PETALING JAYA: The routine is all too familiar – same old boring meals on the weekdays and not a clue on where to eat when the weekend finally arrives.
If you’re looking to break free from the typical mamak fare you resort to, here are five unique restaurants, from Penang to Klang, you should explore the next time you eat out.
Not to mention, many of these spots are surprisingly affordable! So, are you ready to spice things up?
1. Ice Cafe, Penang: a cooling experience
When the heat gets too hot to handle, instead of sticking your head inside the fridge, why not head over to Ice Cafe in Georgetown, Penang?
True to its name, this cafe maintains temperatures between 8°C-10°C, immersing you in a frosty ambiance complete with igloos, ice beds, snowmen, and even polar bear statues.
And there’s more to the cool factor — the menu boasts an array of icy treats, perfect for cooling down, including shaved ice desserts and frosty smoothies. In fact, some of their desserts even come in an ice bowl.
It’s not your everyday hangout spot, but it’s definitely the coolest place to snap some gram-worthy pictures!
Location: 193(Level 1), Lebuh Victoria, George Town
2. Loba.png: one dish on the menu, that’s it! [Non-Halal]
Are you someone who spends ages staring at menus, undecided on what to eat? Loba.png in Setia Alam has got your back, but only if you’re a fan of braised pork rice.
Yes, that’s right, this unassuming restaurant has just one dish on its menu — signature braised pork rice served with an egg done sunny-side-up and greens, for only RM13.
But don’t let the simplicity fool you. With only six seats available, this place is a hot spot for locals in the area. So much so that you’ll most likely find yourself waiting for a seat, even if you’re there at 12pm on the dot. In fact, their one dish is often sold out by 2pm every day.
Despite its relatively hidden location, tucked away in Sunsuria Forum, Loba.png is steadily growing in popularity, thanks to word-of-mouth.
With its exclusivity and one-dish-only concept, this restaurant is a unique find you don’t want to miss!
Location: F-1-40, Sunsuria Forum, Setia Alam
3. Restoran Bubur Goreng: porridge with a twist [Non-Halal]
In Taman Berkeley, Klang, Restoran Bubur Goreng is turning porridge into a party! Say goodbye to bland bowls of goo and hello to fried porridge!
While the restaurant does offer other popular dishes like Crab Mee Hoon and Hokkien Mee, it’s their unusual-sounding fried porridge that draws the most customers. In fact, the place tends to get quite crowded, especially over weekends.
Easily enough for two and priced around RM15, this fried porridge has become a sensation.
Packed with minced pork, tofu cubes, yam, dried prawns, cuttlefish, and fried shallots, the fried porridge is topped with generous cubes of pork lard, adding a delightful twist to the traditional porridge experience.
While some people might find this unique dish a tad strange at first, if you’re up for a dish that is definitely a far cry from bland, then Restoran Bubur Goreng is the place to be.
Location: 32, 34, Lorong Lang, Taman Berkeley
4. Fangs by Dekori Cafe – Eating with snakes and spiders
Get ready to slither into an adventurous dining experience at Fangs by Dekori Cafe in Bandar Sunway, where snakes and spiders add some extra ‘bite’ to your meal!
There are also scorpions, tarantulas and geckos that make this eatery unlike any other you’ll eat at.
The cafe offers an array of iced desserts and delectable hot meals, all while you observe these fascinating creatures from a safe distance.
Braver souls can even interact with the reptile pets under the guidance of the cafe’s staff. It’s an enthralling experience, perfect for those seeking a dining adventure.
Location: 3A-A, Nadayu 28 Dagang, Jalan PJS 11/7, Bandar Sunway
5. Annalakshmi: pay as you wish!
For a middle-class individual barely earning enough to splurge on lavish weekend meals, eating out is often just a dream. But not if you drop by the Annalakshmi vegetarian restaurant in Brickfields, where you can pay as you wish.
At Annalakshmi everyone gets to enjoy a warm, scrumptious meal, no matter their budget. How cool is that?
Besides its charitable endeavours, Annalakshmi also serves genuinely delicious food. Just line up at the counter, and volunteers will generously fill your plate with rice, and a selection of vegetarian dishes like sambar or curry.
All proceeds from Annalakshmi go to a community clinic. In a profit-driven world, finding a place like this, prioritising giving back to the community, is rare.
So, dig in and feel good about making a difference!
Location: 116, Jalan Berhala, Brickfields
