By Aiman Azri
Sugarbun, originally established in 1979, currently boasts close to 70 branches in its birth state of Sarawak, spanning Bintangor to Bintulu, Kanowit to Kuching, Sarikei to Sibu, with plenty more in Sabah, Johor and even Brunei, Bangladesh and Melbourne in Australia.
One of its flagship temptations is the Broasted Chicken, specially pressure-cooked and freshly deep-fried in a 'broasting' technique that beautifully retains the flavour of its marination - it's tastily crafted chicken, from the crunchy skin to the tender flesh, far less oily than its peers. It's no wonder this has remained enduringly popular - it's perfect for fried chicken enthusiasts, and it's mind-boggling to imagine how many pieces a home-grown brand like SugarBun has sold of this over the decades.
For a basic set with savoury rice and pickles, pick the Two Piece Broasted Chicken Meal (RM 12). Or try the spicier variant, the Saucy Kano Broasted Chicken Meal, blanketed with a lemongrass-and-garlic kano sauce that's pretty lip-smacking (RM 15). You can also purchase the chicken by the piece - RM 4 for one, RM 11.50 for three, RM 19.50 for five.
SugarBun at Menara Hap Seng is set up in the fashion of a food court, with multiple stalls that you can order your food from. The range offers something for everyone, from the broasted chicken to Asian fare of rice, noodles and seafood specialities.
The menu here showcases a wider variety compared to many other SugarBun outlets but remains steadfast about its source of ingredients, bringing in key items from East Malaysia to ensure authenticity.
Nourishing best-sellers for fan of fowl and fish include the Chicken Mushroom Claypot Meal, served in a pleasantly light soup, complemented by a blended sauce that contains chillies from Lahad Datu (RM 14), and the Sabah Giant Garoupa Mee Hoon Soup, showcasing chunky Sabah-bred fish in a refreshingly perky broth (RM 28).
Of course, there's an Authentic Sarawak Laksa available too, evoking the flavours of Kuching with a broth that's satisfyingly savoury and spicy, complete with prawns, shredded chicken, egg and vegetables for a fulfilling lunch (RM 12).
And finally, for the busy office worker who might not have a full half-hour to sit down for a meal, the Fish Burger is your best bet for a quick antidote to banish hunger pangs - it's another SugarBun classic that has stood the test of time (RM 9.50).
Dessert is SugarBun's Ais Kacang with Sabah Seaweed, featuring jelly that's meticulously made in-house for textural contentment (RM 6). Drink recommendations include the naturally cooling Apple Snow Fungus (RM 4.20) and the soothing Three Layer Tea, layered with Borneo's palm sugar of gula apong (RM 4.50).
Many thanks to the SugarBun team for having us.
Menara Hap Seng 2, Level 1, Jalan P. Ramlee, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Open Monday-Friday, 11am-8pm. Tel: 03-2022-0003
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