gin rik sha @ Bukit Damansara

The old adage of “Appearances can be deceiving” is always the truth especially on food as the tasting experience can be a pleasant surprise or vice versa.

Never would I thought that “Names” can be deceiving too. In Malaysia, we would roughly know the the type of food served just by judging the name of the food joints (for example, XXX Hokkien Mee). However, when I stumbled upon a food place named as “gin rik sha” which is very Japanese sounding, I would assume that Japanese theme would be the main menu. Let me tell you that I am completely wrong as it is known for it’s modern Indian cuisine as well as good selection of cocktails.

gin rik sha, literally means a person who pull rickshaw in Japanese, which does not really related with what they serve – Indian cuisine with modern twist. I visited the restaurant on Saturday a couple of weeks ago and immediately fall in love with its ambience and setting.

Located at the hillside of Bukit Damansara, the restaurant exudes an air of peace and easiness that makes for a quiet respite from the city. Visually, it hits all the right notes, the soothing earth tones, contemporary furniture, metal and copper elements featured throughout. 

One can also enjoy the al fresco dining by sitting at the leafy outdoor.

Amma’s Potion (RM38.00)

Made with gin, coriander leaf, lime juice and cucumber syrup.

Keralan Southside (RM33.00)

Made with gin, kaffir leaf, mint leaf and lemon juice.

Our dinner kick started with two refreshing cocktails recommended by their mixologist.  Carefully crafted with infusions and spices, the cocktail menu featuring some interesting concoctions such as Whisky Cha made from Whisky and Masala Cha and P.K which is a mix of Gin, Chili Padi, Sweet Vermouth, Kaffir Leaf and Lime, and many more.

Not into cocktail? There are sufficient choices of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages such as, wines, mocktails, Whisky, Vodka, Rum, Gin, Shooters, Cognac, Lassi, coffee, soft drinks and teas.

The extensive food menu not only offers a delectable range of classic Indian dishes but also add in a few flashes element of surprise to it. The dishes in the menu are categorized according to portion – ‘Small Plates’, ‘To Share….Or Not’ and ‘A bigger Share’. There are also small selection on side dishes, breads, pickles, chutneys, soups, salads and desserts. 

Pop Corn Tempura (RM14.00)

From the ‘Small Plates’ list, we got Sam this ‘popcorn” which was deep fried light tempura battered fresh corn kernels. Lightly dusted with red curry powder, the addiction kicked in once the first bit was savoured and I found it tough to stop at one!. +(´^ω^`)+.

Pakora Basket (RM20.00)

Also from the ‘Small Plates’ list, we had crispy vegetables fritters served with green chili chutney which packed a nice fiery punch, another perfect bar snack I would say.

Banana Leaf Baked Sea Bass (RM40.00)

Highly recommended by the staff and it seemed to achieve our expectation and leave a positive impression. It was a delightfully cooked slice of Sea Bass lay on bed of Basmathi Pulao and served with Brinjal Sambal. Wrapped with banana leaf, the Sea Bass was thick and fleshy, cooked to a perfect tenderness.  Prepared using complex blend of spices, the Sea Bass and rice possessed a robust and remarkable flavour that’s enough to evoke a simple sigh of satisfaction. Take a spoonful of the fish, rice, smother the Brinjal Sambal, and enjoy!

Poori (RM10.00)

Airy and fluffy, served pipping hot with a yogurt dipping.

♥Verdict: To be honest, Indian cuisine most probably one of my least favourite food but I left gin rik sha feeling satiated the food we had was good enough to contemplate returning to check out the remainder of the menu.

gin rik sha

37, Ground Floor, Plaza Damansara, Jalan Medan Setia 1, Bukit Damansara

50490 Kuala Lumpur.

Tel: +6010-243 8266

Operating Hours: Mon – Sat: 4.30pm to 12.30am, close on Sunday

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ginriksha/

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