WIP at Bangsar – one of Malaysia’s Best Kept Secrets

WIP at Bangsar Shopping Centre is a lovely place to hang out if you are in Kuala Lumpur. Their opening hours are simply stated as “Noon until closing”; and from what we understand closing can be very very late, or even early the next morning. Located some way off the main Bukit Bintang tourist belt, not many visitors to Kuala Lumpur find their way to WIP at Bangsar. It is, however, popular with locals in the know – for lunch, high tea, evening cocktails or to party the night away. It was said to be one of Malaysia’s best kept secrets.

WIP…Once a Work In Progress now Whipped Into Place! WIP has certainly been whipped into place by couple Fred Choo and Michele Kwok, who are also behind Souled Out and Tujo (formerly 7 ate Nine).

Located on the ground level of the upscale Bangsar Shopping Centre, WIP has a large al fesco dining area with a beach resort ambience. Enjoying a drink there can easily make you forget that you are in busy urban Kuala Lumpur. The interior is attractively appointed and designed for ease of social interactions. With lots of natural lighting, it has a casual but elegant look. A large island bar area gives an indication of how happy the evening hours can be. The WIP is well stocked with premium champagnes, wines, spirits and a very wide range of Mojitos.

WIP’s menu features bar snacks and a mix of dishes from its Western, Asian, Northern Indian and Pizza kitchens. Espetada (traditional Portuguese meat skewers) and Chicken Chimichanga (deep-fried flour tortilla stuffed with chicken and cheese) are examples of the interesting items in the menu. More common items –  like Nasi Lemak, Mamak Mee Goreng, Fish & Chips, Chicken Vindaloo, Duck Confit and Steak – are available along with a range of burgers, salads, pizzas and noodles.

We ordered a Char Kway Teow (19 Ringgit) and the Tandoori Chicken (28 Ringgit). The Char Kway Teow was the Malaysian version of the wok-fried rice noodles with prawns, fish cake and vegetables. It was nicely presented. The spicy Char Kway Teow had a smokey taste and was scrumptious.

The quartered tandoor oven-baked chicken was served with masala, mint sauce, salad and naan. The chicken was well marinated and baked just right. It was moist and flavourful. The naan was dense and soft with charred, crispy edges. It had a nice aroma and good texture. The naan was most enjoyable when eaten with the complex combination of masala, mint sauce and marinated baked chicken.

We enjoyed our lunch at WIP. It was good food in a great atmospheric cafe. Judging by the popularity of the place, we suspect that it is no longer a secret that WIP is one of the best places in Kuala Lumpur to unwind, have delicious food and a good time.

Ratings:
Food : 4
Service: 3
Value : 3
Atmosphere: 4
Overall Rating: 4 TOPS

WIP
Lot G111, Ground Floor,
Jalan 222, Bangsar Shopping Centre,
285, Jalan Maarof, Bukit Bandar Raya,
59000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Tel : +603 2094 1789/+6012 650 5722

Business Hours : Noon until closing

Website

The Ordinary Patrons
a Singapore food blog by ordinary people looking for places to eat