Chameleon Restaurant, Kota Kemuning: A Taste of the Hype

Whenever a new restaurant opens in Kota Kemuning, it generates significant excitement among local food enthusiasts. Chameleon Restaurant (No. 68, Jalan Angeerik Vanilla Z/31Z), lauded in reviews, piqued the curiosity of my dining companion and me, prompting us to visit. Upon entry, we were welcomed by soft background music and a subtly dimmed ambiance, creating an inviting and comfortable setting.

Arriving early for dinner, we easily secured a table and began to peruse the menu. Chameleon's Japanese Western Fusion cuisine offered ample choices. Although we considered the July limited-time dishes, we ultimately selected the Baked Barramundi with White Sauce (RM30.50), Honey Baked Chicken (RM25.50), and Creamy Cheese Onion Soup (RM12.90). Opting for filtered water (2X RM2.00) seemed logical, given the hearty dishes we anticipated.

We appreciated being informed that our mains would take at least 15 minutes - a sincere and honorable service touch. The Creamy Cheese Onion Soup, however, arrived within about 5 minutes and was delightful. It featured an abundance of oozy cheese and croutons in a soup that struck a perfect balance between thick and thin consistency, with a subtle onion flavor.

After another 10 minutes or so, our mains were served. The Honey Baked Chicken was flavorful, easily coming off the bone when pulled with a fork. The accompanying salad complemented the dish well, and the baked half tomato with oozy cheese on top added a nice touch.

However, the sauce for the chicken was puzzling; it was buttery and creamy, but its exact flavor was elusive. The plate also featured yellow, light green, and red sauces arranged in a decorative pattern, but their distinct tastes were unclear. As fans of spiciness, we would have appreciated some chili sauce to heighten the flavors.

 

The Barramundi, on the other hand, was slightly dry, and the skin wasn't as crispy as we would have liked. The accompaniments were the same as those for the Honey Baked Chicken. Both dishes were prettily plated, making them a visual treat. Overall, it was an experience that sparked our curiosity about the buzz surrounding Chameleon Restaurant.

Zen Dining Insights

Exceptional customer service remains a hallmark of noteworthy dining establishments. Even at restaurants I’ve previously visited, a consistent theme is the humble and attentive service that encourages repeat patronage. Chameleon Restaurant exemplifies this with its staff's dedication to checking in and ensuring our satisfaction throughout the meal.

 

As for the ambiance, it was notably serene. Unlike other dining experiences where noise levels can be disruptive, with loud conversations and children running about, our time at Chameleon was marked by a quiet and relaxed atmosphere that allowed us to savor our meal in peace.

The influence of social media on dining recommendations is another point of interest. Many reviewers and social media influencers often present new restaurants with high praise, painting a picture of perfection. This raises questions about the authenticity and balance of these reviews, especially when they consistently highlight only the positive aspects.