Now Reading: Dining Spotlight: Here’s Why TTDI Has Everyone Talking And Eating
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Dining Spotlight: Here’s Why TTDI Has Everyone Talking And Eating
Whether you’re craving authentic local flavours, artisanal coffee, or contemporary dining, TTDI has something for every palate.
Taman Tun Dr. Ismail—better known as TTDI—is one of KL’s most beloved neighbourhoods, where a laid-back charm meets a thriving food scene. From old-school eateries to trendy new openings, TTDI has quietly built its reputation as a go-to dining hub for locals in the know. Here’s your guide to the restaurants and cafés that make this neighbourhood a true foodie favourite.
Café-Bistrot David
This upscale township is a familiar haunt for KL’s discerning diners and Café-Bistrot David is one of its brightest draws. Entry begins with a slip past the red velvet rope and into a space styled with Parisian flair. The restaurant’s foyer opens into a warmly burnished dining room where spirited conversations bounce off ochre walls, an inviting scene that sets the tone for what’s to come.
A reservation is highly recommended, though the bar offers an equally tempting vantage point. Spanning nearly half the restaurant, it’s a front-row seat to the dessert station and the chef’s table, where dishes get last-minute flourishes. The menu, shaped by Chef David Chin himself, is guided by one central philosophy: “make it taste good”. Seasonal ingredients are at the heart of it, with a strong European sensibility throughout.
Begin with the ‘CBD Original Burrata’—a standout starter that pairs lightly broiled tomato confit with creamy Puglian burrata. For a heartier course, ‘David’s Roast Chicken with Tarragon Sauce’ delivers. Sourced from Bukit Mertajam, the free-range kampung chicken is roasted until golden, then served with a velvety velouté. For something more casual, the ‘Bao Series’ takes European fusion in a fun, handheld direction.
Gai by Darren Chin
Rooted in the culinary traditions of Thailand’s North and Northeast, the restaurant is led by a warm, wedded duo—Mama Nuanta and Papa Suwit—whose recipes find new life under the stewardship of their daughter Nana and son-in-law Darren Chin. Here, the meals are less about fiery spectacle and more about nuance. While many recipes may be familiar, what Gai offers is an elevated reintroduction to Northern Thai cuisine.
A humble ‘Lanna-styled Yam Salad’ might surprise with its quiet complexity, while ‘Grilled Giant River Prawns with Seafood Namjin Sauce’ arrive delicately charred, their sweetness offset by a punchy seafood namjin sauce. The ‘Signature Crab Omelette by Darren Chin (Version 1)’ is a rare treat—available only when Darren is personally helming the kitchen. A golden dome of egg envelops generous chunks of crab, crisped at the edges, soft within. For something with heat and heft, try the ‘Lady Boss Nana Signature Tom Yum Seafood’. Brimming with jumbo Hokkaido scallops and snappy prawns, it’s a broth that hums with clarity and brightness.
The Ottoman KL
Tucked inside TTDI’s Menara Ken, The Ottoman KL introduces local foodies to the rich, layered flavours of Balkan cuisine, shaped by the culinary legacy of the Ottoman Empire. It’s the first of its kind in the city and a standout, as Head Chef Behzo brings decades of experience to the table, weaving Balkan roots with Ottoman nuances.
Start with the ‘Turkish Olive Salad’: a vibrant mix of olives, tomatoes, onions, and walnuts, dressed in pomegranate honey and olive oil. Then, a surprise star—the ‘Vegetarian Bean Soup’. Humble in name, bold in taste, it’s a warming blend of beans, sweet onions, and capsicum, served with house-baked bread. For something heartier, go for the ‘Goveđi Medaljoni’ that sees grilled beef medallions finished in a creamy paprika sauce, plated with chef’s choice sides. And if there’s room, the desserts are worth the flip of the menu. At once soulful and surprising, The Ottoman is a compelling reason to venture off the beaten culinary path.
Cinq Dining
If modern French cuisine is calling your name, look no further than Cinq Dining. Opened in 2023 by five friends with a shared vision, this chic spot in Menara Ken reimagines classic French fare with finesse.
The experience begins with complimentary house-baked bread—think focaccia, ciabatta, and baguette—and thoughtful starters like the ‘Soup of the Day’ or ‘Irish Premium Oysters’ on ice. Mains move with similar elegance. The ‘Catch of the Day’ is paired with a crisp prawn croquette, charred greens, and bright tartar sauce, while the ‘Dry-Aged Duck Breast’ is seared just right and served with smoky caramelised cauliflower, cranberry, and a vibrant jus. For something richer, the ‘Roasted Lamb Rump’ delivers—crusted and tender, plated with ratatouille, confit garlic, salsa verde, and more of that house jus. Another touch we love is that Cinq Dining’s in-house sommeliers are always on hand to guide your pairings, completing a dining experience that gets the details deliciously right.
Leen’s Middle East Kitchen
At Leen’s Middle East Kitchen, Syrian flavours take centre stage—but the experience is anything but theatrical. Warm wood tones, jewel-toned accents, and the gentle bustle of an open kitchen create a setting that feels grounded and welcoming. At its heart: honest cooking and the steady hum of bread baking in a stone oven.
Start with the house-made ‘Smoked Hummus with Bread’, subtly charred for depth and paired with freshly baked bread—a simple yet striking signature. Another must-try is the ‘Mushroom Pide’, crafted from scratch and layered with umami richness. The menu also gives vegetables their due. The ‘Baba Ghanoush Salad’ is a standout that sees fried aubergine tossed with herbs and walnuts served atop grilled aubergine purée, and finished with a tangy pomegranate yogurt that ties it all together. Suffice to say, Leen’s is where you can appreciate the soul of the Syrian kitchen, likewise an environment to engross yourself in.
Aposto KL
Italian cuisine is often described as simple, but its true magic lies in the details—the herbs, the grains, the depth of tradition. At Aposto KL, Chef Chu brings that magic to life, blending contemporary Italian cooking with global influences drawn from nearly two decades in the culinary world.
The name Aposto comes from the Italian phrase “Tutto posto”—meaning “everything’s good”—and here, that philosophy is plated with precision. Start with the ‘Saba on Toast’: pickled saba gently torched and laid over ciabatta, finished with gremolata, crumbled feta, and a scatter of sunflower seeds for crunch and contrast. Another standout small plate is the ‘Burrata, Citrus & Tomato’—a vibrant reimagining of the caprese. Silky Sicilian burrata rests on a bed of Cameron Highlands heirloom tomatoes, topped with toasted hazelnuts and dressed in house-made basil oil and 12-year aged balsamic.
For mains, the ’18-hour Braised Duck Tagliatelle’ is a signature while the ‘Lobster Risotto’ is surprisingly light, letting the sweetness of fresh Boston lobster shine through. Pair it all with a glass from their curated wine list, and you have a meal that balances soul, skill, and sophistication.
