Memir at The Exchange TRX
We are always looking for ways to beat the heat in Malaysia’s scorching weather. Whether it’s holing up indoors with the air-conditioner on or reaching for a chilled drink, there are plenty of ways to cool down on a hot day.
But Memir offers another way to beat the heat. And it involves filling up your tummy.
The latest Korean restaurant at Kuala Lumpur’s The Exchange TRX specialises in buckwheat noodles, served both warm and cold.
The ambience at Memir
Memir is located on the 2nd floor of The Exchange TRX. The restaurant sits at a quieter corner of the mall’s Dining Terrace, offering both indoor and outdoor seats for diners looking to avoid the bustle of the Concourse floor where most of the mall’s food spots are gathered.
Paired with the hanok-inspired interiors – cosy wood and warm lighting cast from lantern-like lights – Memir feels like a retreat from the glossy skyscrapers outside the mall.
With buckwheat noodles the restaurant’s speciality, it hides nothing from diners, allowing everyone to view their kitchen and see how buckwheat noodles are made and hand-cut fresh for each bowl served.
What’s the hype about Memir?
Unlike many noodle restaurants in Malaysia that offer a variety of rice and noodle dishes, Memir focuses on buckwheat noodles, a less common option locally.
The restaurant’s signature noodles are made in-house daily using 100% buckwheat, without any wheat flour, giving them a distinct, nutty flavour and aroma.
With options ranging from cold broth and dry noodles to warm noodle soups and dipping noodles, there is a variety of preparations to choose from. Side dishes like pancakes and chicken are also available.
What to order at Memir
Perilla Oil Noodles (RM35)
The Perilla Oil Noodles (RM35) is served cold, without broth. But that doesn’t mean any lack of flavour.
Tossed in fragrant perilla oil, the noodles are accompanied by mushrooms, seaweed, spring onions, white radish, and slices of beef. Each strand of noodle is coated in the oil, bringing out its distinct nutty aroma and flavour for a refreshing start to the meal.
With a balance of carbs, protein, and greens, this bowl makes for a well-rounded meal with flavours that keep each bite interesting. While not too experimental, it is a satisfying and familiar option for those trying buckwheat noodles for the first time.
Wide-Cut Dipping Noodles (RM45)
The only dish on the menu that is not made with 100% buckwheat is Memir’s special, the Wide-Cut Dipping Noodles (RM45). Flat and thin in appearance, the noodles are sprinkled with sesame seeds and served with two dipping sauces.
Made fresh to order in the kitchen, the flat noodles have a chewy texture that holds the sauces well. The first sauce is a familiar accompaniment for cold noodles, while the second offers a spicier alternative with a tangy kick that builds as you eat.
You may even find yourself wanting to dip just about anything into the latter.
Pollock Roe Cream Noodles (RM48)
The Pollock Roe Cream Noodles (RM48) is a warm, dry noodle option, ideal for those who prefer their noodles hot rather than cold.
The noodles are tossed in a pinkish pollock roe cream sauce, with a generous amount of roe that adds a pop of colour to the dish. Diners can also choose to add cheese for extra creaminess, though ask for this sparingly, as it may be a little too creamy and overpower the pollock roe.
Lemon Chicken Noodles (RM46)
While the signature here is the Signature Cold Noodles, the other cold broth option, the Lemon Chicken Noodles (RM46) steals attention and begs an order, as it isn’t something you would often find on a menu at a restaurant in Malaysia.
Served cold with generous slices of lemon surrounding the chicken and noodles, this dish is worth trying if you enjoy the citrus fruit. However, those who are not fond of lemon may want to give this one a miss, as lemon is undeniably the main flavour profile of the broth.
The cold broth gives each bite a refreshing chill, while the chicken remains tender and bouncy. The buckwheat noodles also have a pleasantly chewy texture, while the lemon adds a light citrusy flavour without being overly sour or bitter.
Shareable dishes: Kimchi Buckwheat Dumplings & Crispy Chicken Pancake
If you are looking to share more than just the buckwheat noodles, Memir also offers a selection of side dishes.
There are the Kimchi Buckwheat Dumplings (RM26), which look different from the typical dumplings as they are prepared and pan-fried flat. Each bite brings out the flavour of the kimchi, which strikes a balance without being overly pungent or spicy.
Alongside this is the Crispy Chicken Pancake (RM28), which differs from what one might expect from its name. Rather than a traditional pancake, or Korean pajeon, the pancake features chicken breast flattened and coated in buckwheat flour with spring onions – almost like a breaded chicken chop.
Both side dishes are served with a dipping sauce made with soya sauce, onions, and chilli, adding a savoury kick to each bite.
Visit Memir for a different take on Korean noodles
Whether you are a fan of cold noodles or looking to try something different from the usual Korean dishes, Memir offers a fresh take on Korean dining with its selection of buckwheat noodles. Drop by for a bowl of noodles with friends or family, and enjoy a meal at this cosy spot in The Exchange TRX.
Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal Malaysia
Photography by: Janet & Ming-Xuan