CLASSIC AMERICAN DINER EXPERIENCE AT KGB

 

Channelling retro American diner vibes in blue and white, the KGB Diner at Tropicana Gardens serves more than run-of-the-mill burgers. Once we stepped into the cheery, brightly lit outpost, the menu reveals a wide array of burgers with either flame-grilled beef or chicken patties, fried chicken fillets and even breakfast options for early birds.

Topping our list of ‘must try’ eats here is Cluck Cluck Baby (RM23.80), an offering sure to have diners seeking a novel spin clucking with approval. Dusted with Korean red pepper flakes, the two crispy fried chicken thigh patties sandwiched between spicy Jjapaguri (mixture of two South Korean instant noodles), tomato slices, fresh lettuce, melted mozzarella cheese and KGB’s secret sauce slaps; delivering a riot of robust flavours with each mouthful.

The generous portion is enough for us light eaters to share but younger diners will find utmost satisfaction from devouring it. Personally, I like the unexpectedly agreeable pairing of slightly spicy noodles with the hearty taste of fried chicken.

Another winsome feather in the KGB’s cap has to be Sizzling Buldak Wings (RM22.80). Served in a sizzling skillet of triple melted cheese, the spicy Korean soy glazed chicken wings look deceptively lethal but the demure heat quotient makes them alluring. Slathered on the creamy cheese sauce and the delish wings instantly hit the spot.

Cool aid comes in the form of Asamboi Lemon (RM7), lemonade spiked with salted preserved plums, or Pink Lemonade (RM7), strawberry purée and lemonade.

Parties of two may want to sample The Jabba Set (RM69.90 set for 2, RM49.90 a la carte), KGB’s festive twist on melding juicy burger with beef Wellington. A thin pastry crust encased a humongous burger of flame-grilled patty oozing with cheese, layered with tomato slices and fresh lettuce.

Complemented by cheese-drenched Texas jalapeno steak wedges and garden salad, this huge ensemble includes in two drinks of your choice (add RM5 for a milkshake). For those who eschew beef, feel free to ask KGB swap the beef patty to a grilled chicken patty.

Again, this oversized burger exceeds our expectations. The beef patty was deliciously juicy; its taste appeal dialled up by the cheese, tomato and lettuce. You’d be replete if you can polish off the serving of wedges in addition to drinks.

Those seeking a typical Americana experience should consider Philly Cheesesteak (RM16.90). Sink your teeth into two slices of toasted sourdough filled with pastrami (salt beef) slices, caramelised onion, mozzarella and garlic ranch sauce. A messy albeit yummy affair guaranteed.

Can’t get enough of that skillet of melted triple cheese? We suggest digging into KGB’s Skillet Cheese Burger (RM22.90 + RM2 for grilled 120g Angus beef patty or +RM6 for grilled 180g Angus beef patty). The scrumptious beef burger comes with fried onions and shack sauce atop a pool of burbling melted cheese.

Prefer the ‘less in more’ approach? You’d find the aptly named Big Daddy (RM25.80 double patty, RM19.80 single patty) ticks all the requisite boxes. Savour two flame-grilled patties dressed with zingy black pepper sauce sandwiched between soft yet sturdy brioche buns. A sprinkling of fresh onion adds fresh, sharp piquancy to the offering.

Wash it down with the house Oreo Milkshake (RM14.90), a towering concoction of milk, cookie and cream ice cream, cookie crumbs finished with Oreo cookies and whipped cream.

Complete your American diner experience with KGB collectibles from the Merchandise Corner. Take your pick of specially designed canvas tote bags and cute enamel pins as fond reminders of your visit to KGB Diner.

KGB Diner is located at Lot CC-83, Concourse Floor, Tropicana Gardens Mall, Lorong Tropicana Mall, Tropicana Indah, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

MORE THAN DIM SUM AT SANTAI YAMCH'A

 

Patrons can santai or chill out at Santai Yamch’a Dim Sum Restaurant over a plethora of Halal Dim Sum, Mee Tarik and Rice whenever they step in.

Dim sum takes pride of place here with familiar options such as Prawn Siew Mai (3 pcs RM12.80), Har Gao (3 pcs RM12.80), and even Loh Mai Kai (RM10.80). Freshly steamed upon order, the delicate morsels taste agreeable and pass muster with minced chicken and prawns making up the key filling.

Handmade in Santai’s central kitchen and available from 12pm to 6pm daily, the Prawn Cheong Fun (2pcs RM16.80) is commendable. We find the flat rice noodles smooth enough, with springy pieces of prawns enfolded within.

The Shanghai Red Oil Dumplings (3 pcs RM12.80) dial up the interest factor further; each dumpling piques our palate with its tart vinegarish accent and leaves behind a slightly tongue-numbing mala effect.

More textural contrasts arrive in the form of deep-fried Prawn Beancurd Rolls (2 pcs RM9.80). Served with Japanese mayo on the side, these crispy offerings should appeal to those partial to fried dim sum options.

For the young and young-at-heart, the minion-lookalike Nerdy Red Bean Bao (2 pcs RM10.80) and “googly-eyed” Custard Lava Bao (2 pcs RM12.80) may prove too cute to resist. Pillowy-soft with generous red bean paste and custard filling, the steamed buns are delicious to boot.

A wide selection of kopitiam-style beverages is served here. The house Cham (RM7.80) – a kaw (strong) blend of local kopi and tea is best enjoyed ice-cold but if you prefer it hot or less kaw, let the serving team know.

Other recommendations include Sirap Bandung Cincau (RM8.80), 3 Layer Tea (RM7.80), and Asam Boi Lemonade (RM8.80).

Apparently, the Mee Tarik (hand-pulled noodles) is also a crowd-puller. Variations range from Dry Mee Tarik with Soup Chicken Dumplings (RM18.80) and Mala Mee Tarik with Beef Slices (RM25.80) to Dry Mala Mee Tarik with Salted Chicken Chop (RM17.80).

Overall, the noodles boast springy toothsome texture, with the beef slices version emerging as the most popular in our dining party. The ‘dry’ mala noodles accompanied by chicken chop also gets the thumbs up thanks to the flavourful chicken chop and noodle pairing.

Should you wish to supplement a side dish, try the pan-fried Gyoza (3 pcs RM10.80, 5 pcs RM15.80).

Rice fans won’t feel left out as Santai also serves Grilled Chicken Teriyaki with Crushed Egg Rice Bowl (RM21.80), Nasi Lemak Bunga Telang (RM25.80) with Fried Chicken Whole Leg and Sweet & Sour Sauce Hainan Chicken Chop with Fried Rice (RM24.80).

Deliciously tender and smothered with a tasty teriyaki sauce, the Grilled Chicken Teriyaki rice bowl makes a hearty, delicious combination with the fluffy scrambled egg, and pink pickled ginger strips.

Coloured with butterfly pea flower juice, the fluffy Nasi Lemak Bunga Telang with Fried Chicken Whole Leg (RM25.80) accompanied by all the condiments is a hefty serving guaranteed to leave you replete.

Another regular crowd-pleaser is Sweet & Sour Sauce Hainan Chicken Chop with Fried Rice (RM24.80). Although we find the sweet & sour sauce too generous for our liking, we reckon most diners will probably find this offering up to their expectations.

SantaiYamch’a Dim Sum Restaurant, Lot LG122, Food Street (Old Wing), One Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya. Tel: 03-6261 0888