NEW EATS ON THE BLOCK
On a quiet street filled with burgeoning establishments, from Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur to the iconic family-owned Yut Kee coffee shop, cool newcomer Joloko is making a name for itself. Featuring an eclectic mishmash of Caribbean influences such as one-of-a-kind pechuga mezcal—iguana-infused spirit, anybody?—delicious Cuban staples of ropa vieja, and an endless soundtrack of salsa beats to get you in the right mood. Enter the unassuming façade of this heritage shophouse into the contemporary space of bold, bright walls against rustic furniture, accentuated by colourful illustrations by Malaysian tattoo artist Apoh Paurine. Going for the crunchy fried plantains is essential, but the highlight of Joloko is the prawn tostadas, made better with the house-made hot sauce of bhut jolokia chili pepper and habaneros, which has the selfexplanatory name “Wreck Your Rectum”. Wash it down with a cup of mezcal, served in traditional drinking vessels, jicara cups, and toast to a fun night ahead. 43, Jalan Kamunting, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-2694 1100. www.bar-joloko.com