El Maiz (CLOSED)

A welcome addition to the growing number of global eateries in KL, El Maiz specialises in typical Venezuelan cuisine and offers dishes unique to this Latin American nation. Start the meal with the ajiaco, a Latin American take on the classic chicken soup, and a starter platter of mini arepas (maize bread), tequeños (cheese sticks) and empanadas (stuffed pastry). Try the tostones, fried plantain accompanied by tender pulled beef and guasacaca (green sauce). The combination may sound odd, but it totally works with the richness of the beef enhanced by the mild sweetness of the banana. Arepas are typically eaten for breakfast and is basically corn bread; at El Maiz you can have arepas stuffed with a variety of fillings all day. For more traditional fare, order the pabellón criollo (a rice dish reminiscent of rendang) and asado negro (Venezuelan meat stew). End the meal with a slice of tres leches cake. There’s also a small play area for the little ones, which is always welcome when dining as a family.