Shake Shack, the internationally acclaimed burger chain from the United States, has announced that they will be expanding to Malaysia. According to their official social media, the first branch will be opening at the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX)’s mall, The Exchange, in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
Shake Shack started out from a humble hot dog cart in New York City’s Madison Square Park in 2001. Since then, the brand and its popularity has grown steadily with branches all over the world, with over 470 locations system-wide, including over 305 outlets in the United States, and over 165 international locations across London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Dubai, Tokyo, Seoul and more.
The f&b brand will be working with SPC group to operate Shake Shack in Malaysia. They are also the operator of Shake Shack in Korea and Singapore. The company aims to have over 45 stores open across the three countries by 2031, including 10 in Malaysia.
Photo / IG @shakeshackPhoto / IG @shakeshack
What to expect from Shake Shack
Shake Shack will be serving elevated, modern, and fun versions of American classics. The menu showcases responsibly sourced premium ingredients with everything made-to-order. Their signature items include ShackBurger, Chicken Shack, ‘Shroom Burger, Crinkle-Cut Fries, Shakes and Shack Attack.
In addition to burgers, Shake Shack serves flat-top hot dogs. These can be paired with their creamy milkshakes and frozen custard that come in a variety of flavours such as vanilla, chocolate and peanut butter.
They will also be serving food items to cater to the Malaysian market by introducing exclusive menu options that will tantalise local taste buds and deliver a truly unique dining experience.
The Exchange, which is the mall that the Shake Shack will be located is expected to open on 29 November 2023.
Follow their social media, Instagram and Facebook for more announcement soon.
While our team is browsing the Michelin Guide on their official website, we have found out that there are seven new eateries from Kuala Lumpur and Penang that were added to their list.
This is not the first time Michelin has added additional food & beverage outlets into their list. Last July, they have published eight new restaurants that will be announced in the next upcoming annual Michelin Guide ceremony.
Although there is no official statement from Michelin yet as of when this article is written, we suppose that these seven eateries will be considered in the next Michelin Guide for both the Malaysian cities.
Check out some of the eateries that were up on the list.
Kuala Lumpur
Jwala
E-2-01, Level 2, Block E, The Five, Kompleks Pejabat Damansara, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur.
The facade of the Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC), with a historical architecture in the heart of Kuala Lumpur is being brought to life with 3D projection mapping, added with the enchantment of light and music, as the sun sets.
The event, Terang 2023 which is led by Filamen showcases 34 luminous one-and-a-half-minute video mapping works created by both international and local digital artists inspired by the theme “Warisan” which means heritage.
Organised from 20 until 29 October 2023, it features glowing images from a traditional Chinese opera projection and a tribute the late filmmaker Yasmin Ahmad, right to tropical jungles, a roaring Harimau Malaya, Malay traditional clothing patterns and peacock weathers.
Various artists from the region including Pavee from Thailand, Ape Plus Studio from Indonesia and OneShot Production from Malaysia is part of the creators for the show from 8.oopm until 11.00pm every night. University students from Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore), Rangsit University International College, Thailand, University of Technology MARA (UiTM) and The One Academy from Malaysia also contributed to the project.
MaTiC, a historical building with colonial architectural design built in 1935, is located at Jalan Ampang. Originally a residence of Eu Tong Sen, a wealthy mining and rubber estate tycoon, it was subsequently used as the war office of the British Army and the Japanese Imperial Army headquarters during the Second World War.
It has also hosted important events such as the first meeting of Parliament of Federation of Malaya in 1959 and was once the National Art Gallery between 1958 and 1984.
Ed Sheeran, the famous singer-songwriter will be making a stop to Kuala Lumpur to perform next year with guest star Callum Scott. The concert organiser, Go Live Asia confirmed that Ed Sheeran’s +-=÷×Tour aka The Mathematics Tour will take place at Bukit Jalil National Stadium on February 24, 2024.
Ticket pre-sales for the Ed Sheeran concert in Malaysia will commence on October 25th, 2023 at precisely 10.00AM local time for UOB cardmembers, and end on October 27th, 2023 at 9.59AM. This will then be promptly followed by a general sale that will take place on October 27th, 2023 from 12.00PM onwards.
All tickets can be purchased through the concert’s official website, which can be accessed through the link here.
In terms of the pricing for the upcoming concert in Kuala Lumpur, it is are expected to start from RM198 and go up to RM1,388. A full list of the ticket prices can be found as the following:
With a long and interesting history, Malaysia is home to a mix of different cultures and community; and this is what makes every city in the country worth to explore.
From modern skyscrapers to heritage architectures, bustling old markets to shopping malls, award-winning restaurants to delicious local street foods, the cooling hills and beautiful beaches; the cities have every reason to attract travellers and even the locals.
In this article, you’ll explore some of the interesting cities in Malaysia that you might want to put in your itinerary during your next holiday break.
Kuala Lumpur
Photo / IG @leeclarkephotoPhoto / IG @cicilicious
As the capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is the most popular city in the country. Also known as KL, the city is home to the iconic skyscraper, the Petronas Twin Towers which is the world’s tallest twin structures, and now with an upcoming latest skyscraper, the Merdeka 118.
Kuala Lumpur is famous for its shopping malls, Michelin listed as well as street foods, aesthetic cafes and many attractions that is worth visiting. Take yourself to downtown KL and you might find some heritage treasures.
Located in Penang island itself, George Town is a colourful Malaysian city that has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Throughout the heritage site, you will discover British colonial architectures, street arts, old artisan trades that are still in operations and most of all delicious street foods.
As Penang is famous for its food, it’s not considered as you have visited Penang if you don’t try their food. While George Town has many worthy sites to visit, the Penang Hill and Batu Feringghi beaches are not that far away for you to visit either.
Alor Setar
Photo / IG @lohtchuanPhoto / IG @amazingkedah
Known as ‘the rice bowl of Malaysia,’ Alor Setar is the capital of Kedah State, which is full of paddy fields and delightful curving hills. The city itself is a bastion of Malay culture and has some interesting galleries to visit, as well as some lovely architecture on show.
From the Alor Setar Tower, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the city that are especially stunning at sunset and at night when the city lights up.
Mount Keriang (Gunung Keriang) is a limestone hill with beautiful crystal stones that you can hike up and enjoy the view of surrounding rice fields along the way.
Ipoh
Photo / IG @arelenehouseipoh
In Ipoh’s old town, you will see charming colonial-era buildings, some of which have been transformed into trendy cafes and boutiques.
Start your day early at this quaint town and drink coffee in one of Ipoh’s local ‘kopitiam’, traditional coffee shops that make the sweet white coffee that is a must-try.
Take an adventure to the cave temples, like Sam Poh Tong and Kek Lok Tong, where you will find beautiful temples built within limestone caves, offering a serene and spiritual experience.
Ipoh is also known for the hot springs, which you can experience at a resort, and nature lovers will appreciate exploring the Kinta Valley and its limestone hills.
Kota Bharu
Siti Khadijah Market Photo / IG @hanz.ismailPantai Cahaya Bulan Photo / IG @j_n_j_ashadhodhomei
Towards the east coast, Kota Bharu is a cultural town with vibrant markets, beautiful mosques and strong customs and traditions around crafts.
Visit the Handicraft Village and Craft Museum for a showcase of this traditional artistry, shop local goods at the huge Siti Khadijah Market and visit the Istana Jahar museum to check out the royal history.
Despite being in a state with strong Malay cultural and Muslim religious influences, you might be surprised that the it is also the place where you can find the Wat Photivihan Buddhist Temple where it houses the huge sleeping Buddha.
Not that far away from the city, you can also visit the popular beach site, Pantai Cahaya Bulan.
Also from the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Kuala Terengganu is a city with beautiful beaches facing the South China Sea.
It’s another city in Malaysia with a rich history rooted in maritime trade and Malay Islamic culture.
Interesting places that you may want to visit are the Crystal Mosque, which is adorned with crystal-like decorations made from glass, crystal and steel, and the Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque, also known as the floating mosque.
Pasar Payang is the place to go for local crafts, textiles, traditional goods and to immerse yourself in the local culture and find unique souvenirs.
Kuantan
Photo / IG @kamieshukaPhoto / IG @ken._______
Kuantan, the capital city of Pahang has beautiful beaches, tranquil landscapes and a vibrant local scene for you to visit.
From relaxing on Teluk Cempedak Beach to appreciating the Sultan Ahmad Shah State Mosque’s architecture to taking a historical excursion to the Sungai Lembing Mines, there’s plenty to do in Kuantan.
Petaling Jaya
Originally a satellite town developed to curb urban congestion of Kuala Lumpur city, Petaling Jaya has evolved to stand on its own as a lively city.
This city located in Selangor is popular for its mega shopping malls and entertainment parks like the Sunway Lagoon theme park.
It is also famous for its local delights at the SS2 street food lane, where you’ll get the chance to try durian buffet and other affordable mouth-watering dishes.
