Gourmet Paradise
Strikingly distinct flavours and Asian influences go hand in hand at these stylish spots.
SOUND BITES
A guide to nailing the 21-minicourse Sunday brunch at Mr Chew’s Chino Latino Bar.
Forget traditional soft shell tacos and hawker fare. Mr Chew’s Chino Latino Bar’s aesthetically pleasing tempura prawn nori taco and Irish oyster egg omelette are assembled to perfection for that Instagram shot. Work your way through the crispy nori shell and rice as the chili mentaiko mayo envelopes the taste buds, before the briny and sweet flavours of the oyster come rushing in.
What is brunch without pancakes? Mr Chew’s pancakes aren’t ordinary pancakes you’d find anywhere. Made okonomiyaki-style with generous sprinklings of preserved radish and bonito flakes, the ingredients lend an Asian touch to an end product that is fluffy and savoury with every bite. Could you possibly prefer this to buttermilk pancakes and bacon? At this point, your palate needs a break, before easing into the main course. Inspired by dim sum Sundays, the double-boiled chicken soup with prawn and water chestnut dumpling is hearty and nourishing, restoring energy levels following intense Saturday nights.
Getting the show on the road is the twice-cooked crispy duck pancakes. Complemented by a tangy sauce, this is the perfect example of simplicity executed with thought and good taste. Then, the richness of barramundi swimming in lodeh sauce comes wafting in the air. Overlaid with fennel shavings reminding one of a bright summer’s day, this seemingly effortless dish leaves you breathless towards the end.
A dedicated dessert bar for Mr Chew’s simply means endless creativity and possibilities. Besides the Christian Lacroix upholstery that always catches the eye, there is also the the cream cheese quesadilla and blood-orange ice kacang. Pair them together and you have the win-win combination of sweet custard punctuated by the acidity of the citrus fruit. Priced at RM140++ per person, Mr Chew’s Chino Latino Bar, The Penthouse, Wolo Bukit Bintang. Tel: 03-4065 0168. www.mr-chew.com