Palate’s Guide to KL Dining Hubs: Exquisite Restaurants To Dine In At The Five

From acclaimed restaurants to chic cafés and bars, The Five KL brings together a diverse culinary line-up under one stylish address.

Set against the upscale backdrop of Damansara Heights, The Five KL has emerged as one of the city’s most sophisticated lifestyle and dining destinations. With its striking architecture, curated mix of eateries, and vibrant atmosphere, it’s where the city’s tastemakers gather to eat, drink, and unwind.

Bakul DimSum

Chinese

Bakul DimSum draws attention for achieving Halal certification while staying true to its Chinese culinary roots. It’s one thing to uphold such standards, but another to do so with impeccable quality—and Bakul does it with ease. Entirely pork-free, the restaurant in Bukit Damansara brings a modern twist to dim sum, paired with a curated tea experience.

Take the ‘Szechuan Dumplings’, for example: served in threes, each comes with a dropper of soy-broth to balance the numbing spice. Or the ‘black pepper beef buns ‘Black Pepper Beef Bun’, shaped like mushrooms that are playful in presentation, while bold in flavour. In short, Bakul DimSum is a name worth knowing, and a taste worth seeking.

Bakul DimSum

Jwala

Indian

Named after the Sanskrit word jwala, meaning flame or fire, Jwala KL ignites a Northern Indian culinary experience with flair and finesse. Its sleek open kitchen is anchored by three copper tandoor ovens, specially commissioned from New Delhi, and fuelled by Sarawak mangrove charcoal, ensuring that every dish carries the restaurant’s signature smoky depth.

One standout is the ‘Awadh Dum Biryani’. This theatrical claypot dish is layered with fragrant basmati rice (aged up to three years) enveloping your choice of protein—chicken, lamb, vegetables, or prawns—resting on an ambrosial broth. This dish, the epitome of Jwala’s offering, embodies both drama and depth in every bite.

Jwala

Nourish

Mediterranean/Malaysian

Discover Nourish, the latest venture from Kenny Hills Hospitality Group, where, like its name suggests, every dish is crafted to nourish both body and soul with myriad options. Nourish by Kenny Hills Bakers champions “better eating without ever having to compromise on taste.” Suffice to say, this is where you’ll find yourself torn between flaky pastries, hearty Mediterranean plates, and comfort foods laced with familiar Malaysian flavours.

Start with the ‘Signature Crab Cake Benedict’—a golden crab cake nestled in a sweet sandwich bun, topped with a poached egg and spicy harissa hollandaise, all balanced by a peppery rocket salad. For local flair, the ‘Nourish Chilli Pan’ slaps, while the ‘Hearty Beef Stew’ comforts with slow-cooked braised beef, mash, peas, carrots, and crusty sourdough. With gluten-free options and inventive twists on everyday favourites, the fare at Nourish is as creative as it is comforting.

Nourish