Baba Low @ 486, Jalan Kurau, Bangsar

Cosy coffeeshop serving a small selection classic Nyonya food.... :)

I have visited Baba Low's many times and had completely forgot that I've never reviewed it... Well, better late than never, right? :)

This little restaurant is located on the quieter side of Bangsar, on Jalan Kurau and it's kinda hidden - the row of shops is in the middle of a residential area, not visible from the main road. Honestly, I don't think I would have ever found it if it wasn't recommended by my friend V:
Outside the restaurant....
The interior is simple (like a high class coffee shop) and there's no air-conditioning but it's comfortable (good ventilation makes such a big difference):
Inside the restaurant....
First up that day, the Otak-otak (RM 4):
The Otak-otak....
OMG. I completely did not like this.
It was sweet with a dry and sort of fibrous texture (shaved coconut mixed with kunyit, I think)....

At the very least, the good thing here is that it's different from the normal Otak-otak.... I guess but I'll stick to the chicken wings next time (didn't take a photo, but I usually have that as a starter).

One of the specialties there is the Nyonya Laksa (RM 5):
The Nyonya Laksa....
Overall, this is ok - not too thick/creamy, and not too sweet broth, infused with spices... (but if it was more fragrant of curry powder I would probably like it more)

The bowl looks deceivingly small, but about halfway through the sinful lemak-y (creamy) soup should fill you up completely.... and any more than that, you'll definately fall right asleep after lunch. :)
(ZZZZZZZZzzzzzz............. )

Another popular dish is the Nasi Nyonya (RM 6.50):
The Nasi Nyonya....
The concept is sort of like mixed rice - one veg, one meat (which changes from time to time) served with rice. That day, it was Chicken Curry served - nice! Ok, the chicken could have been a bit more tender but overall I enjoyed it.

We didn't have any desserts that day but I've tried the Cendol before - normal. Nothing fantastic but it's a light and refreshing way to top off a meal (Sometimes can be a bit too sweet though).

Overall: Low key restaurant, fairly affordable in the quiet side of Bangsar with a small selection of classic Nyonya dishes BUT some hits and misses on the menu and unfortunately, service level can be a bit erratic.

Summary Sheet:

Baba Low's @ Jalan Kurau, Bangsar
(There is a new outlet in CapSquare, KL)

Taste: 6
Ambience : 5
Service : 5
Price** : RM 12 per person
Parking: OK

** Approximation - 3 course meal, excluding drinks

Telephone No.: 03-? (oops) / 012-324 7200
Opening Hours: 7am to 7pm
Parking : Limited

NO PORK SERVED

OTHER REVIEWS:
- Have Your Cake And Eat It Too
- Bual-bual Kosong
- Life Of The Food Lovers
- Living In Food Heaven
- Black Tie White Lie

Map:

View Larger Map

TAGS: Food, Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Restaurant, Peranakan, Nyonya, Bangsar, Jalan Kurau, Baba Low

More Options For You

Power to the people...

Have added links to other reviews at the bottom of each of my restaurant review posts... It's a time consuming process, so I'll keep adding them in bit by bit - starting from the most current post and moving backwards.

Hope this helps! :)
(It's always good to have other opinions too, right?)


Hugs,
J

TAGS: Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, KL, Kuala Lumpur, Personal

Father's Day Brekkie

*TA-DAH!*
:)

What do you think?:

This was my simple breakfast for my parents to celebrate Father's Day. :)
It's super toned down, serving size-wise, from the Mother's Day brekkie because my parents fedback that it was too heavy for them...

Anyway, I'm glad it turned out ok - I had to wake up at about 6am to cook it after a fairly late Saturday night out (because my father had to go out for a morning meeting)... so I mostly cooked it with my eyes half closed. Haha....


Really happy she didn't accidentally poison her dad (& mum),
J

TAGS: Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, KL, Kuala Lumpur, Personal

Four Seasons Bayswater @ CapSquare, KL

London duck has come to town...

