Owner Victor Teo was so smitten by the
comforting Japanese speciality that he opened his own Sanuki udon outlet at Mid
Valley City about 2.5 years ago. His latest venture Ori-Ya Sanuki Udon is
distinctly different as Teo wanted to give his customers “more variety with
appetisers, rice dons and pork dishes imbued with some local slants in addition
to Sanuki udon. We keep pricing to an affordable level and offer diners greater
value through our set meals.”
A quick glance at the simple menu
reveals Ori-Ya’s price range is close to what one would pay at kopitiams for a
bowl of noodles. The Sanuki Udon in Original Soup with Kitsune (RM6.50) is a
good example. We love its ‘back to basics’ simplicity. The smooth and firm noodles flaunt a
fluid silkiness and toothsome texture. Immersed in clear, delicately sweet soup
with some blanched greens, it’s augmented by a piece of aburaage (pouffy Japanese
deep-fried sliced beancurd) and chopped spring onion.
Tucked away in the serene suburb of
Damansara Kim, Ori-Ya’s bare-frills, industrial-edge concept is functional; outfitted with
lightweight, clean-lined furnishings and some decorative wall elements to evoke
a sense of comfortable simplicity.
Appetisers to munch on while waiting for
your rice or noodle orders to be ready include Karaage (RM5), Kakiage (RM3) and
Mini Salad (RM3.50). Karaage – boneless, bite-size chunks of juicy fried
chicken coated in crispy, seasoned batter are deliciously addictive. It’s hard
to stop at just one piece!
For nice textural contrast to a bowl of
udon or rice, opt for Kakiage (Japan’s version of cucur udang). Ori-Ya does a
wonderfully airy-light fritter with shredded carrot, onion and cabbage. If you
prefer a non-fried side dish, try the Mini Salad of shredded cabbage and carrot
tossed in creamy wasabi or sesame dressing.
More light bites appear in the form of Kushiage
(RM1.80 to RM3 per stick) – skewers of deep-fried snacks in a light panko (breadcrumbs)
coating. Tempting choices include quail eggs, chicken, thickly sliced onion,
cheese sausage, crabstick, prawns, eggplant, mushroom, fishballs and lady’s
fingers. Every serving comes with a Japanese-style tangy-sweet dip and mustard.
Slightly heftier to contend with is Pork
Katsu (RM8) with Wasabi Mayo. Fried to tender, juicy perfection, this
scrumptious pork chop can be enjoyed on its own or to add meaty substance to Sanuki
udon or rice.
Local diners partial to strong, robust
flavours will be drawn to the Chilli Bean Pork Udon (RM6), Kare Udon (RM9) and Curry
Vegetable Udon (RM6). Out of the three, my preference is for Chilli Bean Pork
Udon as the inherent sweetness of pork melds well with the zingy chilli bean
sauce.
The Kare Udon is richer on the palate
with a poached egg added to the equation. For those who prefer it meat-free,
you’d do well with the Curry Veg Udon – the gravy is appetising and chockful of
soft but not mushy cabbage, okra, eggplant and long beans.
Marinated pollock roe (mentaiko), a
poached egg, shredded nori, chopped spring onion and mayo garnish the Mentaiko
Udon (RM9) which can served hot or cold. Drizzled with shoyu, the noodles
tickle the tastebuds with a milieu of assertive flavours once the different
ingredients are stirred and mixed together.
Compared to the House Special Udon
(RM6.50), those attendant extras seem indulgent by far. For the house
speciality, the springy soft noodles can be enjoyed hot or cold. The latter
tastes refreshingly light and ‘clean’ with a subtle savoury richness once the
noodles get coated in the runny yolk from the poached egg, intermingled with
shoyu and wasabi.
On sweltering hot days the Salad Udon
(RM6) would be a godsend. Served chilled, the udon exudes irresistible appeal
from the coleslaw-like shredded cabbage and carrot salad, enhanced with strips
of aburaage and nori as well as some kimuchi.
Rice lovers need not fret as Ori-Ya has
their carb cravings covered with Tonkatsu Don (RM10) and Gyudon (RM10). Suffice
to say, these wholesome one-dish meals should leave you happily replete with
protein and greens thrown in.
Set meals are priced between RM9.90 and
RM13.90 so you don’t need to break the bank to patronise Ori-Ya.
For reservations, call ORI-YA SANUKI UDON, tel: 03-8933
8001. Address: 17, Jalan SS20/11, Damansara Kim, Petalling Jaya, Selangor.
