Swedish Chef Brings Global Flavors to Kuala Lumpur's New Taco Spot

A new Swedish-owned eatery, Smakrik, has opened in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Located on the first floor of Wisma Cosway, the restaurant serves tacos and other lunch options from Monday to Friday. Its menu reflects the international experience of its chef, Tobias Olsson, who trained in some of the world's top kitchens before bringing his skills to Malaysia in 2023. Tobias Olsson began his culinary journey with an apprenticeship at Stockholm's Operakällaren. He later worked in Michelin-starred restaurants such as Mathias Dahlgren and Frantzén in Sweden. His career took him abroad, with stints at Noma in Copenhagen, elBulli in Spain, and as head chef at Daniel in New York. Before opening Smakrik, he consulted for luxury hotels around the world.

Smakrik specialises in tacos, priced at RM9 each. Customers can choose from beef, chicken, or fish fillings. The beef version features a rich beef and bean ragu, similar to chili con carne. Chicken tacos come with a smoky chipotle rub, topped with pineapple and corn salsa, while fish tacos include a crispy battered fillet on pickled cabbage. For those wanting more, the restaurant offers meal deals. A single taco with fries or Mexican tomato rice costs RM17, while two tacos go for RM25. Beyond tacos, the menu also includes Thai beef noodles, adding variety to the lunch options. The restaurant operates from 11am to 3.30pm, catering to the busy lunch crowd in Wisma Cosway.

Smakrik stands out in Wisma Cosway's food scene with its mix of Swedish leadership and globally inspired dishes. The restaurant's lunch-focused hours and affordable meal deals aim to attract office workers in the area. With its central location and diverse menu, it adds another choice for those seeking quick, flavourful meals during the workweek.