Craving something new in the heart of KL? This REXKL food guide has you covered with all the best bites and must-try spots—here’s what to eat while you’re there.
If you’ve ever wandered through Kuala Lumpur’s bustling streets and skipped out on REXKL, you’re missing a vital piece of the city’s cultural and culinary puzzle. Tucked away in the heart of downtown KL, REXKL is a living, breathing creative space where history, art, and food come together in one single spot.
Once a 1947 heritage cinema and one of Malaysia’s earliest theatres, REXKL has transformed into a community hub that honours its past while embracing the present. The building’s facade may blend into the surrounding rows of traditional shophouses, but step inside and you’ll find a world filled with creativity, colour, and most importantly—flavour.
At the centre of this transformation is Food Fiction, REXKL’s dedicated culinary zone. It’s a buzzing hotspot that brings together some of KL’s most exciting and up-and-coming food and beverage entrepreneurs. From innovative fusion bites to locally inspired street food, Food Fiction is where bold flavours and fresh ideas collide. Beyond that, REXKL is also home to several standalone eateries that offer even more variety—whether you’re after a hearty meal, a sweet treat, or a perfect cup of coffee.
With so many choices packed under one roof, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. That’s where this guide comes in. Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning visitor, we’ve rounded up the must-try eats and hidden gems to make sure your REXKL food adventure is nothing short of delicious. Let’s dig in.
(Hero and feature images credit: Instagram/ @raijin_ramenbar)
Inside REXKL: A food guide to the best eats there according to locals
1 /8
A recent addition to REXKL, Koka Izakaya is tucked away in REXKL UP, the venue’s new satellite space. Opened by the same team behind Raijin Ramen, this laid-back izakaya serves Japanese street snacks and drinks. Expect crispy bites like koebi karaage and kawahagi mirin boshi during the day, with chicken kushiyaki taking the spotlight in the evening.
Operating hours: 12 PM – 11 PM (Tuesdays to Sundays, closed on Mondays)
(Image credit: Instagram/ @kokaizakaya)
2 /8
Summation is a bakery inside REXKL known for its beautifully made canalés and pastries. Sharing space with a cosy stationery store, it’s a go-to for artisanal bakes and desserts that hit the sweet spot.
Operating hours: 10 AM – 7 PM (opens daily)
(Image credit: Instagram/ @atsummation)
3 /8
Raijin Ramen puts a local spin on traditional Japanese comfort food. Their pork bone broth ramen comes with bold twists like green chilli paste, alongside favourites like black garlic tonkotsu and grilled yakitori skewers.
Operating hours: 12 PM – 3.30 PM, 5.30 PM – 10 PM (Tuesdays to Sundays, closed on Mondays)
(Image credit: Instagram/ @raijin_ramenbar)
4 /8
Located in REXKL’s Food Fiction hall, Kantin serves authentic East Malaysian cuisine. Signature dishes include nasi kerabu, Bornean-style grilled meats, and rainforest fried rice, all best enjoyed with a cold beer or a glass of tuak.
Operating hours: 11.30 AM – 10 PM (Tuesdays to Sundays, closed on Mondays)
(Image credit: Instagram/ @kantinrexkl)
5 /8
For classic New York-style pizza by the slice, Phil’s Pizza is the top pick in REXKL. Generous, thin-crust slices make it a favourite for quick, satisfying bites.
Operating hours: 11 AM – 10 PM (opens daily)
(Image credit: Instagram/ @philspizzza)
6 /8
Fafaba is REXKL’s resident ferment bar and bottle shop, focused on gut-friendly, fermented drinks. It features a curated selection of natural wines, sake, and global ferments—a perfect stop for adventurous drinkers.
Operating hours: 5 PM – 11 PM (weekdays), 2 PM – 11 PM (weekends)
(Image credit: Instagram/ @fafaba.kl)
7 /8
Perched on REXKL’s rooftop, Shhhbuuuleee is a hidden dining spot known for inventive East Asian cuisine and creative cocktails. With standout dishes like glutinous rice–stuffed quail and Wagyu karubi char siew, it also offers panoramic views and an extensive drink list featuring natural wines, sake, and highballs.
Operating hours: 12 PM – 12 PM (closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
(Image credit: Instagram/ @shhhbuuuleee)
8 /8
Stellar Coffee is a standout for specialty brews crafted with precision and care. Whether it’s a bold Guatemalan hand brew or a smooth Ethiopian flat white, their offerings deliver both quality and consistency. Try their cold brew aged for two weeks or the strawberry tonic for a unique, refreshing twist.
Operating hours: 8.30 AM – 7.30 PM (opens daily)
(Image credit: Instagram/ @stellarcoffeee)
