Elementary – British Gastropub at the Dining Terrace, The Exchange TRX KL
Words: Monica Tindall
Photos: Peter Tan
Have you been to the Dining Terrace at The Exchange Mall TRX? If not, it’s time you did! The light-filled space is lined with some of the hottest restaurants and bars in town, making it an ideal location for a late brekkie or lunch. As the sun fades, the evening vibes pick up, with the after-work crowd enjoying sundowners and post-work bevvies, and this merges into a happening dining scene later in the evening.
At the end of this strip, you’ll find Elementary, a British restaurant and bar loosely themed around Victorian London’s elegance and the sagacity of Sherlock Holmes. At the same time, sports fans will be as equally pleased as mystery lovers with sports shown live on big screens. So whether you’re solving the latest crime or cheering on your favourite team, this gastropub has you covered.
At the entrance, the naturally lit alfresco area (cooled by mall aircon) is conducive to brunch, lunch, or an afternoon tipple. This shifts seamlessly into the evening as the sun lowers with cocktails, dinner and nightcaps. Dark wood furniture is paired with olive green bar stools and leather cushioned booths inside. It’s the only place in The Exchange TRX with a smoking room. Not that I’m a fan of smoking, but there’s a pleasant room at the end that allows smokers to satiate a desire without interfering with the happiness of other guests.
Elementary – Dining Terrace, The Exchange Mall, TRX
Chef Akila Sanka heads the kitchen. With over 13 years of international experience, he has designed a menu that honours British favourites yet with some honest requests for the local palate.
Bites
Elementary has several bites ideal for sharing with friends and sipping on accompanied by a cold one. While we’re on the topic of well-chilled refreshments, several beer bucket promos start with five Tigers for (RM 88). Alternatively, check out the daily Happy Hours between midday and 7 pm or all day Sunday for draft beer and house spirits, starting at RM 18 for a glass of Tiger or RM 15 for gin (including the mixer!). Hello, G&T afternoons! Otherwise, take it up a notch with a bottle of bubbly, such as the Champagne Bouche Pere & Fils, Blanc de Blancs (RM 350). Made with 100% Chardonnay, the nose shows prominent lemon zest, stone fruit, and honey nuances. The palate is bright and clean, with refreshing citrus flavours and a crisp finish.
Any of these icy beverages are great mates for the batter-fried Garlic Prawns (RM 38) tossed with chilli and garlic. I don’t usually eat fried foods, but these are really good. The chilli and garlic lighten the fried batter, and a squeeze of lemon elevates it even more.
For more shared pickings, the thick-cut Loaded Truffle Chips (RM 32) is indeed loaded with shaved Parmesan cheese. They are flavourful on their own, but a dip in the truffle aioli is worth exploring the calories. Eat these while hot; they’ll go soft if you leave them too long.
Soup
Alongside bites, you could just as easily and happily have a full-course meal at Elementary. We begin with English Pea Cappuccino (RM 22), a recipe Chef Akila has carried with him since his time in the Maldives. With the first spoon, we can see why the recipe has stood the test of time. It has a bright spring taste with just a light touch of decadence, thanks to the truffle foam top.
Mains
London Bridge Fish and Chips (RM 85) sees a trio of line-caught Cornish cod fillets in a thick, crisp beer batter. Homemade thick-cut fries, an English pea mash and house-made tartare sauce come on the side. Be sure to do it the right way with a spray of vinegar before starting.
The Barnes Wellington (RM 295) is more than enough for two and is only available on weekends, so plan ahead. It’s held in a beautiful golden pastry with layers of dark truffle duxelles and herbed crepe wrapping the meat. As we slice in, the beef compresses, and the juices trickle from the edges of the pink middle. Celeriac remoulade, classic gravy, agria potato mash and sea salt are served alongside the Wellington on a wooden board.
Wine by the Glass
Elementary serves a red, white and blush wine by the glass starting at RM 33. We enjoy a sauvignon blanc and blush with our earlier dishes and switch to a red when the Wellington is on its way. The red fruit aromas of Domaine Dominique Piron’s 2019 Beaujolais-Villages (RM 38) carry over to the palate, complemented by fine tannins and hints of spice. This medium-bodied gamay is a friendly pairing with the Wellington and also lovely with the Shepherd’s Pie.
Pies
Shepherd’s Pie (RM 68) comes with a sudden nostalgia and urge to call my mum. It’s comforting and warm. A rustic British lamb ragout is baked beneath agria mashed potatoes. When we spoon in, the potato mash combines with the saucy lamb into one delicious mouthful. There’s additional brown gravy on the side, but it’s not really needed.
While the Shepherd’s Pie reminds of home comforts, the Truffle Chicken Pie (RM 44) deserves a red-carpet entrance. Learned when Chef Akila was working with culinary legend Wolfgang Puck, it’s a recipe that’s famed for being served at the Great British Oscars. Sixteen folds of golden puff pastry give way to tender shredded chicken in a velouté sauce with truffle. Steam rises from the stew as we break into the cover, tempting our noses and making us salivate before the first spoon even reaches our mouths.
Sandwiches
This visually stunning Soft Shell Crab Burger (RM 52) features a unique black ink bun contrasting the vibrant sunny-side-up egg perched atop. The creamy avocado spread balances the perfectly crispy soft-shell crab’s delicate sweetness. The runny yolk oozes into the other ingredients, tempering the light spice in the accompanying sauce.
Dessert
A final note of sweet nostalgia arrives with the Sticky Toffee Pudding (RM 21). Finely chopped dates dot the moist sponge cake, creating a rich and comforting bite. It’s pure indulgence in every sticky spoonful.
Cocktails
One of our favourite KL bartenders has designed Elementary’s cocktail menu, so there’s no way we’re leaving without one final tipple.
The Baker Street Sour (RM 45) puts a spin on the classic Whiskey Sour with bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup. A unique ‘bloodstain’ effect comes from floating red wine on top.
Sherlock’s Smoking Pipe (RM 42) is more than a smoky allure. Mezcal’s earthy depth mingles with the rich sweetness of Mr Black coffee liqueur and a whisper of cinnamon. There’s no need for coffee when you have this to conclude.
Reasons to visit Elementary on the Dining Terrace, The Exchange Mall, TRX: versatile spaces with naturally lit alfresco areas, more intimate booths and bar seats; traditional British pub food; good fun vibes; must try the pies, pea cappuccino, sticky toffee pudding and be sure to check out the cocktail list.
Elementary
L.2T.10, Level 2, Dining Terrace, The Exchange Mall, TRX
Tun Razak Exchange, Persiaran TRX
55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+6 01140043751
*Take Grab to the Main Entrance and then the escalator or lift A to level 2.
Elementary Opening Hours
Daily 10 am – 12 am
Find more European restaurants in KL here and stay up-to-date on the latest culinary happenings around Malaysia here and here.