American Diner KL– Monroe at KLoé Kuala Lumpur
Monica Tindall
We’re back at Monroe Kuala Lumpur, a modern casual dining restaurant inspired by NYC diners and LA cafes remodelled with local ingredients. On the first floor of KLoé, a boutique hotel in Bukit Bintang, Monroe is easily accessed from the city centre but far enough removed to have a distinct appeal. Greenery surrounds the glass-walled restaurant, and warm lighting, mosaic tiles and diner-style booths compose a friendly, well-styled setting.
American Diner KL – Monroe Drinks Menu
Monroe offers coffee, tea, milkshakes, smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and crafted coolers on their beverage menu. Thanks to the great coffee at breakfast from Lucky Bar café downstairs, we’re still caffeinated, so choose cold-pressed juices to accompany our lunch. Naked Orange (RM 16) and Beetroot, Pineapple, Cucumber & Ginger (RM 18) are both just-pressed and just as you’d imagine the flavours of natural, unsweetened beverages should be – fresh, wholesome and cleansing.
Monroe Food Menu
We’re fans of one-page menus, wholesome quality ingredients, and uncomplicated recipes, and Monroe delivers on all accounts. The menu has a good selection of vibrant meat-free dishes and an assortment of poultry, meat and seafood items to satisfy various eating preferences.
Sharing Plates
We begin with two wonderfully delicious, nutritious and nourishing sharing plates, Sweet Potatoes (RM 28) and Cabbage Chopped Salad (RM 30). The first features charred-orange wedges of oven-roasted sweet potatoes and greens with tahini, labneh, chilli oil and sesame seeds. The cool, strained yoghurt tempers the thread of heat from the chilli, and the sweetness from the root veg balances it all. The cabbage salad is the most delicious take on a coleslaw I’ve ever encountered. The secret is in the incredibly crisp leaves, apples and snow peas lightly dressed in an egg dressing. It’s given an added layer of crunch with tiny croutons, and herbs such as coriander and dill further brighten the profile.
Sharing Mains
From the mains sharing section, the Green Omelette (RM 24) proves how simple quality ingredients can combine to form the most comforting of dishes. In this plate, a plain omelette is ringed with fresh mizuna and kale, fine radish slices, red onion rings, parmesan shavings and tomato jam. It’s a great sharing dish, but it would also make a light brunch or lunch.
The Chicken Parmigiana (RM 38) is a respectably-sized breaded fried chicken breast dotted with mozzarella cheese, basil pesto and marinara sauce. The richness on the palate is balanced with a vibrant plate of fresh greens.
Lastly, Prawn Linguine (RM 40) is another uncomplicated recipe of al dente pasta strings, chopped prawns, chilli, garlic, cherry tomatoes and coriander. The pasta strands are lightly coated in sauce, and the prawns furnish a nice springy bite.
Desserts
The Local Fruit Parfait (RM 28) is the perfect option for healthier eaters like me who prefer minimally processed, fresh, naturally sweet conclusions. It presents whipped yoghurt with various Malaysian fruits depending on the season (today it’s lychees, watermelon and mango), drizzled with kaffir lime oil, and sprinkled with crushed pecans.
On the other hand, the Banana Split (RM 22) is a little more decadent, with banana slices topped with chocolate sauce, salted caramel, whipped cream, toasted almonds, crumble and several scoops of vanilla ice cream.
Other Updates – American Diner KL
Check out Monroe’s social media accounts for changing specials. They now offer a not-so-bubbly brunch option for teetotallers, including a free-flow of coffee, tea and coolers. They also have some Serious Business weekday lunches and happy hours!
Reasons to visit Monroe Kuala Lumpur, an American-inspired diner in KL: a vibrant menu unlike anything else in the city; fresh and delicious options for a variety of dietary preferences; choice of semi-alfresco or air-conditioned dining; contemporary playlist adds a cool vibe.
Monroe – American Diner in KL at KLoé Hotel
227, Bukit Bintang St, Bukit Bintang
55100 Kuala Lumpur
+6 03 2772 1314
Instagram @monroe.kl
American Diner KL Opening Hours
Tuesday to Sunday: 11 am – 11 pm
Closed: Mondays
Check out our previous visits to Monroe and their brunch menu here, and stay up-to-date with the latest gourmet and travel recommendations for Malaysia here and here.
Are those quintessentially American?
Modern American cuisine tends to focus on fresh, seasonal and local ingredients – so yeah, it’s similar to diners and cafes in contemporary USA.
Wonderful web site. Lots of useful info here. I’m sending it to a few friends ans additionally sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks to your effort!
I appreciate your kind words. Thanks, Franklin.