Weekend dates almost always begin with the same question.
“So… where are we eating today?”
It’s become a little tradition for us. Instead of planning fancy activities, we usually spend our weekends searching for somewhere new to eat. Sometimes we end up revisiting old favourites, but more often than not, we’re driving across town to try a restaurant that’s been sitting on our ever-growing “must-visit” list.
Lately, one thing has been appearing on that list more than anything else.
Korean fried chicken.
I wasn’t always this obsessed, but somewhere along the way, my partner introduced me to one too many good Korean restaurants, and now there’s no turning back. Crispy chicken coated in bold, flavourful sauces has quickly become one of my favourite comfort foods, and I’m always looking for another place that does it well.
On this particular weekend, Korean food was exactly what we were craving.
We had a few restaurants in mind, but Sweetree in Ampang kept standing out because of its glowing reviews. Since we’d both made the effort to dress up for our lunch date, we thought, why not drive a little further than usual and see what all the excitement was about?
As it turned out, that was a very good decision.
✅ About Sweetree Restaurant
Sweetree is a JAKIM halal-certified Korean restaurant in Ampang that serves a wide variety of authentic Korean dishes, from Korean BBQ and fried chicken to comforting favourites like Bibimbap, Kimchi Jjigae, Tteokbokki, and Jajangmyeon. It has become a popular choice among both Korean food lovers and Muslim diners looking for an authentic Korean dining experience.
The restaurant’s name also has a lovely meaning. According to Sweetree, it was chosen by the Korean owner, whose dream was to create a cosy and welcoming place where guests could relax and enjoy a sweet dining experience. That same philosophy can be seen throughout the restaurant, from the warm interior to the Korean-inspired décor that gives the space its own character.
Another thoughtful touch is that Sweetree also provides a prayer room for Muslim guests and even has a small Korean-themed photo studio upstairs, adding a little extra fun to the dining experience.
✅ First Impressions
One thing became obvious the moment we arrived.
By the time we got there, the restaurant was already full, and we ended up waiting outside for about 25 minutes before there was enough space for us to move into the indoor waiting area. Honestly, I didn’t mind too much because the queue moved steadily, and it gave us time to look through the menu while deciding what to order.
One thing I thought was really cute was how they managed the queue.
Instead of calling out names, each group was given a large wooden spoon with a number on it, along with a menu and a short guide explaining how the ordering process worked. It was such a simple idea, but it matched the restaurant’s Korean theme perfectly. About 5 minutes later, one of the waitresses collected our spoons and showed us upstairs to our table.
The restaurant itself felt warm and welcoming.
Wooden furniture, Korean-inspired decorations, soft lighting, and little decorative touches throughout the space gave it plenty of character without making it feel overdone. Every table was occupied, conversations filled the room, and despite how busy it was, the atmosphere still felt comfortable.
The second floor was my favourite.
Besides the dining area, there’s also a small Korean-themed photo studio exclusively for customers. Complete with Korean-inspired backdrops and props, it’s a fun little space where you can take photos with friends, your partner, or even a few solo shots before heading home. Best of all, it’s completely free to use.
Small touches like that made the whole experience feel a little more special than a typical lunch date.
✅ The Menu & What We Ordered
One thing you’ll never run out of at Sweetree is choice. The menu is packed with authentic Korean favourites, including:
- 🍲 Kimchi Jjigae
- 🍜 Guk Mul Yori
- 🥘 Bibimbap
- 🥩 Bulgogi
- 🌶️ Tteokbokki
- 🍗 Korean Fried Chicken
- 🍙 Kimbap
- 🔥 Korean BBQ
From comforting stews and sizzling grilled meats to crispy Korean fried chicken for sharing, there’s plenty on the menu to tempt every appetite.
Since I’m not the most adventurous eater, I usually stick to dishes I know I’ll enjoy, especially when I’m visiting a restaurant for the first time. While I’ve tried Korean dishes like Budae Jjigae and Ssam, Korean fried chicken has slowly become one of my biggest weaknesses.
So, ordering was actually pretty easy.
🍗 What We Ordered
Cheesy Chicken (18 pieces)
- Yang Nyeom (Sweet & Spicy)
- Bul Dak (Extra Spicy)
We chose a combination of both flavours so we could enjoy two completely different tastes on the same platter.
When our order arrived, the waitress carefully wrapped the melted cheese around the crispy chicken right at our table. Watching the warm, stretchy cheese coat every piece before we even picked up our chopsticks made the whole dish look even more irresistible.
This was my first time trying Korean fried chicken with melted cheese, and honestly… I wasn’t sure what to expect.
One bite in, and I finally understood why so many people swear by cheese chicken.
The chicken was wonderfully crispy on the outside while staying juicy and tender inside. The melted cheese added a creamy richness that mellowed the heat from the sauces without taking away their bold flavours. It was indulgent without feeling too heavy, and every bite made it harder to stop reaching for another piece.
