However, there’s a new kid on the block taking up space at the end of Jalan Setiabakti looking to fill that gap – it’s a one-month-old restaurant called Asian Kitchen by Decanter.
The eatery previously served a mix of Western and local dishes at affordable prices but after almost 11 years, owner Francesco Ferrarese realised that it was time for a major revamp.
“During the Movement Control Order (MCO), we figured that the concept was pretty much outdated. We wanted to do something different and the neighbourhood here does not have any Chinese restaurants,” said Ferrarese.
Along with the idea to set up a Chinese-centric concept came the decision to wipe out its standard menu, and a seasoned chef was brought in to tap into Cantonese, Szechuan and Shanghainese cuisine with a modern twist.
The restaurant has also decided to keep everything pork-free, so diners will still be able to enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine with traditional dishes being substituted with other types of meat, such as the Smoked Beef Cheek Char Siew.
However, do keep in mind that a few dishes contain alcohol.
First up from the kitchen is the chef’s take on Malaysia’s current salted egg craze, Crispy Fish Skin with Pandan Salted Egg Yolk.
Coated generously in addictive salted egg yolk, this dish is a star appetiser with its salty-sweet tang and satisfying crunch.
While the savoury taste of the salted egg yolk lingers on your tastebuds, the Fried Brinjal in Garlic sauce is not to be missed.
The stacks of tender brinjal resting in a pool of sweet, garlic sauce made of Taiwanese soy sauce, mirin and sake will have you gulping down spoonfuls in no time.
Tofu isn’t usually the star of the show, but this eye-catching appetiser, Black and Gold Fried Tofu in Garlic Salt, is definitely a highlight.
Don’t be misguided by its super crispy exterior though, as one soft bite unravels the tofu’s hot and silky texture.
For the main course, be sure to sample the restaurant’s signature dish of Sauteed Rib Eye Cubes and Fresh Mushrooms with Blackpepper Sauce.
This Chinese stir fry is further elevated with rib eye cubes which are skillfully seared on the outside but remain succulent on the inside, and the cubed mushrooms and colourful capsicum complement this dish beautifully.
Meat aside, satisfy your seafood hankering with the Stuffed Squid with Potato, Dried Prawns and Green Sambal.
The moreish thick and chewy squid rings are accompanied by potatoes, and a quick dip into the green sambal made of basil, shallots, garlic and dried shrimp lends a refreshing Thai flavour to the dish.
A visit here is not complete without giving the ½ Poached Kampung Chicken with Ginger Sauce a taste.
Known to many as ‘Pak Cham Kai’, slices of juicy poached chicken with glistening skin and coated with homemade ginger dipping sauce will definitely tantalise the eyes and tongue.
To balance out the smorgasbord of meat choices, a great option would be the Homemade Spinach Egg Beancurd with Stewed Beech Mushrooms.
With its light, pudding-like texture and beautiful moss green layer of blended spinach at the top, this dish is both pretty and palatable.
Another staple Chinese dish that Asian Kitchen takes pride in is its Stewed ‘Ying & Yang’ Cantonese Seafood Noodles.
These pan-fried noodles certainly step up to the plate with its glorious garnishing of prawns, vegetables and scallops topped with more fried noodles for that added crunch. This classic seafood noodles dish is a cornerstone in every Chinese restaurant, and Asian Kitchen truly nailed it.
Want more carbohydrate-heavy options? A humble bowl of Egg White Fried Rice with Crab Meat, Scallops and Prawns will definitely satiate the stomach.
Though egg white fried rice dishes are often deprecated for being bland and boring, a spoonful for Asian Kitchen’s festive fried rice, which is refreshingly packed with vibrant flavours and a great deal of crab meat, is enough to change your mind.
To close the curtain on what has been such an absolutely delectable feast, Asian Kitchen’s traditional Chinese dessert of Homemade ‘Tofu Fa’ with Ginger Gula Melaka is the perfect end to a perfect meal.
Made in house by the chef, this treat will take you back to your childhood days and put a satisfied smile on your face with its sweet syrup with hints of ginger.
Asian Kitchen’s addition to Damansara Heights’ vibrant food scene is undoubtedly a welcome one, as regular diners would be pleased to know that there is a brand spanking new joint serving exclusively Chinese cuisine in an otherwise Western-heavy area.
So, the next time someone tells you that there isn’t anything Chinese to eat in Damansara Heights, prove them wrong and take them on an unforgettable gustatory journey at Asian Kitchen.
Asian Kitchen
67 Jalan Setiabakti,
Bukit Damansara,
50490 Kuala Lumpur.
Business Hours:
Tuesday: 12pm to 3pm; 5.30pm to 9pm
Wednesday to Sunday: 12pm to 3pm; 5.30pm to 10pm
Closed on Mondays