BWB Yakitori Bar at Desa Sri Hartamas: Review

A fun fresh spot for Japanese soul food with contemporary twists, BWB Yakitori Bar replaces Desa Sri Hartamas’ more than decade-old Aoyama sushi specialist, though it remains run by the same management (with some new collaborators on board).

Kushi Skewers

This might be a dream destination for fans of ‘kushi’ skewers – expect a well-prepared selection of juicy, flavoursome meat, seafood & vegetables, spanning chicken-based yakitori (RM4 for the tail or gizzard, RM5 for wing, RM10 for tsukune meatball) to saba (RM6), shishamo (RM4) & even escargot (RM6), plus enoki mushrooms, asparagus, okra, leek & garlic (RM4).

Skewer of Foie Gras Rolled in Duck Bacon

Our favourite though is the skewer of foie gras rolled in duck bacon – a luscious combo, impeccably executed (RM22). But if you’re looking for pure, unadulterated meat, you’re still in luck, with lots of lamb (RM12), Wagyu beef (RM16), pork neck (RM8) & smoked duck (RM8) in the yakimono section.

The Octopus Platter and Other Seafood Possibilities

The octopus platter (RM40) is filled with bite-sized pieces of octopus that furnish a fleshy chew. Other seafood possibilities here, some on skewers & others on platters, include scallop (RM8), salmon (RM10), tiger prawns (RM18) & squid (RM25).

Bare Knuckle Don

BWB’s other key attraction: Comfort fare in bowls. Check out the Bare Knuckle Don (RM18), which spotlights a 72-hour, slow-braised pork knuckle, prepared in a Chinese kitchen in Kepong, paired with preserved veggies, onsen egg & a scoop of rice.

The fall-off-the-bone knuckle is also the cornerstone of BWB’s satisfactory ramen (RM22), soaked in broth that’s sweetly savoury, but not too rich or cloying. BTW, BWB’s name is a mystery, as far as what the acronym stands for. Bring Wine, Babe?

Ox Tongue Don

The ox tongue don, with succulent slices of tongue spiced up with bits of chillies, isn’t on the official menu, but ask for it & you’ll receive. You can also go simple with a frills-free bowl of garlic fried rice (RM7, like we did) or add foie gras for an extra RM15.

Ice Cream for Dessert

There’s only ice cream for dessert, but ‘only’ might not be the most suitable description for ice cream that comes in premium flavours like Truffle & Chocolate Bailey’s (RM15 each). Wine is available by both the bottle (RM145 for a Shiraz) & the glass.