Sorry but I've been so busy that blogging was abandoned for a while. It's a huge backlog of posts that I must now wade through, starting with the Ramadan Bazaar posts. I was at the Taman Melawati bazaar on the first day to sniff out what was new and discovered these ayam tempayan.
Unlike the atypical rotisserie chicken, this version used large clay jars. Halved chickens were hung from metal hooks on the side of the jar as a charcoal fire burnt from the base. This cooking way seemed to be rather similar to tandoori chicken. The method yields a juicy chicken with less oil. Definitely a new way to cook chicken.
Each bazaar always has a certain specialty and in this particular part of the town, roti bom seems to rule the stalls. I counted at least three stalls selling roti bom. Prepped on the spot, you get to catch lots of lovely action shots as the men twist and spin the roti canai dough to stretch it out. At the end it gets stretched into a thin piece that is folded into a circle and cooked on the hot grill. This yields a fluffy inside and a crispy exterior helped with lashings of Planta margarine.
Another must eat for me in this bazaar is the wobbly creme caramel. You can generally pick out which stall is good. The top must be brown enough with the sweet caramel with a smooth like a baby's bottom texture.
Another good way to break fast is the cooling jellies, topped with fruits, sweets and even chocolate. These make great pictures but also taste good.
Last year Botak Ikan Bakar made headlines with his lobster. It was definitely a first for many to see that prized crustacean gracing the Ramadan bazaar. This year, you can get a lobster sized meal. Just dig deep and deep into your pockets for that pricey meal.
These bazaars are the best place to acquaint yourself with all kinds of Malay kuihs. A traditional favourite to break fast is kuih lopes that is engulfed with freshly grated coconut and drizzled with gula Melaka syrup.
There's all kind of traditional favourites like ayam percik and eggy akok from Kelantan. And don't forget the popiah basah here. Be patient as the queues are often long since they're prepared on the spot.
Even daily favourites like nasi lemak all packed in banana leaf can be found here. All kinds are sold to whet your appetite.
Make a trip to the bazaar and catch all the local favourites. You can also get dates, kebabs (the in thing this year), sotong bakar, putu bambu and the list goes on.
Ramadan Bazaar Taman Melawati
Off MRR2
Taman Melawati turn off.
Kuala Lumpur
For more pictures, see the Flickr set.
kaisenchirashi sushi
Menya Musashi's ramen may have grabbed all the headlines but for me, the true gem at Isetan's Eat Paradise is this tiny sushi bar tucked at the back. In fact, I'm rather ashamed to admit that I've yet to even wander to the ramen place. Maybe it's the crowds jostling for a bowl of ramen that has put me off.
Walk past the crowds and look for this small spartan space. If you close your eyes and just listen to the voices behind the sushi bar, it sounds like you have been transported to Japan. This is because of the four Japanese young sushi chefs that helm the narrow space. Every time an order is placed, they chatter a dozen away in Japanese to settle the order. Only the waitresses, cashier and one kitchen helper are non Japanese.
tuna tataki (RM28)
The sushi bar is the best spot for the ultimate dining experience. Here you sit down and see the action behind each order. I love how you place your order vide an iPad on a stand. For a truly Japanese experience, you can even view the menu items in kanji, the Japanese language. You can even keep tabs on how much you spend, so you don't blow a hole in your pocket. There is also a nice balance between the modern style as they still stick the paper menu all around the bar. Got to love how they translated the gunkan sushi to "ship" though, which is kinda correct since it resembles a battleship with its seaweed wrap around the rice.
The menu is compact and focuses on the fresh fish. Expect various sashimi items including carpaccio and tataki, nigiri sushi, makis (including the hand ones), gunkan sushi (battleship version with the seaweed), and rice dishes that are topped with sashimi. The cooked food items is limited to tempura, chawan mushi and edamame. They also offer sets with sushi, sashimi, makis from RM28 to RM60.
beef tataki nigiri (RM5)
For those sitting on the sushi bar, once you place your order for nigiri sushi, they place a wooden plate in front of you with a piece of leaf. Each time, your order is completed the sushi chef reaches from the bar to place a piece of sushi on the leaf for you to savour. We enjoy the beef tataki nigiri (RM5) and even a chuka wakame one (RM3) that are both good. However, those who were standouts for me, was the sea urchin sushi (RM16) in their soft orange hues and the ikura sushi (RM12), with huge pop in your mouth eggs. My only complain would be the seaweed that encases the rice tends to be quite soft. Not sure if it was already soft or it is because I did wait sometime to snap the pictures.
