Here's something we don't see everyday: Contemporary hoppers - pancakes inspired by South Indian & Sri Lankan traditions, infused with Malaysian flavours - representing a family passion of sisters Sugania & Nishalni Naidu, who grew up relishing their mom's appams & hope to spread the love for these crepe-like creations made with fermented rice batter & coconut milk.
Hoppers is a bit off the beaten path, occupying a former lawyers' office in Pudu - you'll still see remnants of that legal legacy, with constitutional textbooks artfully scattered across this two-storey premises by POW Ideas, the creative architects who've worked on design-savvy KL eateries like Merchant's Lane. Hoppers will be yet another social media magnet, with nifty touches like retro Bollywood posters raised over the entrance & a colour palette that exudes freshness, buoyed by lush tropical leaves.
A bar upstairs, H by Hoppers, is set to open in September; it was still a work in progress when we visited, but this looks to be a lovely lounge, where customers can find a comfortable corner to sink back on cushy rattan chairs & sip on summery cocktails.
Batter up: The stars of this show remain the hoppers - start with the savoury interpretations, available as plain pancakes or with an egg baked at the base, complete with elaborate toppings. The combination of slow-roasted chicken rendang, sambal ikan bilis, ground nuts & cucumbers is an unmistakable homage to the nuances of nasi lemak (RM13), while the cauliflower fritters with cashew nuts, garlic, curry leaves & mint yoghurt evoke a gently spiced Indian recipe (RM13). These tasty bowl-shaped hoppers come with a thick, fluffy-moist centre, surrounded by a wispy-thin, crisp edge. The toppings prove enjoyably well-balanced, flavourful & satisfyingly textured. More hoppers will be available by next month - expect ensembles like chilli-&-lime-dressed crab with pea shoots, radish & beetroot yoghurt, with an emphasis on locally sourced seasonal ingredients.
Sweet hoppers hit the mark too, with distinctive medleys like perfectly ripe mangoes with toasted black sesame seeds & coconut milk (RM9), desiccated coconut with Gula Melaka poached in coconut milk (RM8) & Milo ganache with peanut crumbs & Horlicks condensed milk (RM11), each a treat for our inner child. Most customers will easily polish off a plate on their own, since the hoppers taste surprisingly light & wholesome. Wash down with mint-infused water, Cameron Highlands tea with Gula Melaka & milk, or MIK Kefir's entire range (we like the Sweet Basil Peach). You'll be hearing much more of Hoppers very soon.
Hoppers Kuala Lumpur
76 Jalan Pudu, Kuala Lumpur. Currently open daily, 11am-6pm. Tel: 03-2022-0832
A shop-house on the road in between UTC Pudu Sentral & Hospital Tung Shin.
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