SEPETANG With JUICE: Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur

By Ahmad Hamizan  •  29 Oct 2021 in Features

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Here at JUICE, we are committed to chronicling culture, events, and things that everyday Malaysians hold dear. In this special, we are bringing you on an excursion of the Taman Tun Dr Ismail area, with an evening itinerary prepared by our staff writer Ahmad Hamizan.

Without further ado, here is SEPETANG with JUICE.

1600 – 1800 Hours

* FROLIC IN BUKIT KIARA FEDERAL PARK *

Place of Interest : TTDI Park, Taman Rimba Kiara, Bukit Kiara Hiking Trail

The Bukit Kiara area in TTDI is one that most city-folk would know for its lush greenery and timeless natural beauty. For more than a decade, the residents of Taman Tun have been embroiled a tug-of-war between developers and the authorities to protect this gem, urging the powers that be to halt encroaching development projects.

Current Segambut MP, Hannah Yeoh, had even made this issue front-and-centre in her pitch to constituents during GE14, and followed through right to the letter. In late 2020, she announced that a majority of the hilly nature enclave was officially re-zoned as a Federal Park, with a staggering 274.3 acres now protected by law.

“This gazettement is important to ensure that Segambut’s green jewel is preserved and protected. This is a pivotal step to preserve and protect this precious green space in the heart of Kuala Lumpur for our future generations,” she said.

There are a few ways to enjoy this part of town, but I’d recommend athleisure wear here – leave the Doc Martens and Vetements at home.

There’s the wonderful TTDI Park on Jalan Abang Haji Openg, right in front of the SK Taman Tun Dr Ismail (2) school. A personal favourite of mine, it s a wonderful circle-pathed park that is built around a man-made lake. You can jog, picnic, bike, skate, or even walk like an old uncle to your heart’s content here. And don’t forget to pay the Jenny Hong truck a visit on your way out (if they’re open) and snag a fresh, cold soya bean drink or glorious tau-fu-fah. Delish!

If you’d like to partake in more space-intensive sports like football or frisbee, then the nearby Taman Rimba Kiara would be up your alley. Long patches of flat green grass almost begs to be enjoyed here, so bring your members and have a casual kick-about together.

Should you want to truly go all-in and see the sights, then walk on down (or up – the incline is not for the faint-hearted) to Kiara Hill Walk, where you will find the entrance to the well-travelled Bukit Kiara Hiking Trail. There are a few paths to follow along at a leisurely pace, and even a downhill mountain biking descend that will satiate even the most daring of thrill-seekers.

Address: Jalan Abang Haji Openg/Jalan Tun Moh Fuad/Changkat Abang Haji Openg, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur

 

1800-2000 Hours

* GRAB A CUPPA & GET SOME GRUB *

Place of Interest : Ini / Itu

There is something special about this place, which is equal parts cozy extended living room, and a neighbourhood supply store that has everything under one roof.

At Ini/Itu, you can get restaurant-quality meals for a steal, enjoy barista-grade coffee (with a rotating selection of beans and brews) and scrumptious baked goods, browse through well-curated thrifted clothes and accessories, and it even has an in-house vape store! Need we say more?

Located on the first floor of Lorong Rahim Kajai 13, the business had only just opened late last year, but has quickly become a favourite for those from near and far – as a destination to remote work at, or simpy just lepak with friends.

You will find a humble sandwich board with cutesy hand-written messages on the ground floor entrance, so you know you’re at the right place. Climb a flight a stairs and you will immediately greeted by a stunning work of graffiti by street artist Jefr, itself worth at least a picture or two.

Once inside, the smell of freshly-brewed coffee and cakes is immediately recognisable. Look around, and spot tied-sneakers hanging from the ceiling features, even more graffiti, and signs proclaiming their affiliation with the counter-culture.

What’s more, there are a number of spots that you can be posted up for hours on end, from a cosy table nook or even the smoking/vape area – conveniently placed away from diners, so if you’re with child do not fret.

Personally, I’d recommend the excellent Matcha Latte, but you can’t go wrong with a cup of their signature hand-poured Filter Coffee with Ice. If you’re feeling peckish, then their selection of Rice Bowls will not disappoint, and finish it off with a sinful Biscoff Croffle. You’re welcome.

Do take note that the kitchen closes at 7pm however, but coffee and desserts are on sale until closing. So sit back, sip on something nice, and drench yourself in the immaculate early dusk atmosphere.

Address: 21a, Lorong Rahim Kajai 13, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur

 

2000 – 2200 Hours

* CAP THE NIGHT WITH A NIGHTCAP *

Place of Interest : Brasserie Léon

Located on the edge of TTDI on the first floor of the Greens Terrace development, there sits a French restaurant that serves a mean plate of food, with excellent drinks to boot.

Brasserie Léon, or simply Léon, is a French co-owned and operated restaurant that seeks to make one dish excellently well, and that is the delectable Steak Frites (Steak & Fries), served in a signature butter and herb sauce that is indescribable. There are other main dishes on the extensive menu, but what you really want is what they’re known for, and for good reason.

Sourcing their beef directly from Australia, the 180g strip loin comes in either the Angus, Meltique, Black Angus, or Wagyu MB6/7 varieties. The move here is to lean towards a Rare to Medium Rare sear, as the meat would stay flavourful, while remaining soft and juicy.

If you’re worried about ‘blood in the meat’, rest assured that the juice is actually myoglobin – a form of protein found in muscle tissue that gives steak it’s distinct colour and taste. Plus if it was real blood, or tasted like it, I’d imagine it would not to be as popular an option as it is.

So do me a favour, and order (and eat) the steak right. Where was I? Oh yes, the fries are also absolutely to die for. Did I mention it comes with fries?

The fries are crispy, salted ever so slightly, and best of all completely handmade. It also comes with a side of mesclun salad, if you’re into that kind of thing.

As for washing it all down, you are spoiled for choice. There’s a reason the menu is four pages but three are devoted to just drinks.

Opt to teetotal with some fine Teas and Coffees, or try out their varied selection of Jussu Cold-Pressed Juices. If you’re feeling frisky, the choice wines and spirits will amaze and delight the senses.

Address: Greens Terrace, 1-1, Jalan Wan Kadir 3, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur