Review: Saryo Kyoto at Plaza Damas, Sri Hartamas

Run by Hiroshima native Kuna-san, Saryo Kyoto is one of Sri Hartamas’ most hidden restaurants, tucked on the top level of Plaza Damas on a corridor traversed by no cars & extremely few people. Head up the escalator from TGIF, walk straight until you’re facing the main Sri Hartamas road & turn right; the restaurant will be on your right.

Nabemono

Worth the hunt? If you enjoy sampling ‘nabemono’ hot-pot recipes (think shabu-shabu & sukiyaki-style), then most likely.

Mizutaki

Mizutaki (RM28), reputedly a Fukuoka prefecture speciality, with chopped chicken, tofu & veggies cooked in a soup pot, served here with rice & a choice of ponzu, sesame, soy or BBQ sauce. Guilt-free nutrition.

Tofu

Tofu, Saryo Kyoto’s got it, in spades. Yu-dofu is basically custardy tofu boiled in hot water, accompanied here by dengaku tofu (broiled skewers with miso glaze). RM38 (also comes with rice, salad & tempura).

Seiro Mushi

Seiro mushi (RM37), beef & veggies cooked in tiers in a bamboo steamer for several minutes. Tender slices of beef, flavoursome enough when paired with the assortment of dipping sauces. Kinda fun.

Sanzoku Musubi

Sanzoku musubi (RM16), reminiscent of onigiri. Something of an oversized rice ball, completely wrapped in seaweed with a bit of salmon inside. Stomach-stuffer, belly-buster.

Side Dishes

Tempura Veggies

While waiting for everything to be cooked at the table, a basket of tasty tempura veggies is served. Pretty; that’s the theme here.

Skewers

Skewers are offered; everything from battered beef to prawns, squid to scallops, chicken gizzard to eggplant, carrots to onions.

Desserts

Affogato

Desserts are deliciously unique: Try the Japanese affogato, with green tea ice cream & mild-tasting Kyoto Inoda coffee. RM18.

Mascarpone

Lemon-laced mascarpone with honey, a likeable finish to a meal with delicate flavours.

Beverages

For beverages, our best bet’s the Kyoto Maekawa Keisui-Do Junkin-Cha, plum tea with gold leaf. Served hot, it boasts an umami boldness evocative of miso soup that’s both unexpected & enjoyable for tea.