Ren's top temptations comprise specialities inspired by northwest China's autonomous territory of Xinjiang, refined for this sparkling new restaurant in KL. Instead of lamb skewers, Ren offers tenderly grilled New Zealand lamb cutlets instead, alluringly spread out and authentically spiced up with cumin and dried chillies (RM88). Lovely lamb - sultry meat, subtly nuanced, with a pleasurable heat.
Big plates abound, for the heartiest appetites. Garoupa fish tail is served firm and fleshy, braised in a beautiful stew with garlic galore and lots of crisp leeks - the final touch is fresh youtiao, cut over the platter to help soak up the precious sauce (RM108).
Also supremely soulful is one of Xinjiang's signature offerings, the Stewed Spicy Chicken (RM48), perhaps better known as dapangji. Bite-sized, bone-free chicken, piled with potatoes and bell peppers, graceful with ginger and onions - can't go wrong with ordering this.
Finish with la mian, of course, complete with chunky braised beef brisket (RM28), for a noodle bowl that harks as much to Hong Kong as Urumqi.
Ren
Lot 252, Level 2, Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur. Daily, 11am-10pm. Tel: 603-2181-0688
