KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 26 -- Five years ago, when Eat and Cook first opened - not in its most recent spot among the shoplots leading to Pavilion Bukit Jalil, but in its original guise, a 300-square-foot hole in an empty mall - it quickly became one of the Klang Valley's "hidden gems".

Behind the six-seat counter stood an unassuming duo: Lee Zhe Xi and Soh Yong Zhi, both alumni of Berjaya University College's culinary programme, then still in their early twenties, united by their love of showcasing Malaysian ingredients and flavours, omakase style.

Success and recognition followed with the move to a larger space, underscored by Eat and Cook being named Asia's 50 Best Restaurants' American Express One to Watch in 2022.

Hot on the heels of t...