Putrajaya
Photo / IG @jeanwooi
Although Putrajaya is built as an administrative city, it’s a popular destination for anyone who wants to get away from the frantic pace of Kuala Lumpur and to participate in recreational hobbies such as rollerblading and watersports.
A relaxing thing to do is to have a picnic at the Putrajaya Botanical Garden and go kayaking at the Putrajaya Lake.
As you paddle at the lake, you can snap a selfie with the Putra Mosque also known as the pink mosque in the background.
Malacca
Malacca or more commonly known as Melaka is the oldest city in Malaysia, which was established as a port during the 14th century. Due to its early history with the influence of Portuguese, Dutch and subsequently British, it has many impressive colonial era-architectures. Hence, Malacca was listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site inn 2008.
Some of the main destinations to visit in this historical city are the Christ Church, the A Famosa fortress and Saint Paul’s church.
Or you can take on a river cruise along the Malacca river which offers another view of the town’s captivating architecture.
Explore the Jonker Street, and you’ll find good Malaysian street food and shop for local souvenirs.
Johor Bahru
One of the top attractions of this southern Malaysian city is Legoland, which some say is one of the best theme parks in the world.
Malaysia’s Legoland has a LEGO-themed water park and a stunning Sea Life aquarium.
Another attraction in Johor Bahru is the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, a 19th-century mosque influenced by the Victorian architectural style.
For some time at the beach, Desaru Beach is the place to go for a relaxing day and is equipped with barbeque pits, perfect for families.
Kuching
The state capital of Sarawak and the largest city on the island of Borneo, Kuching is a bustling, diverse city which has old colonial buildings and modern towers and houses.
With the Sarawak River on one side, the city has street food vendors and locals selling handicrafts and paintings. It has 19th century landmarks like The Astana and Fort Margherita along with wildlife sanctuaries with rich flora and fauna.
Miri
Miri is a town known for its oil and gas industry, limestone caves, wildlife and cultural diversity.
Climb Canada hill for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscapes.
At the top of the hill, the Grand Old Lady and Petroleum Science Museum is the place to learn about Miri’s oil history.
One of Miri’s main attractions are the ancient caves at the Niah National Park, where you can admire cave paintings and learn about the region’s prehistoric history.
Head to Miri Handicraft Centre to buy some souvenirs or simply learn about traditional and aboriginal Sarawakian handicrafts and textiles.
Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah, a state of Malaysia in Borneo. The city lies on the fringes of the South China Sea and it is also the place where the highest mountain in Malaysia, Mount Kinabalu is.
Being a coastal city, visitors can always enjoy the beaches and waters which is just nearby. Some of the places that you might want to visit are the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, Gaya Street and many more.
Sandakan
Sandakan is a captivating city in Sabah that attracts wildlife lovers.
One of the most popular things to do is to see orangutans in their natural habitat and learn about the conversation efforts at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
You can also see the world’s smallest bears at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, which is dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating sun bears. While the Sandakan Crocodile Farm is the largest crocodile farm in Malaysia with more than 3000 reptiles in the farm.
A must-do is to go on a Kinabatangan wildlife river cruise where you get to spot proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and a variety of bird species.
The Chairman, a Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant in Hong Kong, has recently clarified on social media that it does not currently operate a branch outside of Hong Kong.
The restaurant is also named Hong Kong’s Best Restaurant on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants ranking this year, is owned by chef Danny Yip.
This clarification was made in response to the sizeable billboard on the fifth floor of Pavilion Damansara Heights shopping mall that bore The Chairman’s name and logo.
Besides that, The Chairman made it clear in their Instagram post that it has nothing to do with the restaurant at the shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur.
The official statement on The Chairman’s Instagram:
In response to inquiries from our patrons, The Chairman International Limited, trading as The Chairman , would like to clarify that, apart from The Chairman Restaurant (大班樓）at 198 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, we do not have any branch, franchise or any other form of operation in or outside Hong Kong. In particular but without limitation to the foregoing, we do not have any operation in Malaysia and do not have any association with any restaurant opened or to be opened in Malaysia bearing the name “Chairman” or “大班樓“.
For the record, we have not authorized or approved any person or entity in or outside Hong Kong to use any of our English or Chinese names and/or any of our logos and related designs.
In response to the confusion, the Malaysian restaurant’s operator, Chairman Group Malaysia issued a statement on their social media.
“In light of recent confusion surrounding the Chairman Group Malaysia and The Chairman Company Limited of Hong Kong, we’d like to clarify that we have no affiliation with the Hong Kong Restaurant. On a positive note, we are excited to share that Mr. Chan, one of the founders of Chairman Hong Kong and our advisor, will soon be introducing a new establishment in Malaysia, showcasing exciting innovations and locally-inspired dishes.”
