* Some of the establishments / dishes mentioned are not halal.
Occasionally, the adventurous eater in us yearns for something new. And underground supper clubs — a.k.a. underground restaurants, private kitchens, or anti-kitchens — might be perfect starting point to satisfy that need of ours.
A recent phenomenon to hit Malaysia, these establishments are operated out of someone’s home, often bypassing local zoning and health code regulations. They give avid home cooks and bakers as well as entertaining maniacs a “license” to throw parties. The only difference is they get paid for doing so. And news about the latest events is spread via word of mouth, email, and social media to avoid getting “caught.” Reservations are also made behind closed doors, often in advance to facilitate the planning. To be invited and have the dining location disclosed, references are usually required.
The best part yet? Personal and customizable menu. The host(s) would serve up restaurant-quality homemade delicacies in a relaxed, cozy, intimate home setting. This is combining the best of both worlds! What more can you ask for.
Here are few Malaysian supper clubs that are worth checking out. (Click on the restaurant's name for address and our members' reviews.)
This is the brainchild of Poh Huck Seng, a self-taught cook and former advertising creative director. It became the nation’s first supper club when it was started four years ago. Although once hosted in his home, after getting neighbors’ complaints and a visit from the local city council, it was relocated and now runs in a rented single-story bungalow in Bangsar, whose backyard is big enough to hold 12 cars!
Generally, he serves a mix of Asian, Italian, Western, and Mexican fare. However, his menu is constantly updated to reflect the inspirations from his travels. His most-requested dishes include lemon grass-grilled squid, chicken cordon bleu with baked apples, banana brownie with ice cream, and chocolate-mud-pie ice cream.
Here’s the bad news: Because it’s so popular (nearly 16,000 likes on Facebook!), and he takes only 20 guests at a time, reservation must be made a month before. Visit his fanpage (facebook.com/pages/Hucks-Cafe/122362777810506) for details.
Image courtesy of Eat Drink KL.
Image courtesy of Eat Drink KL.
Image courtesy of The Malay Mail.
This supper club and home bakery is run by food-loving Malaysian-Vietnamese couple, Kenneth and Hoa, out of their cozy little P.J. home. On weekends they would cook up multicourse feast that showcases Hoa’s hometown delicacies, such as caramelized pork belly in clay pot, a zesty Vietnamese salad, and crispy Vietnamese spring rolls. For dessert, however, they prefer to end with a French touch. Hoa’s luscious and silky chocolate tart as well as buttery, light madeleines will sure blow your mind!
The couple has a three-year-old boy, so it’ll be a family-friendly affair. Kids 12 and under will get to eat for free! However, they can accommodate only four guests at a time. Check out their fanpage (facebook.com/CuteBallKitchen) for details.
Image courtesy of Eat Drink KL.
Thanks to Lithuanian expats Vita and Audra, K.L.-ites can now relish authentic Lithuanian cuisine. They serve up homey, three-course Lithuanian meal to the food-curious in the comfort of their home.
It starts off with šaltibarščiai, a charmingly pink, cold beet soup, perfect for our hot weather. Then, entrée follows, featuring vegetables and potatoes that are paired with fish or other meats, like koldunai, beef dumplings served with onion and sour cream. The meal concludes with Vita’s version of tinginys, a decadent, no-bake Lithuanian confection made with hard biscuits, sugar, butter, condensed milk, cocoa or chocolate. Don’t let the ingredients scare you, though; it’s actually quite addictive!
Interested already? Read more at their Plate Culture page (plateculture.com/where-to-eat/exclusive-lithuanian-feast)!
Image courtesy of Plate Culture.
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Image courtesy of Eat Drink KL.2. Jen’s Underground Supper Club
Jennifer Palencia, self-taught cook and baker extraordinaire, recreates classic European delicacies inspired by her years there for her guests in her home at Taman Tun Dr. Ismail. Some of her signatures are mushroom tartlets, eggplant Parmigiana, and Basel-style salmon. Besides the three weekly dinners and a lunch, she also offers teatime sessions complete with goodies like mini pavlova with crème Chantilly and fresh strawberry, as well as puff pastry with crème pâtissière and vanilla-hazelnut praline cream! More at her fanpage (facebook.com/jensundergroundsupperclub).Image courtesy of Eat Drink KL.Image courtesy of The Malay Mail.
Image courtesy of Eat Drink KL.Image courtesy of Plate Culture.
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