Botanica + Co, Bangsar South: Duck Rendang, Truffle Yakiniku & Lion City Hokkien Mee!

With the memories of Botanica Deli’s beef sandwich and scrumptious salads still lingering in my mind, I stepped into Botanica + Co with high expectations.

While Botanica Deli (as its name implies) is a cafe providing convenient, affordable meals (soups, salads and sandwiches), Botanica Deli’s environment tends to be more informal and while food is still freshly prepared and served to you (minus service charge), you would have to order and pay at the counter.

Botanica + Co on the other hand, is a full-fledged restaurant.
Here, orders are taken at your table, food is of a heartier serving and the menu is expectedly more extensive.
And of course, there is a service charge.

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The ambiance however, remained pretty similar both sister outlets; which is inspired by the botanics and would please a lover of light, space and greenery.

Almost in defiance of the Malaysian humid weather, the feeling of dining outdoor amidst lush greenery is successfully captured inside the restaurant as diners tucked into pizzas, salads and hearty mains amidst two stately Ficus trees and clean, eye-pleasing interior.

The place is soothing in the afternoons, and gorgeously romantic at night.

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The menu looked interesting and a few dishes jumped out to me immediately. Unfortunately these were the very items that was not available yet, and to add a slap to my disappointment, the specially designed brick pizza oven wasn’t working that day, and thus I was pretty much left with the options of sandwiches, salads and chicken and fish.

Considering that my partner needs meat, and I myself is a meat lover but never orders chicken in a restaurant (because I cook chicken, salmon and all sorts of fish at home) we were both left with very limited choices.

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Anyhow I opted for the Crispy Soft Shell Crab Salad since he loves soft shell crab (I don’t) and a steak sandwich just so I could swap my soft shell crab with his steak.

That arrangement worked for us and we were both satisfyingly sated by the end of our meal.

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My only gripe was that the steak could have been a 150g portion for the steep price of RM35++. The salad however, was well priced at RM26++ considering the large soft shell crab and the generous amount of greens that came with it.

Plenty of establishments cheated on the soft shell crab by coating it in thick batter, but our soft shell crab was actually meaty, not just batter.
The salad flavours were stimulating thanks to the lively dressing of chilli jam and sweet crunch of apples.

The Ultimate Steak Sandwich (RM35.00++) – 120g Australian grain-fed sirloin, truffle baked portobello mushrooms, caramelised onions, wild rocket & Dijon mustard aioli, served with shoestring fries.

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Crispy Soft Shell Crab Salad (RM26.00++) – Crispy soft shell crab with apple, crunchy shredded coconut and spicy chilli jam for a hint of heat.

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Desserts were the Ultimate Sundae (RM18+ for 3 scoops of ice cream) and the Churros Stack (RM19+).

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I enjoyed the outer churros ring for the Churros Stack but I think Botanica could do with a new ice cream supplier.

Some vegan or plant/fruit inspired ice cream/gelato might make the “Ultimate Sundae” more enticing to order. At the moment it was generic tasting plain vanilla and chocolate with a swirl of whipped cream crowning it.
I’m not sure about you, but the sundae isn’t something I’ll order, as much of an ice cream fan that I am.

But imagine if it was PEACH BASIL ice cream. Or raspberry thyme. Or papaya coconut. Something “botanical” that reflects this outlet.
Wouldn’t it be pretty if it was decorated with edible flowers and slices of fruits?

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Drinks menu at Botanica + Co steered away from the ordinary with an intriguing list of Botanica Cocktails which can be ordered by glass or by carafes.
We were served a complimentary carafe of Bo + Co Cup since we were going to be hanging out here for another hour after our meal.

Bo + Co Cup (RM70+) A Bo + Co favourite and a great Sunday morning drink.
3 types of Mancino vermouth mixed with seasonal fruits to create a whole carafe of goodness.

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My meal here was satisfactory today but the best has yet to be launched as Chef Sam’s outstanding dishes such as Duck Rendang, Truffle Yakiniku Don, Lion City Hokkien Mee and Sam’s Crab & Crayfish Laksa will only be available in 2 weeks’ time.

Botanica Deli is my favourite place for salad and sandwiches for now and I have high hopes that once the full menu for Botanica + Co menu is launched it will be my preferred joint for heavier meals as well.

I’m in super high anticipation for the Duck Rendang, Truffle Yakiniku and the Lion City Hokkien Mee!

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*We visited on our own accord but our bill were waived at the end of the meal. Thank you to the kind hosts for the treat! 

Botanica + Co. Restaurant & Bar
Ground Floor, Vertical Podium,
Bangsar South, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Waze: “Botanica + Co. Restaurant & Bar”.
Tel: 016 9656422
Hours: Mon – Thurs: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm.
Fri – Sat: 11:00 am – 12:00 am.
Off: Sun.

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