If you’re craving Mediterranean flavours in Kuala Lumpur, Olea in Chow Kit should be on your list. It’s not every day you can find authentic Mediterranean cuisine in Malaysia, as it’s not one of the country’s main culinary staples.
Olea @ Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur
Olea offers a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for those who enjoy a bit of buzz while dining. While it may not be the quietest place in town, the vibrant energy adds to the charm, making it a great place for both casual meals and more festive gatherings.
Olea is conveniently nestled in the heart of Chow Kit, an area renowned for its mix of old-world charm and modern developments. The restaurant is just a short walk from Medan Tuanku Monorail Station, making it easily accessible for those travelling around Kuala Lumpur. If you’re staying at the Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur, you’re in luck – Olea is just down the street, making it a great dining option for hotel guests looking to enjoy a Mediterranean feast.
However, if you’re driving to Olea, be prepared for limited parking in the area. Parking spots can be hard to come by in Chow Kit, so public transport or taxis are often the best options for those visiting by car.
Here’s what I tried during my visit:
Flatbread with Hummus – RM 18 + RM 8 (Extra Flatbread!)
This simple yet satisfying dish was a crowd-pleaser. The flatbread was served warm and soft, providing the perfect base for the creamy, smooth, and well-seasoned hummus.
However, the serving size of the flatbread didn’t match the generous portion of hummus, so I had to order extra flatbread to finish the remaining hummus. It’s a minor detail, but something to keep in mind if you’re planning to order this dish. The extra flatbread was reasonably priced at RM 8, making it a great option for those who prefer more bread with their hummus.
Brussels Sprouts – RM 48
A seasonal favourite, the Brussels Sprouts dish was initially part of Olea’s Christmas menu and has been extended through the New Year. The dish featured Brussels Sprouts served with cashew cream, pomegranate, walnuts, and spiced honey. The Brussels Sprouts had a slightly bitter aftertaste, but this was beautifully balanced by the sweetness of the pomegranate and the rich spiced honey. The walnuts added a delightful crunch, while the cashew cream tied everything together with its creamy texture.
This dish is a unique, seasonal offering that showcases the Mediterranean love for balanced, fresh flavours.
Seafood Orzo – RM 72
As a permanent menu item, the Seafood Orzo is a rich, indulgent dish that brings together orzo pasta, tiger prawns, calamari, prawn bisque, and crème fraîche. The prawn bisque and crème fraîche lent the dish a velvety texture, with the orzo soaking up all the flavourful juices. The tiger prawns were fresh and perfectly cooked, although the calamari was on the tougher side.
The richness of the dish may be overwhelming for some, so I recommend sharing the dish with family or friends. This dish is perfect for seafood lovers who enjoy creamy, indulgent meals.
Roast Spring Chicken – RM 118
Another seasonal dish carried over from Olea’s Christmas menu, the Roast Spring Chicken requires a 35-minute waiting time, but it’s absolutely worth it. The whole roast spring chicken was perfectly cooked, with tender, juicy meat throughout – even the typically dry breast portion. It was served with butter bean hummus, artichokes, olives, and chili oil.
The butter bean hummus was nice, and paired well with the chicken. Though I’m not personally fond of artichokes and olives, they provided an authentic Mediterranean touch that others may appreciate. The chili oil added a subtle kick to the dish, rounding out the flavours beautifully. This is a must-try for anyone who loves well-cooked roast chicken with Mediterranean accompaniments.
Final Thoughts
Olea is a fantastic spot for anyone looking to explore Mediterranean cuisine in a modern, vibrant setting. The menu offers a delightful array of choices, with dishes prepared with great attention to detail. My experience at Olea was thoroughly enjoyable. The atmosphere was lively yet welcoming, and the waitstaff were incredibly friendly and attentive, ensuring that my meal was all the more enjoyable.
Tips for Dining at Olea: If you plan to try the Roast Spring Chicken, I recommend ordering it at the start of your meal to avoid the 35-minute wait. Also, don’t miss out on their seasonal dishes – like the Brussels Sprouts – which are available for a limited time. They might just change your perspective on ingredients like Brussels sprouts, as they did for me!
Have you been to Olea? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your favourite Mediterranean dishes in the comments below.
My Rating
90%: Ambiance
85%: Price (value for money)
95%: Taste
55%: Location (ease of parking)
90%: Service
83%: Overall Rating
Opening Hours
12 PM – 2:30 PM, 6 PM – 10:30 PM (Saturday & Sunday)
6 PM – 10:30 PM (Monday to Friday)
Address / Contact Information
03 2202 7858Ground Floor of No, 32
Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit
50300 Kuala Lumpur
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur