Sungei Besi

Buns and Meat, Sungai Besi, Pork, Pork and More Pork!

Han Sen Hau andΒ Monica Tindall
It was a torrid summer afternoon that demanded tank tops and flip-flops to be worn by every civilian, though I somehow managed to pull off a dark sweater with skinny jeans against my better judgment. I had looked up pictures of this place that Monica and I had planned to visit: images of a funky interior with steel blue ceiling lamps and baby blue folding chairs contrasting a strong white palette in the restaurant amidst mouthwatering photos of massive burgers filled the page. I knew I had to arrive here hungry. Looking back, I was glad I starved myself for the occasion.
Buns and Meat, Sungai Besi, non-halal
Buns and Meat
Buns and Meat, Sungai Besi, non-halal
Buns and Meat
Buns and Meat, Sungai Besi, non-halal
Buns and Meat
Upon our arrival, we were greeted by a small clapperboard on our table with β€œThe Yum List” written on it. We felt truly specialβ€”for about five secondsβ€”before we learnt that this was done for all reservations, which is still undeniably a really nice touch from the management, represented by Robin Lim who came out to welcome us. As we got snap happy with our cameras around the premises, Robin indulged us with a history of the place: before Buns & Meat achieved its porky fame, it was once known as The Library. Vestiges of this bygone past include surviving dart machines glowing in a corner and dark leather booths that would fit perfectly in a pub, though most of these have been traded off for more cheerful furniture and fittings, the kind that would drive Instagrammers into a frenzy. Now, the establishment adopts a more family-friendly position and has revamped its menu to reflect its new direction, featuring radically non-halal options and making you feel like a pig for eating like one. The phrase β€œyou are what you eat” has never rung truer in our ears.
Buns and Meat, Sungai Besi, non-halal
Reservation Sign
Before we dove into the sublime, we were entreated to three refreshing milkshakes, the Black Sesame, the Thai Tea, and the Earl Grey. The team at Buns & Meat was quick with this as we were parched even before the review began and a refreshing trio of milkshakes was just what we needed. The Black Sesame was incredibly decadentβ€”almost as if we were slurping peanut butter right from the jar, only smootherβ€”and the Thai Tea was pleasant, but the trophy goes to the Earl Grey for its addictive floral fragrance and aftertaste. Once we were sufficiently cooled by the drinks, we were pumped to go the whole hog.
Buns and Meat, Sungai Besi, non-halal
Milkshakes
The first dish for the day was something I never expected to ham over: a serving of Pulled Pork Fries. I’ve never really been a fan of pulled pork ever since my exposure to them at tailgating parties in the U.S. Back then, since they were usually prepared fast and haphazardly, the shredded meat would still be a challenge for my teeth and are usually dripping in its own fat; it’s amazing how some still think the freshman fifteen is a myth. The delectable appetiser served at Buns & Meat, however, was none of that. The meat was fragrant, juicy, and irresistibly tender. The crisp fries were a great compliment to the pulled pork, though my only comment would be to separate the two so we could savour the pulled pork with the fries like a dip, instead of having the meat soak the fries. A great snack for sharing and a great option with beer, I’d definitely return with friends for this.
Buns and Meat, Sungai Besi, non-halal
Pulled Pork and Fries
Our next item, the Crispy Roasted Pork Pizza, was also a delight. A thin, crusty base with roasted pork on top and crowned with acar made from julienned carrots and cucumbers, the pizza was basically chicken rice on a pizza dough, minus the rice. Like the Pulled Pork Fries, the pizza is great for sharing and its size works well as an appetiser, though you could have it as your own personal pizza. The acar works well to balance the savoury roasted pork, which crackles at each bite, and I also appreciate the decision to serve the pizza without a sauce as I felt that would’ve made it a little overpowering.
Buns and Meat, Sungai Besi, non-halal
Crispy Roasted Pork Pizza
After we lapped up our starters, we then tackled two burgers that threatened to pop our buttons and to bust our belts: The Runny Mess and the Char Siew Pork Burger. Both burgers come with a pork patty, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, with fries and a pasta salad on the side, but The Runny Mess has the additional appeal of an egg yolk oozing its way down to the plate while the Char Siew Pork Burger contains some of the best barbecued pork cuts you’ll find squished salaciously between two buns. Incidentally, the fluffy buns used for the burgers are butter rolls, which were a little too rich for my liking considering everything else that’s going in between them. That said, the two burgers thrilled us at every bite, and my favourite of the two would be the Char Siew Pork Burger, because I never imagined something I pair with rice so frequently would taste even better as a burger.
Buns and Meat, Sungai Besi, non-halal
The Runny Mess
Buns and Meat, Sungai Besi, non-halal
Char Siew Pork Burger
By the time we moved on to the following Hot Dog with JalapeΓ±os BBQ Slaw, we were beginning to get a little worried: we came in thinking we look like gazelles but the reality of walking out the restaurant looking like hogs suddenly dawned upon us as we were only halfway through the day’s menu. All of us at the table were massive eaters, but for once, we were concerned for the wellbeing of our digestive system. The gourmet hot dog was topped with onions, mustard and jalapeΓ±os; better than your average food truck variety, we ended up being a little obscene trying to see who could fit the whole thing in their mouths. Caning was the undisputed winner.
