The Shunka chain's executive chef, Malaysian Elven Tan, spent six years working in Japan; one of his favorites is oden (RM20 before taxes), the classic winter stew of boiled eggs, daikon radish & fishcakes in a light but umami-rich broth. Pure comfort food.
Shunka prides itself on sending its chefs every year to the Land of the Rising Sun to sharpen their skills. The food here, including mentaiko-topped salmon (RM17), is reasonable enough for a restaurant with a mid-range pricing.
... or the Unagi sushi katsu, crunchy battered maki with eel, egg & cucumber (RM14).
Pork's paramount too: Shunka serves Kurobuta black pig tonkatsu (RM20), a full 20 percent cheaper than Ichiriki's at Mid Valley Gardens, but perhaps 20 percent less expertly executed too.
Grilled pork belly (RM6.90). A worthwhile bet; lots of juice, plenty of flavor on this plate.
Hatsukuru Jyumai Ginjyo, 300ml for RM48.
P.S. Sean's away Nov. 7-17 in a mystery location 8,765 kilometers from KL. Daily blog entries have been scheduled in advance & will be automatically posted, but apologies as comments can only be replied later.
Shunka
A2-G2-3A, Solaris Dutamas, Kuala Lumpur
Open 1130am-1130pm. Tel: 03-6206-5239
The Oct.-Dec. inaugural edition of Eat Drink KL: 100 Favorites is now available in an eBook for free, convenient reading on computers, tablets & smartphones. It comprises reviews & information for 100 pretty nice eateries that span various locations, cuisines & budgets.
Please click here: http://eatdrinkkl.publ.com/Eat-Drink-KL-100-Favorites-Oct-Dec-2013
This link expires Dec. 31, 2013; see blog entries after that date for new link