One thing's for sure: There is no shortage of nice food to try in Malaysia. :)
(Yay for happy gluttony. Boo for waistline....)

Among the latest additions to the KL gastronomic scene is a branch of the famous London Bayswater Four Seasons restaurant. They have just recently opened in the new Capital Square commercial center, just off Jalan Munshi Abdullah in KL:
From the outside....
Overall, the restaurant is comfortable, clean and cheerful with lots of natural lighting:
The Interior of the Four Seasons restaurant....
I'm not sure how the menu selection compares to their London branch, but there was quite a selection of classic Hong Kong style dishes to choose from.
(Noodles/ rice/ dishes to share)

We chose the Deep Fried Salt & Pepper Beancurd(RM 18+) as an appetizer:
The deep fried tofu....
Overall, this was ok: I liked the silky cubes of tofu encased in a crunchy, salty and pepper-y batter... but Jo commented that some of them tasted "chow tarr" (hokkien for burnt taste).
(Oh, and I think that RM 18+ is pretty expensive for a plate of tofu!)

Next, we had the Hot & Sour Soup (RM 8.50+):
The Szechuan style Hot & Sour soup....
I loved the soup. :)
It could have been just a bit spicier, but it had the right consistency (not too watery yet not too starchy), sour enough and a generous enough amount of meat/ other stuff inside.

For the mains, we ordered a serving of Two combination BBQ meat - "siew yoke" (crispy roast pork) & "char siew" (honey roasted pork) (RM 29+):
Pork & more pork......
Both were good.
- The "siew yoke" : Tender meat, melt in mouth fatty layer and crispy skin. :)
- The "char siew" : Tender meat, nice "bbq" taste and not too sweet. :)

Of course, we also absolutely had to order the famous Special Roasted Duck (RM 32+ for half a duck):
The Star of the Show: the Special Roast Duck
The meat didn't impress me THAT much. It was tender enough and pretty fragrant but wasn't like SUPER special. No, no... the thing that did it for me was the skin *DROOL*, mmmm:
- crispy (and so tasty!), and
- with a layer of melt in your mouth fat (Hello, cholesterol... Haha).

Of course, the duck ignited a conversation/ debate about where the best duck is. Contenders include :
- "Say Ngan Chai" (Quote: " Best in town lah! Cannot compare! ")
- Paramount's Loong Foong (Quote: " Ok, maybe the duck's skin at Loong Foong is not as crispy, but the meat there is nicer! "), and
- erm, mystery duck (Quote: " The duck my mum ta pauws from the market is the BEST, dunno which stall though...")
:)

Anyway, the moral is: Everyone has their favourites...
... but for me: I think Four Seasons has one of the best (albeit one of the most expensive) Hong Kong style roasted ducks you can find in a comfortable, clean, air-conditioned restaurant setting.

BTW, note: Mr. K, who has eaten in the original London Bayswater branch confirms that the KL Branch is JUST AS YUMMY....
(Just so you know)
:)

So, it's: Yummy Hong Kong style food (roasted meats, noodles, etc) in a clean, comfortable environment BUT fuyoh - some of the menu items are pretty expensive (almost RM30 for half a duck. YIKES).

Restaurant Review
Summary Sheet:

Four Seasons Chinese Restaurant @ Capital Square Center, off Jalan Munshi Abdullah, KL

Taste: 7
Ambience : 6
Service : 7
Price** : RM 35/+ per person
Parking: OK (in CapSquare.. Traffic on working days can be bad tho)

** Approximation - 3 course meal, excluding drinks

Telephone No.: 03-2698 9393
Opening Hours: 11.30am - 10.30pm
NOT HALAL

OTHER REVIEWS:
- All The World's A Stage
- Have Your Cake And Eat It Too
- Kampung Boy City Girl
- Masak-Masak
- Pillow Talk With Bangsar Babe
- Lots of Cravings


TAGS: Food, Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, Hong Kong style, Restaurant Review, Restaurant Reviews, Jalan Munshi Abdullah, Four Seasons, Baywater, Roast Duck, Capital Square Commercial Center, CapSquare, Kuala Lumpur, KL

Saffron @ Sri Hartamas

Northern Indian dining in Sri Hartamas......

