*Review #666*
Okay, so it is the number of the beast here and I knew for ages something had to be done when it got to this review. That was that the meal needed to be spicy - really, really spicy. It did not matter what, just to be as spicy as possible. So when it came into allignment, it was time to strike.
Talking with my dining buddy, I had somewhere planned in my arsenal with a particular dish in mind as a dare for finally getting to this number review. However, after the effort to get to Sunny Plaza it was found that the place had closed down. Fortunately, it helps to know and be aware of Market Square and the sheer variety and strangeness that it houses - so it was on to plan B: find somewhere that has a guarantee to have something that was not just spicy, but able to be extra spicy. A few choices were noted after taking a lap around Market Square, and it all settled on this place: it had curry on the menu and the spice level could be custom-requested.
All up, as far as Mazri Kitchen Deli goes, this place is quite good. Finding a cheap eat is no hard task in Market Square or any of the sections across the road, but this one is a place where the cheap eats are guaranteed to include a substantial meal as opposed to just a snack.
Face it though. If there is one area in which Marzi is not going to be winning any sort of award it is going to be for their atmosphere. That does not mean that the design is too plain or boring, as they have put in a bit of effort there. One example is the traditional latterns being overhead, and there is a TV on the wall playing all sorts of clips. Unlike most of the other outlets in Market Square, Mazri is somewhat off to the side so a mindful effort is going to be made to be even be walking by much less going to for a meal. Most of the dining is outdoors, under cover with a few smaller tables put into a corner inside.
Inside is much more decorated. Unlike the more recent Kadoya which was here, this one has quite the character even down to the waitstaff. On the counter are all of the condiments, and it has implemented a Rewardle system for frequent customers. What is the most noticeable is the display cabinets of all the deli items and izakaya for snacking on. It is bright and cheerful. Pictures of all the food are abound, a nice touch of some plants is off in the corner and they do wel to shade the windows to get a bit more of an atmosphere into the place.
When it comes to service, it is straightforward as usual. Go in and order at the front counter, managing not to be overwhelmed with all the choice being prsented to you, pay up and get a number. Water (or another beverage) and condiments are there to collect, and you await your meal. It is really quick, the equivalent of fast food in Japan and a decent, sizable meal is right on your table.
On the menu, the selection of meals is generally the usual low-rent Japanese options: curries, rice bowls, bento boxes (which are in a design-your-own sort of style), some udon options, the various izakya et al. It doesn't end there either, as there is a small deli inside for more kinds of nibbles. Also, as is with low-key Japanese eateries, it pays to keep an eye out for the flyers advertising other, different sorts of eating options; they come frequently and always are subject to change - certainly come with the mindset to consider them. It is part and parcel of the experience.
Going for the spice challenge, there was only one sort of meal that I would be ordering. That would have been the Japanese style curry. A less usual choice to go in the curry was available, something not crumbed - chicken meat balls. So I ordered one of these and saw if it was possible to have it extra hot. There were no issues in arranging that. My dining buddy went milder, and got chicken katsu.
I must have changed my mind about what to get on the side at least twice since there were so many little bits and pieces that sounded delicious. It is just to get a little something on the side, as Japanese cuisine has so many of them. With the buzz term "limited edition" used to describe them, it was settled when I saw "scallop cream croqeutte" being advertised on the counter. These came with a basil cream sauce on the side.
The meals were very tasty. It had more of a homemade flavour than the usual artificial, thus the sauce must have been made in store. It was a bit more watery than the others, but had much more of a distinguished flavour. You cannot say that the portions were lacking, quite a bit of rice and sauce was served and around half a dozen meatballs plus some pickled raddish as well. The meatballs were tasty, with a darker flavour than most cuts of chicken and a soft texture that made them irresistable. As for the spice level, while managable it did lead to be sweating qutie a bit; but in the end this is nothing compared to some other spice feats I have done. The pickled raddish is good and adds a rounded bit of texture when mixed through.
Of course, switching with the meats changed and both got to try the other. This bit of chicken was perfectly crumbed, and the flesh on the inside was really tender. The scallops were also good. They were tender and soft, plus did not skimp on the cream sauce in the middle. Biting into them, it is like discovering a surprise - just be careful that it doesn't burn your tongue. Also, the basil cream sauce was a unique touch.
After the main meal, I went in to get some dessert. It is hard to go past green tea ice cream, which has been my favourite flavour since I was ten, and thus I ordered some of that. It came with a dollop of cream and a spoonful of red bean on the side. This was a great way to finish the meal, with the smooth texture of the ice cream and gentle, subtle flavour of green tea matching well to it. Red Bean might be a little mushy for some, and has a slightly tart flavour - I myself have become accustomed to it over time. Much like plenty of aspects of Japanese cuisine, this is simplicity in perfection.
Mazri is one of the best places for Japanese in the city spread, and as far as going cheap with the cuisine, it is tantamount to as good as it can get. The food is fresh, and tasty. It also has a good number of provisions, and is an exciting little place. For the past couple of years it has gained a reputation which is well earned. Here's hoping that it can retain and earn some more good reputation, as it has a feel to it that more than makes itself welcome around here.
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