Chika Bonita @ Publika KL is a significant, high-energy Mexican restaurant, known for "Day of the Dead" theme

Food
18 May 2026 • 7:00 AM MYT
Zulkifly Baharom
Zulkifly Baharom

An HR practitioner, Sejahtera Leadership Coach & Gusi Peace Prize Laureate.

Image from: Chika Bonita @ Publika KL is a significant, high-energy Mexican restaurant, known for "Day of the Dead" theme
Dr. Zul is mesmerized with the lively vibe of Chica Bonita. Pix: Zarina

During my tenure with Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Academy, as sidelines of meetings at MAS Los Angeles (LAX) International Airport, I remember having the opportunity visiting the primary and most famous border town pairing between California in the US and Mexico is the San Diego-Tijuana connection. However, MAS staff told me that California-Mexico border stretches across major sister-city pairs spanning from the Pacific Ocean to the Colorado River.

iHola! Bienvenido a nuestro restaurante! It was really nostalgic that my path crossed with one Mexican Kitchen. From the moment I walked through Chica Bonita - Publika in Kuala Lumpur. One of the most iconic facets of the holiday is the sugar skull, also called a calavera, which I could see adorned in this restaurant with eccentric explosion of color, representing the exhilaration of life! To share that celebration with the world, Chica Bonita has encapsulated this through the theme of their restaurant, asking customers to celebrate the joy of life with them while savoring their authentic Mexican food and cuisine.

Image from: Chika Bonita @ Publika KL is a significant, high-energy Mexican restaurant, known for "Day of the Dead" theme
Dr. Zul admire the themed wall art with fluorescent-lit large murals, and portraits of La Catrina and displaying multi-colored calaveras (sugar skulls). Pix: Zarina

I understand “Chica Bonita” is a Spanish phrase that translates directly to “pretty girl” or “beautiful girl”. It is a common, generally positive compliment used to describe a young woman as attractive, lovely, or sweetie. Literal meaning: Chica means “girl”, and Bonita means “pretty” or “beautiful”. It is often used as a compliment: “Hola, chika bonita” means “Hello. pretty girl”. It is commonly used to express admiration for someone's appearance or demeanor.

Image from: Chika Bonita @ Publika KL is a significant, high-energy Mexican restaurant, known for "Day of the Dead" theme
The signature food and drink served at Chika Bonita are a rare find in KL, this innovative fusion crispy Oaxacan-style tortilla pizza is topped with refried beans, cheese, prawns, and squid. Pix: Zarina

I like the vibrant environment at Chika Bonita Publika for its unique decor, featuring sugar skulls, colorful murals, and loud Latin tunes that create a festive, high-energy environment. It offers a Californian-Mexican (Cali-Mex) menu featuring popular items like quesadillas, nachos, fajitas, and traditional Mexican food. I understand the restaurant is also known for having a lively evening atmosphere that turns it into a colorful socializing, offering a memorable fiesta.


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