Saffron is located in the quieter side of Hartamas, right next to Auntie Nat's (go to the bottom of this post for the map):
Saffron exterior.....
The decor inside is simple, making it an unpretentious, cosy place to dine in:
Casual, air conditioned dining in Saffron.....
As we scanned through the fairly extensive menu of Northern Indian dishes, we chomped on the crispy complimentary Pappadoms, served with a sort of sweet-ish dip:
Crispy pappadoms....
(Not bad)

After some deliberation (and some help from the restaurant manager), we started off with the Fish koftas (RM5.20++):
The fish cakes.....
Gosh, they were so small! (Each piece was about one mouthful)
Haha.. but they only cost about 5 bucks, I guess....

Anyway, I didn't like them very much:
Good points - nice crispy exterior and fragrant taste of spices,
Bad points - overall, the texture is too dry.
(Not something I'd order again)

Onwards to the mains, we tried the Achari chicken (RM 13.50++) and Maharaja brinjal (RM 8.70++):
The chicken curry......
The brinjal......
I liked both, especially the chicken - Mildly spicy, fragrant semi dry chicken curry (Yum!). Well, the chicken could have been a bit more tender but overall, it was ok.

These went very well with the Garlic Bathura (RM 3.80++) that the restaurant manager recommended:
The garlic bathura.....

There was also an order of Tarka Dhall (RM 6.75++) with our meal:
Our serving of dhall.....
The dhall was ok - thick consistency (with a pretty unappetising colour, I must say!) but a bit bland for my tastebuds.

Overall, I enjoyed our (heavy) lunch there. Not all the dishes knocked my socks off... but I'd definately go back as it's comfortable (as compared to hot, stuffy mamaks) and the food is pretty good.

Here's a map - hope it helps :):
Map from the back of their name card... :)

So it's: Casual, comfortable dining, fairly good selection of decent Northern Indian food, friendly service (specifically, from the manager) BUT nothing much to complain, I wouldn't classify the food as FANTASTIC but it is definately good enough to revisit :)

Restaurant Review
Summary Sheet:

Saffron Indian Restaurant @ Hartamas
Taste: 6
Ambience : 6
Service : 6
Price** : RM30/++ per person
Parking: OK (... but can be a bit difficult on weekdays)

** Approximation - Per person, 3 course dinner without drinks

Telephone No.: 03-6201 1375
Opening Hours: Mon to Sat - 12noon to 2.30pm, 6.15pm to 9.30pm, Closed on Sundays

NO PORK SERVED

OTHER REVIEWS:
- Food 4 Thot


TAGS:Food, Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, Restaurant Review, Restaurant Reviews, Northern Indian, Saffron, Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur, KL

Il Padrino @ Wisma UOA, Damansara Heights

New non-halal Italian restaurant just off Jalan Semantan....

Spotted the emergence of this new restaurant a while back when I was inching past the discreet black signage on Jalan Semantan during the usual rush hour jam (the words Non-Halal Italian caught my eye):
The exterior of Il Padrino...
I liked the modern clean lines of the interior - simple yet classy. The Godfather movie theme (Il Padrino means The Godfather) could be seen, with movie quotes in the menu as well as Marlon Brando's photo glaring down at you from the restaurant walls:
The interior of Il Padrino...
First up, the free bread:
Our serving of free bread...
Ok. Not such a good start - the breadsticks were a bit "masuk angin" (soggy/ not crispy) and the bread was only so-so.

Luckily it picked up from there. :)

First up, the Frittura Di Calamari (Fried Calamari)(RM 24++):
Crispy deep fried calamari...
The calamari were fresh and with a "bouncey" texture encased in a crispy batter with medium lightness. Yum.

