Hip eatery Jalan serves delicious Malaysian street food

The newest addition to Meraki Hospitality group’s portfolio, modern Malaysian eatery Jalan, is set to become a staple in Soho.

Located on Peel Street only metres away from the group’s first concept Uma Nota, Jalan boosts semi open window seats and 1970s-inspired decors. The leafy greens and punchy colours give the small space a trendy and inviting atmosphere that perfectly fits in in Hong Kong’s most vibrant neighbourhood.

The restaurant is an ode to Malaysian street food and its various interpretations. The country’s diverse flavours, a result of a unique blend of cultures and traditions, are celebrated in a menu that plays with ingredients, spices and consistences.

Highlights of the “Smaller” section include the Beef Rendang Samosa, which combine Chinese and Indian elements in a spicy explosion of flavours and one of the best samosas in Hong Kong (yes!), and the Charred Hamachi, very simple and fresh and yet paunchy thanks to the Green sambal, kokum dressing. The – very Southeast Asian – house salad is also a great addition to a lot of the dishes in the menu (hint: you’ll love it if you are crazy about cilantro).

The main courses, or “Larger,” are all big enough to be shared. Our absolute favourites were the the Kapitan chicken curry with potatoes, chilli and coconut milk, a very well-executed classic comfort dish best enjoyed with Roti Canai, and the Whole baked fish of the day marinated in spicy sambal sauce and wrapped in banana leaves. We tried the sea bass and we loved both the condiments and the incredibly moist texture.

Jalan’s, which means street in Malay, drinks’ menu is also a celebration of the country’s flavours and its influences and, like many elements of the restaurant’s design, is dedicated to the decade of disco. The signature cocktail Heart of Pisco was a stand-out.

Last but not least, we ended our meal with the delicious Pandan Custard Doughnuts, a perfect ending to our bold and flavourful dinner.

Jalan is a great and unique addition to Soho’s diverse dining scene: A fuss-free and Instagram-worthy eatery that elevates the concept of casual dining but remains affordable. And from the team that graced us with hit restaurants like Bedu and Uma Nota, we couldn’t except anything less.

Jalan, 42 Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2386 2216, www.jalanhk.com