Located in Kuala Lumpur, Canvass has a unique approach to cooking by focusing on sustainability and minimizing waste. The team at Canvass strives to utilize every part of an ingredient, whether in food or cocktails. Situated behind the former Istana Hotel in Bukit Bintang, Canvass provides a tranquil dining experience in an understated setting.
Inside Canvass KL
Choose between indulging in sustainable pleasure or trying out cuisine inspired by the Nordic region. The decision is up
To be honest, the restaurant's brand positioning is somewhat unclear. The tagline #SustainableHedonism doesn't really match their Nordic-inspired menu. It's also confusing because many locals may not be familiar with Nordic cuisine.
In any case, I am getting off topic
Tailored cocktail made specifically for Jien, who prefers cocktails with fruity flavors.
Tomato Salad made with heirloom
We began with the Heirloom Tomato Salad, which costs RM29 and consists of a mix of three heirloom tomatoes that have been lacto-fermented. The salad is served with pesto and feta cheese, and is a straightforward but pleasant dish. The fermentation process enhances the flavor of the tomatoes, making them more intense.
Local snapper that has been preserved
I really enjoy the Cured Local Snapper dish for the evening, priced at RM42. The slices of fish are thick and sweet due to the gentle curing process. I appreciate the fermentation of capsicum, chilli, and coriander in the sauce, which helps to mellow out the spicy flavors. This really enhances the taste of the snapper.
Kaduk Chicken
I also liked the Kaduk Chicken dish, priced at RM29. The chicken mousse is encased in kaduk leaves from the area, grilled, and presented on a bed of fermented capsicum and chili. This dish is not heavy, but the flavors become more pronounced as you eat your way through it.
Seafood patties
The Fish Cakes at Canvass are said to have a traditional Nordic origin, although this cannot be confirmed. They are well-prepared, featuring meaty fish patties served with homemade remoulade that has a slightly coarse texture from the capers and finely chopped vegetables.
Basket of bread
At Canvass, they make their own bread, including wholewheat sourdough with a 40-hour fermentation process, enriched yeast brioche, and corn and semolina biscuits. These breads are served with olive oil, chickpea, and parsnip spread. They are known for their rich flavors and are believed to have a lower glycemic index, making them easier to digest.
Barley Risotto with Mushrooms
Priced at RM38, the Mushroom Barley Risotto is a lighter take on traditional risotto, using a mix of arborio and organic barley cooked in a light mushroom broth. Instead of adding truffle or other umami elements right away, the mushrooms in this dish are braised, roasted, and seared to enhance their natural flavors.
Gnocchi made with lamb
Nourishing and satisfying food that
Cut of beef that comes from
Not available on the menu | white asparagus
The main dishes at Canvass are good, but I thought the starters were better. The Lamb Gnocchi costs RM58 and includes slow-cooked lamb shoulder in tomato sauce with potato gnocchi, topped with three types of melted cheese. We also tried the Flank Steak priced at RM55, which is 180g of beef marinated with black pepper and served with yuzu lemon kosho. The dishes were decent, but they didn't leave a lasting impression.
In the style of Marcell
Canvass provides a variety of healthy dessert options. One option is the A la Marcell, which is a gluten-free dark chocolate mousse topped with sour cream and red berry coulis. This dessert would likely appeal to those who prioritize health, but personally, I prefer a richer dessert.
Fluffy Lemon Cheesecake Mousse
Creamy and comforting dessert made
The Lemon Cheesecake Mousse is priced at RM29 and is accompanied by a caramel and cookie buckwheat crumble. It has the flavor of a cheesecake, but I would have preferred it to be more rich. The Rice Pudding, priced at RM25, is served with cherry sauce and toasted oat and buckwheat. It is light and delicious, but not the type of dessert I usually prefer.
Chocolate mousse is a delicious
Rony, who owns and works as a bartender at the establishment, recommended that we sample the Chocolate Mousse for RM23. This dessert features a unique blend of dark chocolate mousse with sea salt and black pepper, along with fermented strawberries and mixed crumble. Personally, I found this dessert more enjoyable than the rice pudding option.
My unique twist on the classic cocktail "Negroni" includes Jameson whiskey, Campari, and Mezcal.
Classic Negroni (I prefer the personalized version)
At Canvass, the cocktails are a standout feature, made with in-house infusions that are all natural and free of refined sugar. This ties in nicely with their commitment to zero waste and sustainability. The cocktails are customizable to suit your tastes, and I personally enjoy mine strong, bitter, and smoky, which they executed perfectly.
My experience at Canvass was enjoyable. I believe that their appetizers are the best part of the menu. The main dishes are not as impressive as the appetizers, and the desserts are not as good as the main dishes. Overall, the food at Canvass is enjoyable and reasonably priced.
Atmosphere: 7 out of 10 Cost: 6.5 out of 10 Food: 6.5 out of 10 (no pork) Recommendation: Give the cured local snapper, tomato salad, and kaduk chicken a try. The main dishes are satisfying and reasonably priced, with the flank steak being a standout option.
Visit Canvass Bistro & Cocktail Bar located at 38, Jalan Bedara in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. For inquiries or reservations, contact them at 012-329 2820 or visit their website.
If you enjoyed this, you might also like these recommended eateries: Alta Pizza in Bangsar, Nam Hing Loong in Temoh, Leong Wei in Kuchai, Fatt Hei Len in Cheras, Wong Seng Kitchen in Taman Desa, and Mi Wantan Kedah on Jalan Lazat. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any thoughts or feedback.
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