Affordable Date Night KL– Copaa, Desa Sri Hartamas

Affordable Date Night KL– Copaa, Desa Sri Hartamas

Words: Monica Tindall
Photos: Han Sen Hau

Our arms never need twisting to return to Copaa in Desa Sri Hartamas. We’ve been fans of Jon Chew and his modern Malaysian menus since we first met him during the pandemic. His fresh approach to local ingredients and flavours, kind service and well-priced wine list keep us returning. However, the recent introduction of five and six-course set menus for under RM100 gives us even more reason to keep coming back. Add a bottle of pocket-friendly-priced wine and you have yourself a very affordable date night in KL.

Fitness instructor turned restaurateur Jon has a fresh approach to cooking. Not limited by tradition or training, his sole focus is, “Does it taste good?” Recognising that purse strings are tight in many homes, he also understands that “People still like to eat out and want to enjoy a good meal in an attractive setting,” so he has tweaked the menu to make Copaa even more affordable.

Affordable Date Night in KL

One such hit has been five and six-course set menus for under RM100! The August menu is incredibly good value at RM60, and the September menu is only RM88. The minimum order is for two pax as the dishes are designed for sharing. Furthermore, all wines on the list are below RM 200! Jon has managed to secure some great deals with his supplier and passes on those discounts to his customers. That set menu and well-priced wine make for a very affordable date night in KL.

New Ala Carte Menu

We’re tasting new dishes from the ala carte menu (some of which are found on the set menus), starting with Burnt Leek (RM18). Homemade peanut sauce is partnered with Lao Kan Ma chilli sauce and is said to be so addictive that the taste is unforgettable. Added to the peanuts, the sauce enhances the sweetness of the leek. There’s a mild thread of spice, enough to add interest but not too much to overpower the flavour of the veg.

Jon says that the Edamame (RM12) might look like an ordinary dish, but it’s actually one of his proudest creations. The green soybeans have been coated in kulim oil, sometimes called Malaysian jungle garlic. Reminiscent of petai (fondly known as stinky beans), the flavours linger in the mouth. Yum. This could replace popcorn as a Netflix snack.

Another vegetarian choice, Roasted Pumpkin (RM24), comes with a creamy hummus and caramelised pomegranate juju. Three slices of the veg are cooked until they have an even texture, soft enough to slice but firm enough to hold their shape.

You need to eat the Tiger Prawn (RM38) with sambal matah (shallots, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf, calamansi, gula Melaka, sambal belacan and red chilli) straight away. The delicate puri shell is an elegant, crunchy container for the seafood contents and is best eaten while still crisp. They’re tasty bites and ideal finger food with drinks.

Jon says the Crispy Chicken Patty (RM29, 3 pieces) is the perfect wine partner. Mui heong, salted fish from Kelantan, boosts the flavour of the patty. Inspired by local Chinese street food, the original is traditionally made with pork. However, these are pork-free with chicken and fish. The crust is dark golden and nicely crisped. Speaking of wine mates, this sharing plate goes great with Tyrrell’s Old Winery, Chardonnay 2022 (RM168). I get nectarine on the nose and a faint scent of vanilla, followed by more stone fruit and citrus on the palate. Its medium body and high acidity make it a good food mate.

Off the menu, for now, Japanese Pickled Cucumber is in the process of research and development. Marinated kyuri, black fungus, osmanthus, and citrus vinegar serve as an excellent palate cleanser between courses. It’s similar to the Japanese dish but has floral notes thanks to osmanthus. We hope it finds its way onto the permanent menu soon.

Another off-menu dish is Dried Scallop Pasta (RM52). Spaghetti is tossed together with the scallops, garlic and crab. The flavours are familiar, but the toppings are crispy, and the olive oil seasoning has been enhanced by frying together with the dried scallops.

Affordable Date Night in KL – Mains

The Golden Pomfret (RM88) in shao xin beurre blanc is a fantastic choice for a main. The flavours of Chinese cooking wine meld wonderfully with the yellow corn puree base. With the moist fish and crispy skin, it’s a winning combo.

Roast Chicken (RM38) is Jon’s comfort food. Served with mashed potato, cauliflower and butter, Jon says it might look simple, but it is actually delicious. He reveals that the secret to achieving superb textures is to remove the membrane between the skin and the meat and stuff it with herbs and butter before roasting. The result is super tender meat and brittle skin.

If you’re thinking you need to hit the gym following such a delicious meal, Copaa has you covered. Just a few doors down, Jon has opened a gym specialising in small group classes – Sweatt. Actually, if you work out at Sweatt, you can get a 15% discount on the ala carte menu at Copaa. It’s a win-win all around!

Reasons to visit Copaa: great value for money! Where else can you find full-course menus for less than RM 100 these days? Affordable date night in KL.

Copaa KL
38-1, Jalan 24/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas
50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+60172728971
@copaakl
Link to Copaa KL on Google Maps.
*Private dining room available
**Vegetarian choices available

Copaa Opening Hours
Daily: 5 pm-midnight

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