An unexpected find was the sea eel nigiri (RM9) with its sweet flavours and delicate flesh. We also enjoy the tuna tataki (RM28), soft tuna pieces with a sweet thick sauce on the side. On another occasion, we also try the chutoro, that is fresh and silky soft. There's really no need to reach out for extra wasabi to dip as each piece is beautifully crafted with just the right amount of wasabi in the rice. Just dip the fish side in your soy sauce, place in your mouth and savour the flavours.
prawn tempura roll (RM15)
I'm always partial to chirashi sushi and their Kaisenchirashi (RM38 with a bowl of red miso soup) is exceptional since they give you uni (sea urchin) and ikura (salmon roe) in the same bowl, something other Japanese restaurants don't usually do. I also liked the generous portion of kanpyo pickles on the side that goes well with each glistening rice grain. And, I'm so glad they did not add sakura denbu, the bubblegum pink sweet fish powder. In addition, the vinegared rice is topped with salmon, scallop, tamago, tuna, octopus, amaebi (sweet shrimp), sanma and mirugai.
Unlike the atypical Japanese restaurants, they serve red miso soup here versus the pale brown version. This means, the soup has more depth with the rich dark soybean paste. Sometimes this means it can be saltier too but this visit seems to have indicated they have adjusted it to our local tastebuds as it was not very salty.
sea urchin gunkan sushi (RM16)
I've read about the slightly firm chawan mushi (RM6) but for me, I felt the texture was fine. It was a nice balance between smooth and those with too much liquid.
You will also notice a difference in the green tea served here. Instead of the brew sitting in the teapot for a long time, it is brewed per cup hence you get a strong tasting version. You get a choice of hot or cold (RM2, with free refill).
salmon roe gunkan maki (RM12)
The makis, may look a little untidy or haphazard to some but I like it's soft shape as it means the rice can unfurl in my tongue better. Some sushi chefs tend to compress the rice too hard that it ruins the texture for me since it becomes a lump. Here, even though the rice looks like it's going to fall apart on my chopsticks, it doesn't and makes it safely into my mouth without an incident. So far, we have only tried two types here: the prawn tempura (RM15) and teriyaki chicken with avocado (RM12). I prefer the stronger tasting teriyaki chicken versus the prawn tempura version that seems a bit mild.
scenes from the sushi bar
In our second visit here, we bump into an old friend. He is a novice to the place but he can't stop singing the praises of how fresh the fish is. It's heartening to know that there'll be an army of people willing to return here again and again.
For us, we will definitely return since this place feels like little Japan to me. In the crazy rat race life we lead, I would prefer to chill out here and savour every piece of sushi prepared by the white hatted sushi chef and say Itadakimasu.
Ichiro Sushi Bar
Eat Paradise
2nd Floor, Isetan
1 Utama Shopping Centre (Old Wing)
Bandar Utama
Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7726 5899
(Pork Free. Isetan members get points when dining here. For the full set of pictures, see my Flickr set.)
*Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here is entirely based on my personal tastebuds and may vary for others. This review is time sensitive; changes may occur to the place later on that can affect this opinion. The reviewer also declares that she has not received any monetary or non-monetary compensation from this place for writing the review.
butter cake from Section 17
I have been slowly exploring Section 17's food joints and one day, I stumbled on this discovery, a drinks stall that also sold homemade butter cake by special order.
Spurred on by some regular customers who had sampled the cake before, I decided to take a risk and order it to try.
butter cake unassembled
Each block was sold for RM10.
I loved the cake's soft moist crumb. Very old fashioned with a bright yellow colour.
While the texture was top class, admittedly it fell short in the aroma department. Not buttery enough with a slight artificial tinge I felt, so maybe they used butter spreads instead of actual butter.
butter cake from OUG market
Coincidentally, a friend of mine had bought butter cake from the OUG market (1 box is RM8). While that cake has a strong distinctive buttery smell, the texture is rather firm with a fine tight crumb.
