3 Ways to Feel Like a Malaysian at Makamakan, Merdeka 118’s Hub of Malaysian Flavours

Here are three reasons and many delicious motivations to head to Makamakan’s new outlet at Look At 118.

In Malaysia, “have you eaten yet?” is hardly a question; it’s a way of saying “I care”. 

That spirit is exactly what Makamakan has built its name on, one that it is expanding with its newest outlet at Look At 118, right within the Merdeka 118 precinct. 

Officially launched on 21 October 2026 by Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, the dining hub brings Malay, Chinese and Indian favourites under one roof, with one of the world’s tallest buildings as its backdrop.

GO FOR THE VIEWS OF MERDEKA 118

Step into Makamakan at Look At 118 and you’ll quickly realise that the setting is half the experience. Nestled within the Merdeka Textile Museum precinct at Merdeka 118, the outlet looks out onto the icon’s towering, diamond-cut facade, with the world’s second-tallest monument as a backdrop to your plate of nasi lemak. 

On the walls and furnishings, different kain textures make up the decorations. The pairing makes sense because where the Merdeka Textile Museum tells the story of the Malay world through threads and textiles, Makamakan tells it through food, and the two sit just steps apart. It’s an easy way to take in both in one visit.

IMMERSE IN LOCAL TEXTILE CULTURE

True to its kopitiam roots, Makamakan gives the classic setting a fresh, colourful update. Floor-to-ceiling glass feeds views of the greenery and fountains outside right into the dining room, while light wood, woven rattan chairs in green and cream and teal banquettes keep the mood relaxed and homely. A terracotta breeze-block shelf adds a touch of nostalgia, a nod to the patterned blocks found in many Malaysian homes.

Venture further in and things get louder, in the best way. Red pendant lamps glow over banquettes in a bold geometric print, while white lattice screens and a sage-green wall with raised, stepped motifs add a touch of craft.

DIG IN TO AUTHENTICALLY MALAYSIAN FAVOURITES

For a truly Malaysian experience, the best way to start is with the Satay Ayam, juicy skewers that will set the tone for the whole meal. The chicken morsels are well imbued with that smoky char you only get from a proper charcoal grill, and the every bite is tender and juicy, well marinated with a housemade  sweet and spicy peanut sauce. It’s hard to stop at one; I told myself I’d share, but I’d already eaten more than my fair share by the time the plate was empty.

Then there is the Mee Rebus Daging Tulang Rusuk, an easy favourite of the entire meal. The peanut-based gravy is thick, rich and comforting, with a savoury-sweet depth that made me want to keep going. The beef ribs are so tender they practically fall off the bone. A squeeze of lime for brightness and a few fresh garnishing of sliced chilli and beansprouts for crunch, and I finished the bowl, even though I swore I was full.

Miss not the Nasi Kerabu Ayam Bakar Percik, which is as pretty as it was tasty. Rice tinted natural blue with butterfly pea flower is dressed up with fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables and sides, so every spoonful was a different mix of colours, flavours and textures. The accompanying grilled chicken is smoky and juicy with just enough punch from the spicy percik sauce that it ties everything together. It’s the kind of dish that makes you slow down so as to enjoy each bite.

The perfect sweet end is the Cendol Gula Melaka, a no-brainer bowl of creamy goodness to wrap up a wholly Malaysian meal.  Little else compares to the way fragrant coconut milk and sweet gula melaka generously drizzled over the shaved ice melts on the tongue to combat our notoriously hot weather. The Kueh Talam Keladi and Kueh Lopes are a nice bonus, soft and lightly sweet and so easy to pop one after another. I paired it all with a Teh Tarik, to pay homage to our local mamak tradition. If you’d rather go sweeter, the Milo Ping Kaw Kaw and Bandung Soda Gembira are there for you to take you back to your childhood.

With panoramic views of the city and Merdeka 118, plus the museum next door, it’s an easy stop to add to a KL itinerary for a main course of local food then a side of culture, whether you’re a local or visiting.

For more information about Makamakan, clickhere.

For more food and drink reads, click here.

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