Damansara Uptown

Just the right dose of sweet, sour and spicy in this tom yum. Wouldn’t say it’s fully authentic but it will surely satisfy some tom yum cravings! And look at the heap of udang in this small bowl of soup! The fried squid on the other hand didn't blow me away but they're well seasoned and not overly greasy so order that for a solid appetiser to share.

I didn’t know such restaurant exists in Malaysia, but there is and it’s delicious. Specialising in gyudon, donbori and curry rice, Sukiya is Damansara Uptown’s best under-the-radar Japanese restaurant for nourishing and affordable one-bowl-meals. There’s a focus on sets but that doesn’t mean anything if not value for money.

I had the Tokyo Oyakodon Medium Set (RM15.4) — a Japanese classic rice dish that warrants a happy and satisfied stomach. The oyakodon was scrumptious with oozy, half boiled eggs laid atop tender and flavourful chicken, a result from being stewed in dashi stock. So good, I could've finished this in seconds. The set came with steamed and salted edamame, miso soup, and an iced drink of your choice so you know where your money’s worth. Definitely enjoyed my meal here. Service is friendly and will have you pining for their food any day!

It may not look like much from the outside, with it’s humble decor and relaxed setting, but man does the food pack a punch! Sen of Thai secures its authenticity with its Thai chef headlining the kitchen and it shows. The Phad Sek Ew (RM15), Thai stir fried koay teow with chicken was both salty and refreshingly zesty, with a wonderful ‘wok hei’! I was pleased to find the kai lan and coriander leaves fragrant and fresh. Devising my next trip back here to try their popular Tom Yum!

Alternate Thai restos: Absolute Thai, Bangsar Village for Phad Thai with juicy prawns, or Ekkamai for Delicious Green Curry

Not to be confused with Penang's version of Hokkien mee known as Har Mee/Prawn mee, the Penangites would call this the 'Tua Pui Mee' (Fat Noodles). This type in particular is doused in dark fragrant sauce and stir fried together with prawns, cabbage and strips of pork, topped with crispy fried pork lard which is essential to the making of good Hokkien Mee, otherwise known as Char Mee. A single serving portion here starts at RM9 per plate, and I'd suggest topping up with extra crispy pork lards (RM0.5-RM1). Enjoyed every bite of this full-bodied dish and I didn't mind that the sauce tasted a tad bit on the sweeter end.
Alternate KL Hokkien Mee restos: Kim Lian Kee or Restoran Sentul Ah Yap Hokkien Mee.

That might be the best advice before making your trip to Le Petit Cafe, whose menu covers a fusion of Western/European bases - salads, pastas, chicken chop and pan seared salmon. I had the pasta Carbonara with Beef Bacon (RM17) which was served at a whopping portion fit for two. Each meal is entitled to one free drink only available during lunch hours and visitors get to choose between the Iced Lemon Tea or Iced Guava Tea. Le Petit’s in-house pastry team ensures no sweet tooth leaves unsatisfied, with a myriad of cakes on offer at RM10 each.

Here’s a place your family would approve. Little Mums devote its menu to traditional favourites with influences from Malay, Chinese & Nyonya cuisine.

Try the Daun Keledek (Sweet Potato Leaves, RM15), a recurrent order from my last visit. Loved the lime spin added to the vegetables, which will please spice-intolerant eaters of the otherwise typical sambal belacan dish. For meat, we went with the owner’s recommendation of the deep-fried Bawal Hitam (Black Pomfret, RM8/100g) laden with sambal and petai, and Soft Shell Crab with butter cheese sauce (starts from RM30.6 - min. order of 2 pcs). Both equally tasty with flavours that do not overpower the freshness of the seafood. Over on the individual dishes menu, the Hai Lam Mee (RM15.9) with tender chicken and prawns in black sauce gravy came in a portion that easily feeds 2-3 people. Service is warm and friendly, and you will feel right at home the moment you walk through their doors!

It’s been a while since I had Pan Mee (Hakka-style flat noodle) and the quest to uncovering local food continues at the Damansara Uptown hood. Within walking distance of numerous restaurants and easier on the wallet restaurants, JoJo Little Kitchen is a strong player in the Pan Mee biz. Only a few years old, JoJo has over 15 branches in numerous locations. Serving up signature bowls of textured noodle, fresh greens, anchovies, minced pork meat, and of course, runny poached egg (!). One can choose a variety of styles from traditional dry, soup, lat jiu (spicy), herbal chicken, to curry and fried pan mee. Their Minced Pork Pan Mee (RM7) with thick soy sauce tasted a tinge sweet as with the minced pork. Unfortunately the poached egg came at an additional cost of RM1.50, but it's worth the add-on to your meal!