Tujo at Ascott Kuala Lumpur: Restaurant Review

Seven’s luckier than ever: Replacing Ascott’s 7atenine, Tujo heralds a triumphant revamp of this venue, now branded a “bar-serrie” where customers can “eat, play and live.”

It’s been seven years since 7atenine first became a landmark in the city’s nerve center; this space has since seen multiple face-lifts, but this name change and refurbishment constitute the sleekest polishing so far of the Soul Society Group’s crown jewel.

Lit with Modo chandeliers, Tujo looks impressively even lovelier than 7atenine, thanks to the prowess of Poole Associates, which says that simple-but-stylish Danish designs of the 1960s inspired this vision of a comfortable metropolitan hangout.

East-meets-West

Tujo’s cuisine forges further with the East-meets-West playful flamboyance for which 7atenine became beloved. Patrons will have plenty of fun sharing this Chicken “Stinger” Satay, partnered with pineapple salsa, nuts and spicy shrimp paste for a sauce reminiscent of rojak.

Venison

Venison rolls (RM28++), a perilously addictive snack featuring minced deer meat marinated in fiery Indian spices and wrapped up in warm, fresh chapati bread.

Soup

Tujo’s mushroom soup (RM18++) purees seven types of edible fungi, including enoki, shimeji, shiitake, oyster and button, topped with hot milk froth.

Terrine

Liver terrine (RM23++), a fine, flavorsome blend of foie gras and chicken liver, mixed with sultanas and chives to impart extra texture.

Pizza

Tujo’s pizzas boast a twist: the crispy-thin crust is infused with either spinach or squid ink, then topped with the likes of more spinach and the runniest of eggs (RM25++).

Classic French Stew

Beef bourguignon (RM30++), an aromatic stew with braised grass-fed meat and shallot confit.

Seafood

Grilled seafood, steaks, lamb and chicken are a cornerstone of Tujo’s menu. The affably efficient service team will probably push the lobster (RM160++ for 500 grams), rubbed with the customer’s choice of Montreal salt, herb butter glaze or coriander lemongrass.

Dessert

The top dessert’s the salted caramel tart, hot and sticky-crumbly with apples, guava and dragon fruit (RM20++), coupled with Haagen Dazs vanilla ice cream.

Cocktails

Tujo’s cocktails are fun too: note the lit-cinnamon/cigarette flair/flare of The Funeral For Jack (bourbon, passion fruit puree, maple syrup, apple juice, basil), alongside The New Fashionista (tequila, watermelon juice, lime juice).

Fruity herbal concoctions: Eden Melon (gin, galliano, vanilla syrup, watermelon juice, thyme) and Assam Boi Mojito (with added apples).

Rosemary Martini and Blueberry Margarita, each hovering over RM30 (inclusive of taxes).

Shooters

White chocolate vodka shooters (RM45++), a wonderful way to bring this evening to a close.

The “Play” component for Tujo comes in table games that are supposed to be offered here, including the likes of Five Stones, Bottle Caps and Pick Up Sticks.