10 unique restaurants in IOI City Mall that’ll take your taste buds on an adventure

Ah, shopping malls. Every Malaysian’s second home is the mall closest to them, am I right? They’re convenient, with ample parking spots and everything you need under one roof. Not to mention every mall’s main attraction— the air conditioning. Malls are a great place to go to escape the sweltering heat. For residents of Putrajaya, IOI City Mall is probably their top choice.

As one of the country’s biggest malls, IOI City Mall visitors may not be aware of the existence of a couple shops tucked away in a corner or hidden on the ground floor. This mall is so massive, first time visitors may feel overwhelmed with the amount of shops. 

It doesn’t end there though, as they’re currently in the works of expanding. With the addition of IOI City Mall II, IOI will be the largest regional mall in Malaysia!

For all hungry visitors on the hunt for something other than burgers and fries, here are 10 unique restaurants in IOI City Mall that’ll take your taste buds on an adventure.

1. The Spice Alley (#L1E-204)

If you’re craving good, hearty Malaysian cuisine, The Spice Alley is for you. Freshly opened in 2023, this eatery focuses on serving high quality local food with a modern ambience. 

The Spice Alley has a lot more to offer than you’d expect. While they do have the classics like Nasi Lemak Ayam Berempah (RM18.90), Chicken Rice (RM19.90), and Cantonese Fried Beef Noodle (RM23.90), they also have dishes that are harder to come by in urban restaurants. This includes the TSA Signature Mee Siam (RM8.90), Penang-style Duck Egg Char Koay Teow (RM18.90), and Nasi Lemak Ikan Cencaru Sumbat (RM22.90).

Their appetiser selection is quite unique as well as they serve comforting fritters that’ll remind you of tea time with your family back home. Their menu includes Jemput-Jemput (RM12), Keropok Lekor (RM12), and Cucur Bawang (RM10).

+6018 988 8680
Daily: 11am – 10pm
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2. Cafe Colombo (#LG-242)

Cafe Colombo is a restaurant serving Sri Lankan cuisine. Not only do they use authentic Sri Lankan recipes, they also have dishes inspired by the settlers during the island’s colonial era— customers get to indulge in food influenced by Portuguese, Chinese, Indonesian, and South Indian flavours.

The eatery has a variety to choose from, like Sri Lankan Spiced Chicken (RM28), Curry Leaf-Coriander Spiced Lamb Chops (RM56), and Kochchi Chicken (RM38), a smokey and creamy chicken served with curry leaf chutney that follows a recipe dating back to 1931. 

The appetisers offered include Gotukola Coconut Salad (RM18), and Chicken Varuval with Toast Paan (RM18), that includes a Colombo style tostada with kochchi guacamole. They have 2 types of rasam, which are Crab Rasam (RM34) that comes with toasted bread, and Tomato Rasam (RM17).

Vegetarians can check out their Cashew Curry (RM25), Eggplant Salad (RM22), and Brinjal Moju (RM22).

+6012 565 4355
Daily: 11am – 10pm
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3. Ombak Kitchen (#GE-15)

Those looking for the freshest seafood are often advised to visit coastal areas far away from the city. When Ombak Kitchen first opened its doors to seafood lovers of Bukit Jelutong in 2018, they had the vision of bringing the ocean to urban areas. And now, they’ve expanded and have a branch here in IOI City Mall.

The restaurant adopts a casual dining concept. So casual in fact, customers are encouraged to feast on their tasty crustaceans with their hands. 

If a seafood party is what you want, a seafood party is what you’ll get at Ombak Kitchen. Known for their delectable seafood spreads that include prawns, mussels, baby octopus, squid, clams, lobsters, crabs, scallops, you have to try it to believe it. They have several combos, starting from Combo 1 – The Prince (RM199) that feeds 3 people, all the way up to Combo 8 – The Premium Selection Set (RM999.90) that feeds 8.

On a more mellow note, they also offer dishes like the Heritage Laksa Pasta (RM33.90) that’s cooked with mussels and clams, Cajun Seafood Fried Rice (RM29.90) made with prawns and mussels, and Half Lobster Canadian (RM94.90). 