Even though I preferred that OUG version for its taste, in comparison I found it a little too hard versus the other cake that had such a moist loose crumb.
Too bad, I can't get the best of both worlds - the moist crumb from the Section 17 place and a lovely buttery aroma from the OUG market one. I guess I should really just bake my own.
Despite the not so aromatic taste, we did enjoy the cake with maple flavoured ice cream made from rich Hokkaido cream. Simply oishii when paired with the cold treat.
Butter Cake
corner drinks stall (see sign above for shop)
Jalan 17/1A Foodcourt
Next to the Section 17 wet market
Petaling Jaya
(Pork free. One cake is RM10. Prior order is needed. Click on this link for the full set of Flickr pictures.)
*Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here is entirely based on my personal tastebuds and may vary for others. This review is time sensitive; changes may occur to the place later on that can affect this opinion. The reviewer also declares that she has not received any monetary or non-monetary compensation from this place for writing the review.
uni (sea urchin) tofu
I never get sick of Japanese food.
Despite stuffing my face silly with sushi during the weekend, I still had lots of tummy space for the exquisite dishes from this 1-month old Japanese place.
grilled gindara
Regulars of Mizu Bangsar would have heard through the grapevine (or more likely tasted the difference) in their old favourite.
It seems the ex-chef and ex-manager had decamped up the street to this new place under the same management as Gin Shui Tei, the Japanese place in Tropicana Golf & Country Club.
matsuya salad
Some of the old favourites from the Mizu menu can be spotted here. Notably the signature foie gras and daikon radish. In fact, lovers of that delicacy will be happy to see loads of the ingredient peppering the menu, whether in the form of fried rice or maki.
assorted sashimi
I had high expectations for the Matsuya Sarada (RM25) since it sounded gorgeous with pomegranate, pine nuts and passion fruit dressing but it felt a tad ordinary when the flavours hit the tongue.
Luckily our next dish, the uni tofu (RM25), a soft wobbly soybean milk creation topped with uni that is grilled and served with a delicious broth restored our faith in the place. Simply brilliant as we slurp down the broth.
salmon ikura cheese maki
The assorted sashimi (RM190 for three persons) was lovely too, a chef's creation on what was freshly flown in today. I loved the sweet scallops and the hamachi slices.
The salmon ikura cheese maki (RM25) was also an interesting combination of cream cheese, salmon, garlic crisps and is topped with those eye popping ikura roe. Swipe a little of the teriyaki-like sauce on the bottom to give it a teeny weeny sweet taste.
Next came, the star dish of the night that had the longest name, gindara saikyomiso zuke yaki (RM55).
Wrapped in an ohba leaf that lent it a smoky flavour, the fish was beautifully cooked. Dipping each piece of the cod with the white miso seems to make it even tastier.
Japan Wagyu Ishiyaki
Then came something I have not had for years, Japan Wagyu Ishiyaki (RM240) or meat cooked on a hot stone. Strangely enough, I remember eating this kind of hot stone cooking in Soave, Italy.
This version is wonderful since it features the incredible melt in the mouth texture of the Japanese wagyu. Within a few minutes, all the cooking is done and we can slowly sink our teeth in the meat to savour.
goma ice cream
Last but not least, even the sesame ice cream (RM8) was exceptionally good. I liked the bits of aromatic sesame seeds I found inside the creamy ice cream.
And like I always say, I reckon we will keep returning here. Plans are underway to do a repeat visit with my mother who is a stalwart fan of Mizu. I'm curious to try out their hot pot rice including ne that uses mixed mushrooms and truffle oil.
Matsuya Japanese Cuisine
No. 19, Jalan Telawi 2
Bangsar Baru
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2202 2618
(Pork free. Place is open for lunch and dinner daily. Fresh fish is flown in from Japan on Tuesday and Friday. It is right opposite Swensens. They also do omakase and special set dinner courses like sushi, sukiyaki, teppanyaki, and tempura from RM80 to RM95. For more pictures, see the Flickr set.)
*Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here is entirely based on my personal tastebuds and may vary for others. This review is time sensitive; changes may occur to the place later on that can affect this opinion. The reviewer also declares that she has not received any monetary or non-monetary compensation from this place for writing the review.
chirashi sushi
Strange.
