These are tough times for everybody. We’re seeing small businesses around KL shutting down like never before. Our Happy Go KL writers have highlighted their favourite businesses in this article for you. Hopefully we can push some sales their way. Please support these businesses and help them through these challenging times.
Cafes, restaurants and home food businesses
Let’s start with food and beverages. Here are a few great cafes, restaurants and home food businesses that need your support. Try them out please, they deserve it! Most places offer delivery options as well.
- RGB @ The Beanhive cafe – on 35, Jalan Damai, Kampung Datuk Keramat. They have a lovely outdoor area and reading corner for all ages.
- Aunty Nat Restaurant in Sri Hartamas serves Baba Nonya food. Very affordable and lots of choice. We love the quick meals they have at lunch time. Our family favourites: sweet and sour chicken or fish, the fried beehoon and the top hats. Aunty is located at 7, Jalan Sri Hartamas 7, Taman Sri Hartamas.
- Bread Aroma Bakery in Plaza Damas sells lovely fresh bread and pastries daily. Family run and they support youths from Ipoh.
- The Kefir King started out as a kefir-brewing family who gave away kefir and other healthy foods to friends and family. To order, view their website here.
- Artisan coffee from Brewopolis for strong & flavourful earthy cold brew. No sugar added. They deliver right to your doorstep!For info and delivery, please view their Instagram page here. More info here.
- MySybaritas is a Spanish gourmet food business, organising very unique private dining sessions (showroom in Bangsar) with top notch products and a professional chef. More info here.
- Sweet and Sedap sells local desserts (kuih) and is based in Kelana Jaya. Their Nyonya Kuih is nice and great to order for tea. They use Lala Move to deliver. More info here.
- We love the cakes from Pastribella Bakeshop in Cyberjaya. They have flourless cakes too – the ‘Rose and Pistachio’ is great -, which is perfect for those who can’t eat wheat. They have delivery options as well.
- OOMAMI chili oils by Eugene Ng. Choose from Classic (vegetarian + fragranced with 7 spices), Malaysian (with dried shrimp, curry leaves and belacan) or Thai (with baby anchovies, lemongrass, galangal, lime leaf). Great as a condiment with white rice and dishes. Oomami is based in Subang. You can also contact Eugene on 012 698 0790.
- Dapur Mizmika delivers home cooked Malaysian and Indonesian food like Nasi Ambeng, Mie Curry, Soto Ayam. Every day they cook a different dish. You order a set meal, which is enough for 4 to 5 people. Our favourite by far is the Johor Laksa! You can contact them to ask for the menu on 012 772 2299.
- Saftig patties are ground solely from antibiotic-free, halal chicken meat. Not only are they tasty, they’re healthy too. And the best part, kids love it too, particularly the apple honey flavoured patties. Self-pick up at Tesco Puchong and free delivery in Puchong.
- Gigi’s Avocado. Her customers reckon these are the best avocado’s in KL, brought directly from Australia and México. View her FB page here for great avocado recipes and info on how to order. You can also send her a WhatsApp message on her phone: 012 274 5790.
- Idolci Gelato in Segambut for great Italian ice cream in many different flavours. Teh Tarik Gelato anyone?
- Herba & Rempah restaurant in Ara Damansara for authentic Peranakan dishes. Their beef and chicken rendang are recommended. Other favourites include the rainbow roti jala and chicken curry. Delivery can be arranged. Order here.
- Bake With Dignity is a project for adults with special needs whose business has been impacted by the pandemic. Their bakes are top notch, as they are trained by professional chefs and use only the best ingredients.
- Latiffah’s Kek Lapis Sarawak is run by a former homeschooling mom from Petaling Jaya, now alone and single. Her kek lapis and cooking skills are second to none!
- Ah Kuan single-handedly runs her shop in USJ 20 in Subang Jaya – a small neighbourhood of just a few hundred households. She confesses that business is really bad these days. Her freezer has an assortment of non-meat, soy-based products – perfect for vegetarians. JJB Enterprise at 7, Jalan USJ 20/9 UEP Subang Jaya. Ah Kuan’s number is 019 892 3379.
