August Days Kitchen in Setapak was recommended by a friend of mine — he mentioned the soups and steamed fish are worth checking out. Setapak isn’t an area I often venture into, but we found ourselves nearby, hence this visit.
Cosy interior
We popped in for a late lunch, so there wasn’t much of a crowd. The ambiance is simple yet comfortable, and the food gives off a homely vibe. Soups and steamed dishes are August Days Kitchen’s specialty, so we ordered a few to try.
Coconut soup (RM19)
A signature dish at August Days Kitchen.
The coconut soup (RM19 per portion) is sweet and light in flavour, with tender chicken pieces inside. It’s the kind of soup that feels clean and refreshing, yet nourishing as you work your way through it. I get why the older folks at the next table ordered one each.
Lala soup (RM20 – small)
The lala soup (RM20 – small) is more to my liking as it’s robust with ginger slices and has a deeper, savoury flavour from the clams. There’s a good kick from the Chinese rice wine, plus a mild sweetness from the goji berries. I wouldn’t mind ordering this again just for myself.
Spinach soup with egg (RM20 – small)
Spinach soup with egg (RM20 – small) is a staple dish at most Chinese restaurants. This version is comforting and flavourful from the anchovy stock and salted egg. The spinach is cooked just right, retaining some texture — I don’t fancy spinach that’s too soft.
Nyonya-style steamed tilapia (RM35)
Since most of our dishes were on the milder side, I went with the Nyonya-style steamed tilapia (RM35) for some kick. Despite it being tilapia, the fish didn’t have much of a muddy smell or taste, which I appreciated. The gravy strikes a good balance of sweet, savoury, tangy and spicy notes, while the vegetables are cooked just right so they retain their texture.
Steamed kampung chicken (RM63 – half)
The steamed kampung chicken (RM63 – half) comes with a generous amount of sauce, which goes very well with white rice. The chicken has a bit of bite, as expected from kampung chicken, but I enjoyed the gravy most — savoury and aromatic from the rice wine and ginger.
Gravy has kick from the ginger and Chinese rice wine.
A spot for homecooked dishes.
Overall, I found the food comforting and clean-tasting. If you enjoy dishes that are lighter and less heavy-handed in flavour, this place is right up your alley. Service is quick too, which is always a plus point. Our bill was RM173.50 for all the above, including two herbal teas and 3 bowls of rice.
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Ambiance: 6/10
Price: 6/10
Food: 6.5/10 (non-halal)
Verdict: Homestyle Chinese dishes done right. Order the steamed tilapia and coconut soup.
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August Days Kitchen (8號旧铺)
8 Jalan Angsana, Taman P Ramlee,
Off, Jalan Genting Klang,
Setapak, 53000 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 018-373 3342
Business hours: 8am till 10pm