Malaysian foodies can rejoice because there is a new dining space in town, and it’s unlike any other. Artisan Playground by COOKHOUSE is not your average food court, though the concept is similar – it’s a gastronomic heaven and COOKHOUSE’s flagship outlet, and what an impressive one it is.
Artisan’s Playground is home to various state-of-the-art ‘chef toys’, which include Josper Basque Grills, a Stefano Ferrara handmade pizza oven, Victoria Arduino espresso machine, and Giesen coffee roastery. These international-grade kitchen tools are dedicated to culinary artisans, and some familiar names such as Raymond Tham of Beta KL and Skillet 163, Diego Reali of Natalina Italian Kitchen and Bocado, plus the team from the iconic Chinese restaurant Extra Super Tanker will have future collaborations with the space.
There’s much to discover, as the food hall spans 33,000 square feet and accommodates over 450 diners houses many restaurants and cafes guaranteed to tickle your tastebuds like never before. While dining, you can also sit on the outdoor balcony to enjoy the view of River Sungai Batu or take Instagram-worthy photos indoors. The seating style ranges from benches with kitchen views to traditional tables and low chairs, all while an exposed ceiling gives a chic industrial vibe.
One of the many robot servers brings food to you, which can be ordered at any time via phone or at the big screens at the front. Managing director Low Su Ming and Huen Su San of COOKHOUSE believes that the kitchen tools and equipment plus the classy space at Artisan’s Playhouse provide chefs with a world-class experience to experiment and push boundaries.
As a new dining destination in Kuala Lumpur, it promises to be a gastronomic experience that Malaysians have yet to experience. Check out our guide to know what’s hot right now at Artisan’s Playground!
1. Tucker
Tucker is a Melbourne-inspired eatery that offers all-day breakfast and brunch selections. Available from 8:30am to 6pm, Tucker serves a variety of breakfast tapas and light eats that make a great start to your day, such as Quinoa and Barley Salad Bowl, Mushroom and Barley Fricassee, Pulled Spiced Beef and Potato Hash, as well as Jerusalem Bagel with chilli con carne.
Tucker also serves warm Hotcakes (RM19) seasoned with orange curd and crushed pistachios for that crunchiness texture, topped with berry compote and maple syrup. So, if you’re craving something filling yet unique in the morning, Tucker is the place for you.
2. Mabel
Mabel is Tucker’s sister eatery that opens from 12pm to 9:30 pm, serving Melbourne-inspired dishes that are easy to share. Some options that have wowed the crowd include Onion Mousse and Toast, Creamy Clams and Mussels, Beef Eye Fillet with gula Melaka soy sauce burnt butter, Mabel’s Friend Chicken with mint-tofu mayonnaise, Confit Duck Leg, and Crab and Pea Risotto with Shimeji mushrooms. Expect punchy flavours and tender, flavour-packed meat when you dine here!
3. Drum Coffee Roaster
Hailing from Kota Bharu, Drum Coffee Roaster is no new kid on the block when it comes to coffee. Supplying quality coffee beans to over 80 cafes around the country, it is both a coffee roaster and a coffee bar here at Artisan’s Playground.
Check out their Giesen Coffee Roaster and Victoria Arduino Coffee Machine equipment that elevates your coffee experience. If you want something special apart from the usual coffee fix, check out their OJ Spresso (lime, orange, and double espresso), Estraordiberry (double espresso, wild berries, lemon, and pomegranate), and Neo Romantics (lychee and rose kombucha).
4. Burnt & Co.
Another of Raymond Tham’s creations, Burnt & Co. focuses on serving you mouth-watering grilled eats. Utilising a premium Jopser grill, the open flame kitchen cooks up a variety of meat and seafood, including delights such as Mala Honey Smoked Duck Breast with herbaceous orange salad, Grilled Baby Octopus on Toast, Australian Wagyu M7 Striploin with chimichurri, Smoked Paprika King Prawn, and Pan-Seared Foie Gras. So, turn up the heat and satisfy your appetite the next time you’re there!