Next the Bruschetta with ham and goats' cheese (RM 22++):
Ham on bread, version 1...
Rule/ Warning: You have to like the taste of strong cheeses if you want to order this.
(Don't say I didn't warn you :P)

I liked the combination of the creamy, pungeant cheese with the fragrant, salty ham on the crusty bread.... but I realise that some people might find it a bit strong(The cheese is not overpowering, but you can DEFINATELY taste it there)

The guys love their ham, so they ordered another variant of Bruschetta, with a different kind of ham (prosciutto?) and rocket leaves (RM 22++):
Ham on bread, version 2...
The guys complained that they found the taste of the rockets overpowered the ham, but I thought it was ok.
(I like rockets... and I thought it complemented the saltiness of the ham well)

For the mains, I chose the porkiest thing I could find on the menu - the Braciola Pizzaiola (RM 40++):
Pork wrapped around pork...
Tender pork loin, wrapped around ham and filled with cheese. Then, topped with tender asparagus, deep fried leek and pizzaiola sauce (tomato based sauce).

Mmmmm... Yums. :)

Ok. Maybe it was a tad too salty on its own, and the ham inside was a little chewy... but overall when you pair each mouthful of meat with the asparagus, leek and sauce, it balances out well.

We also ordered one of the highly recommended pastas, the Ravioli Ai Spinachi (RM 32++):
The spinach ravioli...
This ravioli is stuffed with spinach and ricotta cheese, and served with butter, sage sauce and parmesan cheese. Overall, simple and delicious (without any overpowering spinach taste) but as with most ravioli dishes, the serving seems a bit small.
(It's ok if you plan to have a light meal, or want to pace yourself through a full 3 course meal but Pat the Bottomless Pit had ordered this so he was a bit dismayed with how little there was)

Lastly, we also had the Rigatoni Al Amatriciana (RM 24++):
The Rigatoni with prosciuto ham...
The Rigatoni (something like a bigger version of Penne pasta) was perfectly al dente, coated with a generous serving of robust Matriciana style tomato sauce and bits of ham. Overall, a good plate full of carb-y comfort food.
(It wasn't as spicy as I would have liked though....)

Dinner is never complete without dessert (to us gluttons, anyway) so we ordered the classic choice - the Tiramisu (RM 18++):
The classic tiramisu...
Overall, it was good. :)
Nice balance between the texture of the sponge fingers and cream with a sufficient chocolatey and coffee taste.
(My fave is still the Tiramisu at Bermuda & Onion, but I realise that it's not exactly a classic Tiramisu like this one)

The other desserts were also pretty good.

The Sfogliatine di Millefoglie (RM 18++):
The Millefoglie...
Crispy layers of pastry, layered with smooth cream and tart, fresh berry compote - a refreshing dessert that's not too heavy.

How can I resist ordering something chocolatey? :)

Chocolato di Fondante (RM 20++):
The Chocolate Fondant...
This chocolate fondante had an unusual texture - more of a crumbley, crunchy texture as opposed to the usual moist, creamy fondante. Interesting... but probably not a favourite for me.
(I supposed it's like a lighter take on the usual fondante, which could be good... at least the chances of you feeling "jelak" is relatively low)

So it's: Wide range of yummy non-Halal Italian food (although a biiiit salty sometimes), nice modern ambience, friendly staff BUT prices are definately more on the expensive side....

