Kuala Lumpur - Dinner with friends is often about more than food; it’s about conversation, connection, and savouring good company over dishes that make you pause with appreciation. That’s exactly what my evening with Donny and Edward at One Gourmet Restaurant in Kota Damansara felt like: a perfect balance of comfort, familiarity, and culinary delight.
Located within walking distance from their office, One Gourmet Restaurant has earned a reputation among locals for serving high-quality Chinese cuisine that combines homely flavours with fine-dining presentation. The restaurant’s sleek modern décor and comfortable ambience make it a great choice for business lunches, family gatherings, or casual dinners that feel just a little bit special.
We decided to go with their promotional menu featuring Grouper with Black Fungus and Bean Curd, along with a few of their signature dishes. Every plate that arrived at the table reflected the chef’s careful attention to texture, flavour balance, and presentation.
Grouper with Black Fungus and Bean Curd
This was the highlight of the evening. The grouper, sliced delicately and cooked just right, was remarkably fresh; firm yet tender, with that clean sweetness only fresh fish can deliver. The black fungus added an earthy crunch that contrasted beautifully with the silky smoothness of the homemade bean curd.
The light brown sauce tied everything together—savoury but not overpowering, allowing the natural sweetness of the grouper to shine through. The subtle aroma of ginger and garlic complemented the dish perfectly, giving it both depth and balance.
It was a dish that spoke of experience in the kitchen: classic Chinese technique executed with finesse. The freshness of the fish was unmistakable, and it was evident that the restaurant takes pride in sourcing quality ingredients.
Signature Homemade Beancurd
Next came One Gourmet’s signature homemade beancurd, and it lived up to its reputation. The beancurd was incredibly soft inside, with a thin golden crust outside. It was topped with mayonnaise. The teddy bear is not edible.
Sweet and Sour Pork
No Chinese dinner feels complete without a classic like sweet and sour pork, and One Gourmet’s version was one of the better renditions I’ve tried in a while. The pork cubes were lightly battered, crisp on the outside and juicy within, tossed in a tangy sauce that struck the right balance between sweet and acidic.
The sauce clung perfectly to each piece without being overly sticky. The bell peppers and pineapple added freshness and texture, ensuring every bite had a little burst of flavour. It’s a nostalgic dish that evokes memories of family dinners, yet at One Gourmet, it felt refined with less greasy, more balanced, and beautifully plated.
Stir-Fried Kai Lan
After several rich dishes, the stir-fried Kai Lan were a refreshing change. The vegetables were vibrant green, crisp, and glistening lightly from the wok. You could tell they were cooked over high heat to retain their natural crunch and flavour.
The seasoning was simple with garlic, a touch of salt, and a dash of superior stock; but that simplicity was its strength. It complemented the richer flavours of the other dishes perfectly and provided a healthy, satisfying balance to the meal.
Fried Rice with XO Sauce
Finally came the Fried Rice with XO Sauce, a dish that brought everything together. The rice was perfectly separated—each grain coated with a hint of the spicy, umami-rich XO sauce made from dried scallops and shrimp. The aroma was intoxicating, and the taste was layered with gentle heat and savoury depth.
It’s the kind of fried rice that’s both luxurious and comforting at the same time—each mouthful delivering bursts of smoky XO richness. A perfect finale to an already delightful dinner.
What made the evening special wasn’t just the food—it was the combination of good flavours and good company. Sharing dishes with Donny and Edward felt like a reunion of sorts, where conversation flowed easily over steaming claypots and sizzling plates.
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