5. Mobster Lobster
Helmed by Chef Fhaizal of The Red Beanbag, Mobster Lobster is the place to go for all things lobster. Indulge in a seafood feast with many selections, including the Original Lobster Roll (lobster meat served in drawn butter), Classic Lobster Roll (lobster meat tossed with homemade mayonnaise), Sambal Lobster Roll, Sweet Chilli Lobster Roll, Salted Egg Lobster Bao, and Lobster Mac and Cheese. We’re drooling already!
6. Pie Guys
Started by the team behind Natalina Italian Kitchen, Pie Guys is all about premium hand-tossed pizzas for all pie lovers. Each hand-stretched thin crust pizza is baked using a Stefano Ferrara wood-fire oven, so it is cooked to perfection.
Currently, there are nine pizza options to select from, and each is constructed with gourmet ingredients. the most exciting ones are the Garlic Girl, Firebird (tomato-based pizza with chicken), The Hunter (beef pepperoni, beef sausage, beef salami, and beef bacon), Magic Mushroom (vegetarian mushrooms).
7. Aliyaa
Chefs from Sri Lankan specialist restaurant Aliyaa are also stationed here at Artisan’s Playground, where you can find dishes similar to its Bukit Damansara branch. If you’re unfamiliar, just know that it’s always full of diners, and you’d do well to book in advance. Their signature fluffy sweet and savoury appams are paired with rich-tasting mud crab curry for a delectable treat. There is also a local thali set that costs RM25.
8. Voila By Otto & Loi
Had your fair share of main courses at Artisan’s Playground? Don’t leave the place just yet! Instead, prepare some room in your belly to try scrumptious desserts from Voila by Otto & Loi.
Helmed by Malaysian duo Otto Tay and Loi Ming Ai, who won the World Pastry Cup Championship in 2019, Voila Pattiserie is famous for its signature petit gâteaux that look and taste like heaven. Then, treat yourself to a myriad of desserts, including Parfum, Lily Pandan, Le Sesame Noir, Jaune, Kappu, and more!
9. Victoria
Named after the royal herself, Victoria is all about sweet delights. Treat yourself to the Satisfying Chocolate Tart, which costs RM25 but tastes like pure magic and let’s not even get into how regal this dessert looks! The chocolate tart comes with a delectable crunchy biscuit base that houses the rich dark chocolate ganache.
10. Oopsy Icy
If you’re coming here on a hot day, then beat the heat by ordering one of Oopsy-Icy‘s gelatos at RM15 per scoop! The artisanal ice cream stand serves classic favourites such as Pistachio and Bacio and whimsical choices such as Blueberry cheese and Hojicha Mochi. Other desserts include Banana Split, Hot Fudge Vanilla, Peach Melba, and Magnolia Bakery-inspired Banana Pudding.
11. One Fine Duck
Together with Extra Super Tanker, famous for its Cantonese fare, One Fine Duck serves everything duck (and it’s pork-free!), but you will also find other types of roast meats. Don’t miss out on their signature Sandwich Duck, which marries crispy roast duck skin with crunchy popiah in a fluffy mantou bun. There is also their one-of-a-kind Wagyu beef char siew!
Workshops and other experiences
Apart from savouring tantalising food and enjoying a wonderful ambience, there are plenty of things to do here at Artisan’s Playground. There are workshops planned for the future, such as a Butter Churning Workshop that will allow you and your loved ones to bond over churning, flavouring, and shaping butter. Doesn’t that sound fun?
The Latte Art Workshop with Drum Coffee Roaster allows you to be a barista for the day as you get your hands on the basics of coffee extraction, steaming milk into microfoam, and pouring coffee. Apart from these workshops, look out for the the upcoming Chef’s Table and Private Dining facilities to make your food experience extra special.
Address: Block H, 1st Floor Rivercity Plaza, Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 4051 1118
