It was not until recently that this writer discovered Happy Mansion, a gastronomic heaven that offers everything from good slices of pizza to refreshing bowls of cendol to keep you cool on hot Malaysian days. Hidden away in Petaling Jaya’s many sections—Section 17, specifically—are three unassuming blocks of apartments, where the ground floors offer a bevvy of restaurants, cafes, and stalls that’ll satisfy even the fussiest of foodies.
1. Dough! Bakery & Cafe
If you’re craving artisanal loaves of bread and pancakes as soft as pillows, look no further than Dough!, tucked away in the heart of Petaling Jaya at Happy Mansion. Renowned for using quality ingredients matched with traditional baking techniques, this bakery/cafe serves all the carbs you can imagine.
Waffles? Yes. Pancakes? Hell yes. Sourdough sandwiches? Mmm, yeah! However, what we found most unique was their Duck Pizza, which was flavourful and generous enough to share. Their selection of sourdough loaves is also worth peeking at and taking away. Their pavlovas are easily one of the prettiest we’ve ever seen, thanks to the sprinkling of edible flowers.
Address: B-G-7, Block B, Happy Mansion, Jalan 17/13, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact: +6016 647 2775
2. Sistars Kitchen
For inexpensive and flavourful Malaysian delights, Sistars Kitchen is very unlikely to disappoint. Its casual and open-air kopitiam concept makes it hard to miss, and the crowd (likely loyalists and not too overwhelming) will pique your curiosity.
The menu here is simple, and we assume it’s on purpose to save time on what to order. The Chee Cheong Fun is SO GOOD and will change the minds of those who don’t naturally gravitate towards this unassuming dish. Sistars’ version is doused in sauce and topped generously with fried shallots, and Chinese preserved radish (also known as choy poh).
The nasi lemak ayam rendang will have your heart racing, and don’t make the mistake of not ordering their shaved iced desserts––ABC and cendol; either one is just as good as the other.
Address: CG5, Happy Mansion, Block C, Jalan 17/13, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact: +6017 332 4338
3. Jane’s Nem
For some, the idea of a bowl of pho is just noodles swimming around in broth. For a true foodie, a bowl of this Vietnamese staple is meant to be hearty and comforting and knows how hard it is to come by. If you have been searching for authentic Vietnamese cuisine, consider your arduous search over because Jane’s Nem is where you’ll find all the robust flavours.
No hate to Super Saigon because we do love convenience, but the pho here will knock your socks off. Meek in appearance, its taste excels beyond your wildest expectations. It’s clear that recipes have been perfected before serving to restaurant patrons. Of course, don’t skip their banh mi and spring rolls either.
Address: Happy Mansion, AG5, Block A, Jalan 17/13, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact: +6012 331 1835
4. Pizza Mansion
Pizza lovers will know of Pizza Mansion; if they didn’t, they’d want to. As the name suggests, this eatery offers all kinds of pizzas, and while they have swanky, new outlets at The Five and Bukit Bintang, this flagship location remains a fan-favourite. Expect classics of Italy’s favourite carb with the Holy Pepperoni or Hey Margherita.
Want some proper meat on your slices of joy? Try the Silence Of The Lambs or Carbonara. There is also pasta available here if you’re not in the mood for pizza, and trust us when we say you should end your meal with their famed Brownies And Ice Cream.
Address: BG3, Block B, Happy Mansion, Jalan 17/13, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact: +6016 388 5365
5. FEEKA
Those who brunch will be very familiar with FEEKA. Founded over a decade ago, the brand now has three outlets and a slew of brunch fans who swear by its menu. With laid-back vibes and quality brews, it’s genuinely a comforting choice for those who need to be caffeinated, and you’ll rarely hear complaints about their food, from savoury choices like their Salt Beef Sandwich and Chicken Parmigiana to sweet options like pancakes and the outlet’s Dark Chocolate Brownie.
Address: Happy Mansion, BG1, Block B, Jalan 17/13, Section 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact: +603 7931 2308