I’ve heard good things about Chef Chew Kitchen in PJ so a group of friends and I made reservations two weeks prior, and we also pre-booked our food since it was a public holiday when we dined. Good thing we did, as the place was packed at 5.30pm with customers lining up outside for a vacant table.
Signature chicken with ginger rice (RM168 – whole)
Most of the dishes we ordered that night were Chef Chew Kitchen’s signatures and came highly recommended by the captain. If I remember correctly, the founder Chef Chew was formerly with a Chinese restaurant group before he left to open his own. And the menu is similar to what is served at his previous workplace.
Charcoal beancurd (RM40)
The signature chicken came highly recommended but ginger rice was too oily and soft, which overpowered the overall dish. Chicken was alright but nothing praise-worthy. The charcoal beancurd was alright, but I’m still questioning the purpose of the charcoal – perhaps it’s only just for colour.
Deep-fried pork trotter (RM92)
Aberdeen sizzling sauce sea prawns (RM72)
It’s been a while since I came across deep fried pork trotter but the one at Chef Chew Kitchen was dry and stringy. The prawns were also overcooked so the texture was rubbery. Crispy pork belly with garlic was decent and in my opinion, the best dish that night.
Crispy pork belly with garlic (RM60)
Claypot braised pork (RM76)
Jien enjoyed the claypot braised pork but I thought the meat was braised too long, resulting in the meat and fat breaking apart while scooping. I guess if you like your pork super soft and melt-in-the-mouth, this is for you.
Chilled sweet & sour pork (RM52)
The chilled sweet and sour pork should have been served on a bed of ice rather than under the ice. This resulted in the pork being watery, which was a shame as the seasoning was quite good. A gimmick that’s poorly executed, in my opinion.
Deep-fried garoupa (RM108)
Chef Chew Kitchen overcooked our fried garoupa so while the exterior is nice and crisp, it was a waste of good fish. Fortunately, the claypot kangkung was decent – cooked with salted fish and pork lard for richer flavour.
Claypot kangkung (RM24)
Our bill came up to RM1,000 for all the above inclusive of drinks and rice. The restaurant is always packed with customers so booking a table is must to avoid disappointment. That said, I find the food average despite trying most of their signature items.
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Ambiance: 5.5/10
Price: 6/10
Food: 5.5/10 (non-halal)
Verdict: If you still plan on going, call ahead and book a table as they are often a full house.
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Chef Chew Kitchen
52, Jln 19/3,
Seksyen 19,
46300 Petaling Jaya.
Tel: 016-634 7948
Business hours: 11am till 3pm, 5pm till 10.30pm
1 comment
I find the sister shop next door, Chef Hong to be more consistent in terms of quality of food. Some of the dishes are just average but I do enjoy their claypot pork lard rice.