Special thanks to Paprika for extending this food review invitation.
Update: This business has ceased its operations.
My previous visit to Paprika was nearly one year ago during its official opening. Today’s visit is to review its revised menu, which has been streamlined based on several months of market study.
The orange backdrop of the dining area presents a family-oriented dining atmosphere. The menu offers Western and local dishes in modernist contemporary style.
We started our meal today with the Spicy Tomato Bruschetta (RM6.90). Each slice of baguette is topped with diced tomato and parmesan cheese. The result is a light-feeling crispy snack – the perfect way to start a hearty meal.
The In-House Mushroom Soup (RM7.50) is made from fresh mushrooms, not canned ones. You can tell this by the fibrous consistency in the soup. The soup is well-flavored and very appetizing. Several pieces of croutons are added to contribute some crispiness.
The French Tomato Soup (RM6.50) is quite appealing too, though I prefer the mushroom soup if I need to choose one.
Next is the Braised Lamb Shank (RM33.90). The choice of mutton is the portion around the shin. This meat cut is sufficiently tender when braised properly, which is what exactly Paprika does. I also love the savory gravy as it works harmoniously with the lamb.
Served alongside are mashed potato and steamed vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and carrots. I always appreciate the use of simple vegetables to create a sense of variety.
The Hungarian Chicken (RM18.50) is Paprika’s contemporary interpretation of the popular Hungarian dish paprikáscsirke. Unlike the original stewed version, this chicken is grilled so that the mouthfeel is still within the comfort zone of most local customers. As for the paprika gravy, it is mildly spicy but lovely nevertheless.
Still in the poultry section, the Ayam Percik With Rice (RM12.90) is a dish that most locals are familiar with. The chicken thigh is grilled in spicy sauce to seal in the meaty goodness. Extra gravy is provided should you prefer your rice to be drenched. This is one of the best-flavored ayam percik which I have tasted so far.
The next dish is of Italian origin: Slipper Lobster Aglio Olio Spaghetti (RM18.50). The spaghetti is cooked al dente, so it is slightly firmer than usual. The pasta is flavored with bell peppers and parmesan cheese. Overall, the spaghetti is decently spicy by my standard.
However, the superstar of this pasta dish is the exquisite slipper lobster on the side. The crustacean is fried to give a light crisp on its chitinous armor, though the shell is not crispy enough for consumption. Several pieces of squid and prawn are served alongside, but they are not normally included in this dish.
Also from the peninsula of Italia but with Japanese elements, we are served with an individual portion of Bonito Flakes Pizza (RM15.90). Its thin crust has the perfect texture within the continuum of chewy-to-crispiness. The primary topping is bonito flakes (鰹節, katsuobushi), making this pizza quite savory indeed.
For desserts, the Golden Toast (RM11.90) is a new addition to the menu. Cubes of fresh bread toast are stacked in a heap, sprinkled with a shower of brown sugar, then topped with a scoop of ice cream. Consume it quickly before the ice cream melts like Frosty the Snowman!
As for the beverage menu, there is a reasonable variety of coffee brews, English teas and juices. Paprika has a barista to concoct your daily caffeine fix, such as this hot cup of Caramel Latte (RM8.90). A piece of biscotti is provided for our enjoyment.
At Paprika, no MSG is added during food preparation. The menu is also entirely pork-free. Alcoholic beverages are available too, but the primary focus of Paprika is to present a family-friendly appearance. Overall, the food quality is premium compared to other eateries of similar pricing. The staff is also quite attentive to our needs.
Name: Paprika
Address: 210, Jalan Raja Uda, 12300 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-353-5042
Business hours: 12:00pm-12:00am (Sunday-Tuesday, Thursday), 12:00pm-1:00am (Wednesday, Friday-Saturday)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/paprikacuisine
Coordinates: 5.42217 N, 100.38189 E
Directions: From Jalan Permatang Pauh, turn right into Jalan Raja Uda. Drive northbound for approximately 1 kilometer. Paprika is the corner shop on the right, directly opposite of Petronas gas station on the left. There are plenty of car park spaces around the restaurant.