It is going to come up to one year since I first posted on Ju.Ne Japanese Restaurant at Solaris Dutamas.
I had ended last year's post to say I'll be back.
Well, we did return but not in a Terminator fashion with guns blazing.
Instead visits to this place have been peppered with a chorus of approvals from my friends.
This included a particular friend who missed her regular hangout place, Kampachi at Equatorial Hotel since the hotel closed down.
Love the hamachi here, so fresh!
Everyone is of the consensus that the sashimi served here is super fresh. A favourite order is the hamachi sashimi (RM38 for 6 pieces), each thick piece that we slowly relish.
On another occasion, we sampled the assorted sashimi (RM48) that was a good mix of fresh fish on a bed of seaweed.
I'm always partial to rice and sashimi hence I had the kaisen chirashi don (RM35) that comes in a zen-like white bowl. It is a nice assortment of raw fish such as ikura, prawns, salmon and cuttlefish.
negitoro yukke garlic toast
I do like their balanced menu, a mix of innovative appetizers served side by side with traditional Japanese favourites.
The garden salad dip with anchovy sauce (RM19) is a nifty way to get you crunching down on your greens. The fresh vegetables are kept cool on a bed of ice and served with a creamy anchovy sauce kept warm over a burner. The sauce is so addictive that you find yourself unconsciously finishing all the vegetables on the platter just to scoop up that moreish tasting item.
Another interesting salad is the tataki kyuuri momotaro (RM10), a mix of smashed up Japanese cucumber and the sweet Momotaro tomato with a red miso dip and mayonnaise.
minced prawn with lotus root
Multiple visits have also let us zoned in on some favourites such as the negitoro yukke garlic toast (RM23). Think minced tuna tartar that is used to top crunchy thin garlic toast. Yummy indeed.
Then there is the minced prawn with lotus root (RM19), an interesting stuffed fritter with lotus root that is served with green tea powder, salt and Japanese pepper.
torino shioyaki
We also enjoy crispy fried chicken or torino shioyaki (RM18) served with salt, red miso and deep-fried garlic pips. On another occasion, the toro toro, a kind of soupy beef stew (RM16) with tendons and potatoes was a big comfort to the tummy.
Some of the stalwart favourites such as saba shioyaki (RM17) is also done well here, juicy piece of fish that you eat with grated daikon.
tataki kyuuri momotaro
Not everything hits the spot for us. Some of us felt the chanko nabe (RM64), the pot of vegetables cooked in either a salt, soy or miso based broth was a bit strange. We had sampled the soy version and instead of the sweet broth we are used to for sukiyaki, this one has a slight bitter aftertaste.
Nevertheless, that pot makes an excellent one meal for 2-3 people as after you have almost finished, they add either udon or rice to make it in a porridge or zousui, as it is called in Japanese.
cold al dente cooked soba noodles
End the meal with a cool one - dipping soba noodles (RM13) in the soy sauce. The texture of the noodles is perfectly al dente, that reminds me of Kampachi's exacting standards long ago. Even the soy sauce dip is a nice balance of salty flavours with the heat from the wasabi and the sliced shallots.
And yes, we will definitely be back many more times. Not to only sample new items but to revisit all those old favourites. Give it a try the next time you pop into the maze of the complex.
This place definitely qualifies as one of the better Japanese restaurants in town. And yes, there is a slew of Japanese men outfitted in their suits eating away here so it has the expatriate crowd's stamp of approval too.
Ju.ne Japanese Restaurant
Block A4, Level G2
Unit 4A-G2-3A
Solaris Dutamas
No. 1 Jalan Dutamas 1
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 - 6207 9923
(Pork Free. Closed on Tuesdays. Open from 12-3pm, 6-11pm. Last order is 10.30pm. For more pictures, see the Flickr set.)
*Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here is entirely based on my personal tastebuds and may vary for others. This review is time sensitive; changes may occur to the place later on that can affect this opinion. The reviewer also declares that she has not received any monetary or non-monetary compensation from this place for writing the review.
Soup Restaurant's ultra Chinese setting with faux bamboo and red wooden carved panels
In recent months, Singaporean restaurants seem to have invaded our shores.
