PUTIEN – indulging in new seasonal dishes & signature favourites

I’ve always liked the food in Putien ever since I first tried it when they opened in early 2012 (read my first review here).  And it may or may not be a good thing that their 1-Utama outlet is just a stone-throw away.  Good because I can easily get to indulge myself there and may not be very good as too much of a good thing is not good for you.

OK, since we are on a good roll, let’s see what’s so good about the food in Putien.  I’ve eaten their signature dishes many times and yet each time I’m at the restaurant, the tendency to order them again is always there.  The deco in Putien has not changed much 3 years down the road.  It’s still decked out in their pleasant lightwood theme with simple comfortable seating to accommodate their diners.

Likewise, their menu has remained steadfast since their opening more than 3 years ago, with some small changes.  The signature and popular dishes have their staunch fans and are still featured.

My favourite starters are invariably their Drunken Cockles (RM15.50), Braised Pig Intestines (RM18) and Iced Bitter Gourd (RM8.50).  Putien prides its stringent quality control above all else in the preparation of food for its customers.  Take their cockles dish, for example – every cockle served on the plate is of almost uniformed size.  The size of the cockles must meet certain standards and if the supply does not comply, then the cockles will be rejected.

For the braised pig intestines, 12 inch-long intestines are meticulously and tirelessly washed and looped in 9 layers before being braised with their 12-spice house sauce for hours for that deliciously tender yet succulent springy texture.

I’m always amazed at their chef’s knife skills in producing those super thin slices of chilled bittergourd.  Every slice is juicy, refreshingly crisp and curled beautifully.

The Seaweed with Mini Shrimps (RM15.50) may look rather unappetizing in its dark clumpy form but one bite of these delicious  strands will totally change that impression.  I was told only top-grade 25mm long seaweed harvested within 65 days of cultivation are used.  The mini shrimps are imported from the South China Sea region for this nutritious seaweed salad.

The Putien Oyster Omelette (RM22.50) is considered a starter for DL who is a great fan of oyster omelettes.  As far as he’s concerned, it’s a starter for one person – him alone.  I can understand his adoration for this because Putien’s version is really quite fabulous and its quality has not been compromised over the years.  It’s fluffy and crispy around the top and edges, yet the eggy centre remains deliciously soft. Oh, did I also mention that there’s a generous sprinkling of tasty briny oysters in it?

I never say no to yam.  The chefs in Putien use only the middle and best section of the yam for their signature Stir-fried Yam (RM20.50). The skilfully-fried cubes of yam with their crispy golden exterior remain delightfully fluffy and powdery within.  The cubes are further embellished with a light coating sweet-savoury sauce.

It’s been quite some time since I last had their Deep-fried Pig’s Trotters with Salt & Pepper (RM13/piece, min.2 pieces) and Shredded Meat with Bun (RM6.50/piece, min.2 pieces) and I must say the standards have been maintained.  The Australian trotters go through tedious culinary processes over a 12-hour period before they are ready to be served.  The crunchy golden skin gives way to tender meat and tendons, a feat that only stringent preparation can produce.

Spinach with Salted Egg & Century Egg in Supreme Stock (RM20.50)

The tummy-warming Braised Beancurd with Chinese Cabbage Soup is full of umami goodness.  Served in a deep earthenware pot to retain heat, the aroma of the soup is incredibly appetizing, thanks to the Putian seasonal clams, dried shrimps and dried scallops used.

Putien Lor Mee (RM21.50)

Fried Heng Hwa Beehoon (RM21.50)

Recently, several new items have been added onto the menu. “Fresh”, “light” and “invigorating” are the driving elements for new items like the Stir-fried Lotus Root with Prawns (RM38.90) and Pan-fried Tomatoes with Minced Pork (RM5.90/piece, min.2 pieces).

Extra points must be given for the preparation efforts to loop the prawns through the holes of the crunchy lotus root.  Flavours here are kept mild and tasty.

Similarly, the pan-fried tomatoes are really scrumptious – their natural sweetness combining well with the minced pork.

Do check out the desserts in Putien – it’s a plethora of complementing flavours, textures and colours

Pumpkin Cream with Ice Cream (RM11.50) – cream of pumpkin with coconut ice cream, blueberry sauce and grated peanuts

Purple Sweet Potato with Pumpkin Cream – a gorgeous combo of contrasting colours and flavours

Hot Yam Paste with Gingko Nuts (RM6.50)

Chilled Lemongrass Jelly with Fruits (RM6.50)

Sweet Potato Balls (RM8 for 6 pieces)

Chilled Putian Loquat in Herbal Jelly (RM9).  Loquat is a Putian staple, its sweet juiciness is mixed with Chinese herbal jelly resulting in an aromatic dessert that’s also nutritious.

If you are in the Sunway vicinity, check out the Set Lunches available in Putien’s Sunway Pyramid outlet:

Set A – RM24.90 includes a selection of 2 starters, 1 dessert and 1 main course in the Individual Lunch Set Menu

Set B – RM39.90 includes 1 abalone, a selection of 1 starter, 1 dessert and 1 main course in the Individual Lunch Set Menu

Set C – RM19.90 includes a smaller portion of:

• Spinach with Salted Egg & Century Egg in Supreme Stock
• Crispy Pork Ribs with Water Chestnuts
• Seaweed with Crabmeat & Beancurd Thick Soup
• 1 bowl of rice

The abalone in set B is of a decent size so I’d say that set is really good value for money.  I like how the abalone is cooked with respect – lightly poached, served chilled on a bed of shaved ice to preserve its sweet natural flavour.

Putien
G-213A Ground Floor, Promenade
1-Utama Shopping Centre (Old Wing)
Bandar Utama City Centre
47800 Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7722-1539 Fax: 03-7722-2139

Also at:

Lot LG1.45 Sunway Pyramid
Jalan PJS11/15
Bandar Sunway
46150 Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-5621-1399

Website: www.putien.com
Facebook: Putien Malaysia