Between the two flavours, I found myself reaching for the Yang Nyeom more often. I loved the balance of sweetness and spice, while the Bul Dak definitely lived up to its name with a much stronger kick. Having both flavours on the same platter turned out to be a great choice because we could switch between the two whenever we wanted something different.
I should probably mention one more thing…
I’m actually lactose intolerant, so ordering a dish covered in melted cheese probably wasn’t my smartest decision. 😅 Thankfully, my stomach decided to cooperate that day, and I enjoyed every bite without any regrets.
🍰 Dessert?
If you still have room afterwards, Sweetree also offers a small selection of desserts. The choices aren’t extensive, but it’s a nice way to finish your meal if you’re craving something sweet.
✅ A Warm Welcome, With One Small Hiccup
One of my favourite moments during the visit actually happened after we finished eating. While we were waiting to pay, the owner came over and started chatting with us. He looked at my partner, then at me, before asking with a smile,
“Boyfriend? Husband?”
I laughed and replied,
“Boyfriend.”
He was incredibly friendly and, after noticing we were both dressed in denim, offered to take a photo of us together. It was such a simple gesture, but one I genuinely appreciated because it wasn’t something we expected at all.
As if that wasn’t sweet enough, he even invited me upstairs to the little Korean-themed photo studio so he could take a few more photos for us. During our conversation, he asked how old I was and looked genuinely surprised when I told him. Apparently, he thought I was still in my twenties.
I’ll happily take that compliment. 😂
That interaction left such a positive impression on me because it felt completely genuine. You could tell he enjoyed chatting with his customers and wanted them to leave with happy memories, not just a full stomach.
That said, our experience with the waitstaff was a little different.
Most of them were polite, but they rarely smiled, and the service felt a little distant compared to the warmth we experienced from the owner.
There was also one small misunderstanding that changed the mood towards the end of our meal.
My partner asked one of the waitresses if she could reheat the chicken and wrap it with the remaining melted cheese so I could continue eating it. Unfortunately, she misunderstood the request and packed everything into a takeaway container instead.
I understand there may have been a language barrier, so I don’t think it was intentional. Still, because I wasn’t finished eating yet, it was a little disappointing and took away from what had otherwise been a lovely dining experience.
Thankfully, that was the only issue we encountered during our visit.
✅ Is Sweetree Worth the Price?
I think Sweetree sits somewhere in the middle.
It’s not the cheapest Korean restaurant you’ll find, but it also isn’t trying to be a luxury dining experience.
Our Cheesy Chicken (18 pieces) costs RM65.90 (excluding drinks). At first glance, that might seem a little pricey, but considering it was enough for the two of us to share, I thought it was fairly reasonable.
For me, the price wasn’t just about the food. It also included the warm Korean-inspired atmosphere, the little details like the photo studio, and a meal that we genuinely enjoyed from start to finish. Those are the kinds of things that make a restaurant memorable.
If your main goal is simply finding the cheapest Korean meal, there are definitely more affordable options around.
But if you’re looking for good Korean fried chicken in a cosy setting that’s perfect for a date or catching up with friends, I think Sweetree offers good value for what you get.
📍 Location & Opening Hours
Sweetree Restaurant is located along Jalan Ampang Putra in Ampang, Selangor. Although it’s only a short drive from Kuala Lumpur, the area feels noticeably quieter than the city centre, making it a pleasant spot for a relaxed lunch or dinner.
One thing I appreciated was that the restaurant has several designated parking spaces right in front. They do fill up quite quickly during busy periods, though, so if you’re visiting on a weekend or during peak meal times, it’s worth arriving a little earlier. If the parking area is already full, you’ll usually be able to find street parking nearby with a short walk back to the restaurant.
📍 Sweetree Restaurant
No. 17, Jalan Ampang Putra,
Taman Putra Sulaiman,
68000 Ampang, Selangor.
🕒 Opening Hours
Daily: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
📌 Check out their website for more info: Sweetree Restaurant
Opening hours may vary during public holidays, so it’s always a good idea to check Sweetree’s official website or social media before visiting.
✅ Final Thoughts
Would I come back again?
Absolutely.
There are still plenty of dishes I’d love to try, but I have a feeling the cheesy chicken will be hard to resist on my next visit.
What stayed with me most wasn’t just the food. It was how the afternoon unfolded, from waiting outside with a giant wooden spoon in hand to unexpectedly ending up with photos taken by the owner himself. Those little moments made the whole visit feel a little more personal.
Of course, I do think the service from the waitstaff could be warmer, and I hope that’s something that continues to improve. Even so, it wasn’t enough to take away from what was otherwise a really enjoyable lunch date.
If you’re looking for authentic halal Korean food in a cosy setting, Sweetree is definitely worth adding to your list. It’s one of those places that gave us more than just a good meal. We left with full stomachs, a few unexpected photos, and another restaurant we’ll happily recommend whenever someone asks where to find good halal Korean food around Kuala Lumpur.
Wanderhoney Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.8/5)
Love, Hani 🌻
