SETTING

Located in the newly opened Damansara City Mall, one needs to engage in a little manoeuvring through the labyrinth that is the mall, but the restaurant is fairly easy to find, as it is positioned next to the entrance of Sofitel. It takes up two floors (sister restaurant Tifin by Kumar’s is upstairs), and it is tastefully and beautifully lit. Lots of wooden elements, huge open spaces, accompanied by bright colours and aesthetic paintings that decorate the walls. It gives off a very good ambience, and somehow the mood is instantly lifted. Kumar's is at once rustic and welcoming.

FOOD

The easy to navigate menu lists its signature dishes at the top, with the fish head curry being the standout must-order with a visit to Kumar’s. Touted as the being the ‘best in Singapore, JB and some say Batam’, we couldn’t agree more as the generously sized fish head is robustly accompanied with a medley of vegetables in a massive bowl of flavoursome curry. The fish is fresh, and the generous portions are good for sharing amongst three to four people.

Coming with straws, do relish sucking out the addictively delicious black pepper bone marrow aside from enjoying its tender meat. It comes in six, making it another share-worthy dish. Vegetable dishes of stewed spinach with dhal and aloo Gobi are effective tone-downs to all the heavyweights before, and mixes well with the other curries and briyani, or even with plain rice. If you wish for an additional dish that’s not too heavy nor light, the smaller meat dish to go for is the Chicken 65, which will surely leave diners licking their fingers at the end of it.

Classic desserts such as the mango kulfi and gulab jamun bring the meal to a satisfying end. Kumar’s menu also offers grills, breads, and a variety of smaller dishes. An award-winning Kumar’s lunch special of Thali or Tandoor set (only from 11am – 3pm) is an appealing option for the budget conscious.

DRINKS

Apart from refreshing staples like lassi and fresh fruit juices, Kumar’s offers a respectable variety of refreshments covering bottled beers, house pours, teas and coffees. House pours include the Cono Sur Tocornal Chardonnay and Cono Sur Tocornal Sauvignon Blanc (for white), and the Cono Sur Tocornal Merlot and Cono Sur Tocornal Cabernet Sauvignon (for red). A complete wine list is available on request.

SERVICE

All in all, service is good, as guests are treated to the polite demeanour from staff throughout the dining experience. Staff are neat, especially when placing food on the table. Leaving the restaurant, they will send off guests with warm wishes.

PRICE

The bill amounted to RM415 for a party of three, inclusive of three signatures, other accompaniments, desserts and drinks. We would say it’s a fair price because although the fish head curry by itself is already RM99.90, the taste and generous portion of it is worth the money. All in all, a recommended place for larger groups of friends, or for diners looking to enjoy great Indian food in a great setting.