The Paradise group first started their onslaught with Paradise Inn at Sunway Pyramid. This was followed by brand new openings at Paradigm Mall such as Paradise Dynasty that boasts those rainbow hued xiao long baos and Kungfu Paradise, their casual eatery offering. They are expected to also open Taste Paradise, their luxe offering
In 1 Utama, the space was conquered by Heng Hwa heavyweight Putien and this place, Soup Restaurant that serves homestyled food including their specialty Sansui chicken.
Strangely enough in the wake of all these new eateries emerging from the little red dot, the forerunner Crystal Jade seems to have retreated from the KL dining scene. They have now closed all their outlets in Mid Valley and the Gardens, leaving only one outlet at Pavilion KL. Quite a sad thing indeed as during its heydays, it had 3 outlets in the Mid Valley area, one in Lot 10 and two places in Pavilion KL.
Not sure if there is a lesson in there for Singaporean investors on the fickle taste buds of KL diners.
Sansui ginger chicken
This place rides on the Chinese heritage to promote its homestyled dishes.
Hence it is all decked out in ultra Chinoserie. From the moment you walk past the moon gate, you enter faux bamboo land that will make any Chinese kungfu movie fan happy. The interiors are divided into different areas like a Chinese house with pavilions and hidden nooks for private rooms and etc.
One good thing about these kind of interiors, it means you can dine at one cosy corner without the whole restaurant staring at you.
Steamed hand chopped minced pork with salted fish
The must-have is the Sansui ginger chicken (RM38 for half, RM68 for whole).
The smooth poached chook is deboned so there is no worry about messing with finicky bones. A bowl of minced ginger flavoured with chicken oil and broth accompanies the chicken for extra flavour. The ginger tends be mild versus fiery that may not up to true blue ginger fans. Nevertheless it still offers a good balance with the chicken.
Strangely enough, you are given crispy lettuce (sang choy) leaves, that you are supposed to eat the chicken with like a sang choy bow dish. It makes an excellent one stop meal, as I paired it with a dollop of rice, a piece of chicken slathered with minced ginger. The refreshing greens give a nice crunch to the whole ensemble but can mean your hands need to get down and dirty.
Teochew olive rice
Marketed under their Chinatown Heritage dishes, the steamed hand chopped minced pork with salted fish (RM16) has a nice rough edge to it with the mix of pork fat and meat. Chopped salted fish is sprinkled on top for extra flavour.
Eat the pork patty with the Teochew olive rice (RM10), steamed rice mixed with preserved olive leaves. Those savoury tasting leaves add a umami-like and addictive aroma to the rice grains. My only pet peeve would be I would have preferred longer and fluffier rice grains but I guess it is a matter of food costs.
double boiled yuk chok and kei chee with chicken soup
And living up to its moniker, the place serves a variety of double boiled soups that use Chinese herbs. Served in individual bowls, there are seven varieties with each offering different health benefits. We sample the refreshing double boiled yuk chok and kei chee with chicken soup (RM14.80) that is said to relieve irritation.
The soup is packed with lots of flavour as they are rather generous with the herbs and chicken in each bowl. Drink every last drop since it's rather good for the soul.
Ah Por Fan Shu leaves
Last but not least, the customary greens in the form of their signature sweet potato leaves (RM15.80). Once a wartime ration, these leafy greens are now found on restaurant menus. It is offered in a few ways, doused with black soy sauce, spiced up with sambal or like this version, just plain fried with garlic, a healthier way to enjoy the smooth leaves.
For those allergic to MSG, you will be happy to know that they attest to no MSG in their kitchen.
Overall, I liked the food here since you can't go wrong with such comforting dishes. Amid all that plasticky stuff in the mall, it is nice to find a slice of home. Quality is also definitely on par with their Singapore outlets. Their success rate with KL diners though may not be as high as Putien since their dishes can be easily replicated at a cheaper cost at home, tai chow and hawker stalls.
Soup Restaurant
G210A, Ground Floor
1 Utama Shopping Centre
Bandar Utama
Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-77272788
(Non halal. Restaurant is opposite Petite Millie and Sun Moulin. For the full set of pictures, see the Flickr set.)
*Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here is entirely based on my personal tastebuds and may vary for others. This review is time sensitive; changes may occur to the place later on that can affect this opinion. The reviewer also declares that she has not received any monetary or non-monetary compensation from this place for writing the review.