Buns and Meat, Sungai Besi, non-halal
Hot Dog
Having had so much meat in one sitting, we were glad for the occasional pauses when we had to get up and snap pictures of the food outside. The brief walk from our booth to the al-fresco area helped shuffle the food down lower in our digestive tract, or so we hoped. At this point, we were introduced to some of the drinking options available to patrons when they visit, and are happy to announce that you can enjoy wine with your swine. The house pours here are only charged at RM9.90 per glass and RM79 per bottleβ€”a steal seeing the Dusky Sounds 2013 Sauvignon Blanc we had was easy drinking with its crisp notes. We also enjoyed a glass of Somersby Pear Cider, and an intriguing bottle of Gekkeikan Kirei Umeshu that’s advertised to be packed with collagen. A rather peculiar option on the shelves but I suppose it’s popular enough among the youth-obsessed to be up there.
Buns and Meat, Sungai Besi, non-halal
Beverages at Very Reasonable Prices (Only RM9.90 for a glass of wine!)
Our eyes widened and we heaved a sigh as we saw the waitress walking over with the Spicy Korean BBQ Pork Ribs in her hand, and just as we were about to dig into this beastβ€”surprise! It had a twin, and the BBQ Pork Ribs settled right next to it. Our eyes searched for Robin’s, and they beseeched him, β€œplease, no more… lest we require an oinkment to soothe the stretches on our bulging bellies”. The BBQ Pork Ribs was a classic hit, while the Spicy Korean BBQ Pork Ribs would’ve been better enjoyed with a little less heat, especially since we’ve had so much to warm us up before. We’re unafraid to say that we could only afford a bite for each, and resorted to having the delectable ribs packed for later.
Buns and Meat, Sungai Besi, non-halal
BBQ Pork Ribs
Buns and Meat, Sungai Besi, non-halal
Spicy Korean BBQ Pork Ribs
But alas… the pork ribs weren’t the final meaty affair, as we heard the rumbling footsteps of a colossal Porkzilla making its way from the kitchen. Swine/11 was on its way, and salvation was nowhere to be found… for a good few seconds at least; when Robin told us we didn’t actually have to eat it (thank the hoggy heavens!), we were one bite away from genuflecting before him. Comprised of three pork patties, crispy roasted pork belly, pork char siew, pineapple slice, tomato, lettuce, poached egg, and cheese sauce, the Porkzilla lives up to its name: it slays all those who attempt to conquer it single-handedly, and we believe this, in spite of Robin’s insistence he has seen a couple of guys who’ve mowed it down with ease.
… but the BIGGER question is: where are they now? *whispers conspiracy theories*
Buns and Meat, Sungai Besi, non-halal
Porkzilla
Of course, the irony of this entire adventure was that we still miraculously had room for dessert. It’s almost as if we’re, by default, bloated after two appetisers, two burgers, one hot dog, two pork ribs, but perfectly alright when cakes and ice cream are involved. We’re such hypocrites; we had three cakesβ€”Bailey’s Cheese, Salted Caramel, Cendol Cakeβ€”, two Affogatos with Earl Grey Ice Cream and Pandan Kaya Ice Cream, and a latte. Admittedly, the lattΓ© was ordered simply because Robin promised cute lattΓ© art, though the stimulant proved rather decent. The affogato went brilliantly with the Earl Grey Ice Cream, resonating our earlier choice with the Earl Grey Milkshake earlier, and all three cakes were a delight to our palates with the different textures and consistency: The Bailey’s Cheese was soft and fluffy with a melt-in-your-mouth consistency; the Salted Caramel was thick and silky, reminding me of the Black Sesame Milkshake because it was similar to eating peanut butter straight from the jar; and the Cendol Cake was light and fragrant, bouncing in our mouths with its jelly-like layers.
Buns and Meat, Sungai Besi, non-halal
Affogato
Buns and Meat, Sungai Besi, non-halal
Bailey’s Cheesecake
Buns and Meat, Sungai Besi, non-halal
Banana Peanut Butter Cake
Buns and Meat, Sungai Besi, non-halal
Cendol Cake
Buns and Meat, Sungai Besi, non-halal
Flat White
Needless to say, by the end of it all, we were all pleasantly surprised we didn’t need three stretchers to transport us out of the restaurant. The meals were divine, and the proportions were equally astronomical, which made us wonder if we should’ve invited an extra friend or two to join us. So whenever you’re driving around Sungai Besi with the appetite of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, be sure to drop by Buns & Meat and pig out. This pig is officially out, though the people at Buns & Meat can rest assured that this pig will be bringing his friends there for a casual night out in the near future.
Hogs and kisses. I’ve been dying to say that.
Reasons to visit: cool place for casual dining in groups; come here to see all the different ways you could eat pork; the Porkzilla is a sight to behold, so share it with a friend if you can’t tackle it alone; the milkshakes; Tea Time Special for the cakes: order a slice for RM13.90 and top it up at RM1.90 for an Americano or a pot of tea.
Buns & Meat
Ground Floor 72A, Jalan Tasik Utama 7
Medan Niaga Tasik Damai
Sungai Besi
57000 Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia.
+6 03 9055 3378

