Kompassion, Damansara Kim

Kompassion in Damansara Kim offers diners a fusion of Northern Thai and Asian flavours, with plenty of pork dishes in the menu. I visited this place with some friends who were as excited as I was about this new non-halal Thai restaurant.

Kompasion Chicken Wings

If you’re planning to dine with a large group, it is advisable to make reservations as the restaurant can get pretty packed at night. My party of 6 shared a starter of Kompassion Chicken Wings (RM17.90), served with a tangy lime chilli dip. Pretty standard snack – it’s hard to go wrong with fried chicken wings, I feel.

Tom Yum Fish

The Tom Yum Fish (RM45) looked unassuming but it packed a punch. We opted for Level 2 of spiciness and already, my lips were tingling. Tastewise, the soup was light but flavourful, and the fish slices gave it a natural sweetness.

Paneang Curry Pork Loin

The Paneang Curry Pork Loin (RM35) didn’t leave much of an impression for me. Portion was rather small and the curry had little oomph, with a one-note taste. Better was the Green Curry Crispy Pork (RM35) – spicy and aromatic with a sweet taste from the basil leaves. The pork remained crispy, despite being soaked in the green curry gravy.

Green Curry Crispy Pork

Stir Fried Kai Lan

Stir Fried Kai Lan (RM15) was the vegetable dish of the day and it was adequately prepared. Highly recommended was the Kompassion Pork Leg Rice (RM25.90), and while my friends seemed to enjoy it, it was just alright in my books. The pork was perfectly tender but the overall flavour could have been more robust.

Kompassion Pork Leg Rice

Tom Yum Fried Rice with Grilled Seafood

I liked the Tom Yum Fried Rice with Grilled Seafood (RM18.90) better. It was also better value for money compared to the pork leg rice, I felt. The rice was aromatic with a good balance of sweet, spicy and savoury flavours, while the I found the seafood quite fresh.

Double Cooked Pork Belly and Soft Shell Crab with Cucumber Salad

The most expensive dish was the Double Cooked Pork Belly and Soft Shell Crab with Cucumber Salad (RM65), but it was also the most memorable dish at Kompassion. The skin was beautifully crackly and the pork meat was meltingly tender, thanks to the layer of fat on top. I found the combination pretty interesting; the dressing was tangy and helped offset the richness of the pork belly and soft shell crab.

Tako

Ice Cream with Jackfruit and Red Ruby

For dessert, we had the Tako (RM10) and Ice Cream with Jackfruit and Red Ruby (RM10). I didn’t care much for the latter, but the Tako was good — not too sweet with a touch of savoury flavour and a nice aroma from the coconut milk . I suggest you order this before ordering your food, as the Tako runs out pretty quickly. We scored the last three servings that night.

Complimentary Cheesecake

Japanese green tea with lemongrass

The bill came up to slightly over RM380 for the above, including our Japanese green tea with lemongrass (RM3.50 per person, refillable). I found the pricing a bit on the high side, so it’s best to dine in a group as sharing the food helps lesson the cost per head.

Ambiance: 6/10
Price: 4/10
Food: 6/10 (non halal)
Verdict: Try the green curry crispy pork and the pork belly and soft shell crab salad.

Kompassion
No.5, Jalan SS 20/11,
Damansara Utama,
46350, Petaling Jaya,
Selangor.
Tel: 03-7731 9256
Business Hours: 12pm to 2:30pm, 6pm to 10:30pm
Closed on Mondays