IN an ever evolving Jalan Sultan over the past century …. Introducing to Chinatown, KL … CRANE KL. East Meets West where you can explore the piquant world of Asian Western cuisine.
Crane KL – Restaurant & Bar is the newest addition to the heart of Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown, set in the near century-old Selangor & Federal Territory's Grocer's Guild. The historical building was built in 1927. The façade of this three-storey Neo-Classical building incorporates fine lines and is surmounted by a curved baroque pediment with Chinese characters stating 'Ming Dynasty'.
The Grocer's Guild is a trade association established by 7 founders from China. The association represents the interests of grocers, retail traders and sundry-shop owners in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. They continue to own the building and continue to house the long standing Grocer's Inn on the upper floors.
Crane KL, owned by Puteh Beach Bar, operates on the ground and first floor. On the ground level, where the restaurant is located, look for the simple mantelpiece painted white. It’s decorated with European columns with light green wall surroundings and the older brick wall facade on the side, but there are two Chinese characters that name it as the great hall. Wanting to preserve the historical elements on the venue, there is antique furniture on display for avid history buffs and Instagrammers.
It boasts a menu of western Asian fusion with dishes such as Udon Masak Lemak and Ribeye Steak with Kai Lan with green pea mash. Catering to the more discerning palate, Crane KL also serves higher end meat like wagyu cheeseburgers and steaks, and they also have interesting snacks/small bites such as Nasi Lemak wonton, where all the condiments are packed into a wonton ball and served with homemade sambal on the side.
Walk up the stairs, past the entrance to the Grocer's Inn, you will see a magnificent chandelier and old photographs from a long forgotten era. Then you will come to Up-Stairs, a hidden opulent 1920s western orient inspired boudoir in deep red, opening up to a lounge balcony overlooking the heart of Chinatown. Besides the food, this is also a craft cocktail bar. This is where you can get some hand-crafted alcoholic mixed cocktails made with fresh ingredients like their signature Dragon Turns and Turtle Stirs, amongst many others. You can even craft your own Gin mixes.
The all-day dining begins at noon and closes at 12 midnight with the last order at 11.30pm
A breakfast menu will be offered on Sundays. Up-Stairs opens 4pm-midnight Tuesday-Sunday.
Crane KL – Restaurant & Bar: 78, Jalan Sultan, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. For bookings contact on W/app +60132185712, Mon-Sun 12noon-12midnight, Tue-Sun 4pm-12midnight/Up-stairs.
