The Social, 163 Mont Kiara ~ Ex-Cook

The Social Group's sixth and latest outpost might be our favourite so far from this family of restaurants, launching with a leafy rainforest tropical theme and introducing Japanese-inspired, Josper-grilled skewers to Mont Kiara's new 163 Retail Park mall.

It's been 18 years since The Social first opened in 2001 in Bangsar, serving a humble selection of pub favourites - that venue endures in its long-familiar location in Telawi, but the brand has become an increasingly reliable presence throughout the Klang Valley, spreading to Publika, Desa ParkCity, Empire Subang, TREC KL, and now, 163 Mont Kiara.

The Social's loyalists (Socialists?) know that each branch has its own unique identity, spanning the lakeside-loving, family-friendly open space of Desa ParkCity to the chilled-out vibes of Empire Subang and TREC KL. The newest Social is perfect for this neighbourhood's crowds, carving out an urban sanctuary that's filled with flourishing foliage (we lost count of its multitude of plant life) for a back-to-nature warmth while remaining comfortably sleek for contemporary customers.

Check out our latest video that chronicles the thrills that The Social offers in its myriad forms.

The Social's wide-ranging menu is all available at 163 Mont Kiara, so patrons can continue to pursue their fix of aromatic crispy duck and other cherished specialities. What's exclusive here is the special Stiks selection - kushiyaki-style bites that promise smoky succulence, interlacing Japanese influences with international inflections.

Two dozen skewers line the menu - from the land, our top temptations might include French-trimmed lamb cutlets, lamb kofta with harissa sauce, beef tenderloin with wasabi mayo, chicken thigh with Japanese leeks, spicy potatoes with togarashi, aubergine with miso, and zucchini with goma sauce; from the waters, our best bets comprise king prawns with mentaiko, scallops with ikura and smoked duck, unagi and salmon teriyaki, saba shioyaki, squid with Thai chilli sauce, and many more.

The Stiks repertoire is best complemented by sakes sourced from Yamagata, Yamanashi and other prefectures respected for their sake-making prowess, as well as shochu from Kagoshima, including several varieties offered by both bottle and carafe.

Speaking of bottles, The Social 163 Mont Kiara also houses one of the brand's burgeoning wine shops, carrying over 240 labels that leap from Loire to Lebanon, a treasure trove for wine enthusiasts seeking interesting choices. Wines here are sold at prices that are noticeably lower than what most restaurants in KL charge; plus, The Social even offers its own label of Australian, Chilean and Italian wines in both red and white vintages - we like the premium red, a Shiraz that's lively and buoyant, pleasant for sipping near the bustling bar or in an elegant semi-private room.

The Social also regularly holds Wineology wine lessons conducted by certified sommeliers - check out The Social in 163 Mont Kiara, Bangsar, Desa ParkCity or Publika for more details.

Since The Social's branches are so conveniently located, we've been popping over to many of its venues in recent weeks - here's a peek at The Social's 18th anniversary birthday bash at Bangsar, where revellers celebrated with performances by musicians and magicians ...

... to The Social in Publika, where wood-fired pizzas are the hottest highlight, with toppings that range from fresh burrata cheese to air-dried beef ...