19 Comments

  1. Certainly looks nice, airy and spotless. Pity about the disappointment with that sign!
    The " Buns and Meat" name should have an addition – "Chips"!
    Strewth !!! there are chips everywhere and they look yuckily greasy to me.
    However, "B & M" got me in with the dessert selection.

    Your comments regarding the Cordobes triplets still in the land of the
    living have been noted – "finger cutting and footpath mishaps".
    It is a well known fact that the Cordobes family just like the Spanish bulls
    have long memories!!!
    Cheers
    El Colin Cordobes with a good memory (when it suits!!!).

    • Ahh… selective memory I see πŸ˜‰
      Yes, I thought you'd agree with Han Sen regarding the fries – on the side please separated from the main meal.
      Bailey's Cheesecake… I could have just had that and been satisfied.

  2. Wowwww!!!! You're a star. Love that reservation sign! Oh my! I go weak at the sight of all those beauties… Where do I begin?,,,,Slurpssss!!!!

    • Hee hee! At least we felt like stars for a minute or two. πŸ˜‰
      Dish after dish after dish… it was all a little overwhelming in the end – what to eat next?

  3. How lovely seeing that reservation sign "starring The Yum List!" Your name is in lights!!! You are a celebrity! πŸ™‚ The atmosphere is colourful and attractive, warm and friendly, and the barbecue spare ribs look delectable! I love the presentations, the desserts look tantalizing and the coffee is very cute and artistic.

    • The reservation sign is definitely a fun touch. They seem to have all the details taken care of here giving an overall positive experience.

  4. Pork? I'd probably take that Cendol cake… not a fan of porky stuff

  5. I can totally polish the Porkzilla Slayer…. if I did not have to eat the other stuff that you've been through.

    And, I don't like the look of that pizza. It should be veggies at the bottom, covered by loads of pork. Not the other way round. This one, it looks suspiciously like a vegan pizza and I will not want to touch it one bit! πŸ˜€

    • Oh I bet your mum would be very pleased if you did eat your veggies. I'm thinking there should be some type of award for anyone who can polish off the Porkzilla Slayer – a sword or some other weapon would seem appropriate.

  6. I shall bookmark this place when I want to indulge in a meat fest! πŸ˜€ Are the cakes made inhouse? Coz that Cendol Cake looks eerily similar to the one I had at Flingstones.

  7. The cheescake looks my cup of tea.
    Flip flops – my goodness the American is coming out there….I prefer Australia…'thongs' πŸ™‚

    • Hee hee! The word "thong" could cause some serious communication errors in North America. Just watched Carl Baron's movie and he does a piece on his trip to the USA and some funny situations surrounding this word. πŸ˜‰

    • Like Margaret I much prefer the Aussie word – THONGS!
      Flip-flops is such a silly word for footwear – I associate "flip flopping" with
      persons who can't make up their bloody minds! ha ha.
      El Colin Cordobes, the keeper of correct interpretations of basic English words.

  8. Pulled pork looks so yummy!
    Please may I request to have my chips served separately on another plate?! πŸ˜‰
    I don't like my chips to get soggy. πŸ˜‰

  9. Let's go pork crazy! Hahaha! Love the coffee art, dear! xoxo

  10. Hi Monika,

    Like the modern look and the milkshakes.

    Greetings,
    Filip

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