Pandas aren’t Publika’s sole peculiarity right now – out in The Square, a two-level shipping container cafe called Bxie Blonde might not share the 1,600 papier-mache bears’ high profile, but it’s also providing a photogenic prescription of cutesy charm.

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A Pleasant Setting

Linger beside Bxie Blonde’s shaded bar, bordered by upcycled container walls, or better still, climb the steps to an alfresco section for a fresh perspective of Publika. On a cool & calm evening, this makes for a pleasant setting for drinks & dinner.

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Salmon Cakes

For food, Bxie Blonde boasts a few intriguing enticements, like salmon cakes – crispy on the outside, juicy-fleshy within – tinged with kaffir lime leaves & teamed with sriracha hot sauce (more, please). RM17++.

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Sandwiches

Sandwiches surface with a choice of Korean-influenced grilled lamb marinated with gochujang (RM26++) or Cajun-inspired beef steak with caramelised onions (RM28++). Both come with fairly tender meat in fluffy buns but could feature fuller flavours.

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Prices seem 20 percent steeper than expected, especially since Bxie Blonde’s portions could be characterised as light. Or have we reached the point when a simple sandwich with a bit of beef & lotus chips is all RM28++ can buy us? Say it ain’t so!

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Pasta

The menu isn’t wide, but that’s reasonable, considering the kitchen can’t be big. Spaghetti bolognese (RM25++) & mushroom pesto lasagne (RM25++) are available too; we figure Bxie Blonde will work on more inventive pastas in the months to come.

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Pandan Lamingtons And Coffee

Pandan lamingtons with kaya & salted caramel dips prove tasty but remain too pricey for RM16++ (!!!). Coffee’s constructed with single-origin Sumatran Mandheling beans – espressos clock in at RM7++, lattes at RM11++ (plus RM1++ for soy milk).

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Fun Cocktails

Phew, there’s alcohol. ‘The Eixbox’ (RM28++) is kinda fun – let the bartender know what kind of cocktail you like (fruity? strong) & choose your base (gin? tequila), & he’ll whip up something to your preference. Wine (RM22++) & prosecco (RM35++ – ouch) are offered by the glass, but you’ll probably find them at better value elsewhere in Publika.

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All in all, Bxie Blonde has potential, with sparks of imagination that can be translated into a more convincing culinary concept. Fun fact: The next Bxie Blonde is expected to be at the Mall of Medini, outside Legoland, with another perhaps in Langkawi.

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Location and Contact Details

Bxie Blonde

The Square, Publika, Kuala Lumpur

Open 11am-11pm

Find: Contact details and map for Bxie Blonde here.