Malaysia’s Kita Food Festival, an annual multi-platform food and gastronomy event, makes its return in September and October this year, taking place in both Malaysia and Singapore. Designed to bring together the people who make up Southeast Asia’s incredible food scene, the event features a line-up of fascinating speakers, symposiums, four-hand dining experiences and workshops for young ambitious industry professionals.
What’s On The Calendar
Four-Hand Dinner Julien Mercier (Claudine, Singapore) x Masashi Horiuchi (Entier, Kuala Lumpur)
October 26, 2023
Venue: Entier Level 41 at Alila Bangsar No 58, Jalan Ang Seng, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur.
Four-Hand Dinner Chele Gonzalez (Gallery by Chele, Manila) x Sergio Meza (Mano, Kuala Lumpur)
October 27, 2023
Venue: Mano Restaurant E-1-03, The Five, Kompleks Pejabat Damansara, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur.
Four-Hand Dinner René Stein (Tisane, Nuremberg) x Darren Teoh (Dewakan, Kuala Lumpur)
October 27 & 28, 2023
Venue: Dewakan Restaurant Level 48, Skyviews, Naza Tower @ Platinum Park, Persiaran KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur.
Four-Hand Dinner Fukuyama Goh (Goh, Fukuoka) x Shaun Ng (Hide, Kuala Lumpur)
October 27 & 28, 2023
Venue: Hide Restaurant Concourse, Ritz-Carlton Residences, 105, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Four-Hand Dinner Keiko Kuwakino (Satoyama Jujo, Niigata) and Lroy Lim (Ignis, Kuala Lumpur) Sake pairing by Danny Leong (The Saké Place, Kuala Lumpur)
October 28, 2023
Venue: Ignis G-02A, Ground Level, The Sphere, No. 1, Avenue 1, Bangsar South City, 8, Jalan Kerinchi, Bangsar South, 59200 Kuala Lumpur.
Big Sunday Barbecue
Jovan Goh (Kotuwa, Singapore) x Mohammed Eliyaz & Yavhin Siriwardhana (Nadodi, KL)
Oliver Truesdale Jutras (Lo & Behold, Singapore) x Michael Yee (Waig by Chipta11A, KL)
Carlos Montobbio (Esquina, Singapore) x Leong Chee Mun (Raw Kitchen Hall, KL)
David Tang (Humpback, SG) x Mandy Goh (ATAS, KL)
Rodolfo Rodriguez (Barood, SG) x Sherwin Delgado (Botanica+Co, KL)
October 29, 2023
Venue: Botanica+Co at Bamboo Hills P-09, Taman Bukit Bambu, Off, Lebuhraya Duta – Ulu Kelang, Taman Bamboo, 51100 Kuala Lumpur.
KITA Conversations
October 30, 2023
Venue: Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC) S611, Second Floor, 1 Utama E, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
The threat of haze is a problem for Malaysians and neighbouring countries as we continue to battle this problem every single year. Haze also known as smog occurs when dust particles, moisture, and smoke molecules get trapped and suspended in the air. This problem does not only cause visibility issues that might make travelling difficult, it also causes health issues towards anyone.
Some of the common problems caused by haze are conjunctivitis, throat irritation, severe cough, breathlessness, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Solving the issue of haze might need cooperation among the neighbouring countries, and that may require some time. In the mean time while we battle the haze, we can take protective measures to reduce the suffering that is caused by the haze. Here are few steps that we can take.
Wear a mask
One of the basic ways to protect yourself from air contaminants of haze is to wear a mask. If possible, wear the N95 masks to cover the nose and mouth as recommended by the Ministry of Health. Stock up and start wearing them when you’re going outdoors.
Drink lots of water and eat healthy foods
Water intake is important for our body during normal times and even more urgent when the haze threatens us. It helps our body to flush out toxins absorbed through the skin and lungs, and thus improving our immune system.
Besides staying hydrated, we should also take more fresh fruits and vegetables that gives us the necessary nutrients.
Stay indoors
If there is nothing urgent to go outdoors, try to stay indoors as much as possible. It’s especially important to steer clear of any outdoor activities and events, and organise sporting events or meetings in an indoor venue instead. Only go out if it’s necessary.
Invest an air purifier and clean regularly
Staying indoors doesn’t mean that we can totally avoid the haze. The tiny air contaminants can still travel into our homes, and therefore we have to clean our homes regularly. If we have the budget, invest an air purifier to filter airborne particles like dust, pollen and bacteria while circulating clean, purified air back into the environment.
