This isn’t your typical fusion restaurant: Paan KL, which opened in February, takes diners on a culinary journey through the South Asian region, showcasing traditional dishes with contemporary flair.
Step inside and you will marvel at its sleek, sophisticated setting: wood-panelled walls, vast glass panels, and warm lighting create an inviting atmosphere. The friendly and attentive staff ensure a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience.
Start your culinary adventure with Paan KL’s starter selection. The Angus beef satay arrives sizzling on a skewer, with succulent meat boasting a perfect char and savoury spices.
The ribboned cucumber, splash of peanut sauce, and perfect cubes of nasi impit elevate the presentation beyond typical street-food fare.
Next up is the papadam taco, a playful twist on the classic Mexican offering. The crisp lentil papadam base perfectly complements the savoury beef filling, while a touch of cream cheese and fish roe add texture to a memorable dish.
The fish cutlets and money bag dumplings showcase Paan KL’s ability to reinvent familiar dishes. The cutlets are perfectly crisp on the outside and flaky on the inside, while the dumplings deliver a satisfying burst of flavour with every bite.
For the main course, the vege Nyonya curry with emping offers a comforting and aromatic meat-free option. Dig into the rich broth infused with fragrant spices, perfectly paired with crispy emping crackers.
The tiger prawn lo mein is a seafood lover’s dream, featuring succulent prawns tossed with delectable noodles for a dish that is both satisfying and light.
Then there’s the Sri Lankan rice and gravy set, a highlight at Paan KL. With its complex flavours and aromatic spices, this rice-and-curry dish will transport you to the heart of Ceylon.
The coconut sambol and eggplant moju – the latter a signature Sri Lankan pickle that is sweet, sour and slightly spicy all at once – add depth to the dish. You can choose either fish or chicken curry to accompany the rice. Chef’s kiss!
No meal at Paan KL is complete without indulging in their sweet creations. The sweet rice appam, a fluffy pancake, is a delightful way to cleanse the palate.
Unlike your regular appam served with sweetened coconut milk, Paan KL adds a delightful twist: the light and airy dessert is served with cardamom-infused banana compote and maple mascarpone cream topped with jaggery shavings.
It’s a truly refreshing interlude before the grand finale, which is – drum roll, please! – the Fire Paan: a truly theatrical conclusion!
Served tableside, this mouth cleanser features a betel leaf filled with an assortment of condiments such as rose jam, dried kiwi, dried mango, caramelised peanuts, jasmine-infused syrup, spiced rock sugar, and ghee-tossed desiccated coconut.
The leaf is briefly lit on fire, then wrapped, and into your mouth it goes! Get ready for an explosion of flavours that will linger for hours.
You won’t want to miss any of this, so head on over to Paan KL for a culinary experience that celebrates the wonderful and eclectic tastes of South Asia, infused with soulful warmth.
Paan KL
51-A, Changkat Bukit Bintang,
Bukit Bintang,
50200 Kuala Lumpur
For location, click here.
Business hours:
12pm-11pm (Mondays to Thursdays)
12pm-12am (Fridays & Saturdays)
Follow Paan KL on Instagram.