By EDKL Writer A.A.
Embracing a wide spectrum of vibrant cooking that spans Malaysia to Thailand, Hong Kong to South Korea, a slew of new Asian-focused restaurants launched recently at Paradigm Mall Petaling Jaya. Whether you're seeking a roast poultry lunch to fuel your afternoon or a fiery rice or noodle dinner to spice up your evening, here's our look at the fresh possibilities to explore at this lively mall.
Sepiring
With a mission to be "Uniquely Malaysian," the cheerful, colourful Sepiring promises fare from many corners of our country in one venue. Opening in Paradigm Mall only two months ago, Sepiring has become a hugely popular place for patrons seeking a true taste of our homeland.
Top recommendations include the Nyonya Nasi Ulam with Ayam Percik, which brings together tasty traditional temptations like ayam percik from Kelantan and keropok lekor from Terengganu (RM24.45), and the Nyonya Laksa, with a rich santan base that makes every mouthful a pleasure (RM17.85).
For lighter bites, the tantalisingly tangy Penang Rojak (RM12.15) and delightfully decadent D24 Durian Pancake (RM15.95) would be wonderful ways to start and finish your Sepiring experience.
Nam Heong Ipoh (non-halal)
Nam Heong Ipoh's first kiosk-style outlet launched just this past month - even the opening celebration flowers could still be seen when we visited. This venue remains true nonetheless to a long-time legacy that dates back six decades, striving to preserve the cherished culinary classics of Ipoh for generations to come.
Head here for nostalgic flavours, courtesy of favourites like the Nam Heong Egg Tart (RM3.10) and Signature Chicken Sou (RM3.10). It's also worth noting that selected pastries such as the Fresh Baked Butter Polo Bun (RM3.90), the Ipoh Kaya Puff (RM2.20) and the President Flaky Croissant (RM6.50) are reputedly exclusively available at this branch.
Also, currently only available at Nam Heong in Paradigm Mall is Nasi Lemak with Curry Pork, with a side of luncheon meat (RM15.90). Other hearty options include the Legendary Pork Belly Rice, with beautifully tender, mellow-tasting meat (RM13.90), and the familiar Nam Heong staples like the Supreme Prawn Noodles (RM12.30) and the Nam Heong Chicken Hor Fun (RM10.40).
Being inspired by kopitiam culture, Nam Heong's beverages are also well worth the sip. The Nam Heong Ipoh White Coffee features condensed and evaporated milk for a lush creaminess (RM4.60), while the Vintage Nan Yang Coffee C relies on evaporated milk and boasts a triple-shot serving for a thorough caffeine kick (RM4.60). If you prefer non-coffee drinks, try the Red Bean Slush, a dessert-style smoothie for the young at heart (RM5.20).
KD Hong Kong (non-halal)
Open for barely a month now, KD Hong Kong impresses with its ambitiously extensive repertoire of more than 200 offerings, crafted mainly by a master chef from Hong Kong and his team. Preparations have been tweaked for Malaysian taste buds, so the recipes here are assuredly less salty but still loaded with flavour.
Choices abound for a complete meal, from the Fried Nissin Noodle with XO Sauce (RM12.90) to the Fried Curry Spaghetti with Bacon (RM14.90), the Cheese Baked Rice with Chicken Chop, which comes with the kitchen's own rendition of white sauce (RM16.90), to the Teppanyaki Chicken Chop Rice, handled by the resident Japanese chef here (RM23.90).
Items to share include the Fried Smoked Duck Slices (RM15.90) and the Thai-Style Sweet and Sour Fried Chicken with Salad (RM16.90). If you need a quick, light order to banish hunger pangs, have the Hong Kong Butter Bun (RM5.50) or the KD Style Peanut French Toast (RM6.50).
With about 50 beverages on the menu, there's certainly something for everyone - specialities would be the KD Hong Kong Milk Tea (RM3.90) and the Hong Kong Ice Cube 'Ying Yong,' a strikingly presented highlight that makes for a cool conversation point (RM5.20).
One Roast Kitchen (non-halal)
The sign outside roughly translates to "One Family Kitchen" because that's what this is. One Roast Kitchen is a family-owned spot that's straight from Ipoh, launched at Paradigm Mall four months ago.
