Sophisticated charcoal-fuelled meals

While sardines in tomato sauce are a Malaysian classic, this iteration of smoked sardines against herbed tomato water is oh-so refreshingly good. — ABIRAMI DURAI/The Star

Walking through the brand new Bar.Kar KL is like stepping through a labyrinth of space, sight and sound. This is prologued by the piles of logs heaped artistically throughout the entrance that lead to a sophisticated space whose centrepiece is a chef’s table, a U-shaped structure that offers a bird’s eye view of the inner workings of the kitchen team.

Central to this is the blistering heat and hiss and crackle of fire – the forerunner of the wonderful smoky offerings embedded in the menu.