Tamarind Restaurants introduces Warung Putih Cucina Italiana, its latest casual dining concept located in the Bangsar neighbourhood of Lorong Kurau. Designed as a relaxed, neighbourhood restaurant, Warung Putih Cucina Italiana celebrates regional Italian cooking through an approachable, everyday dining format. At the heart of the restaurant is its ‘cucina italiana’ approach, centred around an open walk-in kitchen where diners can watch (and even engage) with the chefs at work. The name reflects the restaurant’s philosophy: ‘Warung’ reflects the restaurant’s down-to-earth way of dining, while ‘Putih’, meaning “white”, refers to the restaurant’s light, clean, naturalist interior. Together, they set the tone for a rustic, welcoming space designed to encourage long lunches and unhurried dinners.
The seasonal menu is offered through both à la carte selections and a ‘tavola calda’ (hot table), where slow-cooked dishes are prepared ahead and served warm. This everyday style of eating allows guests to choose from a variety of prepared dishes with ease. An experience not unlike Chinese economy rice, but distinctly Italian in spirit. A Kitchen Led By Italian Tradition
Leading the kitchen is Chef Manuel Sanzo, a native of Bologna which is widely regarded as the culinary heartland of Italy. Sanzo began cooking at the age of 14 in his family home, learning alongside his mother before pursuing cooking professionally. His approach is grounded in consistency, technique, and a deep respect for tradition. While his forte is fresh handmade pasta, Chef Sanzo focuses on sharing regional Italian dishes that are less commonly found in Malaysia, prepared honestly, made from scratch, and cooked with heart.
Supporting the kitchen is Sous Chef Shawn, whose culinary journey reflects diversity and years of hands-on experience. Raised in a Thai-Indian household, Shawn was exposed early to a wide range of flavours and cooking styles by his mother. He began his career in a steakhouse before expanding into authentic Spanish cuisine at Barra and now Italian cooking at Warung Putih Cucina Italiana. Known for his versatility and quiet strength, Shawn brings balance and depth to the kitchen team.
Culinary Legacy, Built Over Time With over two decades of experience, Tamarind Restaurants continues to operate and grow across diverse cuisines and formats, with everything from destination dining to casual neighbourhood restaurants under their belt while remaining independently owned and creatively driven. The group’s flagship Tamarind Hill Kuala Lumpur, where it all began, is currently in the process of relocation, marking the next chapter in its long-standing legacy.
The following milestones trace the group’s culinary journey over time: 1999 – Tamarind Hill, Kuala Lumpur Flagship restaurant and birthplace of Tamarind Restaurants introducing refined Thai cuisine in a colonial bungalow setting.
2002 – Tamarind Springs, Kuala Lumpur Jungle-in-the-city dining concept showcasing Mekong flavours from Northern Thailand, Laos & Cambodia. 2009 – Tamarind Hill, Kuala Lumpur Re-established flagship restaurant, continuing its premium Thai & Burmese fine-dining legacy. 2009 – NEO Tamarind, Kuala Lumpur Luxe Thai-fusion restaurant lounge located in the heart of KL, known for its longest bar and liquid dessert innovation. 2011 – Eco Gourmet Café, Singapore A sustainability-driven café in the Labrador Nature Reserve in Singapore, blending Thai flavours with French technique in nature.
2012 – Tamarind Hill, Singapore International expansion of the Tamarind brand, adapting refined Asian dining concepts for an international audience.
2012 – Il Tempio, Kuala Lumpur The group’s first foray into European cuisine. Italian fine dining in a heritage setting.
2014 – Cheong Fatt Sze Restaurant (Blue Mansion), Penang Destination dining within the iconic UNESCO-listed Blue Mansion.
2015 – Tamarind Kitchen, Singapore Contemporary Asian dining concept tailored for modern urban lifestyles.
2017 – Tamarind Terrace, Kuala Lumpur Event-focused venue integrating cuisine, architecture, and nature.
2018 – FOOK, Kuala Lumpur Contemporary Malaysian cuisine with a twist.
2023 – THAAN Thai Yakiniku, Kuala Lumpur Thai yakiniku concept serving premium grilled meats with bold Thai flavours, presented in a contemporary jungle-luxe setting.
2024 – Barra Spanish Restaurant, Kuala Lumpur Authentic Spanish counter dining located in Chinatown focusing on traditional Spanish cuisine, from tapas to slow-cooked dishes.
2025 – Barraca Mediterranean Restaurant, Kuala Lumpur Pork-free Mediterranean concept inspired by coastal flavours.
2025 – Warung Putih Cucina Italiana, Kuala Lumpur Casual neighbourhood Italian dining specialising in regional Italian cooking, offering handmade pasta, pizza in a relaxed and rustic setting.
2026 – Mandi-Mandi Café, Kuala Lumpur (Coming soon) An anticipated everyday-dining café concept set to open within the grounds of Tamarind Springs.
About Tamarind Restaurants
About Tamarind Restaurants Founded in 1999 by Federico Asaro and Maple Loo in Kuala Lumpur, Tamarind Restaurants is an independent restaurant group known for creating dining destinations deeply rooted in culture, culinary tradition and authenticity. Guided by a respect for tradition whilst maintaining an openness to evolution, the group has spent more than 25 years shaping restaurants across Malaysia and Singapore, each shaped by its respective cuisine, heritage, and sense of hospitality.
Operation Hours
Tuesday – Sunday Lunch: 12:00PM – 3:00PM
Dinner: 6:00PM – 10:00PM
Location & Contact Information 21, Lorong Kurau, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Website: www.samadhiretreats.com
Instagram: @warungputih.kl
Tel: +60108221262
