Bloom Restaurant + Bar, Troika, KLCC

Bloom Restaurant + Bar KL

Words: Jason Anom
Photos: Rich Callahan

Amidst the gleaming towers of Persiaran KLCC, at the foot of The Troika, long-time food enthusiasts of KL may recall this location as Acme Bar & Coffee, affectionately known as ABC. Always innovators, restaurateur Andrew Wong and partner Brian Quirk, who introduced us to the highly regarded OpenHouse, Dusun by OpenHouse, and Delirium Café, have transformed ABC into Bloom Restaurant + Bar.

They quietly opened Bloom Restaurant + Bar in mid-May, and like a dedicated gardener, he intends to nurture his establishment before it blossoms into its own in KLCC. The exterior is adorned with lush foliage, providing a sense of dining in a private garden, while the elegant conservatory interior hints at a menu inspired by fresh, vegetable-forward selections.

Inside, clean lines with abundant green accents dominate the space. Tall plate-glass windows invite natural sunlight, while neutral-coloured panelling exudes a soothing ambience. The central bar seamlessly blends in with the conservatory atmosphere. This aesthetic is also reflected in the presentation of the dishes – clean lines, vibrant colours, and a touch of green on your plate.

Bloom Restaurant + Bar Menu

When designing the well-balanced menu at Bloom, Andrew emphasised easily-sourced ingredients to ensure freshness and affordability. From vegan and vegetarian options offering a unique twist on meat-free dishes to pies sourced from a social enterprise that provides opportunities for special needs youth to develop their culinary skills, the menu tempts you to sample all it offers.

Vegan & Vegetarian

The Watermelon Carpaccio (RM28) is a visually stunning vegan option, with thinly sliced watermelon expertly plated to resemble beef carpaccio. The marinated watermelon slices, accompanied by rocket, tomatoes, and edible flowers, offer a refreshing and aesthetically pleasing dining experience.

The Avo-Pea Guacamole Dip with Flatbread (RM20) features chunky guacamole with the creaminess of mashed avocado complemented by the bite of mashed peas. As you dip the crispy Lebanese flatbread seasoned with thyme and pepper, the herby notes add to the delightful combination.

Panini – Bloom Restaurant + Bar

The Roasted Chicken Panini (RM26) bursts with flavour as the pesto harmonises beautifully with the chicken. Topped with tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini, this sandwich offers refreshing notes that do not overpower the pesto and smoked chicken.

For a balanced pairing of meat and grilled vegetables, the Smoked Beef Panini (RM28) provides a taste reminiscent of a delicious steak sandwich. The roast beef slices, accompanied by a light touch of mustard, are perfectly balanced by grilled zucchini and onions.

Mains & Salads

Resting temptingly on a bed of mashed potatoes, the Chicken Parmigiana (RM36) features lightly breaded chicken breast with a melted mozzarella coating. Generous dollops of Napoli tomato sauce bring it all together in each mouthful.

The Herbed Nut Roast (RM26) is an appealing vegan option with a soft texture and a hint of crunch. A combination of pine nuts and cashews adds an exciting bite, while squash, celery, and carrot hold the dish together. The generous drizzle of Napoli tomato sauce enhances the overall heartiness of this dish.

The Yellow Thai Curry Rice (RM26) captivates with its delightful aroma and creamy texture. Sweet corn and broccoli add depth to the curry, while the cashew nuts on top provide a satisfying crunch. It’s a good, mild vegetarian curry that is not only pretty to look at but also has an explosion of flavours.

Coconut bacon is not something you find often, and arguably the umami flavours of the coconut bacon itself stand out in the Cobb Salad with Coconut Bacon (RM28). With slices of crispy coconut bacon on top of the mesclun mix, the generous bits of corn, tomato, tofu and zucchini make a delicious vegan combo, generously drizzled with cashew nut dressing.

Pies by Stand Pie Me

Sourced from Stand Pie Me, a social enterprise empowering special needs children and providing them opportunities to hone their culinary skills, the beef rendang, vegetable, and chicken pies burst with flavour encased in a buttery crust. The beef rendang pie features generous chunks of beef with a good kick of spice. The chicken pie has soft, peppery taste balanced by the creamy filling and mushrooms. The vegetable pie is well-spiced and generously filled, providing a satisfying option.

Also sourced from the same social enterprise as the pies, the Apple Crumble is perfectly light, with a generous filling of apples and a delicious, buttery texture that pairs excellently with the available coffee options.

Bloom Restaurant + Bar Beverage Menu

During the visit, the beverage list was partially available, as Bloom Restaurant + Bar. Like a delicate lily, it takes time to mature. However, the offerings concocted by Iqbal, the resident mixologist and barista, are pleasing and refreshing. Coffee by Degayo is consistent and nicely foamed, and a handful of cocktails take the heat off a warm afternoon. The signature Russian Rambutan (RM38), Gold Sea (RM38), Asamrum (RM38), and Lemongin (RM38) are all like boozy slushies. The alcohol-free Seacoconut (RM16) and Rambutan (RM16), served in Mason jars, provide equally refreshing alternatives.

Bloom Restaurant + Bar Review

Bloom Restaurant + Bar captivates with its lush greenery outside and conservatory-themed interior. The establishment’s commitment to freshness is evident both in its aesthetic and its culinary offerings. With a diverse range of meat-free and meat-based dishes, Bloom is the perfect spot for groups with varying dietary preferences or adventurous food enthusiasts seeking to explore more meat-free options. As Bloom rolls out dishes to its full menu by the end of June, it promises an exciting culinary as it establishes itself in this corner of KLCC.

Reasons to visit Bloom Restaurant + Bar: beautiful, green patio setting cooled by giant overhead fans; loads of plant-based options; fresh, tasty and reasonably priced food; don’t miss the yellow Thai curry and herbed nut roast.

Bloom Restaurant + Bar
RG1, The Troika, Persiaran KLCC
50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Note: Persiaran KLCC MRT Station of the Putrajaya MRT Line is across the street, and Ampang Park LRT Station of the Kelana Jaya LRT Line is just a 3-minute walk away.

Bloom Restaurant + Bar Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday: 9 am – 11 pm

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