With a few days remaining in Ramadan, there's still time for a buka-puasa buffet: Bora Ombak's is a satisfactory way to sample time-honored Malaysian fare in a setting that might seem a little less sterile than hotel restaurants. Lots of fresh air in a wide space, with enough of a customer presence on weekdays to keep things lively without turning crowded and chaotic. Also pleasing: the price of RM55+, reasonable for this range. No sashimi, oysters or pasta, but hey, none of that hits the heart of "buka puasa," right? Lapping up the ulam, tempeh, pecal, petai, cincalok, salads and snacks ... ... then piling on everything from daging gulai kawah and ikan keli berlado to ayam kacang gajus, petola tumis and nasi kerabu. Action stalls are where much of the action is at. Skip the roti john and murtabak though. Unessential tummy fillers. The creamy laksa Kelantan gets a pass; the bland bakso, not so much.

Solaris Mont Kiara is a scary location to launch a cafe, since so many eateries have opened and closed here (remember Providore and Ultimo?). When The Elk recently emerged, we wondered whether it would have the extra edge to survive. Some will wonder why "A passion for food meets a passionate love" is on the wall, while many might be mystified over this outlet's name. The reason: The Elk is run by a food-loving couple, whose names _ Ee Leng and Khaw _ combine to form the initials E.L.K. Always fun to order Welsh rarebit (RM12, no taxes or service charge); this sliced toast with creamy, beer-infused melted cheese is wonderful for whetting the appetite. Squid stuffed with minced pork, onion and garlic (RM12). The Elk's food has a homemade feel; it's unlikely to knock most customers' socks off, but you can sense the care poured into these recipes and the sincerity in the cooking. Roast chicken (RM20). Family recipe marinated in both Western and Eastern herbs and spices. Own-made, handmade squid ink fettuccine with prawns, squid and mussels (RM25) in a very light white wine and olive oil dressing that might lack flavor for some. Our top pick: The Elk's "Extreme Porky Burger," featuring 200 grams of minced pork with ham and bacon (RM28). The Elk is happy to oblige reasonable requests; we asked for an egg to top this, and we recommend everyone else do the same.

The Elk serves no wine but has the right glasses; corkage is an excellent RM10 only, so walk over to Cold Storage to buy a bottle before heading here.

Wondermama recently launched its upper-level section, The Wonder Kafe, where burgers keep stomachs from growling and coffee prevents eyelids from drooping. Other options on the still-limited menu include beef kimchi (brilliant for KL's current Korean culinary craze); future flavors include chicken teriyaki. Customers can order from Wondermama's main menu too, so here's a chance to check whether one prefers burgers or sandwiches like this otak-otak and cheese one. Desserts maintain the East-meets-West edge, so it's no surprise to see some "goreng pisang" with ice cream and marshmallows ... ... or soft durian mousse pancakes with corn and crunchy cereal. We'd skip the churros though, since they lean too heavily on the stodgy side.

Wondermama recently launched its upper-level section, The Wonder Kafe, where burgers keep stomachs from growling and coffee prevents eyelids from drooping. The burger selection dares to be distinctive by incorporating unmistakably Asian flavors; that explains the prawn katsu burger with tonkatsu sauce, tomato, lettuce and tartar sauce, accompanied by chubby fries. This Japanese-inspired burger isn't big, but it makes for a fulfilling meal, with a fresh crispness in every component. Worth the roughly RM15 price tag. Wondermama now serves wine, hurray! And oh yeah, the coffee, covering the essentials from espresso macchiato to caffe latte. Who can resist affogatos? We can't. Only about RM10 here.

And then there were two: After triumphing in 1 Utama, Menya Musashi launched another branch this week, but with a potentially polarizing twist. Occupying substantial space on P. Ramlee Road, within a short stroll of KLCC, this outlet hopes to win more customers by steering clear of pork, using chicken instead to build its broths and top its noodles. Remember how the egg yolks at Menya's 1U venue seemed off-kilter? Fear not: the ones here are touched by a rich, savory softness that makes them peerless. Tsukemen dipping ramen is available too. We rate everything a solid A (including the service, which warrants flying colors for its efficient friendliness). Side dishes include mince-layered rice and hot gyoza, all executed in exemplary fashion. Luscious for a late-night snack; last orders are at 10:30 p.m.