Mamasan Yakitori at Avenue K: Restaurant Revew

Checking out a new izakaya-inspired, mall-based restaurant, Mamasan Yakitori, the affectionate nickname for this deliberately grungy-looking bar that’s more formally known as The Wonderkafe, tucked on a corner of Avenue K’s street level, beside its big sister Wondermama X.

Yakitori

Yakitori rules the roost – two sticks of savoury-succulent chicken clock in at RM10++, a predictable price for a city centre outlet. Skewered squid, lamb, salmon & prawn with garlic sauce are available too.

Grilled Beef ‘Sandwich’

True to the tradition of the Wondermama family, there’s always a twist or two to the recipes here. Grilled beef comes not only on skewers but in ‘sandwiches’ too, stuffed with kitchen-made pita bread with tomatoes, lettuce & fries for a hearty pleasure, accompanied by pickles & potato salad. RM18.90++.

Snacks

The rest of Mamasan’s repertoire is made for snacking – enjoyably chewy dried stingray slices with a dollop of mayo (RM15).

Raw Octopus

Raw octopus made dangerous with the sting of wasabi (RM14).

Beef Tataki

Lightly grilled beef tataki with garlic, sesame & ponzu sauce (RM20++).

Crisp and Juicy Chicken

And (coming full circle here with a final course of chicken) can’t-fail fried fowl, crisp & juicy, with wasabi tartar sauce. RM15++.

Wonder Cocktails

Inventive ‘Wonder Cocktails’ – Mamasan Punch (RM26++; shochu, bubble gum syrup, aloe vera, fuji apple) & Kyoto Sour (RM26++; sake, grapefruit, tabasco, lemon juice, agave nectar, ground pepper).