Step in and you'll spot the freshly roasted duck beckoning - the cornerstone of the kitchen is the variety of duck dishes, like the Aromatic Crispy Duck (one portion for RM25.90, whole for RM73.90) and the Cantonese Roast Duck (portion RM23.90, whole RM71.90), showcasing the experience and expertise of the restaurant's chef.
Intriguingly, the recipe for the sauce that pairs with the roast duck is inspired by interpretations from London, intended to be stronger, thicker and sweeter than regular soy sauce, striking a bold chord without overpowering the meat.
The kitchen is also capable of tackling non-poultry, seafood concoctions, such as the Steamed Cod Fish with Soy Sauce (RM53.90) and the Lotus Leaf Seafood Fried Rice (RM23.90).
Certain food photos above are courtesy of One Roast Kitchen.
MyeongDong Topokki
Named for Seoul's shopping enclave, MyeongDong Topokki specialises in Korean street food. They've recently reopened at Paradigm Mall after an extensive refurbishment, with a vivid new look.
The selection here is bursting with hip Korean creations, such as the MyeongDong Station Set, a combination of MyeongDong Topokki with Kimali deep-fried potato glass noodles wrapped in seaweed (RM18.90), as well as Yangneom Chicken, so blazingly hot it once was turned into a spicy eating challenge (RM9.90).
Single-meal picks include the Dakgalbi Chicken Deopbap for rice enthusiasts (RM16.90) and the Hangul Chicken Ramyun for noodle devotees (RM17.90), completed with servings of anchovies, kimchi, and Kimbap Korean-style sushi rolls (RM17.90).
MyeongDong's drinks bear the moniker of MyDrinksToday, in convenient on-the-go packagings, featuring fun flavours the soda-like Honey Vera (RM6.90) and the new Milkeu Ti, laced with aloe vera (RM7.90).
Fa Ying by Rama V
While we were here, we also swung by one of Paradigm Mall's most entrenched establishments, Fa Ying, enduring for years now on the strength of its food and constant innovation. The menu has evolved further since Fa Ying's inception; today, it promises a lively mix of traditional Thai cuisine and Western-Thai fusion efforts.
Whet your appetite with the aromatic Fa Ying Pandan Chicken, which springs the surprise of a wasabi sauce pairing (RM16.90), and the spicy green papaya tanginess of the Som Tam (RM13.10). Mains include the Pineapple Fried Rice, which features its namesake fruit both in the grains and on the side (RM18.75), and the playfully unique Smoked Duck and Lychee Curry Fettuccine, bringing together Thai and Italian influences (RM28.20).
For communal feasts, dig into a comfortingly creamy bowl of Tom Kha Seafood Soup, luxuriant with prawns and more (RM18.75), and the substantial, piping-hot Steamed Siakap, a succulent pleasure with chilli lime juice sauce (RM54.60).
Fa Ying's beverages include beer cocktails that change every few months: for now, slurp on the Somersby cider-based Moji-der (RM21.70) and the Kronenbourg-based Peach by the Ocean (RM26.40). Other notable refreshments include the Coconut Dreamer (RM11.30), the Sparkling Pineapple Mint (RM11.30) and the Iced Butterfly Pea with Lemon & Ginger Tea (RM11.30).
Gong Cha
Taiwanese-origin Gong Cha opened in Paradigm Mall in May this year; it's the perfect perk-me-up after a full day of food adventures. Best-loved beverages here include the Milk Tea with Pearl (RM7.50) and the Gong Cha Signature Winter Melon Tea (RM8; add RM2.50 for Gong Cha's special milk foam). We also enjoyed one of the relatively newer entries to Gong Cha's repertoire, the QQ Passion Fruit Green Tea, a rejuvenating refreshment (RM9).
Aroi Thai, Home Noodle, The Chicken Rice Shop, and Ipoh Ais Kopi
Paradigm Mall is clearly on a roll, remaining a relevant prime food and shopping destination in Petaling Jaya after six years. The current resurgence comprises not only eateries but also other facilities, including a revamp of the LG level (with Supermarket, Services, and food and beverage options), as well as ongoing activities that range from live wrestling shows to video game tournaments to free weekly fitness sessions.
Many thanks to Paradigm Mall for having us.
Paradigm Mall
This feature first appeared on eatdrinkkl.com
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