CAFÉ CHEF WAN @ TTDI

After having dined in Chef Wan’s restaurants several times, we wanted to try out some more casual fares from his cafes. So we hopped over to the outlet in Taman Tun Dr Ismail on a late afternoon.

Decked out in the usual Chef Wan’s “tropical paradise” theme, the café is beautifully set up. Browsing through the menu, we could see a wide selection of dishes inspired by Chef Wan’s extensive travels around the world. From local fares like Cucur Udang and Mee Rebus to western-style Fish & Chips, pizzas, pasta, pastries and burgers… it was quite difficult to place our orders.

*In memory of Chef Wan’s beloved mother*

Whenever we dined in any of Chef Wan’s restaurants, the Cucur Udang is a must-order. So, this was on our order, of course but the presentation is a bit different here, as compared to his restaurants.

Cucur Udang (RM36) – a popular local snack (always with us!) made with fresh prawns, bean sprouts, chives and chillies, deep fried and served with 2 sauces. The crunch of the batter is really addictive and the fresh prawns dipped in the piquant sauces were scrumptious.

We were recommended to try Behind The Shells (RM52) – Venus white clams, blue mussels simmered in a cast-iron pot with young garlic, fresh garden herbs, rich butter and light cream. Served with toasted garlic bread, we mopped up the rich umami sauce.

Seeing many tables spotting the Lamb Kerutup (RM83), we just had to try this. The friendly service crew told us that this is one of Chef Wan’s favourite dish. Fragrant Nasi Bukhari served with a tender Australian lamb shank kerutup, pineapple chutney, house dhall, raita and crispy pappadum, this was a very generous portion which can easily feed 2 people! The lamb shank has absorbed all the lovely spices simmered with it, every spoonful with the gravy and dhall was so satisfying.

Jamaican Fish & Chips (RM49) – We like that fresh Red Snapper fillets were used for this. Its firm texture was faultlessly marinated with Jamaican spices, coated with a crisp special batter, served with fries, coleslaw and tartar sauce.