Rustic Restaurant In Jalan Imbi Has Fusion Flavours That'll Take You From Japan To Ukraine
Step inside this charming locale with 1970s vibes from top to bottom.
By Wayne Garreth — 08 Jun 2022, 02:51 PM
Tucked away in a little nook off the busy streets of Jalan Imbi comes a bucolic-esque restaurant with defined and impactful flavours
Put off for two years due to the impacts of the MCO protocols inflicted on Malaysians everywhere, Bestow KL just began their long-awaited operations this past October.
A vintage vibe of 1970s and 1980s Malaysia, the design features of this eatery are charming without looking messy, unique and distinctive without losing the laidback feel when you step inside for a meal.
Arriving at this urban relic, it'll give you the sense that you're paying a visit to grandma's house — if grandma had a contemporary sense of style.
Divided into three common areas: the mezzanine (upstairs) can accommodate up to 20 pax, while the main hall and outdoor courtyard can hold up to 80 pax for the dining experience.
Available for private parties and birthdays, Bestow KL's relaxing ambience is balanced out by a tireless work ethic to push the eatery to the forefront of the food and beverage industry. It certainly caught our attention!
Using elements reminiscent of suburban houses from 40 to 50 years ago, key decorative accents like the iron grills, and the use of wall panels (repurposed as floorboards) for the mezzanine floor, elevate this colonial treasure without taking away the captivating antiquities that live behind these walls.
Leaving the outside completely unbranded and organic to the way it was intended to be, the al fresco dining area is shaded with sizeable umbrella covers, and beautiful natural crooked trees that'll make any Instagrammer plan a photoshoot for their feed.
Though the archaic designs stand strong and firm, a touch of modern flare with certain ornamental elements keep the surroundings interesting and alluring.
Among these include the ceiling-high bottled herb wall that illuminates through the restaurant skylight, as well as the casual swinging rattan chairs in the main dining room and upstairs seating area too.
We recently had the pleasure of reviewing certain food items on the menu, to see if their flavours matched the magic of the atmosphere at Bestow
Beginning with appetisers, we were served a plate of Teriyaki Smoked Duck (RM28) laid on a delicate bed of mesclun salad. A char tender on the exterior, one bite into this delectable meat unleashed fragrant teriyaki-infused juices onto our tastebuds for an explosion of flavour. Balanced with sweetness from the plum sauce, we were thoroughly impressed with the precision when cooking this relatively difficult meat to master.
Moving to their lunch servings, we kicked off with the Beef Stroganoff with Brown and Jasmine Rice (RM28). Cooked in a classic smetana sauce, the meaty satisfaction was found not only in the beef, but also in the succulent Shimeji and Shitaki mushrooms that were present within the creamy creation.
Had it not been for another outstanding dish that came later, this simple bowl with massive flavour would have been dish off the day. If you're planning a visit to Bestow, this is one item on the menu you cannot leave off your order.
Next was Peri-Peri Chicken with Rice (RM28), a pan-seared chicken coated in their signature Peri-Peri sauce, served with a side of fries and coleslaw on a bed of rice. Though this dish did pale in comparison to some of the others, our only critique would be that the sauce was not as spicy or luscious as we anticipated. Visualising a sharp and salty heat emanating from the warm peri peri, we were left with a decent, yet mild sauce with a juicy slice of chicken.
Nonetheless, this dish would still hold a candle for those who remain uncertain of their spice tolerance. This won't overwhelm you, but may be just the right amount to test your spice tolerance. A true winning factor however, was the portion served, as even the biggest eaters would be stuffed by the end of this visually alluring meal.
While the following dishes are only available during their dinner session (6pm to 9.30pm), getting an opportunity to scarf down these next few was a good way for us to vibe out the night scene at Bestow.
Trying their Chicken Parm 2.0 (RM36), this grilled chicken thigh was coated in tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, with flavoured bread crumbs on top, and a side of garlic cream sauce on the side. Sitting on a bed of sweet potato and rocket, this serving of chicken was generous in size. Slicing into it, our knives moved through the piece as though it was butter on a plate.
