Yishensu Vegetarian Restaurant @ 1 Utama

I was on medical leave yesterday as I had an appointment with my surgeon for a post-surgery check up. Since there were loads of time to spare, SY and I headed to 1 Utama for lunch. Initial idea was to savour a newly opened gourmet outlet, Pick and Brew but since SY wanted to go vegetarian, hence, we settled for something else. SY's younger brother, YJ joined us soon after and he suggested Yishensu Vegetarian Restaurant (Opposite TGIF and beside Canton-I).

Originally from the town of Kampar, Perak, Yishensu opened its doors in 1 Utama in September 2007. First impression on the interior decor are somewhat positively striking ... it's a blend of contemporary zen where humongous metallic-with-lighted up-background chinese characters are plastered on walls, the waiting area sofas strewn with oversized cushions and bold coloured plastic plants are placed strategically to contrast the surrounding pastel milieu. Basically, upon stepping into this restaurant, it envelopes you with a sense of serenity and yet at the same time, one is priviledged to enjoy the luxury that only the modern day comforts can provide. Furthermore, the staffs are dressed in beige linen shirts ... emanating the welcoming ambience of ancient Chinese hospitality.

The three of us decided to go a-la-carte with the addition of a couple of dishes. We ordered for their nasi lemak, Emperor fried noodle, fried kuay teow, braised Japanese tofu and prawn with oats. We were also served complimentary preserved chinese cabbage soup which with its sour and spicy flavour, works wonders to tantalise our taste buds. I'll cut it short, all that we ordered, they were all nothing short of delicious. The fragrant coconut rice of the nasi lemak was indeed very richly delectable. And the 'rendang' really does taste like well ... authentic rendang. The Emperor fried noodle also got thumbs up from all of us. Generous slices of 'roasted pork' and chinese black mushrooms complimented the noodle perfectly. The fried kuay teow was very Penang-like and taken with 'sambal' and lime juice ... bite after bite, we were hungry for more. The tofu was smooth and soft. Cooked with veg and mushrooms, it easily gained our seal of approval. Lastly, the chewy texture of the 'prawns' being distinctly different from the crunchiness of the oats works well together. SY also added their dessert for the day, sweet potato 'tong sui'. It reminded me of the 'tong yuen' as the base soup of this dessert was very gingery as well. Moreover, the service offered was prompt and pleasing, so no complaints there. Wouldn't mind returning again to sample the rest of their signature dishes. :)

I must apologize for not being descriptive enough this time around but it's kinda hard to be when it's almost 4a.m. Yawnzzz. Damn the iced 'yin yong' (iced milk tea + coffee) for keeping me awake. >:(

For more info, check out www.yishensu.com