Dining Diaries XXIV

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

Tucked away on the 8^th floor of a backstreet in Ginza, chef Foong Wai Kok is cooking up South-East Asian delicacies at Rasa-Malaysia-Dining. Waitresses clad in what appears to be Malaysia Airlines costumes, and endless Malaysia Airlines commercials on a wide-screen monitor give the place a unique atmosphere. The menu contains photos of most dishes, making ordering of unfamiliar names easier. From the large list of appetizers we tried a few, such as Fresh Spring Rolls (¥840), Kajang Chicken Satay (¥840), Kuala Lumpur China Town Wan Tan (¥735), and Penang Fried Spring Roll (¥945). From the Fish and Vegetable page we sampled the Parlis Tom Yam Kung (¥1,575); other interesting items are the Singapore Vegetable Omelette (¥735), Ampang Hotplate Beancurd (¥1,260), plus various prawn and fish dishes (¥1,155-¥1,365). From the meat page we ordered Sarawak Black Pepper Beef (¥1,365) and Kuala Lumpur Roast Duck (¥1,470), while others at our table had Malay Vegetable Curry (¥1,155) and Penang Soy Sauce Aubergine (¥1,050). For the rice and noodle portion, the most interesting choices are Malay Nasi Goreng and Penang Char Kuey Teow (both ¥1,260). It was near impossible to eat anything more, but the surprise dessert Coconut-Tapioca Custard with Sweet Potato chunks proved light and refreshing. Range of available drinks are from beer and shochu-sours to a drinkable house wine. Three course menus at ¥2,835, ¥3,360, and ¥3,990 are also offered.

Ginza 5-Star Bldg. 8F, 5-8-13 Ginza, Tel. 03-3289-1668; nearest subway Ginza station exit A3.

Future Dining Diaries will appear in irregular intervals.

[doug]

Was wondering if you had been on a diet Pat?