Sensual elegance isn't something that a Chinese restaurant is expected to exude, but Way Modern Chinois sets out to be a breaker of multiple rules, painting on a broad culinary canvas.
Opening this week in Damansara Heights, the sister restaurant of Ploy is swathed in shadows, cultivating a cozy-cushy intimacy in a strikingly small space free of traditional banquet tables; it's perhaps the ideal place in KL for a Peking Duck-craving couple to enjoy a romantic evening.
Start with dim sum, served both for lunch & dinner; the Pac-Man platter (RM22 before taxes) is a cute one, comprising steamed prawn dumplings marinated with Szechuan spices & ponzu, to be consumed with a cracker resting on mashed avocado.
No-carb, no-meat dim sum? No problem. Lettuce-wrapped, carrot-filled 'treasure pouches' (RM17) taste like a healthy treat, enlivened with pumpkin sauce.
Cheong fun stuffed with shredded duck (RM17), as expertly executed as everything we had here.
Gyoza-like dumplings, pan-fried & packed with mutton & chives (RM12 for five pieces).
Way is a no-pork eatery, but that won't stop its chicken-based xiaolongbao (RM12 for four) from supplying satisfaction.
This one's wonderful: Wickedly creamy-smooth congee (RM68), constructed with chicken stock, slow-cooked for 12 hours, crowned with abalone & aromatically enriched with plenty of truffle oil.
Tropically tempting: Pina Colada Crab (RM33), chilled crustacean of the flower variety, its meaty flesh coated in soft ice flavored with pineapple & coconut.
Way's derring-do extends to its cocktail menu; try this "Journey To The West" of Ron Zacapa rum, dried longan, dried dates, ginger beer, lime juice & lime peel. The downside: It costs RM50.
"Long March," with jasmine tea-infused vodka, elderflower syrup, egg white & lemon juice.
Note: The way into Way is currently concealed; press the button outside to open this entrance.
Fun fact: Way is the Chinese name of the owners' son. It can mean 'unique' in Mandarin.
Way Modern Chinois
G-1, Work@Clearwater, Jalan Changkat Semantan, Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur
Currently open for lunch & dinner, except Sundays. Tel: 03-2095-1118
The Oct.-Dec. inaugural edition of Eat Drink KL: 100 Favorites is now available in an eBook for free, convenient reading on computers, tablets & smartphones. It comprises reviews & information for 100 pretty nice eateries that span various locations, cuisines & budgets. Please click here: http://eatdrinkkl.publ.com/Eat-Drink-KL-100-Favorites-Oct-Dec-2013 (This link expires Dec. 31, 2013; see blog entries after that date for new link).
G-1, Work@Clearwater, Jalan Changkat Semantan, Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur
Currently open for lunch & dinner, except Sundays. Tel: 03-2095-1118
This restaurant is available for bookings under TABLEAPP, which enables customers to make instant reservations at Malaysia's top restaurants, while saving time and money in the process. Reserve your table at this restaurant by clicking here.
The Oct.-Dec. inaugural edition of Eat Drink KL: 100 Favorites is now available in an eBook for free, convenient reading on computers, tablets & smartphones. It comprises reviews & information for 100 pretty nice eateries that span various locations, cuisines & budgets. Please click here: http://eatdrinkkl.publ.com/Eat-Drink-KL-100-Favorites-Oct-Dec-2013 (This link expires Dec. 31, 2013; see blog entries after that date for new link).