Reduce outdoor and physical activities
If you perform physically demanding outdoor exercises or chores during the haze you inadvertently end up inhaling high quantities of airborne particles. This is also aggravated by the fact that strenuous tasks cause you to breathe heavier which results in taking in more pollutants every time you inhale.
Coffee is one of the oldest beverage in the world. It is not only loved due to its nice aroma and taste. It is also popular for its ability to fine-tune your focus and boost your energy levels.
Just the right amount can improve our mood; overdose of it may make us feel anxious and jittery.
In fact, many people depend on their daily cup of caffeine to get their day started with the right energy and mood.
Is coffee good for me?
Yes. Besides giving the necessary energy boost, coffee has been linked to some potential health benefits, giving you all the more reason to get brewing.
In moderation, coffee seems to be good for most people — that’s 3 to 5 cups daily, or up to 400 milligrams of caffeine.
“The evidence is pretty consistent that coffee is associated with a lower risk of mortality,” said Erikka Loftfield, a research fellow at the National Cancer Institute who has studied the beverage.
This article takes an in-depth look at some of the benefits of coffee with research notes.
Boosts energy
Coffee contains caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant that is known for its ability to increase energy levels and alertness. (source)
This is because caffeine blocks the receptors of a neurotransmitter called adenosine, and this increases levels of other neurotransmitters in your brain that regulate your energy levels, including dopamine. (source, source)
One small study found that consuming caffeine increased time to exhaustion during a cycling exercise by 12% and significantly reduced subjective levels of fatigue in participants. (source)
May lower risk of depression
There are also researches that find drinking coffee could be associated in lowering the risk of depression.
According to one review of seven studies, each cup of coffee consumed per day is linked to lowering the risk of depression by 8%. (source)
Another study found that drinking at least four cups of coffee per day might significantly lowering the risk of depression, compared with drinking just one cup per day. (source)
Might support brain health
Although not all, some of the studies suggests that coffee may help protect against certain neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
According to one review of 13 studies, people who regularly consumed caffeine had a significantly lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Caffeine consumption is also believed to be able to slow down the progression of Parkinson’s disease over time. (source)
There are also several studies shows that moderate coffee drinking could be linked with a lower risk of dementia and cognitive decline. (source, source)
Believed to assist in weight management
Some researches states that coffee could alter fat storage and support gut health, both of which may be beneficial for weight management. (source)
One of the review among 12 studies concluded that higher coffee consumption could be associated with decreased body fat, especially in men. (source)
In another study, increased coffee intake was linked to decreasing body fat in women. (source)
May lower the risk of type 2 diabetes
Some research suggests that consuming coffee regularly could be linked to decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes over the long period.
One of the review of 30 studies found that each cup of coffee people consumed per day was linked to a 6% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. (source)
This is thought to be due to coffee’s ability to preserve the function of the beta cells in your pancreas, which are responsible for producing insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. (source).
This is also because it is rich with antioxidants and may affect insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and metabolism. All these are related to the development of type 2 diabetes. (source)
But of course, this might only happen if you drink your daily cup of joe with minimal or no sugar.
Could support the health of the heart
Some research shows that drinking coffee may benefit heart health.
In fact, one review found that drinking three to five cups of coffee per day was related to a reduced risk of heart disease by 15%. (source)
Another study showed that drinking three to four cups of coffee daily is linked to a 21% lower risk of stroke. (source)
There is also a study in more than 21,000 people which found that increased coffee intake was associated with a significantly decreased risk of heart failure. (source)
However, keep in mind that caffeine could affect blood pressure levels too. People with unmanaged blood pressure may need to limit or moderate their intake of coffee. (source, source)
Might increase longevity
Some research suggests that coffee could help extend a person’s longevity.
For example, one review of 40 studies concluded that drinking two to four cups of coffee daily was associated with a lower risk of death, regardless of factors like age, weight status, and alcohol consumption. (source)
Another study in 1,567 people found that drinking coffee was linked to a lower risk of death after 12 and 18 years of follow-up. The study also linked a lower risk of death from cancer with consumption of at least one cup of coffee daily. (source)
Conclusion
Although there are researches from experts that proves coffee might bring some health benefits to us, keep in mind that health conditions depend on your overall lifestyle, and not only the consumption of coffee.
Some people with different biological conditions may need to limit their intake, especially people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, children and adolescents, and people with specific health conditions.
Drink your favourite cup of beverage moderately and any overdose is harmful to anyone.
If you are searching for a spot in Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley to get your daily coffee, check out the ultimate list of cafes in this link.