- Pak Wan’s nasi lemak is super yummy at only RM1.80 per packet. His pop-up stall is just outside the USJ padang (park) near the shops area. To order please contact him on 013 319 6379.
- Nadia Loretta’s EzPz Pasta & Such does catering for a reasonable price for small functions or parties. Her food is delish! My favourite are her lasagna and pies!
- Tray Cafe at Plaza Damas serves deliciously healthy food with lots of vegan options.
- BakesterKL for lovely cakes and cupcakes. To order, please go to their Instagram page here.
- Safaa restaurant serves Middle Eastern food. They’ve got outlets in Subang Jaya and Cyberjaya. You can contact them here for self-pick up or go through Grabfood and their delivery partners for delivery.
Animal shelters
In times of economical duress, it’s the vulnerable who suffer first. Animals on the streets are not having it easy. Those who are lucky end up in shelters, where (mostly) volunteers do their utmost to find them new loving homes. Please consider sponsoring a dog at one of these places. They will love you for life.
- A Pet’s Journal in KL is run by J and his family. They have dedicated their lives to rescuing blind, paralysed, and injured dogs, and to give them a home. A Pet’s Journal is looking after 120 dogs. They’re selling delectable dog cookies and meat loaf to support the shelter.
- K9 Happy Home in Kuantan is a dog and cat shelter and always in need of donations. Because of their distant location, chances of people adopting their dogs are very slim. Have a look at their video here.
- Mee Fah Shelter in Semenyih is home to 3000 dogs, a few cats, tortoises and even a monkey. Due to the corona crisis, funds are drying up. If you want to know how to help them, have a look at their FBpage here.
Salons
During the MCO, all salons have been closed. Now that they’re open again, they have to go full steam ahead to make sure they survive. Please try the ones out listed below!
- Looking for a good facial? Contact beauty consultant Ms. Irene Ho, who does great facial treatments. Her salon is located on the first floor at Pasaraya Hock Choon, Jalan Ampang, Ampang. You can call or Whatsapp her on 012 712 9082 for more information.
- Nailz SPA at Desa Sri Hartamas.
- Neutra Welness in Solaris Mont Kiara, opposite Cold Storage. On weekdays you can just walk in. During weekends it’s better to make an appointment.
- Jovial Nail Spa at The Strand, Kota Damansara.
- Stylist Jane at Wenawave (near Sunway Giza) comes highly recommended.
- Hairdresser David at Scissors Salon in Cyberjaya is lovely and very professional. David actually listens to what you want, when you go to get your hair cut. How fab is that?!
Miscellaneous
- Ms. Jale is a great tailor who can copy any kind of dresses, skirts, trousers, and blouses. She makes masks that accompanies the clothes very well. She also makes pillows and placemats. You can contact her at 017 885 1330.
- Maker’s Habitat for sewing classes in Plaza Damas. This business is run by two lovely ladies, who teach the art of sewing to all ages. Great for kids! They will open again on 6 December 2020 after the CMCO. Their sewing supplies shop is open though for orders.
- Mr Maniam is the Malaysian dog whisperer. Loves dogs. Through years of training dogs at the police forces, he knows how to handle your puppy. He comes to your place for dog training. You can contact him on 019 310 5731.
- Nude Zero waste shop has got lots of products for the whole family. Bring your own containers to reduce landfill waste and to kickstart your zero waste journey.
- My Optometry, Tamarind Square, Cyberjaya. This place in Tamarind Square is excellent when it comes to eye care. More info here.
- The carpenters at Joe’s Wood Works create environmentally sustainable products, by transforming reclaimed pine wood into art. This company is led by female carpenter and artist Val. You can contact her on 016 387 3354.
- Waterski Wakeboard Putrajaya, for a lovely day out with the whole family.
- Go for a bike ride through town with MikeBikes! Great bikes, knowledgeable guides and good fun for the family. Read our review here.
