When a restaurant lasts a long time in Malaysia – this land of plentiful food you know it must be good, and 1919 is an eatery with a long heritage.The restaurant first opened its doors more than 15 years ago in a humble shophouse in Ipoh and quickly became renowned for its delicious, Chinese-Asian food that encompasses every flavour from Indonesian, Thai and Indian to Chinese and Malay.

At the end of 2011, 1919 opened its first branch in KL, and a two-storey bungalow with parking has been transformed into a 20s-style bistro, where old photographs adorn the walls and 20s music hums lazily in the background. The menu replicates the dishes that so delight the crowds in Ipoh, and with such an extensive choice of entrees, meat and seafood dishes, noodles and rice, vegetables, tofus and soups, this is a great place to come with a large group of family or friends.

The downstairs restaurant area is neat and cosy, with a capacity for 70 people at both small and larger tables, while a private dining room lit in rich red hues is a lovely place for an intimate birthday celebration of up to 15.

While the ceramic tea pots on the restaurant tables are constantly filled with freshly-brewed Chinese tea, diners can also select from a list of fresh juices – the homemade sour plum is tangy and refreshing – hot drinks and alcoholic beverages to accompany their meal.

The difficulty will be deciding what to eat.The 1919-style kerabu salad comes served in a neat yam basket and offers a sweet taste of Thailand, while the homemade tofu is a real treat for those with a taste for beancurd. The dishes on offer range from the very spicy to the sweet and sour, and there is something to please every palate.

Retire upstairs to the bar for a post-dinner drink and step into a warm, stylish speakeasy where a large roof top terrace offers a stunning view of the Twin Towers glittering in the night sky.

Fact File :
1919 Restaurant
15A, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng,
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03.2161 9919
Business Hours: Mon-Sun: 11.30am-3pm, 5.30pm-10.30pm
Price Range: Dinner for two with green tea costs
RM50-70 (with four dishes ordered)

For more restaurant reviews visit: www.DineMalaysia.com

This article was written by Sarah Rees for The Expat magazine and has been edited for Expat Go.
Source: The Expat April 2012
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