El Sid's South American at Bukit Damansara

Returning to El Sid’s to check out its complete menu. Earlier entry: July 18th.

Ceviche

Ceviche (RM16 before taxes), comprising tangy shrimp accompanied by avocado and mango. Might these shrimp have been cooked with heat? Maybe, maybe not; it’s much too tricky to tell.

Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad (RM18), a hearty helping, drenched in chimichurri-inspired sauce that might be creamier and more mayo-like and mass-market than necessary.

Peruvian ‘Papa Rellena’

A riff on Peruvian ‘papa rellena’, stuffed with chili con carne. Comes out kinda like TGI Friday’s baked potato skins. El Sid’s other savory offerings include lomo saltado beef sandwiches, grilled sardines, cod fish fritters, courgette omelets and breaded jalapenos.

Tamale Cakes

Cookie-like sweet corn tamale cakes (RM14) with salsa verde.

Sweet Treats

South American sweet treats here include ‘alfajores’ caramel-coconut cookies (RM12).

Cocktails

The cocktail list is extensive. Of course, Pisco Sours are available.

Numerous beverages here are spiced up with chili. This one’s like a fiery Bloody Mary: Tequila, orange juice and tomato juice, shaken with honey and chili flakes, topped with some Lea & Perrins.

Potency is unexpectedly poor but the cocktails are cheap. Authenticity? Debatable. There seems to be a somewhat ‘processed/commercialized’ feel to both the food and beverages here that some patrons might nonetheless be fine with.

Chatelle VSOP brandy, gin, condensed milk and freshly brewed coffee. El Sid’s atmosphere is good though; energetically friendly. And its team has clearly worked to provide customers with something different from the typical, tried-and-tested pub. Maybe that’s what counts the most.