urban getaway: telawi tour - tan hee hui takes a stroll through bangsar’s telawi area

by tan hee hui

The Telawi area of Bangsar which of course, needs no introduction is synonymous with fun, beautiful people, great food and superlative shopping.

The evenings invariably see Telawi buzzing with the chic crowd thronging bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants serving local and foreign cuisine.

Locals and foreigners gather in public communion in many ways, (often drinking themselves silly).

And while doing so, it’s likely you’ll run into someone you know, be it a friend, (former) colleague, a celebrity or even your last night’s fling.

Drunken revelry and SPGs aside, Telawi is also a family-friendly place which also attracts shoppers by the truckloads.

They often head to Bangsar Village where you can get almost anything under one roof, and soon, the Bangsar Village II extension, which will delight shoppers with a variety of branded goods.

You can also trawl the nearby shophouses where hip boutiques and grooming outlets are found.

Seek out interesting, quirky stuff like wrap dresses, Mary Jane shoes and cool jewellery; get dolled up in latest hair and make-up styles or experience treatments such as Brazilian wax.

The best thing about Bangsar is that it welcomes those hell-bent on splurging as well as those who shop and party on a budget.

Have a look for yourself. . .

looking good

serene outlook jalan telawi 3

● products: Assorted women’s wear such as tube and printed dresses, skirts, jeans, work shirts and trousers designed by in-house designers and manufactured in China. It’s good sense to buy in bulk, as most items are affordable, yet chic.
● cheapest item: RM4 for a bra strap.
● most expensive item: RM200 for a dress.
● current hot-selling items: Work shirts and trousers, printed shirts.

baci jalan telawi 3
● products: Items sourced from Hong Kong and Bangkok, which comprise trendy, whimsical outfits like baby doll dresses, girly tops and other separates in various styles that would appeal to the fashion-conscious.
Famous local designer Criola’s threads are also available to the customers’ delight, as well as custommade shoes and accessories such as totes and clutch bags. Notably, local celebrity Jeslinda Hashim also designs and sells her clutch bags here. For something eclectic, take to the range of Dooo Dolls on sale. How cute!
● cheapest item: RM19 for a pair of earrings. ● most expensive item: RM109 for a baby doll chiffon dress.

anod
jalan telawi 2
● products: Dressy outfits imported from Korea with emphasis on cut and colour. The store also carries custom-made smart casuals designed by an in-house Swedish designer. Complete the look with custommade bags as well as jewellery utilising semi-precious stones like Swarozski crystal, opal, connelian and jade (all priced between RM25 to RM300).
● cheapest item: RM20 for a simple top.
● most expensive item: RM400 for a leather bag.

groom & glam

strip kl
jalan telawi 1
This outlet’s staff pay attention to your aesthetic physical needs such as waxing, manicures and pedicures. Among them, the Brazilian wax is most unique, as skilled personnel can attend to your netherregions in stylish ways. Pubic hair can either be shaped in unique styles or completely removed. This will surely get you off when you’ve intended to wear that, say, thong for the longest time.

reliant optometrist
Jalan Telawi reliant optometrist Jalan Telawi A veteran of the Telawi area, Reliant, which has thrived for over 20 years, has a loyal clientele comprising government officials and local celebrities who seek, among others, trendy branded eyewear such as Lacoste and Armani; contact lenses and optical solutions. Also providing quality service, the most affordable eyewear is at RM100, while contact lenses start from RM50.

wine and dine
miss read café bangsar village Miss Read is not only synonymous with clothes for plus-size women but also with fine-dining, serving everything from fancy spaghetti with duck and masala lamb shank with fragrant rice to the simple cheeseburger with fries.
My colleague highly recommends the deliciously spicy seafood spaghetti with fresh squids, prawns and spaghetti noodles doused in kick-a** fragrant sauce. Personally, I’d encourage you to savour the spaghetti with slices of duck meat and sundried tomatoes which makes a satisfying meal. Wash it all down with a glass of rose soda (non-alcoholic liqueur mixed with soda water) or any of the lime-based drinks available which are refreshing on any sultry day.

la bodega
jalan telawi 2
Dine amidst a chic ambience, resplendent in black-and-white photos on the walls, dark panels which line the outlet and cool dim lighting which evokes melancholy. Such sophistication, however, does not distract from the array of tapas dishes which are popular among the regulars. Tuck into delights such as the meatballs with a special savoury sauce, cubed garlicky chicken meat drowned in garlic and olive oil or the traditional Spanish fare of paella with fresh seafood. After dinner, order a glass or a jug of the outlet’s famed sangria (red wine with an infusion of fruits) and toast the night away.

nature’s vegetarian restaurant
jalan telawi 3
Vegetarians beware, for you may gorge on mouth-watering veggie spreads served at this halal restaurant. Customers of various races and creeds partake in the offering of vegetable dishes made using home-made ingredients and organic vegetables cooked without alcohol, garlic and onions. The outlet’s popular dishes include the Hokkienstyled fried noodles, golden fried tofu, vegetable curry “mutton” and Assam fish vegetarian. Notably, the outlet is the first in town to serve over 30 varieties of vegetable dim-sum which can be had from 8am to 6pm.

devi’s corner
jalan telawi 5
This mamak place is where KL’s chattering class take their time and luxuriate in cuppas for mere Ringgits, be it teh-tarik (poor man’s tea), Nescafe ais (ice) or plain teh-o (tea without milk). It’s also the place to savour delicious curry dishes, traditional roti (bread) prepared in various ways, tandoori dishes or satay (grilled meat on skewers) before moving on to your after-meal pastime (gossiping with friends).

alexis bistro
jalan telawi 3
The place to see and be seen, as well as enjoy hearty Asian and Continental dishes. Among them is the popular Sarawak Laksa which is synonymous with the outlet as it’s one of the pioneers who introduced the Borneo-origin dish to KL-ites. Also sumptuous is the array of desserts, from rich cheesecakes to creamy puddings.

for stepford wives/husbands
village grocer
ground floor, bangsar village for stepford wives/husbands village grocer ground floor, bangsar village You’ll be seen as trendy and moneyed when buying the imported food items here. Whether it’s snacks, beverages, raw meat or dairy items, most of them come in brands that you want to be associated with. Even government ministers and celebrities shop here. If it’s good for them, it’s good enough for the rest of us.

country organicfarm
lower ground floor, bangsar village This place draws hordes of healthconscious people who live on organic food - the new age sustenance for longevity. Those with cancer, diabetes or other serious illnesses can head here for GM and pesticide-free food. Whether it’s organic honey, cereals, wheat germs, soft drinks, breads, vegetables, fruits or spices, everything in this store is wholesome and tastes good.

turn a page

how & why
1st floor, bangsar village This bookstore carries hard-to-find niche books and magazines which appeal to trendy-wendies. Books on various interests such as architecture, the visual arts and fashion; eclectic titles such as one by Andy Warhol; and magazines like NME, Uncut, Another Magazine, Nylon and United Colors of Benetton’s Colors, are what make this outlet so interesting and different from the big bookstores in town.


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