Review: Muska

Muska, an Indian-inspired café-restaurant in Mont Kiara, capably fills a notable gap in Kuala Lumpur’s culinary landscape – think of it as modern Indian fusion. Situated in the Verve Shops, on an uncommonly quiet street in the bustling neighbourhood, Muska offers a refreshing departure from conventional Indian fare by infusing innovative twists into its menu, resulting in a delightful creation of Indian flavours with Western influences.

Contemporary, casual ambiance good for friends, dates, or even catching a match on one of the TVs here

We found the ambiance and open-plan restaurant very inviting, with touches of greenery here and there, and the exposed brick, warm woods, and colourful tiles all combining to create a very appealing aesthetic.

Nalin Mittal, the proprietor, comes from a hospitality background. Drawing from his own experiences, including a stint with the esteemed Oberoi Hotel Group, Nalin and his team have curated a menu that brims with both authenticity and creativity. With a diverse menu showcasing Indian regional specialties and homemade recipes, Muska caters to a range of palates, offering all-day breakfast options, tantalising nibbles, and sharing plates. Emphasis is on quality ingredients and fresh, in-house preparation.

Muska has a detailed beverage list and a modest selection of alcoholic beverages, including beers and wines. There are plans to introduce a selection of cocktails, but for now, diners can order from a list of numerous coffees and teas (including masala chai), juices, kombucha, sodas, and shakes. The shakes look amazing, with selections such as hazelnut coffee, Indian buttermilk, and mango lassi.

Savoury Sago Waffles were an interesting dish

Pairing wines with Indian food, even lightly spiced, can be challenging, but the compact list here should satisfy most diners. There are four reds, three whites, and a rosé. The reds mostly trend to the lighter side, with a W. Gisselbrecht Pinot Noir (RM180) from Alsace. A nice Trapiche Malbec is competitively priced (RM20/glass; RM90/bottle), while the other two reds are a Michel Lynch Bordeaux (RM120) and Torbreck GSM (RM150), which is a fruity, jammy style.

The three whites are a Dr Loosen Riesling (RM120), Trapiche Broquel Torrontés (RM130), and Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc (RM170), all wines we know, and which should pair nicely with Muska’s offerings. The Marqués de Caceres Rosado (RM140) is an enticing offering, and we imagined this rosé to be a good choice for those undecided between red and white wine.

At Muska, authenticity is paramount, reflected in the culinary prowess of the chefs hailing from India. Dishes like the Spinach Okra Chaat exemplify the essence of Indian street food culture, blending fried okra in gram flour with spinach and yoghurt, crowned with tart tamarind and mint chutney – a harmonious blend of textures and flavours that tantalised our taste buds. We absolutely loved this one, and highly recommend it, especially as a starter.

Muska offers delightful surprises like the Chicken Sukha Tacos, featuring succulent chicken infused with aromatic spices, nestled within a paratha crafted on the skillet – a culinary treat that fuses Indian flavours with the easy-to-eat appeal of Mexico’s taco format. (This dish is also available with mutton or in a vegetarian-friendly paneer option.) The menu is not overly long, but there’s more than enough to tempt, and we quickly found ourselves stuffed, even with just a few sharing plates! We finished up with the Gulab Jamun, a labour-intensive handmade dumpling deep-fried and served in a pool of syrup.

Whether it’s a casual morning rendezvous or a leisurely evening gathering, Muska provides a welcoming ambiance, complete with friendly service and delectable offerings at affordable prices. With a private room available upstairs for more intimate gatherings, Muska is a true gem, and a place that’s primed for plenty of return visits by those who venture over to sample their cuisine.