or five-course menu that changes every season and will surprise you with exquisite plating and inspiring flavours that will make you savour every bite.
While food is served omakase-style (whereby you're basically leaving it up to the chef to decide what to serve you), don't expect sushi and sashimi like your usual omakase, Eat and Cook will bring you on a feast across the globe with flavours and ingredients plucked from all over the world instead. For those who enjoy unique dining experiences, add Eat and Cook to your radar! Do note that the quaint space seats only 19 people in a sitting, so reservations are definitely needed.
- Address: H-6-1,Pusat Perdagangan Bandar, Jalan Persiaran Jalil 1, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur.
- Opening Hours: 6 - 11PM (closed on Mondays)
8. "Everlasting Beauty", Kwai Chai Hong
Kwai Chai Hong was once a dirty, neglected alley in Petaling Street but has since been restored into a lovely space where you can have a stroll down memory lane. Relive the glory days of our country in this history-rich lane lined with restored shophouses and pre-war buildings - the folks behind the restoration project have even been introducing exciting art installations and activities to the space from time-to-time.
Catch the latest art installation themed 'Everlasting Beauty' at Kwai Chai Hong from 26th March - 2nd May 2021, the temporary exhibition showcases a mix of art installations that commemorates timeless Chinese Art & Culture, including artistic traditional fabric-dye textiles and an exquisite sculpture made from hundreds of porcelain pieces. While you're in the area, check out these Petaling Street cafes for a cafe-hopping weekend!
- Address: 鬼仔巷 Kwai Chai Hong, Lorong Panggung, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur.
- Opening Hours: 9AM - 12AM, daily
9. Selangor-Japan Friendship Garden, Shah Alam
The Selangor-Japan Friendship Garden is a new Japanese-inspired garden located in Shah Alam. It spans a size of 3 football fields and was built to commemorate the friendship and diplomatic ties between Selangor and Japan. The garden is made up of 5 scenic zones and is open to public daily with free admission.
Stroll along well-manicured paths, lush trees, zen ponds, and Japanese-inspired torii gateways dotted across the garden. There are also plenty of benches and even picnic tables here where you can rest your legs at and relax when you get tired from walking. Time for a family day out to Shah Alam, maybe?
More Japan vibes in Malaysia:
10. Jogoya Japanese Buffet, Starhill Gallery
Jogoya was one of the best Japanese buffet spots in KL back then, before its temporary closure due to renovation works. Fans of the popular Japanese buffet will be delighted to know that Jogoya is finally back after a year of closure - with a brand-new, revamped space in Starhill Gallery. The Jogoya Buffet is now available for lunch and dinner, with an extensive spread of sushi, sashimi, teppanyaki, steamboat, seafood, Chinese cuisine, desserts, and more.
Disclaimer: the photos above were taken at the old Jogoya restaurant, if you're checking out the new one, do let us know if the food is still as good ok - we really want to know. We have not tried it ourselves, so we won't comment much on whether it's worth it!
- Address: LG 05, The Starhill, Jalan Bukit Bintang, KL.
- Opening Hours: 1230 PM - 430 PM (lunch), 5PM - 930PM (dinner)
Check out other Japanese buffets around KL instead:
Bonus: Rollerwa (coming soon)
South Korea's popular Rollerwa Indoor Roller Skating Rink is set to open its doors at 1Utama! For those who have fond and nostalgic memories roller skating in Sungei Wang back when it was all the hype, this news may excite you. The 17,000 sqft Rollerwa will be an addition to the District-K, a brand-new area that has been added to the 1Utama mall.
This new block houses a range of Korean shops, restaurants, and entertainment outlets that are perfect for those who love all things Korea. While Rollerwa is still under construction, the folks behind the popular indoor roller skating rink has been hyping it up on their social media and website. Who's ready to roller skate with your favourite Kpop songs in the background? *cues song*
While waiting for the opening of Rollerwa, get some adrenaline rush at the Camp5 Climbing Gym or FlowRider in 1Utama! It's the perfect time to get active and try something new.