Makan-Makan with The Stars : Jason Dasey

DELECTABLE CANTONESE BONA FIDE

Jason Dasey needs no introduction. This renowned Australian journalist and broadcaster who is currently a sports host and senior producer with Asian satellite network, Astro, is a prominent figure in the world of sports. Being a semi-vegetarian who eats only seafood and no other meat or chicken, locating a perfect food haven is no easy feat but Canton-i made it possible for him.

Being one who dines out at least three or four times a week, Dasey and his wife stumbled upon this classy-looking restaurant one year ago when they were on a lookout for an eatery that captured the essence of his Hong Kongborn wife’s hometown.

“Canton –i has a family feel to it. It is noisy and friendly, exactly like a genuine Hong Kong restaurant. My family and I feel very much at home whenever we dine there,” said Dasey when asked about Canton-i’s ambience. Because he does not eat pork, Dasey has to pick and choose his dishes carefully but he found a favourite in the seafood fried rice, which is the Fried Rice with Scallop and Prawns (RM20).

“It has fresh seafood ingredients in it. It is very subtle which suits my liking and the taste is absolutely enjoyable.”

Another one of his favourites are the Steamed Egg Yolk and Custard Bun (RM6.80) and Steamed Mr Piggy Bun with Red Bean Paste (RM8.80). “I love the custard egg buns as the egg custard comes oozing out of the bun which is heated to perfection and tastes scrumptious. The same goes to the red bean filling in the cute piggy buns,” he said. But his all-time favourite that attracts him to this place is the Hong Kong Milk Tea (RM5).

“They use evaporated milk instead of condensed milk, so it’s mild in sweetness and healthy. With just one sip, I’m transported back to Hong Kong as it tastes exactly like the one served in the province of Mong Kok,” he said about his favourite beverage here. “Even though I have a limited choice when it comes to the selection of dim sum, I thoroughly enjoy the Steamed Prawn and Vegetable Dumplings (RM6.80). The prawns are fleshy, the veggies taste fresh and the whole combination is indeed delicious.”

Besides this, the Sichuan-Style Sizzling Noodles with Seafood (RM16) is also a dish enjoyed by him. Cooked in a thick sauce and laden with prawns, the noodles are crunchy and the prawns, fleshy and soft, and go very well with the sauce. “Canton-i remains my all-time favourite because the delicacies here are fresh, tasty and divine. The dishes are delivered in a timely manner and it has a family atmosphere with a slice of Hong Kong to it. The staff are warm, friendly and my six-month-old daughter is always at ease here which is most important.”

by Prema Jayabalan