Restaurant Review
Summary Sheet:

Il Padrino @ Wisma UOA Damansara, Jalan Dungun, Damansara Heights, KL
(The blue building where you can see Subway from the main road - Jalan Semantan)

Taste: 6
Ambience : 7
Service : 7
Price** : RM 85/++ per person
Parking: Bad during working hours, Ok during non-working hours/ weekends

** Approximation - 3 course meal, excluding drinks

Telephone No.: 03-2093 8596
Opening Hours:
11am to 2.30pm (lunch),
2.30pm to 6pm (pizza only),
6pm to 11.30pm (dinner)

NOT HALAL

OTHER REVIEWS:
- Masak-Masak
- Eat Drink KL
- Caress Little Hamster


TAGS: Food, Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, Restaurant Review, Jalan Dungun, Bukit Damansara, Damansara Heights, Il Padrino Italian Restaurant And Bar, Non Halal, Italian, KL, Kuala Lumpur

Food Reviews by Cuisine Type

A small attempt to organise things a little better around here (the list on the side bar was getting too long and messy!).... :)

Note: Non-Halal places will have a *NH marked at the side of the restaurant name

Limited edition... :)
BUKA PUASA:
- Thai Buka Puasa @ Rama V, Jalan U-Thant, KL
- Bangsar Seafood Garden Restaurant @ One Bangsar, KL

ASIAN:
1) Japanese
- Kuriya @ Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC), KL
- Somo @ Mont Kiara, KL*NH
- Isaki @ Sri Hartamas, KL*NH
- Edo Ichi Cafe @ Vista Kiara Condo, Mont Kiara, KL
- U Restaurant @ Jalan Bangkung, Bangsar, KL
- Mizu Fine Japanese Dining @ Bangsar Village 1, KL
- Kissaten @ Jaya 1, PJ*NH
- Pasta Zanmai @ One Utama Shopping Center, PJ
- Ichiban Boshi @ Pavilion Shopping Center, KL
- Rakuzen @ Hartamas Shopping Center, KL
- Sushi Groove @ One Utama Shopping Center, PJ
- Zipangu @ Shangri-la Hotel, KL
- Umaiya @ The Place Shopping Arcade, Damansara Perdana
- Jogoya @ Star Hill Shopping Center, KL
- Wasabi Bistro @ Mandarin Oriental Hotel, KL
- Spring Hatsuhana @ Bangsar Shopping Center, KL
- Nippon Yatai Mura @ PJ*NH

2) Thai
- Weekly Jazz Night At Rama V @ Jalan U-Thant, KL
- Baan An Haan Thai (BAHT) @ Jalan Kurau, Bangsar, KL
- Rama V Fine Thai Cuisine @ Jalan U-Thant, KL
- Flying Chillies @ Midvalley Gardens Shopping Center, KL
- Soi 23 @ Pacific Regency Hotel, KL
- Exotic Restaurant and Bar @ Sri Hartamas, KL
- Sri Ayutthaya @ Damansara Heights, KL
- Bangkok Jazz @ Chulan Square, KL

3) Chinese
- Ka Soh @ Damansara Heights, KL*NH
- Bak Kut Teh @ Restoren Teo Chew Bak Kut Teh, SS2, PJ *NH
- Bangsar Seafood Garden Restaurant @ One Bangsar, KL
- Four Seasons Bayswater @ CapSquare, KL*NH
- Singapore Hokkien Mee @ Pavilion Shopping Center, KL
- Malaysian Hokkien Mee @ Kedai Kopi Thye Hong, PJ*NH
- Shilin Taiwan Street Snacks @ One Utama Shopping Center
- Hawker food @ Kedai Kopi Kwai Lock, Penang*NH
- Hawker Food @ Song River Cafe, Penang*NH
- Andy Grace Restaurant @ Bandar Menjalara, KL*NH
- Red Ginger @ Midvalley Northpoint, KL
- Restoren Kow Kee Makanan @ Kampar, Perak*NH
- Esquire Kitchen @ Atria Shopping Center, PJ*NH
- Pantai Seafood @ SS23, PJ*NH
- Restoren Siu Siu @ Taman Seputih, KL*NH
- C-Jade Express @ Midvalley Shopping Center, KL*NH
- Yut Kee Restoren @ Jalan Dang Wangi, KL*NH
- Restoren Meng Kee Grill Fish @ Jalan Alor, KL
- Duck Noodles @ Pun Chun Restaurant, Bidor*NH
- Chatterbox @ One Utama Shopping Center, PJ*NH
- Overseas Restaurant @ Amcorp Mall, PJ*NH
- Mama's Kitchen @ TTDI, KL*NH
- Kolo Mee @ Carpenter Street, Kuching*NH
- TopSpot Seafood Center, Kuching
- Restoren King Crab @ SS25, PJ*NH
- Restoren De Maw @ Jalan Pudu Ulu, KL*NH

