Doraku @ Life Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

If your table at Doraku isn't overloaded with dishes, you are doing something wrong. Start with standout cold dishes like Shiromi Shiso Carpaccio, followed by Ahi Hawaiian Poker and move over to the hot side and be dazzled by the Doraku Wafu Burger. To end, order your choice of ice cream and leave the table with a satisfying smile =)

Now I have an answer if anyone asks I know of any good Japanese Fusion style restaurant in KL. The answer will be Doraku. 

When you are here, expect nothing but a vivid palate of flavors, heightened by fresh ingredients and generous portions meant for sharing. 

Hiyashi Wakeme (RM8) - Served chilled, this marinated cold seaweed played well as an appetizer. 

Shiromi Shiso Carpaccio (RM30) - Thinly sliced Shiromi got extra layer of flavor from the shiso leaf, topped with marinated cucumber, sweet onion and tomato. The fresh ingredients and Kabayaki sauce was an instant flavor bomb.

Ahi Hawaiian Poker (RM36) - This dish started out as Japanese but ended with Hawaiian accent, thanks to the fresh ahi tuna, sweet onion, seaweed mix and nuts - all doused healthily in a Doraku Special sauce. We can't stop thinking how all these wonderful ingredients can sit together so well. 

Sashimi Moriawase (RM60) - It's always nice to complement the culinary journey with simple fresh sashimi, designed to accentuate both seafood and Japanese game.  

Doraku Wafu Burger (RM36) - The burger was a standout! Luscious greens and a fried egg draped across the juicy hamburger patty, held together by soft buns and flavored with special Japanese sauce.  We will definitely be back for this umami rich burger! 

Doraku Roll (RM30) - Unlike the typical rolls that can be found anywhere in KL, the Doraku roll was dressed with crabmeat and avocado, topped with seared tuna, daikon radish, shiso leaf and crispy garlic chips. To top it off, it was drizzled with special wasabi yuzu citrus sauce, giving it a sweet and spanking fresh combo. 

Sakura Ice Cream (RM12) - There is always room for desserts. A sweet sakura ending accompanied by azuki and a touch of Japanese sweets.

VERDICT: TOTALLY SMITTEN

SMITTEN DISHES:

Doraku Wafu Burger 

Shiromi Shiso Carpaccio

Ahi Hawaiian Poker 

Paradise Dynasty @ Paradigm Mall, Petaling Jaya

We wanted two things after a few hours of walking at Paradigm Mall: Food and Drink. Located on the first floor, Paradise Dynasty did a good job in fulfilling our needs.

 Just in case you can't decide what to order, I suggest that you go on a dumpling adventure. You can't go wrong with their signature Dynasty Xiao Long Bao, which comes in 8 different flavors. 

Signature Dynasty Xiao Long Bao (RM23.80) -  Let's break down why this is the Xiao Long Bao you want. To start, the ratio of the skin, soup and meat was perfect. The skin was not too thick and not too thin, the soup was sweet, infused with meaty goodness that was carefully curated. But what really tied this little package together was the final craftsmanship. 

White - Original

Black - Black Truffle

Light Orange - Crab Roe

Grey - Garlic

Bright Orange - Foie Gras

Green - Ginseng

Yellow - Cheese

Red - Szechuan

Beijing Pork Dumplings (6 pcs for RM9) - Unlike the Xiao Long Bao, the dumplings were served on a plate instead of a bamboo steamer. It was meticulously wrapped and sealed with ground pork meat. This classic dish is just about the best thing you can get for RM9.

Smitten Dishes:
Original Xiao Long Bao
Black Truffle Xiao Long Bao

Beijing Pork Dumplings

VERDICT: TOTALLY SMITTEN

Hokkaido Ichiba @ Gardens Mall, Kuala Lumpur

Hokkaido Ichiba challenges diners with a seasonal menu of what they should be eating during the summer months. You will find interesting dishes such as, Nouryo Somen, Ankimo Ponzu, Jumbo Kaisen Chawanmushi and Wagyu Sukiyaki on the 2 page seasonal menu. 

Kyuri No Asazuke (RM7) - The selection of delicious starters are perfect for sharing. The homemade Japanese cucumber pickles brought in the conversation of sweet and crisp - a balanced portrait of what a simple salad should be. 

Ankimo Ponzu (RM13) - Monk fish liver served with ponzu sauce was equally noteworthy. With scattering of green onions and seaweeds, we almost forgot that we are eating one of the best delicacy in the world.   

Jumbo Kaisen Chawanmushi / Japanese Steamed Egg with Assorted Seafood (RM20) - If you like steamed egg topped with generous portion of assorted seafood and lightly perfumed broth, then the Jumbo Kaisen Chawanmushi will surely satisfy. 

Sashimi Moriawase (RM100) - 8 kinds of seasonal sashimi nestled on a elongated ceramic plate. Perfectly cut and absolutely fresh!

Nouryo Somen (RM20) - Cold thin wheat noodle came swimming in a special broth, crowned with fresh prawns, scallops, tofu and cucumbers. At first glance, the dish appeared simple, but the not so usual noodles brought all the elements together on our chopsticks for the best bites. 

Wagyu Sukiyaki (RM60) -  While the restaurant has a spotlight on fish, it provides beef substitutions for those who are craving for meat. The number was 6, so if you are in an odd numbered dining party, be prepared to fight over the last bite! 

The wagyu beef (shoulder part) was dipped in a sukiyaki style hot pot.

