SOULed OUT @ Taman Tun Dr Ismail

By EDKL Writer A. A.

�As good as a hug.�

That's what SOULed OUT has promised for more than two decades now and continues to uphold at its fifth outpost, located in Taman Tun Dr Ismail.

Visiting on a busy Thursday after sunset, we were enveloped by the warm, low lighting while being shown to our seats by the friendly team. The band Groovology plays live every Thursday night, which you can hear a little of here.

As its fans know by now, SOULed OUT boasts four different kitchens, each with their own specialisation of cuisine - Western, Asian, Northern Indian and SO Pizza.

We kicked off with Satay (RM19), which come with the quintessential accompaniments of compressed rice cubes and classic peanut sauce - our 10 skewers comprised a mix of juicy chicken and comparatively chewier beef satay, though you can opt for just chicken or beef. Next, a plateful of Cheese Nachos (RM23) featured a decent portion for sharing, with the crispy corn chips baked with cheese and served with jalapeno peppers, guacamole and salsa. If you want a subtler but equally substantial bestseller, check out the Summertime Salad (RM25), with its hefty variety of grilled seafood, orange segments and alfalfa sprouts, drizzled with housemade capsicum vinaigrette.

The Sake San Pizza (8-inch RM28 / 11-inch RM35) is a longtime favourite; salmon slivers and roe provide a pink hue to this rich pizza, balanced out by cherry tomatoes, Japanese mayonnaise and lollo rosso lettuce, with notes of wasabi for a slight edge. There�s no cheese on this pizza, helping to keep the focus on the flavour of the salmon and the crispness of the base. We also like the Fried Beef Noodles (RM17), coated in a thick egg gravy; the flat noodles were smooth, and the kitchen was generous with the sliced beef and toppings of spring onions and ginger. If you want pure meat to munch on, order the California Chicken (RM35, or RM20 for a half-portion), a nicely marinated spring chicken with crunch to its skin and sufficiently succulent flesh, partnered with sweet potato fries, a light salad and tangy herb cheese dip.

Besides the food shown above, we also sampled the Sizzling Lamb Cutlets (RM36), very tender with an aromatic, somewhat minty aftertaste. You can check out more dishes online on SOULed OUT�s extensive food menu.

For drinks, we especially enjoyed the Chocolate Milk Shake (RM17), which is less sweet than typical, despite its obviously decadent, creamy appearance. SOULed OUT serves a wide array of SO Thirst Quenching Drinks, which range from mocktails, juices, coffee and tea, to beers, cocktails and liquor that includes premium whiskeys. Recommendations include the refreshing, non-alcoholic Mint Royale (RM13) and the signature Lychee Martini (RM26), if you want a change from the Mojitos that are deservedly famous at SOULed OUT. You can peruse their drinks menu here.

Overall, what strikes us the most about SOULed OUT TTDI is how relaxed it is - ideal if you're looking for good food with a chilled-out ambience. Even with the band playing and the place being full of life, it�s easy to maintain a conversation and to enjoy good company.

As good as a hug indeed. Thanks to SOULed OUT for having us here.

P.S. � The parking closest to SOULed Out is easy to miss. From the main road, go up the ramp, and immediately to your left, there will be a turn that leads to a parking area that's right in front of the restaurant, dedicated for customers on weekdays after 6pm and on weekends. If this area is unavailable, there�s indoor parking nearby at Menara LGB.

SOULed OUT

Sundays to Fridays 12pm - late,, Saturdays 3pm � late |Reservations 012�512 2556

G-02, Menara LGB, No. 1 Jalan Wan Kadir, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.