4) Nyonya
- Baba Low @ 486, Jalan Kurau, Bangsar, KL
- Nyonya Restaurant @ SS2, PJ
- Mum's Place @ Damansara Perdana
- Mueseum Cafe @ Jonker Street, Melaka

5) Portugese
- Cristang @ 8 Avenue, Petaling Jaya*NH

6) Malay (/ Malaysian)
- Madam Kwan's @ Midvalley Megamall, KL
- Mee Jawa @ Casa Tropicana, KL
- Village Park @ Damansara Utama, Uptown, PJ

7) Indian
- Saffron @ Sri Hartamas, KL
- Sri Paandi @ TTDI, KL
- Chutney Mary @ Bangsar, KL

8) Vietnamese
- Pho Hoa Vietnamese Noodles @ The Curve, Mutiara Damansara
- Du Viet @ SS22, PJ
- Hot Mama @ Sungei Wang Plaza, KL

9) Korean
- Korea House @ SS2, PJ*NH


MIDDLE EASTERN:
- Al Rausha @ Jalan Damai, off Jalan Ampang, KL
(Oops. Sorry - Only one place.... )


WESTERN:
1) Italian
- Bella Italia @ Palma Condo, Mont Kiara, KL
- Il Padrino @ Wisma UOA, Damansara Heights, KL*NH
- Leonardo's @ Jalan Bangkung, Bangsar, KL*NH
- Prego (Sunday Bubbly Buffet) @ Westin Hotel, KL
- Sassorosso @ Lorong Yap Kwan Seng, KL
- Bianco @ Damansara Perdana, KL
- Cameo @ Peninsula Apartments, Jalan Semantan, KL
- Nero Vivo @ Jalan Ceylon, KL
- Porto Romano @ TTDI, KL
- Pasta Fredo @ TTDI, KL
- Vincenzo @ One Bangsar, KL
- Villa Danieli @ Sheraton Hotel, KL
- Coconut House @ Jalan Pudu Ulu, KL*NH
- California Pizza Kitchen @ KLCC, KL

2) French
- Cuisine Studio @ Tropicana Golf & Country Club, PJ
- Cafe Cafe @ Jalan Maharajalela, KL

3) Steaks!
- Prime @ Le Meridien Hotel, KL
- Eagle's Nest @ Damansara Perdana, KL
- La Suisse @ Bukit Damansara, KL

4) Fusion (restaurants with Asian and Western food)
- The Yogi Tree @ The Gardens, Midvalley, KL
- The Cafe @ Palma Condo, Mont Kiara, KL
- Healthy Recipe Cafe @ Solaris, Mont Kiara, KL
- Stuff Your Face @ New Wing, Bangsar Shopping Center (BSC), KL
- Centro @ Sooka Sentral, KL
- Teapot Cafe @ SS2, PJ
- Banquet @ Bangsar Village 2, KL
- Zuup @ One Utama Shopping Center, PJ
- Cova @ Midvalley Gardens Shopping Center, KL
- Alexis @ Bangsar Shopping Center, KL
- The Apartment @ Curve Shopping Center, PJ
- 6 to 10 Grill @ Happy Mansion, Section 17, PJ*NH
- Bernard's @ Centerpoint, Bandar Utama, PJ
- Chef & Brew @ Bukit Damansara, KL
- Food Foundry @ Happy Mansion, Section 17, PJ
- Gobo Chit Chat @ Traders Hotel, KL
- The Junk @ Wayang Street, Kuching
- Lobsterman @ SS2, PJ
- Delicious Cafe @ Bangsar Village Shopping Center, KL

