Elixirs of Asia

Have your fill of delicious delights at JB City Square.

Ajisen’s Ton Toro Ramen

Ajisen Ramen
Level 2, Lot MF-21A

Inhale. Slurp. Repeat. That’s the mantra every noodle fanatic should adopt when savouring the steaming bowls of ramen at Ajisen, which translates as “a thousand tastes” in Japanese. Hailing from Kumamoto, a sprawling Japanese city in the late 1960s, this ramen chain’s claim to fame is its oil-slicked tonkotsu broth made from simmering heaps of bones and fishes. Combined with Senmiyu, a rich brown secret sauce and slices of flavourful pork, this soupy concoction – eye-watering chilly flakes optional – becomes riveting. But that’s not all, all that melted collagen in the soup purportedly has numerous health benefits. Can gluttony be any more rewarding? With a minimum spending of RM30, Watsons VIP card holders get 10% of total bill.

Bear Paw’s Signature Burger

Bear Paw
Level 4, MKF-01 & 02. Tel: [phone]

Into all things cute and kitschy? Then make a beeline for Bear Paw, a burger joint with an adorable twist. Highlights here include their small, but customisable paw-print burgers – diners are allowed to pick their sauce and patty – and a variety of rice dishes, which are just as charming. Then wash it down with some luscious fruit tea. If you think the food smacks of Taiwan, you’re right – Bear Paw’s concept did originate from Feng Jia Night Market in Taichung. But unlike its more exotic counterpart, this eatery offers tasty, affordable fare in ultra-comfortable surroundings. Watsons VIP card holders get a choice of free wedges, French fries or hash browns with any purchase in a single receipt.

Causeway Bay’s Shanghai Xiao Long Bai

Causeway Bay HK Dim Sum
Level 6, Lot J6-10. Tel: [phone]

Steamed, deep-fried, sautéed or sauced, the head chef at Causeway Bay really knows how to make dim sum delightful. His decade-long experience is evident in the dizzying smorgasbord of these delicate morsels, inspired by no other than the dim sum capital of the world. Indulge in staples like the soy-glazed pork ribs, handmade fish balls and siew mai, all freshly made and piping hot. The restaurant’s signature custard buns also come highly recommended – the bun’s rich egg yolk custard filling is simply mesmerising. Watsons VIP card holders get a free Hong Kong Stocking Milk Tea with a minimum spend of RM10.

Doi Chaang’s Mocha Special

Doi Chaang Café
Level 4, Lot J4-20

Unadulterated, free-trade and organic – there’s a lot of goodness in a cup of Doi Chaang Coffee. Named for the tiny village in Northern Thailand where they are exclusively grown, Doi Chaang coffee is the result of 800 hill tribe families banding together to form a company, after growing tired of selling their high-quality beans for minimal prices to coffee dealers who would blend them with other inferior beans. With this café, coffee enthusiasts can finally enjoy a brew of pure Arabica beans, just as it was meant to be. Watsons VIP card holders get 10% off the total bill and 15% off, if spending is above RM50.

T-bowl's Coconut Soup with Chicken

T-Bowl
Level 6, Lot J6-09. Tel: [phone]

T-Bowl takes quirkiness to the extreme – by plonking diners on a throne ... a porcelain throne, that is. Whether it’s the food or décor, this toilet-themed eatery really knows how to get creative. Choose from oriental-style dishes like the Little Poo – don’t worry, it’s actually tofu in disguise – or their signature Big Poo Rice. Desserts, some of which are served in the miniature toilet bowls, are equally delightful. Bring some friends along, just for the heck of it. They’ll probably thank you for the crappy time. Watsons VIP card holders get 10% off total bill.

Rongnan’s Penang Laksa

Rongnan Kopitiam
Level 3, Lot MF-22. Tel: [phone]

Since 1925, this casual establishment has been reeling customers in with Malaysian favourites such as mee siam kuah, Johor laksa, rojak and the ubiquitous nasi lemak and cendol. Modelled after the original eatery, the modern Rongnan is no less impressive. Having inherited the business from his grandfather, the owner – whose love for calligraphy is evident in the number of artworks dotting the cozy, air-conditioned space – still honours certain time-honoured practices like serving hot beverages in cups and saucers. Watsons VIP card holders get 10% off total bill.

Secret Recipe’s Tom Yum Koong Noodles

Secret Recipe
Basement 1, Lot MB-02A. Tel: [phone]

A homegrown chain that’s oh-so-famous even foreigners know of it, Secret Recipe doesn’t just ace in cream or cheese cakes – although we admit there’s nothing quite like Chocolate Indulgence, the restaurant’s signature cake. Expect delectable main courses too, including the award-winning lamb shank, fish and chips as well as Asian classics like curry mee topped with luscious homemade curry gravy. The restaurant has also come up with a festive creation for the yuletide season: turkey shank, stewed and oven crisped to perfection. Stop drooling and start ordering. Watsons VIP card holders get a complimentary slice of cake of the day with any a la carte spending of RM40 and above.

Taang Shifu Signature Soup

Taang Shifu
Level 4, Lot J4-21. Tel: [phone]

It’s not often you find an eatery that promotes health and nourishment through Chinese herbal soups. Nevertheless, in the curious case of this restaurant, dishes with medicinal properties reign supreme on the menu. Whether it’s a ginseng-infused broth to build chi or porridge infused with wolfberries to bestow beauty, Souper Tang has it. Don’t forget to treat yourself to the appetisers and desserts while you’re there – both possess the rare distinction of being nutritious and satisfying. Watsons VIP card holders get 10% off total bill.

Summer’s Rice Burger

Summer
Level 3, Lot MF-11

Burgers can be healthy, at least according to this eatery. Inspired by the inventiveness of Japanese cuisine, Summer’s burger buns are fashioned out of rice and nori seaweed to offset the sinfully delicious meat patty. If it isn’t burgers you crave, then try the crisp-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside chicken cutlets. The restaurant’s secret weapon, apparently, are its sauces. A blend of ten different ingredients simmered over a slow fire for hours, the results are really lovely when poured over meat. Watsons VIP card holders get 10% off total bill.

Wong Kok’s Olio-style Shrimp Spaghetti

Wong Kok Char Chan Teng
Level 3, Lot MF-21. Tel: [phone]

With over 200 Hong Kong-style dishes to choose from, a trip to Wong Kok is a must for any foodie looking to stuff their faces. Choose from standard fare such as fried rice and char siew rice or go for funkier but no less delicious options like the cheese baked with chicken chop – a decidedly Asian take on the lasagne – or even baked dragon boat, a strange mishmash of fish, prawn paste and mushroom swathed in potato skin. The restaurant itself is tastefully designed, with reflective mirrors and smouldering furnishings, making dining in a real treat. Watsons VIP card holders get a free Hong Kong Stocking Milk Tea with a minimum spend of RM10.