Out of Africa has been part of the Petaling Jaya dining scene for more than 30 years, and after a recent visit, it is easy to see why this comfortable classic remains a dependable place to eat, drink, and spend a few unhurried hours.
In a food-frenzied city where dining trends come and go like the wind, Out of Africa is something of an outlier. It’s not a place that tries to reinvent itself every few years, and that is very much part of its considerable appeal, particularly as the restaurant is now under new ownership. Located around the PJ Old Town area in the PJ Sports Centre, it has been operating for just over three decades, which in itself says a great deal. Restaurants do not last that long unless they are doing a lot of things right, and here, the formula is refreshingly straightforward – good food, friendly service, plenty of space, and an appealing setting that works just as well for families as it does for groups of friends or regulars at the bar.
One of the first things we appreciated was how easy it is to be here. Parking, particularly after 6pm, is far more abundant and less stressful than at many Greater KL dining spots. Once inside, the restaurant opens up into several distinct spaces, all wonderfully decorated to evoke a sense of South Africa: the Kudu Bar with its excellent pub vibe and live sports screenings, a large, open-sided dining area (where we sat), a fully air-conditioned section, and a number of poolside tables. For families, there is also a small playground, space to run around, and even a pool, as the restaurant is sited inside the PJ Sports Centre. We’re not entirely sure if the pool is freely available to diners, though, so if you feel the urge to jump in, be sure to ask first.
THE FOOD
Back in 1995, Out of Africa was originally conceived and opened by a couple from South Africa, finding long-term steady success in the following years. Unsurprisingly, the menu focuses largely on South African favourites alongside familiar Western comfort food, and though it’s a comprehensive menu, it does not overcomplicate things. Among the dishes we sampled, several grabbed our attention. The Ostrich Carpaccio was lean, clean-tasting, and a nice change from the usual beef versions found elsewhere. Ostrich is certainly not something you see often in Malaysia, and it sets the tone for what Out of Africa does so well – slightly different, but still accessible. We asked, and to our surprise, the ostrich meat is sourced domestically.
The Bushveld Chicken Liver Pâté was another highlight. Smooth, rich, and savoury, the pâté was served with melba toast and a chutney made from plump raisins and brandy, adding contrasting sweetness and texture without overwhelming the dish. The pan-fried Peri-Peri Chicken Livers were also enjoyable for those who enjoy liver in this style, the peri-peri sauce offering warmth and flavour rather than aggressive heat. We preferred the liver in its pâté style, but your own mileage may vary.
For mains, the Grilled Sirloin (220g) was straightforward and satisfying, cooked perfectly on the braai (a South African dining style of grilling over an open wood or charcoal fire), and served without unnecessary theatrics – just good steak done right. We also had the Rump Kebab (200g), another outstanding selection from the braai menu. The real standout for us, however, was the Zebu Steak Pie. Comforting, hearty, and generously filled with tender, juicy chunks of steak, while boasting an delectably flaky pastry crust on top, it’s the kind of dish that makes you wonder why more places do not do a proper steak pie anymore. This one is big enough for two to share, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a favourite among regulars.
We also enjoyed the Nkuku Pizza, topped with grilled chicken, mushrooms, artichokes, and onions. It was very good – well-balanced, not overloaded, and delicious. The pizzas here are made fully by hand and cooked in a real pizza oven, so that plays a big part in why they’re so tasty.
The all-day Sunday roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, priced at RM52++, also looks like excellent value and remains firmly on our return list. The menu additionally features a nice selection for vegetarians, from meatless meatballs to paneer schnitzel and more.
Dessert is worth saving room for. The African Queen pudding was indulgent in the best way, the dark chocolate packed with cherries and nuts and finished with whipped cream. It felt less like a light ending and more like a full stop, and we were perfectly fine with that. We were also tempted by the Cape Brandy Pudding, a date cake with walnuts, brandy syrup, and butterscotch sauce, but in the end went for the chocolate option.
The restaurant’s new management explained to us that they plan to retain the bulk of Out of Africa’s signature South African offerings, but will over time, refine the menu to add some new dishes and perhaps trim a few here and there, as well.
THE KUDU BAR AND DRINKS
The Kudu Bar is an integral part of Out of Africa’s identity. It functions as a proper sports bar, too, with live events broadcast on a big screen, and importantly, it is non-smoking. The atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming, and the long-time staff know their regulars well. In fact, the service throughout the entire establishment was an absolute high point, and the staff here deserve plenty of praise. Knowledgeable, friendly, and efficient, we couldn’t have asked for better.
Beer is clearly a priority here. Tiger, Guinness, and Kilkenny are all available on tap, and Kilkenny, in particular, drinks very well – cold and fresh. The beer is admittedly not especially cheap for the area, even during happy hour (where it goes for RM32-36++ a pint, depending on your choice), but we did feel that the quality and setting helped justify the price. Happy hour runs from 5 to 8pm on most days, and from noon to 8pm on weekends.
Wine feels a bit less central here, though it is still very much in keeping with the South African theme. The list is compact and generally keenly priced, with around 15 options, mostly from South Africa. Pinotage, the country’s most distinctive grape variety, features prominently. Pinotage is a cultivar – a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault (or Hermitage) grape varieties. When young, Pinotage is lively, vibrant, and flavoursome. It can also be blended with varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz (mostly known as Syrah in South Africa). As it matures, the flavours become more earthy, and a Pinotage from a good winery and a great vintage can age well for up to 25 years.
The variety is known for its dark, ripe fruit flavours of cherry and blackberry, as well as a sweet, jammy flavour with a smoky, earthy finish. Out of Africa serves a Cathedral Cellars Pinotage by the bottle (RM210), and a KMV Pinotage for RM29/glass and RM145/bottle. Other red varieties served include Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a rather interesting Petit Verdot (RM295), which is typically found in a Bordeaux blend rather than a straight varietal.
Beyond the reds, South Africa champions the white grape variety Chenin Blanc, and Out of Africa offers this under the African Passion label at RM25/glass and RM125/bottle. Other whites on offer include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc. and Chardonnay. There is also an Italian prosecco.
The new management has plans to expand the list, which would be a welcome step. We saw several guests ordering wine, so we feel that a greater emphasis on the restaurant’s wine list would be embraced by a number of patrons.
Out of Africa is an extremely easy-to-recommend choice of restaurant for those looking for something unfamiliar and different that’s also, ironically enough, familiar and comfortable enough to be a true Malaysian classic. Three decades of service – and counting – says it all.
Additional text and photos by Chad Merchant
Location and Details
Out of Africa and Kudu Bar
PJ Sports Centre
1 Lorong Sultan, PJS 52
46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
W: outofafrica.com.my
T: 03.7955 3432
