Tonkatsu by Ma Maison
Eat Paradise, Level 2, Isetan,
1 Utama Shopping Centre,
1 Lebuh Bandar Utama,
47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel. +603-77273337
Website: mamaison.com.my/
ONE of the fringe benefits of film distributors holding press screenings at 1 Utama is that Eat Paradise in Isetan is close by for a quick post-movie lunch!
And of the outlets there, my favourite is Tonkatsu by Ma Maison – which specialises in crispy, deep-fried tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlets). Had you at “crispy, deep-fried”, no?
There are over two dozen variations on the basic tonkatsu on the menu: jumbo cutlets for the really hungry, jumbo prawns for the seafood fiends, mixed platters for those who can’t make up their minds, and mille feuille (“thousand leaves”) style (top pic) of multiple thin layers of pork for those who like their meat so tender it melts in the mouth.
There are a few mixed platters available for those who can’t make up their minds. Pictured: the prawn, chicken roll and pork fillet platter.
You can choose to have your tonkatsu unadorned, or select from several sauces including miso sauce, curry sauce and negioroshi sauce. Fancy shmancy – I’ll have my cutlets nekkid, if you don’t mind (well, just leave the breading on).
There’s a bit of a process to observe in dining at Tonkatsu. Handy guides are provided at each table; basically they just tell you what goes with what else, how the oroshi (ground radish) cleanses your palate, and … well, mostly it’s meant to help give you the best experience possible while devouring your food.
Confused what to do with all that stuff? Each table has a handy guide.
Your tonkatsu selection comes with rice (white or multi-grain), shredded cabbage (really goes well with the sesame dressing provided at table) and tonjiru (miso soup with pork bits).
Rice, soup and cabbage are refillable – but not the tonkatsu, alas. Nice try.
The multigrain rice (refillable) is even more delicious when you grind a little rock salt and sesame seeds into it.
Expect to pay RM30-RM35 with drinks per person on average (way more if you opt for the jumbo prawns). But the “bottomless” sides and the sheer succulent goodness of the crispy-fried meaty mains make it easy to part with that cash.
Note: Other outlets are in Publika KL and Main Place, Subang.
