The RadioDays Asia schedule is packed from morning til night for the conference days, but if you fly in early, here are some suggestions of how to spend an extra day in Kuala Lumpur from well known radio industry locals.
We asked the team at Malaysia’s only independent radio station BFM, heard on 89.9 for their favourite food outlets and places to visit. The audience at BFM appreciate the station’s varied programming areas which include not only business and current affairs, but also food, arts, sports, music and fashion.
The BFM team are happy to welcome Conference visitors and keen to share their passion for food and culture in K.L. Below is a list of their favourite places, compiled by Caroline Oh, BFM’s program director.
“When in KL, do as BFM-ers do.” said Caroline.
“We love to eat. Yes it is a national obsession. And the folks at BFM Media are no different. So we collectively put together this long list of places to eat what we like, and then a list of places of interest you might visit to walk off those calories. Needless to say this list does not exhaust what the city has to offer. To learn more about the people and places of Kuala Lumpur, listen to I Love KL, on BFM 89.9.”
FIRST… MAKAN
Hai Kah Lang TRX
https://guide.michelin.com/my/en/kuala-lumpur-region/kuala-lumpur/restaurant/hai-kah-lang
Get the mixed seafood noodles (or fried fillet noodles for the less adventurous). I like to get the tomato soup here, and love the added wine.
VCR (in Galloway and TRX)
https://vcr.my/menu/askthebarista/vcr-stacks-trx/
They make a mean coffee here, and the English muffin is delicious if you’re looking for something different here from what’s on offer at the hotel!
Nasi Lemak Wanjo (Kampung Baru)
https://www.instagram.com/nasilemakwanjokgbaru/?hl=en
Great (almost) all-day nasi lemak, to fuel you up to explore the rest of the Kampung Baru enclave.
Pizza Mansion (Jalan Mesui)
https://www.instagram.com/pizzamansion/?hl=en
Good pizza, good wine, don’t skip on the chilli and basil-infused oils.
BarTolo (Pasar Seni)
https://www.instagram.com/bartolobakehouse/?hl=en
A new spot, serving Portuguese plates and delicious egg tarts and pastries. Look out for their jazz nights.
Yut Kee (Jalan Kamunting)
https://www.bangsarbabe.com/2016/04/yut-kee-jalan-dang-wangi-kuala-lumpur.html
An almost-century old establishment, famous for their Hainanese-style chicken and pork chops, and butter cake and Swiss rolls.
Fifty Tales
https://www.instagram.com/fifty_tales/?hl=en
“A lunchtime favourite for oodles of noodles (or if you’re there for dinner, don’t miss the mochi!)”
Da Bao Restobar
https://www.instagram.com/dabaomy/?hl=en
“The unexpected star? The fish bao!”
Donut Plan
https://www.instagram.com/donut_plan/?hl=en
“MUST, MUST, MUST order – the brown butter marmite doughnut”
Thong Kee Cafe
https://thongkee.com.my/ / https://g.co/kgs/d4JmeFb
“You’ve got to have the White Coffee and Butter-Kaya Croissants at Thong Kee! And if you have the space, try their Spicy Chicken Muffins!”
Super Kitchen Chilli Pan Mee
https://www.chillipanmee.com/ / https://g.co/kgs/pm3jGMT
“Known for one thing, as the name implies, chilli pan mee is a a must-have when in KL. And if you’re worried about the spice, skip the chilli! The flavour from the noodles and minced pork itself is enough justification to stop by. Add on the fried pork if you’re in a group!”
Village Park
https://www.instagram.com/villageparkofficial/?hl=en / https://g.co/kgs/JkGUvom
“Nasi Lemak is a national treasure and there are few as consistent and as well known in the business as Village Park.”
Bala’s Banana Leaf
https://www.instagram.com/balasbananaleaf/?hl=en / https://g.co/kgs/C7YjvTM
“Banana leaf is a core part of KL’s food culture. Served on a banana leaf, enjoy an explosion of flavours and spices as you mix and match curries, meats, and vegetables. Don’t forget to try the fried chicken and mutton varuval!”
Kopenhagen Coffee
https://www.kopenhagencoffee.com/ / https://g.co/kgs/qSwHLcN
Pulp by PPP Coffee, Bangsar
https://pppcoffee.com/pages/pulp-by-pppcoffee / https://g.co/kgs/WYHkhGT
Merchant’s Lane
https://www.instagram.com/merchantslane/?hl=en / https://g.co/kgs/izutk3A
“Looking for a nice coffee spot to get your latte on? Kopenhagen Coffee, PPP, and Merchant’s Lane have you covered. They all have their own unique vibe, but the common denominator is that their coffee is great.”
103 coffee
https://www.103coffee.com/cafe
“Love, love, love the unique coffee here. Am slowly working my way through the menu!”
Licky Chan
“From boozy ice cream and cakes, to lactose-free, vegan creations. I highly recommend the Pickle Lick flavour”
Heritage Pizza
https://www.instagram.com/heritagepizza_kl/?hl=en
“Am here often for this very, very authentically Italian pizzeria. My standard order is the Parma with Buffalo Burrata.”
Crema
“Italian pasticceria with incredible pastries. The Torta Al Pistacchio is a family favourite that’s delivered to my doorstep every time there’s a special occasion.
BROWSE… FROLICK… MARVEL
GMBB (Pudu)
“A quirky art-filled space, with plenty of events ongoing, and a great way to get a feel for Malaysia’s art scene.”
REXKL (Petaling Street)
“A former cinema, now housing eateries, a very cool bookstore, and shops highlighting Malaysian-made goods. Stop by and cool off from the city heat with coffee, kombucha and ice cream!”
Eslite (Starhill Gallery)
“The first Southeast Asian flagship store of an iconic Taiwanese bookstore – a great place to pick up some books and stationery, and to people watch!”
Sin Sze Si Ya Temple Pioneers of Kuala Lumpur Museum
https://www.holidify.com/places/kuala-lumpur/sin-sze-si-ya-temple-sightseeing-1259696.html
“For my fellow history nerds who want to know more about the history of Kuala Lumpur”
Islamic Arts Museum
“Love, love LOVE the ceramics section here. I spend hours POTTERING around!”
Temu House
https://www.temu.my/ / https://www.instagram.com/temuhouse/
“A small, private gallery in a refurbished double-storey bungalow: the exhibitions change every so often but they also host art workshops in their event space so do check out their social media to see what’s on”
Ilham Gallery
“A lovely little public art gallery in the heart of KL, with a rotation of exhibitions happening”
The Zhongshan Building
https://www.instagram.com/thezhongshanbuilding/?hl=en
“An art and research hub, with creative workshops galore.”
Taman Tugu Malaysia
https://tamantugu.my/visitor-information/
“My weekend escape. Taman Tugu is a 66-acre public park and conservation site with hiking trails for all levels of fitness.”