“Shop where chefs source” is something Culina KL is renowned for. It’s also an enticing notion for us home cooks. Perhaps it’s the lingering effect of binge-watching Culinary Class Wars on Netflix, picking the perfect ingredients is—or at least what we want to believe—the Midas touch to our “muggle” meals.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the Singapore-based premier gourmet food and wine specialist unveiled its first expansion beyond the island, bringing an enthralling experience that bands retail and dining together—market, bakery, wine bar and bistro—to the city at Shoppes at Fours Seasons Place.
The Market
The market is a sight to behold. Offerings such as fresh produce to canned food are lined in an organised manner, setting against the enormous space designed by award-winning architecture Paola Navone of OTTO Studio in Milan. We were told that the fluid layout is also a carbon copy of its branch located at the COMO Dempsey in Singapore, bringing a piece of the traditional Mediterranean marketplace to us, added with a contemporary epicurean twist.
From fresh crops grown locally to crustaceans hailing from various climates. If you see some of the fresh products you can’t put a name to, high chances are, these are precious seasonal products chefs from fine dining restaurants would fight tooth and nail for. Think Petrossian caviar that is like gold dust, for instance, or prime cuts of Australian lamb brought in fresh weekly.
Feast your eyes on the pantry essentials that are artfully packaged—we know you will fall for that because we definitely did—and fix your cravings for that one dish that’s been at the back of your mind after your travels to another region. The condiments, ingredients like olive oil or even snacks that are sourced from around the world—some of which Culina holds the exclusive distribution rights—are about to take over your pantry.
The Bakery
As we follow our noses to the bakery that is situated right across the market, we are surrounded by the appetising selection of doughy delights as the warm scent rushes to us. From whole cakes to palm-sized pastries, these fresh bakes that make us salivate are made with flour imported from Italy. To top it all off, you can also treat yourself to a cup of aromatic fresh brew from Guerilla Coffee, a specialty coffee roaster in Singapore that serves artisanal coffee.
The Wine Bar
And for those who want a sip or to stock your cellar, be ready to luxuriate in the wine bar beside the bakery. With an extensive collection of more than 450 labels, Culina offers a wine list that includes some of the vintages that are highly sought-after and rare even in fine-dining establishments.
The Bistro
Imagine this: you pick a slice of fresh meat from the butchery counter at the market, then have it prepared and served by the culinary experts at the bistro next door. This is, without a doubt, the peak of culinary indulgence. With that being said, the menu that centres around European favourites is created to highlight the freshness of these seasonal produce. Be it the appetisers, mains or even the desserts, wallow in the natural flavours of the ingredients. Lunch set is also available for diners to choose between two courses at RM78++ or three courses at RM98++, making it a perfect spot for executive lunch too, thanks to its prime location in the beating heart of the city.
Make a reservation here.
Address: B1 Shoppes at Four Seasons Place, 145 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Market: Opens daily from 8am to 10 pm.
Bakery: Opens daily from 8am to 8 pm.
Bistro: Opens daily from 11am to 10pm (last order 8.30pm)
READ MORE
Review: Jeff’s Cellar Reaches Beyond the Caves With Two New Menus
Review: Positano Risto Hits the Spot When You’re Craving for Italian Fare