Xin Chao brings a bit of Vietnam to Solaris Dutamas, tackling traditional classics like pho (RM20.90 for a bowl bristling with beef brisket, flank, meatballs, tendon & tripe) & bun ga nuong (RM15.90; rice vermicelli with grilled chicken in lime-tinged chilli vinaigrette) with a reasonable air of authenticity. It's a worthwhile addition to Publika, expanding the horizons of this complex's Southeast Asian F&B landscape beyond Malaysian & Thai fare.
For a fun snack paired with a delicious drink, try the deep-fried crispy trio of sweet potato, cassava & yam fritters (RM5.90) & the ice-blended ciku juice, a very welcome tribute to one of our favourite fruits, showcasing natural ciku nuances (RM12.90).
Xin Chao Viet Nam Restaurant
A1-G2-01, Solaris Dutamas, Outside Publika, Kuala Lumpur. Daily, 1130am-10pm
Singapore's Pho Street Vietnamese chain has launched its first Malaysian branch in Paradigm Mall: True to its name, pho is the highlight - the signature noodle soup with beef shank, beef slices, beef balls, beef tendons & beef tripe (RM18.90) is bovine-bountiful, served in a light broth made aromatic with no lack of Thai basil. The banh mi however might benefit from tweaks - we'd prefer a baguette with a crisp airiness, & the fillings of pork belly, grilled beef & chicken ham could be more flavourful (RM11.90). Other offerings comprise street food galore, from 'bun' rice vermicelli dishes to 'com' rice with lemongrass chicken, beef stew & roasted pork chop, plus summer rolls, crab cakes, prawn skewers & more. Among the drinks, check out a creamy chilled beverage-cum-dessert that's textured with mung beans, crushed peanuts & coconut sauce (RM7.90).
Pho Street Malaysia
LG 02/03, Paradigm Mall, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7887-6136
One final quick stop for a pork-filled Vietnamese lunch, with pork-laced rice paper rolls & a pork chop with pork floss on a rice platter, partnered with hot drip coffee. Absolute Viet is at Block I, Setiawalk Puchong.
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