TWO dishes stood out for me at Kom’s by KomPassion in 1 Utama recently. One was the Porkytori Satay and the other Grilled Fish with Sweet Unagi Sauce. This casual Thai eatery with Japanese-inspired dishes came through with sublime pork satay that was juicy, with flavours of the marinade well-soaked in before grilling.

The dip was creamy and nutty, aromatic with lemongrass, and with just a touch of sweetness. It was delicious with the satay. The Grilled Fish with Sweet Unagi Sauce scored for the texture of the fish which resembled unagi with a firmer texture which I liked.

There was just enough sauce to render a glistening, moist surface to it and it tasted so good. The grilled fish came with a green, tangy chilli dip but I like it better eaten on its own.

The Double Happiness Bento of Crispy Pork Belly and Grilled Pork Loin (RM21) was my first lunch at Kom’s. I was pleasantly surprised by the little dishes that came with it – green curry vegetables, salad, tom yum and watermelon.

On the main plate was rice topped by an egg, then crispy pork belly like siu yoke, and grilled pork loin drenched in a sweet sauce. The crispy pork was lovely with the hot, tangy chilli dip.

The grilled pork was a little sweet and the egg looked too perfect, but overall it was a satisfying meal. The Tom Yum had mellow flavours of hot and sour and together with the salad and fruit made it a complete meal.

The Double Happiness Bento was so worth it at just RM21, which included refillable lemongrass green tea. The same small dishes come with the Porky Stew Rice, a great lunch choice. The chunks of tender, spiced pork, the flavourful sauce, the small heap of salted vegetables at the side would make you finish all the rice on the plate. I wish though that an onsen egg could be served with it, or even a hard-boiled egg braised in the sauce.

Tender meat with a sweet marination is what the Ribs Chowdown is about. There is a chunky beef rib and a couple of pork ribs in this set.

I have had Chef Kom’s Khow Soi Ramen with Pork Ribs (RM25). The ramen sits in a rich fragrant Thai curry, with a coil of crispy ramen topping it. There is the welcome crunch of this ramen before touching the softer ramen in the curry beneath it.

The Healthy Lemongrass Chicken Salad (RM15) is good to share, as is the Northern Thai Gyoza (RM10). There are two desserts on the menu we haven’t had yet – Mango Sticky Rice with Pandan Ice Cream (RM15) and Coconut Cendol Ice Cream (RM12). The Porkytori Satay is RM15 for 5 sticks, Grilled Fish with Unagi Sauce RM25.

Kom’s is located at Eat Paradise on 2nd floor, Isetan, One Utama Shopping Complex, Petaling Jaya. – December 8, 2018.

* Eu Hooi-Khaw has been writing about food for the longest time, covering all aspects, from restaurant reviews to cooking and recipes, as well as the healthy side of it. She has written for major newspapers and magazines, published the cookbook Fresh Ingredients, and also writes for her website hooikhawandsu.com.