Chica Bonita Elegante - The Exchange TRX — Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur

Corn chips with salsa roja and guacamole - Chips are bag chips, salsa roja seemed to be on sweet side like there’s tomato puree in it or that it was blended from canned tomatoes, and guacamole may have come from a bag only that they added the diced tomatoes and cilantro themselves.

Sopa Tortilla was strong on the cumin and needed to be cut with a squeeze of lime. I’m not sure whether it’s supposed to taste like that, because we have had Baby Acapulco’s soup in Austin Texas before (which was crazy amazing) and there’s very big difference in the taste profile. The tortilla that was served with it looked, felt and tasted legit.

Tacos - all the tortillas were COLD, big horrible mistake for any Mexican restaurant to make. Imagine eating warm ingredient with cold tortillas. My husband said his birria taco was like stew meat with zero seasoning (he had to add his own salt), and there was nothing Mexican about it. I was surprised that the tilapia fish tacos (Pescada) was actually good, the pink sauce that was slathered on tasted lighter than it looked. But the shrimp taco - NO. It was shrimp with the most horrible-tasting texture I’ve ever had my entire life. I’ve had overcooked shrimp, i’ve had defrosted and past-its-peak-freshness shrimp - but this one was like eating rubber with no seasoning, it was just weird. I had to spit it out, one of the few times I did not even try to finish my food. I don’t understand how the kitchen could get the fish taco so right but the shrimp so wrong. They obviously don’t taste-test any of the dishes that’s being sent out of the kitchen.

To be fair, once you’ve had Tex-Mex in the USA, it’s close to impossible to find legitimate “Mexican” outside of that, so I don’t know why we still bother with “Mexican” here in Malaysia, maybe because we have found really good ones in Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh city, it’s a really frustrating mystery to us why KL has never gotten this right.

Service was like service you’ll get at fast food chains - no smile, no friendliness, no personality, though one of the waiters did make sure to repeat my order before submitting it.

It’s a real shame re the food and service because the restaurant is in a great space, probably much nicer at night too.

I told the waiter taking our payment to let the kitchen know that there was something wrong about the shrimp and that the tortillas were cold, but I’m not sure whether he did because we noticed that he went back straight to his post at...

Chica Bonita is a vibrant and lively spot that truly brings a taste of Mexico to Kuala Lumpur. From the moment you step in, you're greeted with colorful decor and a festive atmosphere that sets the perfect tone for a fun dining experience. The ambiance is both laid-back and energetic, making it a great place to unwind with friends or enjoy a casual date night.

The cocktails are a highlight at Chica Bonita, and the margaritas are particularly exceptional. Served in vibrant, eye-catching glassware, these drinks are not only visually appealing but also deliciously refreshing. The frozen margaritas, in particular, are a must-try—icy, tangy, and perfectly balanced, they’re the ideal companion for a warm day or a lively evening.

The food is equally impressive, offering a range of Mexican dishes that are full of flavor and crafted with care. Whether you're in the mood for tacos, burritos, or something a bit more substantial, Chica Bonita has you covered. The menu offers a good variety, ensuring there's something for everyone, and the ingredients are fresh and well-prepared.

The service is attentive and friendly, adding to the overall positive experience. The staff are knowledgeable about the menu and are happy to make recommendations, which is always a plus.

Located in a lively area, Chica Bonita’s setting also offers a great view of the surroundings, adding to the charm of the place. Whether you're seated indoors or enjoying the outdoor space, the environment is welcoming and fun.

Overall, Chica Bonita is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine in a vibrant and energetic setting. The combination of great food, excellent drinks, and a lively atmosphere makes it a top spot for both locals and visitors alike. Five stars for this delightful Mexican gem in...

I recently visited this restaurant and was blown away by the flavors and textures of the food. The standout dish was the beef quesadillas, topped with minced beef that had been stewed for over 8 hours!. The tacos are a go to for small eaters as they offer both soft or crispy textures which are filling and packed with flavors using a variety of spices and can be specially tailored to be less spicy for those who can't handle spicy food. Chili con carne was the start of the menu as it goes well with all other items when paired due to it's exquisite taste combined with the spicy tingle that is guaranteed to make you hungry for more.

The environment is beautiful albeit a little warm. This restaurant has many custom made cutleries and glassware that suits the decorations of the restaurant.

As for the drinks, we had the sangria as recommended by our server and was absolutely delighted by how refreshing and lovely it is.

Special thanks to our very friendly and helpful server for the evening, Mr. Prem for introducing items from the menu that were delicious and for being very attentive to our requests. I highly recommend seeking Mr. Prem out if it is your first time dining here as he is very knowledgeable with the menu and is able to recommend dishes based on personal diet or preferences.

Overall, the restaurant had amazing dishes and drinks. The restaurant not only serves a very diverse menu compared to many other Mexican restaurants, it also carries amazing flavors and the execution of the dishes were well worth the visit. Would definitely come again...