03 Mar Celebrate International Women’s Day At These 6 Female-Owned Restaurants

While it may not be a public holiday on the calendar, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t make International Women’s Day (that’s 8th March) a day worth celebrating. From fighting for our right to cast a ballot at the polling stations to garnering equal wages and opportunities in the workforce, women have come a pretty long way. While that’s no reason to rest on our laurels, this does call for a celebration of sisterhood in some of the best female-owned restaurants around town.

And for your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite grub recommendations that you should be making a reservation for with the girls. (while practicing strict SOPs, we should add)

1. Parklife by Ewen Lim

Source: The Star

For a healthy bite that doesn’t compromise on gutsy flavours and filling portions, you have to look no further beyond Parklife by Ewen Lim. Brought about by the desire to introduce a healthier, tastier alternative to your typical casual dining haunts, Lim’s restaurant has steadily built a solid reputation among Bangsar folk over the years.

Source: @parklifemalaysia

Source: @joeyyjt

With a reliable range of menu offerings that never fail to disappoint where taste and calorific count are concerned, this is a great option for those of you who are looking to keep trim.

Location: No, 8, Unit 5, Level Upper Ground, The Sphere No. 1, Avenue 1, Bangsar South City, Jalan Kerinchi, Bangsar South, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: Mondays to Sundays (10am – 9pm)
Contact: 03-2242 1193

2. Serai by Rina Abdullah

Source: Niaga Times

The Serai name probably needs no introduction to those who live around the Klang Valley. Renowned for bringing an updated touch to traditional Malaysian favourites (of which there are many), the restaurant was founded by Rina Abdullah, a humble MAS stewardess turned restauranteur.

Source: @serai.group

Source: @serai.group

To date, the restaurant has expanded into a formidable gastronomic powerhouse with help from Rina’s son-in-law Chef Najib. Rebranded as Serai Group, their portfolio of brands now include offerings such as Jibby & Co., Jibby East, and Blonde. For a distinctively Malaysian-centric International Women’s Day, look no further.

Location: Pavilion Mall, KL East Mall, KLCC Mall, Paradigm Mall, Empire Shopping Gallery
Operating hours: Dependent on location
Contact: Dependent on location

3. Rawsome by Elyn Pow 

Source: NST

Here’s another health-food alternative for those of you who are hankering for options. Rawsome, founded by health-food evangelist Elyn Pow, continues to be a staple for those who want to have their cake and eat it too (quite literally).

Source: @rawssome.ttdi

Source: @rawsome.ttdi

With a menu that encompasses an exhaustive range of humble gastronomic standards alongside guilt-foods made… well less guilty, there’s a little bit of everything for everyone here. There’s no real way to define the eclectic spread of cuisines that Rawsome serves; they just happen to conveniently fall under the banner of really good food.

Location: Bangsar, TTDI, Bangsar Shopping Center
Operating hours: Dependent on location
Contact: Dependent on location

4. Dew by Jaslyn Rangson

Source: The Star

Flowers and exquisitely handcrafted cakes and pastries? That’s Dew Bangsar’s signature calling card. Founded by Jaslyn Rangson of Jaslyn Cakes fame, this chic patisserie brings an understated sense of luxury to the local dessert scene.

Source: @dewbangsar

Source: @17_th_

Dew by Jeslyn sets itself apart by offering delicate restraints where cakes are concerned, offering a multitude of deftly plated sweet treats for the chronically dessert-starved. And we can’t help but point out the elegance of unwinding with cake and coffee while nestled amid fresh flowers galore.

Location: 7, Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: Tuesdays to Fridays (11am – 7pm), Saturdays & Sundays (11am – 8pm), closed on Mondays
Contact: 03-2280 0868

5. Ours Eatery by Jackie Leong 

Source: Unilever Food Solutions

For honestly good food at unbelievably affordable prices, there’s Ours Eatery. Introduced to the Malaysian public by founder Jackie Leong, the Damansara-based health-food restaurant continues to remain as a familiar fixture. And that’s to nobody’s surprise, given Ours Eatery’s strict adherence to simple ingredients prepared right before your very eyes.

Source: @parammaries

Source: @amilyyap

And after every meal, round things off by picking something from their equally diet-friendly cake offerings. With healthy substitutes taking the place of your usual butters and sugars, you can definitely make a little room for dessert.

Location: 3, Jalan SS 20/11, Damansara Kim, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: Mondays to Saturdays (8.15am – 4pm)
Contact: 017-233 7060

6. Kind Kones by Serina Bajaj

Source: The Straits Times

For ice-creams that scream nourishment, Kind Kones by Serina Bajaj is the place to be. A resounding success as far as local ice-cream brands go, Serina’s foray into desserts takes a health-conscious approach that still somehow keeps the fun and magic of having a sweet tooth alive.

Source: @kindkones

Source: @trishates

Championing natural ingredients, every pint offered at Kind Kones eschews from artificial colourings, flavorings, and preservatives. And yes, that does include the cones they serve their ice-creams in, made out of a crisp wholemeal and gluten-free almond. Ice-cream to end your International Women’s Day celebrations? That sounds like perfection to us.

Location: MidValley Megamall, Bangsar Village Mall, Mont Kiara
Operating hours: Dependent on location
Contact: Dependent on location

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