+6010 208 5946
Daily: 11am – 10pm
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4. Le Shrimp (#LG-254)

Le Shrimp drew inspiration from rich Japanese ramen broths and silky Chinese la mian to create their signature fusion shrimp noodles. To make the broth, the chefs use prawns sourced from local fisheries. Then, the prawns are baked at 180°C before being grinded into a fine powder and simmered into a broth for over 8 hours. 

First time diners should try their signature dish, the Le Signature Trio Shrimp Ramen (RM37.90) that’s prepared using handmade ebiko prawn paste, prawn dumplings, and fresh prawns. You should also check out their Big Prawn & Braised Scallion Soy Chicken Ramen (RM35.90) or Crispy White Tuna Shrimp Ramen (RM35.90). 

Le Shrimp also has a selection of tossed ramen that doesn’t use their unique broth. Instead, the noodles are tossed in their special chilli vinaigrette blend, and you can choose to have your dish spicy or non-spicy. They have Crispy Chicken Karaage Tossed Ramen (RM25.90) and  Ebiko Prawn Ball Tossed Ramen (RM29.90).

Good news for everyone who despises peeling prawn shells— you can request for yours to be removed before being served. Hoorah!

+603 8682 1988
Daily: 11am – 10pm
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5. Robataya Izakaya (#LG-262)

Robataya Izakaya is a Japanese restaurant that specialises in robata, a cooking method that grills food over charcoal. The restaurant imports seafood all the way from Japan, and allows customers to choose how their food is served— robatayaki, sashimi, or tempura.

The airflown seafood offered includes Japanese horse mackerel, sea urchin, golden threadfin bream, live ark shell, and much more. Their menu is extensive and detailed; 1 fish can be prepared in a variety of ways. The best way to try their fresh seafood is with the Okan Sashimi Moriawase (RM88). You get 2 pieces each of salmon, maguro, abura bozu, akaebi, and hamachi.

If you’re keen on trying their robatayaki, the restaurant has dishes like Grilled Salted Giant Freshwater Prawn (RM55), Kyushu Style Pork Belly (RM33), Grilled Beef Ribeye with Teriyaki (RM38), and Grilled Salmon Belly (RM29).

Need carbohydrates with your meal? Robataya Izakaya also serves robataya don like Chicken Katsu Toji Don (RM18), Ebi Yasai Ten Don (RM18), and Hokkaido Pork Don (RM24).

+6011 1799 3505
Daily: 11am – 10pm
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6. Mémorie (#LG-235)

Mémorie is a Eurasian cafe that fuses Portuguese and Malaysian flavours to showcase the founder’s unique background. This cafe is an homage to the memories she made at the Portuguese restaurant her father would bring her to during the school holidays.

The concept of this eatery follows the timeline of Malaya’s colonised past. It’s split into 4 eras: Portuguese Malaya, Dutch Malacca & British Malaya, the 1930’s Immigration of Chinese Malaysia, and finally, the Independence of Malaya. Menu items from the first 2 eras include Ikan Bakar Portuguese Cencaru (RM19), Portuguese Tarts (RM20 for 6 pieces), The Memorie Big Breakfast, and Eurasian Shepherd’s Pie (RM22).

The second half of the menu sees more familiar local delicacies like Hainanese Toast (RM7) served with half boiled eggs, Butter Milk Crispy Chicken Chop (RM19), and Nasi Memorie (RM17), which is their version of nasi lemak.

+6012 409 4313
Daily: 10am – 10pm
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7. Oppadak Oven Baked Chicken (#LG-46)

Oppadak Oven Baked Chicken is not your average Korean fried chicken joint— instead of deep frying chicken wings in hot oil, this restaurant bakes the chicken, as its name suggests. This eatery is great for those who want crispy fried chicken without the grease.