Warm and tender, the complimentary signature of the tomato sauce added hints of savoury goodness to the dish. Despite not being the main attractions, the sweet potato was light with a gist of tang, pairing well with the garlic sauce and chicken alike.
A visual masterpiece, the Harimau Menangis (RM45) instantly attracted us from the appeal of the grilled beef slices served with Thai chimichurri and roasted eggplant purée. With a slight blushing pink centre, this medium well meat was decently prepared and seasoned properly.
For homegrown Malaysians looking for their kick of spice, the Thai chimichurri held a satisfactory amount of heat without engulfing our taste buds. On the other hand, those who have a milder sense of taste can depend on the eggplant purée, that added more texture to the overall dish.
When it came to deciding dish of the day, the Salmon Portuguese (RM38) swept us away, nudging the Beef Stroganoff out of the top spot
A pan-seared salmon served in a lather Portuguese sambal on a bed of white rice, there was also the addition of the earlier mentioned garlic eggplant purée.
Steaming hot once we sliced into this cut, the fish paired superbly with the Portuguese sambal that is reminiscent to that on the streets of Melaka. Tart and piquant, the sambal had a subtle kick that would warm the hearts (and tummies) of those in the Klang Valley unfamiliar with southern takes on this classic staple.
This dish was a breath of fresh air. An added bonus? The chef at Bestow somehow managed to lacerate the salty and fishy aftertaste, far too familiar to those who have salmon on a regular basis. Checking all the boxes on the board, this dish is a no-brainer when ordering at Bestow.
Continuing with desserts, we were on the edge of our seats to see if the diversity in savoury cuisines would be just as impressive as their sweets
The first dessert to reach our table was their Lemon Meringue Tart (RM22). Bright yellow, this pie was a very, very sweet treat. Though we'd give caution to those who may not be inclined to the sweeping zest that it exudes, we were perplexed by how (despite the strong flavours), it wasn't enough to stop us from licking the plate clean.
Proceeding to a slice of Oreo Nutella Cheesecake (RM19), one bite into this confection was enough to send us to chocolate heaven and back. Sweet and satisfying, anyone who needs their dose of comfort on a cloud of lusciousness should order this cut.
A dessert that honestly, comes close to none, would have to go to their Tres Leches Cake (RM18), otherwise known as a three-milk cake.
Simple enough in description, this Spanish sponge cake was soaked in three kinds of milk: evaporated, sweetened condensed, and cream.
Humble with a burst of exalting flavours, this moist cake is one of the best desserts we've tasted from any review we've attended thus far. As someone who is predisposed against sponge cakes in general, a slice of this cake was enough to skyrocket to the top of our favourites list.
We wouldn't blame anyone who came back just for a slice of this cake.
And if you're not convinced on the 'soaked in three types of milk' part, here's what you get when pinching a piece with your fork:
As for the drinks, we were delighted with a few of the fixes served.
Starting with their Pineapple and Coconut Smoothie (RM15), this drink was said to be for those who're looking for a piña colada, without the rum or sugar. Nonetheless, this drink was absolutely scrummy, and a creamy treat that made for the perfect brunch drink.
Trying the coffees, a hot cup of their Americano (RM10) was a tad bit diluted, diminishing the element of caffeine we needed for a quick buzz.
However, their Caffe Mocha (RM15) is a coffee lovers dream. Strong and impactful, the tint of chocolate balanced out the bitterness of the cold brew to create a luxurious gem.
All in all, our dining experience at Bestow was a rollercoaster of flavours that spanned from Japan, Ukraine, Malaysia, and even Portugal
Though certain plates of food had minor elements worth an improvement, there was no dish that didn't hit the mark in presentation and visual appeal. A major plus for Bestow KL has to be in the generosity of every plate of food, that will keep you stuffed.
With goals to help close the gap for sustainable practices in Malaysia, we tip our hats to the practices of Bestow that encourage, and use, metal straws, as well as growing certain herbs to be used in their meals.
Walking the talk, their use of compostable paper craft boxes for takeaway items was a keen execution that didn't go unnoticed. And this is just the beginning, as they have plans to expand their sustainable practices in time with further opportunity.
Growing in popularity and surging with demanding clientele, be sure to make a reservation at this busy eatery for a dining experience you'll never forget.