5) Porky places
- Vintry @ Bukit Damansara/ Damansara Heights, KL*NH
- Providore by Passion Foods @ Solaris, Mont Kiara, KL*NH
- Bayernhaus @ CapSquare, KL*NH
- The Blue Cow (f.k.a. Fogals) @ Plaza Damas, KL*NH
- Bermuda & Onion @ Changkat Bukit Bintang, KL*NH
- Sid's Pub @ TTDI, KL*NH
- Jarrod & Rawlins @ Sri Hartamas, KL*NH
- Uncle Ho's @ Midvalley, KL*NH
- Bulldog Pub @ Sri Hartamas, KL*NH
- El Cerdo @ Changkat Bukit Bintang, KL*NH

6) Russian
- Dusha @ Changkat Bukit Bintang, KL

7) Tex/ Mex
- Las Carretas @ Peninsula Apartments, Jalan Semantan, KL
- The Coast @ Hartamas Shopping Center, KL

8) Austrian
- Klimt's @ Damansara, KL

9) Spanish
- La Bodega @ Jalan Telawi, Bangsar, KL

10) Brazilian
- Carnaval Churrascaria @ Damansara Jaya, PJ

11) Others
(Sorry, there are other places which are just hard to specify which cuisine,... just generally Western)
- Vintry @ Jaya 33, PJ
- Relish @ Terrace Bar, Zouk KL
- Departure Lounge @ Solaris, Mont Kiara, KL
- Marketplace @ Lorong Yap Kwan Seng, KL
- Marche @ The Curve Shopping Center, PJ
- Tea For Two @ Jalan Bangkung, Bangsar, KL
- Monte's Restaurant and Bar @ Bangsar Shopping Center, KL
- Fisherman's Cove @ Star Hill Shopping Center, KL
- Mustard Tree @ Jalan Ampang, KL
- Marmalade @ Mont Kiara, KL
- Paddington's House Of Pancakes @ The Curve Shopping Center, KL
- Daily Grind @ Bangsar Village, KL
- Max! Kitchen And Wines, Tengkat Tong Shin


RESTAURANTS IN OTHER COUNTRIES
1) Singapore
- Autogrill Cafe @ Italy*NH
- Majestic Bar @ New Majestic Hotel, Chinatown, Singapore not sure if *NH
- Island Creamery @ Serene Center, Singapore
- Jones The Grocer @ Dempsey Road, Singapore*NH
- Singapore Hokkien Mee @ Wisma Atria Shopping Centre, Orchard Road, Singaporenot sure if *NH
- Oosh @ Dempsey Road, Singapore not sure if *NH
- Singapore Hokkien Mee @ Vivo City Shopping Centre, Singapore*NH
- Crystal Jade Dine In @ Vivo City Shopping Centre, Singapore*NH
- P.S. Cafe @ Paragon Shopping Centre, Singapore*NH

2) Australia
- Cafe Greco @ Cafe Greco @ Chapel Street, Melbourne, Australia not sure if *NH
- Berth @ NewQuay, Melbourne, Australia not sure if *NH
- Tiamo2 @ Lygon Street, Melbourne, Australia*NH
- Fish&Chips @ Crown Casino, Melbourne, Australia not sure if *NH

3) New Zealand
- Mediterraneo Cafe @ Tauranga, New Zealand*NH
- Harbourside @ Tauranga, New Zealand*NH
- Orbit Revolving Restaurant @ Auckland CBD, New Zealand not sure if *NH
- Ascension Winery and Restaurant @ Matakana, New Zealand not sure if *NH
- Love A Duck @ Beach Rd, Auckland CBD, New Zealand*NH

4) Europe
- Auberge de la Reine Blanche @ rue Saint-Louis en L'ile not sure if *NH
- La Gueuze @ rue Soufflot, Paris not sure if *NH
- Maison Baillon @ Rue Louise Michel, Levallois-Perret, Paris, Francenot sure if *NH


