Le Toma Cuisine

Special thanks to Le Toma Cuisine for extending this food review invitation.

Update: This business has ceased its operations.

From the proprietors of Up And Above European Cuisine is a new concept of Western dining: Le Toma Cuisine. Driven by popular response, the chain restaurant has expanded to three locations within a short span of several months. In sequence of opening, the outlets are located at Automall, Taman Kheng Tian and Carnarvon Street (Lebuh Carnarvon). My visit today is to the Taman Kheng Tian branch.

Le Toma Cuisine aims to bring premium quality Western food to the pricing point of the mainstream market. To achieve this goal, the restaurant focuses on 2 key aspects: "hochiak" (tasty) and "tatchiak" (value for money). Food is prepared from scratch; this includes the sauces, soup and mashed potatoes. The kitchen does not use MSG in food preparation.

The man behind Le Toma Cuisine is Thomas Lee, an accomplished chef with many years of experience in the culinary line. Chef Thomas' specialty is French cuisine. By the way, the phrase "Le Toma Cuisine" means "The Thomas Kitchen" in French.

Pork Parmigiana (RM19.50) consists of pork loin breaded with Japanese-style crumbs. Using bread crumbs instead of batter may cause the loin to feel drier, but I think crispiness is what sets this apart from the usual hawker fare. The pork is also baked with cheese and pieces of pork bacon.

Pork Parmigiana is dressed with creamy mushroom sauce that is made from actual button mushrooms. This dish comes with garlic bread, mashed potato and salad on the side. Mashed potato is made by hand as opposed to premixed powder. The pulpy, buttery consistency is truly satisfying.

As for poultry, try the Signature Chicken Boneless (RM13.00). Like the previous dish, the chicken thigh is also breaded. The accompanying black pepper sauce has delectable tanginess with a hint of pungency. Garlic bread, fries and salad are served on the side.

Classic Fish (RM16.00) also takes advantage of this crispy breading. Made from tilapia, the fillet has reasonably firm texture. A slice of ham and cheddar cheese enhance the fish's flavor.

The fillet is dressed with barbecue sauce, whose tanginess dominates the palate initially but gradually manifests as sweet aftertaste. Chef Thomas certainly plays to his strengths.

Fish & Chip (RM14.00) is a familiar dish for many. Two tilapia fillets, also breaded with crumbs, are dressed with tartar sauce. Tartar sauce has lovely herbal appeal thanks to a hint of lemongrass juice. Presented on the side are garlic bread, fries and salad.

Aloha Chicken Burger (RM20.50) features a breaded chicken cutlet with house signature dressing. With honey-like sweetness, the sauce is quite effective in drawing appetite.

Also sandwiched between two halves of green tea bun are pineapples, cheddar cheese and tomatoes.

Spaghetti Aglio Olio (RM8.50) is one of the simplest pasta dishes. The pasta requires 3 core ingredients: garlic, olive oil and chili flakes. The pasta is cooked al dente, which means slightly firm but is still reasonably springy. Alternatively, customers can opt for spaghetti with bolognese sauce or creamy mushroom sauce.

Each food item on the menu includes free flow of drinks and a scoop of ice cream. Drink choices are peach tea, honey green tea, lemon tea and lemonade. Customers may help themselves at the beverage dispensers.

As for ice cream, today's flavor is mint.

For an additional RM5.00, customers also get a bowl of soup before the actual meal. The type of soup varies from day to day. Today, it is Mushroom Soup. I find the soup to be quite salty, but I am told that this is how the French would have preferred.

With a complete meal priced as low as RM8.50, Le Toma Cuisine offers quality food with affordability in mind. There are plans to expand this dining concept through more outlets in the near future.

Name: Le Toma Cuisine
Address: 9-1-18, Jalan Van Praagh, Taman Kheng Tian, 11600 Jelutong, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 012-426-7168
Business hours: 11:30am-10:00pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/LeTomaCuisine
Coordinates: 5.39649 N, 100.31366 E
Directions: Le Toma Cuisine is located at the ground floor of Taman Kheng Tian, on the side facing Jalan Van Praagh. Parking is available in front of the shops.