To score extra points, slather a layer of raw egg before putting it into your buds. The splash of vivid raw egg will elevate the dish from "soso" to "wow". A perfect dish for rainy days, even though it has not been rainy for the past few days. 

Smitten Dishes:

Jumbo Kaisen Chawanmushi 

Sashimi Moriawase

Wagyu Sukiyaki 

VERDICT: TOTALLY SMITTEN

Romanza Le Restaurante @ Terrace at Hock Choon, Kuala Lumpur

When Romanza first opened its doors on Feb 14th, its location was a head scratcher - a high end restaurant on a sleepy stretch of Lorong Nibang, off Jalan Ampang. But inside the well decorated restaurant was a menu that reference a piquant kaleidoscope of flavors and cuisines.

Purple potato bread. 

Beef Carpaccio (RM39) - The beef carpaccio was seared and served on a bed of wild rocket, with sweet slow roasted cherry tomatoes, laced with some balsamic reduction and lemon caviar. We absolutely loved the well sliced beef carpaccio, which was thicker than usual.

Spicy Peri Peri Chicken Liver (RM21) - The creamy chicken liver was well balanced with sofrito, crisp salad leaves and homemade bread. Romanza may have opted for an austere, black and white furniture design, but the menu was definitely in full color. 

Slow braised lamb shank (RM70) -  The braised lamb was tender, served with a carrot emulsion, pomme puree and topped with minted peas finished with a thyme jus. It may not be the cheapest lamb shank in town but the portion was surely huge. 

Line fish of the day (RM52) - The pan seared fish was paired with delicate pesto potatoes and bathed with mildly spiced tomato salsa. The fish may pale against its peers, but it's definitely a healthier option.

Chocolate Landscape (RM42) - For dessert, its hard to go wrong with chocolates that offers light white chocolate mousse, peppermint crisp semi freddo mille fueille, dark and white chocolate set ganache with crisp hazelnut meringues and dark chocolate cylinder filled with hazelnut anglaise - It was indeed a beautiful landscape.

Previous entry on Romanza.

Verdict: SOMEWHAT SMITTEN

Yamagoya Ramen @ Publika, Solaris Dutamas

Located on level G2 (same level as Rakuzen and Ben's) at Publika, Yamagoya Ramen which opened its doors in April 2012 has garnered quite a good following over the last few months. 

Seasoned Soft Boiled Egg - Never leave the eggs in the kitchen, as there are meant to be served. Even though the eggs were a tad over cooked, nothing can come between our love for eggs, especially well seasoned eggs.

Yamagoya Ramen (RM19) - Yamagoya Ramen was probably the plainest option on the menu, which was nothing more than a twirl of silky soft noodles, bean sprouts, 2 slices of char siu, wood ear fungus and thinly chopped green onions. The char siu was tender and well flavored with a nice salty and intense pork flavor. 

Mukashi Special Ramen (RM24) - This was probably the most popular ramen on the menu, where noodles luxuriated in hot broth, together with seasoned egg, bamboo shoots, char siu, wood ear fungus, seaweed and green onions. The broth was rich and creamy, while the noodles were thin, round and buttery soft. 

Black Garlic Ramen (RM22) - The blackened soup was garlicky and more pungent compared to the milky pork bone soup. The noodles were perfectly toothsome with a touch of nutty garlicky flavor. This was definitely a healthy blend with a different depth of flavors.

Gyoza (RM11) - While we appreciate the wholesome ramen broth, we can't help but to love the gyoza, which completed the meal with another tang. 

Many Asians believe that noodles represent longevity and it is not meant to be cut or bitten half way. So if you are planning to have noodles tonight, make sure you slurp them in one go and try not to choke yourself in the process =)

VERDICT: SOMEWHAT SMITTEN

The Lord's Cafe @ Cameron Highlands

The Lord's Cafe (previously known as T-Cafe) has been baking superb scones at the first floor of Main Road, Tanah Rata since 2003. The pastries and desserts have long been the cornerstone of the menu. 

While the rest of the city swelters, 

We are blessed with cooling breeze. 

Strawberry Fruity Scone (RM2.80) -  Scones are an essential part of a traditional afternoon tea. The Lord's scone was light, fluffy and well risen. 

Chicken Pie Home Speciality (RM4.30) - Golden crusted pie filled with chicken, carrots and peas. 

The welcoming pie tasted even better with a few dabs of ketchup.

Cameron Valley Strawberry Tea and Boh's Camomile Tea (RM2.90 each) - We wonder why evening tea seems to taste better at Cameron highlands.

VERDICT: SOMEWHAT SMITTEN

Breakfast at The Dining Room @ YTL Cameron Highlands Resort

When we found ourselves with surplus of strawberries and tea leaves, we know exactly what we will be eating the next morning at YTL's Cameron Highlands Resort. The cascade breakfast service offers tea, coffee and juices, followed by a bakery basket, fresh fruits, yogurt, cereal and hot English breakfast. (RM70++ per person).

The large picture windows provided natural daylight for a bright and breezy ambiance

We were quite certain that the kitchen was working with better raw products that are procured from Cameron Highland itself. 

Muffins and Sultana Danish snuggled up in a bakery basket.

Free range eggs poached, served on macaire style potato croquets with wild mushrooms and hollandaise sauce.

Two eggs any style served with beef bacon, breakfast sausage, sauteed mushrooms, stewed tomato, fried farmhouse bread and golden hash brown.

We are fans of good breakfast, especially one that comes with fresh fruits. =)

VERDICT: SOMEWHAT SMITTEN