Dusha @ Changkat Bukit Bintang

Some soulful Russian and Uzbek food in the Changkat Bukit Bintang area....

[ BEGIN EDIT ]
(Nov 2009)

Sorry but Dusha has closed down...
A new Japanese restaurant/ bar called Daikanyama has taken over this location - I haven't tried the food there yet but will try to soon and update on it here.
(So far, I've heard that it's good)
:)

Hugs,
J

[ END EDIT ]

I suspect this is one of the reviews where I will feel a bit guilty for being brutally honest....
(The owner and the wait staff at the restaurant are really friendly....)
:(
... but oh well, I gotta tell the truth.

Anyway, we had decided to be adventurous that week and try out a Russian restaurant called Dusha that had opened recently in the bustling Changkat Bukit Bintang area.

The Dinner

Dusha (which means "soul" in Russian, by the way) looks fairly inviting from the outside with its cheerful green signage:
Dusha's exterior....
Inside, it is simple but modern, with a small bar area by the side:
The Interior of Dusha....
We all sat down comfortably and scanned the extensive menu, with the super friendly waitress explaining and recommending some of the Russian (and Uzbekhistan) dishes available.

For our starters, we chose the Sate (RM 22++), the Borsht (RM 14++) and the Russian Dumplings (RM 22++):

Clockwise from top: The Sate, Borsht and Russian Dumplings....
The Sate tasted normal - it was basically some diced tomatoes with garlic and herbs, wrapped with grilled eggplant.
(Nothing wrong with it really... Just nothing special, especially for that price)

The Borsht was also just ok - light, clear vegetable soup that had a strong undertone of beetroot and a really bright purple-red colour.

As for the Russian dumplings in clear broth, they were moderately tasty but tasted too similar to its Chinese brethren, the "sui kow" (except that the "sui kow" is more to savoury where else this has a slightly sour taste)....
(Oh, btw the dumplings were supposed to be a main but we ordered it to share)

Moving on to the mains, we had the Beef Stroganoff (RM 38++), Genghis Khan Beef (RM 38++), Chef's Special Lamb (RM 48++) and Tzar Beef (RM 38++):

Clockwise from top left: The Beef Stroganoff, Genghis Khan Beef, Chef's Special Lamb and Tzar Beef....
Hmmmm....
How do I put this tactfully?
Well, I suspect that the beef was purchased from a farmer who owned (and was trying to get rid of) a very old, very underfed and very overworked cow (or maybe even a kerbau).
*sigh*
It was a waste actually, because the sauce for the Stroganoff and the Genghis Khan was quite nice. Anyway, these 2 dishes come with an option for chicken and I would advice you try that instead.

As for the Tzar Beef, errrrrr - Let's just say it was a cultural experience on its own. The minced beef had a strong taste of beetroot and topped with a pungeant cheese (which was almost like a mild blue cheese).

The one nice dish that night (that I would recommend) is the Chef's Special Lamb - tender and tasty, you could tell that it had been well marinated and lovingly cooked over a slow fire.

Lastly, for dessert we tried the Apple Pie with ice cream (RM 15++) as well as 2 other Russian desserts that I have forgotten the names (sorry!):


Clockwise from top left: The 2 Russian Desserts and the Apple Pie with Ice Cream....
Overall, all 3 desserts were fairly nice. Again, nothing spectacular but a nice simple way to cap off your meal without feeling too guilty.
(I liked the Apple Pie best)

What can I say?
It's still worth a try if you want to experience Russian or Uzbek food....
(I don't think there are any other restaurants in KL serving Russian as far as I know)
... just please avoid the beef at all costs.
(Unless you feel like giving your jaw muscles a good work out)

So, it's: Russian food in a simple but stylish setting, wide range of food and really friendly service BUT dangerous menu (do NOT order the beef if you can help it, chicken would probably be a MUCH better choice) and a bit pricey considering the serving size.

Restaurant Review
Summary Sheet:
Dusha @ Changkat Bukit Bintang, KL
(Near the main Tengkat Tong Shin area, almost opposite Frangipani)

Taste: 5
Ambience : 6
Service : 7
Price** : RM70++ per person
Parking: Painful (unless you jockey or park in slightly dodgy parking lots)

** Approximation - 3 course meal, excluding drinks
Telephone No.: 03-2144 9990
Opening Hours: 12noon till late

NO PORK SERVED

OTHER REVIEWS:
- A review at Trip Advisor.com (Sorry but this was the only other review* I could find)
* That is not from a newspaper or magazine

TAGS: Food, Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, Restaurant Review, Restaurant Reviews, KL, Kuala Lumpur, Dusha, Uzbekistan, Russian, Bukit Ceylon, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Tengkat Tong Shin, Jalan Ceylon