UK Restaurant
STAR Metro 17 Mac 2010
Last Updated (Tuesday, 30 November 1999 08:00)
Restaurant serves Western fare in a village setting
UK RESTAURANT,
Lorong Awan 14 (riverside),
Kuala Ampang, Ampang.
Tel: 012-223 9146
Business hours: Daily, 6pm to 1am.
HEADING into Kuala Ampang at night can be a daunting experience for one unfamiliar with the roads.
However, the village’s serenity offers comfort while driving in search of UK Restaurant, as streetlights brighten up the path and an indication of life within is obvious from the bustling restaurants along the way.
Upon locating Lorong Awan 14, we observed a signboard leading us to the restaurant and the road snaked its way to a distant site to where the outlet was situated near the river.
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Grilled squid: The Sotong Bakar dish makes a good starter. |
Very much suited to the village lifestyle, we took in its simplicity and sat beneath the dim lights, which enveloped the place with a laidback feel.
Specialising in Western cuisine, there is an array of sizzling, grilled and fried dishes here.
Unsure of what to have for dinner, we asked Chua to plate out some of the house specialities and he was a man with a mission.
Scanning the menu to look out for familar names, the poultry section offered Special Combo Chicken (RM25.80), Special Sizzling Chicken (RM13.80), BBQ Sizzling Chicken (RM12.80) and Black Pepper Sizzling Chicken (RM12.80) among others.
Those with a big appetite will enjoy digging into the Combo Chicken as this plate came filled with chicken, tiger prawns, coleslaw and chicken ham.
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Prawn and chicken: UK Restaurant’s Special Combo Chicken is quite a filling option. |
Marinated with a sauce comprising soya sauce, garlic, onions, sugar and salt, the fully marinated lamb pieces are grilled over charcoal fire to bring out a luscious flavour.
Chua said the Special Sizzling Lamb Chop (RM15.80), Special Combo Lamb (RM27.80) and Sizzling Mushroom Lamb Chop (RM13.80) were popular, too, and had their fair share of regulars.
He insisted we try a serving of mussels, reputed as the house speciality in the seafood category and so, we obliged.
The boiled mussels are topped with a light brown sauce which I learnt was made of brown sauce with fresh chilli and garlic added to complete the presentation.
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Village simplicity: The laid back UK Restaurant in Kuala Ampang. |
Diners can also have seafood dishes like Ikan Pari Bakar and Sotong Bakar.
The Universiti Sains Malaysia political science graduate who is in the insurance line has always wanted to venture into the food and beverage business.
Two years ago, his dream came true when he found the site in Kuala Ampang suitable for what he had in mind.
Armed with his own tried and tested recipes, Chua took the bold move to open his food outlet which has caught on well with the locals from near and afar.
Originating from Kampung Sungai Mati in Muar, Chua decided to adopt the open air concept because he felt that walls were restrictive.
“The open air concept by the river made more sense because I serve a lot grilled items so this way, the place is not stuffy,” he said.
The keen angler who goes on fishing trips with his friends, has to find time to travel to the Selayang market to personally choose fish for his customers.
He also gets some stock from the fish supplier.
The restaurant has a seating capacity of 150 with about 60 dishes offered on the menu.
“We also do catering for groups and we have a good return clientele during the Ramadan season,” he said.
Chua said he enjoyed visiting other restaurants to try the Western food offered and upon returning home, he tried to replicate the dish.
“I enjoy any food but I have a knack for Western food especially the grilled items,” he said.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by Star Metro.