Mei By Fat Spoon at Desa Sri Hartamas: Restaurant Review

The two sisters behind Fat Spoon have finally launched their sparkling new restaurant, simply called Mei, a contemporary Japanese joint in Desa Sri Hartamas that seems set to replicate its elder sibling’s well-earned success in Damansara Uptown.

Mei is no twin of Fat Spoon; it’s a destination with its own distinct identity, carving out a clean, bright-white look that cultivates a cheerful charm, coupled with flourishes that simultaneously & stylishly evoke both the classic kopitiams & cutting-edge cafes.

A Unique Menu

The Pong sisters have long proven their culinary acumen; there’s no fear for the kitchen here, which borrows inspiration primarily from Japanese traditions but takes wide-ranging, well-chosen liberties to make the menu unique, illustrated by sharing plates with nuanced combinations like chopped Hokkaido scallops with lychee (RM28).

Graze on gizzards, glazed with honey soy (RM8 for two yakitori skewers), & feast on fried oysters with kaffir lime mayo (RM18 for four). You’ll also find everything from lemongrass chicken poppers (RM12) to pumpkin fritters (RM8) on these ‘Fat Plates.’

Rice Bowls

Rice bowls form the comfort-food cornerstone of Mei’s menu – can’t fault the seared sliced ox tongue, sweet-savoury & succulent, with cili padi & garlic chips on steamed rice, served with miso radish soup (RM19). There are also some bowls crowned with sashimi & others with braised beef short ribs, onsen eggs & multiple pleasures.

Onigiri

Try Mei’s interpretation of onigiri, laced with unagi & shisho (RM10; our choice), torched salmon, smoked duck or mentaiko. Flavoursome & convincingly textured; would make a fun snack to take away too, especially since it’s conveniently wrapped up.

Matcha Maniacs

For dessert, matcha maniacs can check out the green tea cream puff (RM6), with soft, fresh-tasting cream, or the green tea creme brulee (RM17) or the green tea ice cream (RM8). With apologies to Kermit, it seems pretty easy being green for Mei.

Colourful Juices

Colours also conspire for Mei’s juices – Red (RM12) is represented by dragon fruit, watermelon, apples & goji berries, while Orange (RM10) obliges oranges, carrots, apples & young ginger. Head here to find out what White, Green & Yellow are about – & expect many others to follow suit; we know we’ll be hearing much more about Mei in the months ahead.