Their Baked Chicken comes in 6 flavours: Original, Soy Sauce, Manuela Garlic, Dakgangjeong Peanut, Hot & Spicy, Spicy Dakgalbi, and Cheese Sprinkle. Besides the Original and Cheese Sprinkle flavours, the baked chicken goes at RM19.90 for drumettes and wingettes, and RM34.90 for half a chicken. Following the same chicken parts, Original will set you backRM18.90 and RM31.90, while Cheese Sprinkle costs RM20.90 and RM35.90. Other than that, they also have Roasted Chicken that comes in the same flavours.

Oppadak offers something you’ve probably never tried before: chicken served in a hollowed out loaf of bread. Their Creamy Chicken Bowl (RM63.90) is a top seller that guarantees a unique eating experience with its tasty chicken and creamy sauce.

+603 8683 8226
Daily: 10am – 10pm
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8. Bhai Jim Jum (#LG-39)

Not only is Bhai Jim Jum Malaysia’s first Thai hotpot located right here in IOI City Mall, the restaurant also offers Thai barbeque!

Bhai Jim Jum offers 3 different soup bases for its hotpot, including Clear Nam Sai, Red Tom Yum, and White Tom Ka, all of which cost RM18.90. These bowls of soup come with a variety of vegetables, fried beancurd skin, enoki mushrooms, Thai Manow sauce, and Thai sambal belacan. For some protein, you can choose to add on Chicken (RM9.90), Beef (RM11.90), and Seafood (RM15.90).

Their barbeque sets include the Kaikata Chicken Set (RM48.90) and Kaikata Beef Set (RM55.90). Both sets come with either chicken or beef, vegetables, and an assortment of seafood. 

If you’re looking for a more casual dining experience, the restaurant also has set meals. Of course, as a Thai eatery, they have classic dishes like Pad Thai with Seafood (RM17.90), Hot Basil Minced Chicken with Fried Egg (RM16.90), and Thai Mama Instant Noodles with Seafood (RM16.90).

+6012 231 0732
Daily: 10am – 10pm
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9. Kakatoo (#LG-78B & 78C)

For authentic local cuisine, check out Kakatoo, a restaurant that specialises in Nyonya dishes. They have dishes perfect for solo diners as well as larger groups. 

Try out their classic Nyonya eats like Asam Laksa (RM15.90) or Nyonya Curry Meehoon Noodle Soup (RM16.90). This restaurant is great for those who want a filling meal with rice, as they offer dishes like Beef Rendang Tok (RM16.90 – RM30.90), Kerabu Mango Sauce Chicken (RM13.90 – RM23.90), and Pongteh Chicken (RM14.90 – RM26.90).

They have a wide selection of seafood to choose from, like Curry Kapitan Grouper Fish Head (RM65.90) and Tamarind Prawn (RM36.90). Vegetarians can opt to visit Kakatoo too, as the restaurant offers meatless meals that use plant-based protein. Check out their Vegetarian Nasi Lemak with Asam Fish Fillet (RM16.90) or their Vegetarian Rice Meal with Salted Egg Vege Chicken (RM17.90).

+603 8953 8074
Daily: 10am – 10pm
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10. Original Banana Leaf (#GE-14)

Original Banana Leaf in IOI City Mall serves every Malaysian’s favourite Indian food— banana leaf rice. The restaurant promises to provide customers with authentic banana leaf flavours in a more urban setting. 

In addition to their original Banana Leaf Set (RM10.90), customers can add on any side of their choosing. Ranging from chicken, mutton, fish, and vegetarian, there are options for everyone. They offer dishes like Chicken 65 (RM11.80), Chicken Masala (RM10.80), and Mutton Varuval (RM14.80). If you’re in the mood for seafood, you can order the Curry Tenggiri Fish (RM8.90), Squid with Onions (RM12.90), or Prawn Sambal (RM14). 

Original Banana Leaf even has a breakfast and tea time menu where they offer a variety of thosai. Besides the classic Thosai Ghee Paper (RM4.30), they also have Thosai Sardine (RM7.80), Rava Thosai (RM3.50), and Rava Masala (RM5.80).

+603 8953 9757
Daily: 10am – 10pm
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