A story is a powerful starting point for a dish, and all great chefs have their stories. Some have a story for every dish or every new restaurant they start. So, if good food is about telling stories, then every great restaurant should come with an amazing story. Today’s story starts on the Mongolian steppe and brings together ingredients from Australia, Japan and the fresh elements that Malaysia can offer.
Nestled in the eclectic Hartamas Shopping Centre in Kuala Lumpur, the Rock Salt Restaurant offers a culinary experience that artfully blends Mongolian traditions with Western flair. Drawing inspiration from its award-winning Ulaanbaatar counterpart, this establishment has quickly become a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
Don’t rush to order. Take some time to allow the walls composed of orange and white Himalayan salt slabs to do their job. These slabs serve as a visual centrepiece and are also believed to possess antimicrobial properties, adding a unique touch to the restaurant’s ambience. The interior combines modern design with rustic elements, creating a cosy yet sophisticated atmosphere suitable for intimate dinners and bigger group gatherings. Now that you are relaxed, explore what the menu has to offer.
Rock Salt’s menu is a testament to its commitment to quality and innovation. A standout offering is the A5 Tokushima Wagyu, renowned for its exceptional marbling and melt-in-the-mouth tenderness. Served on a sizzling salt block, the steak continues to cook at the table, allowing diners to enjoy it at their preferred level of doneness. This interactive dining experience enhances the enjoyment of the dish.
Equally impressive is the lamb rack, made with some of the best Australian lamb that you will find in Malaysia or any part of the world. This is the base that showcases the rich flavours of Mongolian cuisine. Marinated with traditional spices and grilled to perfection, the lamb is succulent and aromatic, offering a delightful contrast to the wagyu beef.
As mentioned earlier, don’t be in a rush; be sure to try out the soups. The mushroom soup in particular is excellent, and the seafood soup is not far behind. The starters make for both a wonderful photo for those looking to make their Instagram feed look impressive, or just to try the unique ideas of the chef as he lets go of the metaphorical reins like a Mongol warrior confidently taking control of the vast plains.
Incorporating authentic Mongolian dishes, Rock Salt presents options like Khorkhog, a hearty mutton stew cooked with root vegetables, and Mongolian-style fried rice, which features tender lamb and brunoise vegetables. These dishes provide a glimpse into the culinary traditions of Mongolia, adding depth and variety to the menu.
Now, back to the story of this restaurant, one of the owners, who casually asks everyone to just refer to him as “Tony”, is a confident individual who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the restaurant. Well-travelled, he shared, “I wanted to bring back to Malaysia a real experience”, referring to the Mongolian elements of the food.
As an architect, he brings another dimension altogether, saying “everything you see in this restaurant has been hand-drawn, designed and crafted”. On closer inspection, one can see that the tables and the walls all have a level of design that is not seen anywhere else in the country.
Still, don’t rush… by now you have spent a few hours enjoying the food and the good service, the negative ions and the warm glow from the rock salt has taken effect and your mind, body, and if it has been a particularly troublesome week, your soul, has been relaxed to the point that you have truly had a dining experience.
Rock Salt Restaurant stands out as a culinary gem that successfully marries Mongolian heritage with contemporary dining. Whether you are a connoisseur of fine meats or an adventurous foodie, the Rock Salt offers a memorable dining experience that delights the senses.
Whether you’re a true Wagyu aficionado or simply someone who appreciates high-quality, fusion dishes, this restaurant delivers a memorable dining experience that blends east and west. That is why Rock Salt Restaurant in Hartamas Shopping Centre has been nominated for our NHA Top 10 Awards – Best Wagyu Experience in Kuala Lumpur.
To learn more about their flair for food, check out Rock Salt Restaurant’s website or @rocksaltkualalumpur on Instagram for some of their latest photos and videos. Better still, book today and experience it yourself!
ROCK SALT RESTAURANT
P-3C, Hartamas Shopping Centre,
60 Jalan Hartamas 1,
50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 10:00pm daily
Tel: +603 6206 3652 