Will keep adding in as new reviews are posted. Hope this helps.
Happy eating! :)


Hugs,
J

TAGS: Food, Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, Restaurant Review, Restaurant Reviews By Cuisine Type, Asian, Western, KL, Kuala Lumpur, PJ, Petaling Jaya

U Restaurant @ Jalan Bangkung

Finally, I have tried all the restaurants in the Jalan Bangkung area.... :)

Such a simple name: U....
:)

The simplicity is reflected in the restaurant exterior - sporting a low key, discreet facade (which on the flip side, can be a bad thing as it doesn't really catch the eye):
The restaurant exterior....
Inside, the restaurant is comfortable, simple yet sylish - dimly lit, suitable for a romantic dinner:

I really liked the feature wall - a huge aquarium with a school of vibrant goldfishies:

Scanning the menu, there were (strangely, to me) a lack of bento sets for dinner. There only some lunch sets (which we were not allowed to choose for dinner), an omakase set ("leave it to the chef") and one sukiyaki/shabu-shabu set to choose from.

In the end, we decided to share a selection of the various a la carte dishes. First up, the Agedashi Tofu (RM 10++):

Tofu....
Yum!
The tofu was soft and silky, encased in a medium thickness crunchy batter. :) :)

Next up, the Kimuchi Paste Soup (RM 15++):

My share of the soup....
The soup serving was quite large - enough for 2 to 3 people and I found it DELISH. Ok, you have to like the taste of kimchi as a rule, but it wasn't overpowering - it was balanced well with the "sweet***" seafood base of the soup.
(***I don't mean sugar-y sweet)

The highlight for me was definately the Nasu Misoyaki (Grilled Eggplant) (RM 15++):

The eggplant....
It looks so unappetising (slightly wizened and burnt black, sprinkled with some sesame seeds) but it tasted nice. :) There was a really yummy grilled flavour in the crisp outer layer, with the "flesh" inside being moist.
(Hmmm... actually, the taste may be a bit bland for some... but I liked it)

The Teriyaki salmon (RM 28++) we had was also pretty good:

The teriyaki salmon....
It was ever ever so slightly overcooked (really slightly lah... like 0.001%) but I really liked how they managed to make the outer layer crisp while keeping the salmon moist on the inside.

Anyway, moving on - no one is perfect, right?

What do I mean?

Well, the Seafood Fried rice (RM 15++) we ordered was really disappointing:

My share of the fried rice (3 people sharing)....
It's not that it was really that bad actually. Just that it was so normal (and I thought it was a bit overpriced).

Also, I wasn't really impressed with the Beef Asparamaki (RM 28++):

Our beef asparamaki....
The thin beef slices, wrapped around stalks of asparagus and topped generously with black pepper were too dry and a little on the bland side....

After all that, the 3 of us were too stuffed for dessert unfortunately... :(
... but there were only a few simple desserts to choose from anyway so not a huge loss I think.
(MMmmmmm, the deep fried bananas with ice cream sounded really good though! I guess I'll have to try it the next time.......)

Overall: Low key restaurant with friendly service and simple yet tasty Japanese food at mid-range pricing (not expensive but definately not cheap either) BUT some hits and misses on the menu.

Summary Sheet:

U Restaurant @ Jalan Bangkung, Bangsar

Taste: 6
Ambience : 7
Service : 7
Price** : RM 65++ per person
Parking: OK

** Approximation - 3 course meal, excluding drinks

Telephone No.: 03-2093 1268
Opening Hours: 12noon - 2.30pm, 6pm till 11pm
Parking : OK

NO PORK SERVED

OTHER REVIEWS:
- Knits and Nibbles
- Jules Eating Guide to Malaysia


TAGS: Food, Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Restaurant, Modern, Japanese, Bangsar, Jalan Bangkung, Halal, U Restaurant