Cili Kampung (1 Utama)

A Malay restaurant on the second floor of 1 Utama shopping centre in Petaling Jaya. Full of greenery, the dining room mixes the warmth of a village home with a modern, stylish touch, and it's easy to drop in during a day of shopping.

What impressed me was how they take traditional Malaysian dishes and finish them with a modern sensibility. The curries and the stir-fries alike, everything we ordered was delicious, and the seasoning leans on the spicy side. The home-cooked flavours are respected, while the plating and the overall balance feel clean and neat.

"Kampung" means "village" in Malay. The signatures are regional home dishes: masak lomak simmered in coconut milk and turmeric, masak kicap finished with sweet soy sauce, and asam pedas, a sour and spicy fish stew. There are branches across Malaysia, including KLCC and Hartamas.

A good choice when you want Malay food in a relaxed, pretty setting.