(From left) Sundeep, Zeenat and Rashthar are co-owners of Azure Restaurant and Bar in Desa Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON/The Star
FEW dishes evoke as much passionate debate as pizza, especially when it comes to its toppings.
Purists might find adding certain ingredients to the traditional Italian dish unacceptable.
But when it comes to fusion food, restaurants put a local spin to suit their customers’ palate.
For example, the spicy Blue-Eyed Anchovies pizza at Azure Restaurant and Bar in Desa Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur, is a hit among regulars.
“The anchovies are cooked with shallots until crispy before being added to the pizza alongside mozzarella cheese, bird’s eye chilli, Parmesan cheese and chilli flakes.
“We use blue-eyed anchovies because they give a better taste and texture. This is one of our best-sellers,” said co-owner Zeenat M.
The savoury and crunchy anchovies are appetising with mild spicy notes.
Chicken Malai Tikka is a standout.
Azure Restaurant and Bar serves a wide selection of Asian and Western fusion food.
It also has a four-piece band from New Delhi, India, that performs Hindi and Punjabi songs.
The restaurant, which opened in March, offers a relaxing environment, said co-owners Sundeep Nanra and Rashthar Singh.
“Previously, we were in the heart of Kuala Lumpur but found the place unsuitable and decided to move to Desa Sri Hartamas.
“We offer south Indian dishes, pizza and pasta, bar bites as well as local favourites,” said Sundeep.
Azure’s signature spicy mutton pizza also hits all the right notes.
The tender, succulent mutton imbued with spice is perfectly balanced by the gooey, melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Spicy mutton pizza hits all the right notes.
The restaurant’s kitchen is helmed by chef Sandeep Rawat, from New Delhi, who specialises in Indian cuisine.
His Achari Jhinga Salade is a vibrant and refreshing dish that awakens the senses.
The roasted baby pink prawns are seasoned to perfection with a fragrant Achari Masala and mustard oil dressing, then adorned with onions, raw julienne mango and pomegranate seeds.
This dish delivers a burst of robust, tangy flavours and sharp acidity that invigorates the appetite.
For a creamier dish, the Chicken Malai Tikka is a standout.
Grilled to an impeccable tenderness, the chicken is enveloped in a rich marinade of ginger garlic paste, aromatic green cardamom powder, subtle white pepper and finely chopped green chilli.
Other dishes to try include Chettinad Chicken, mamak fried noodles, belacan fried rice as well as seafood spaghetti.
The place also features a live band on certain days.
The Shiddat Band performs from Tuesday to Sunday.
Catch The Shiddat Band in action from Tuesday to Sunday, 8.30pm to 2am.
Happy hours are from 3pm to 8pm where beer is priced from RM16++.
Reservations for birthday gatherings will receive a complimentary cake.
AZURE RESTAURANT AND BAR, 10, Jalan 30/70A Desa Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: 016-223 3786)
Business Hours: 3pm to 2am (Tuesday to Sunday except Monday, unless Monday is a public holiday).
This is the writer’s personal observation and not an endorsement by StarMetro.
