The Meat Experts (TME) Damansara
Words: Joanna Florento
Photos: Matt Wehner
Putting the “deli” in “delicious”, The Meat Experts (TME) are the new (old) kids on the block in a quiet, leafy shop lot in Bukit Damansara. With the goal of offering quality meals at affordable prices, it’s easy to see why this restaurant is much beloved.
Diners can purchase gourmet products, including premium meats and wines, directly from the retail shelves and have them cooked by a chef and served by the pros at no additional charge – corkage is free, too!
We sat down with David Choong, Tsien Hann, and Henry Sim to soak in TME’s lore. From their humble beginnings twelve years ago as a meat importer and distributor to their expansion as a wholesale business with online delivery during the pandemic and their new venture as a restaurant, the visionaries behind The Meat Experts have been on a comprehensive journey honing their craft at every turn. Their passion for retaining freshness and providing the most reasonable price is on clear display, both from the animated retellings of their ventures to date and the fully stocked glass-front refrigerated counters that greet us upon entry. As mentioned, TME offers free corkage and preparation for items purchased from their renowned mini-mart, allowing diners to experience their products prepared how they are meant to be enjoyed – at unbeatable retail prices.
The Meat Experts Menu
Starters
Before we got to the meat of the matter, we started with some veg items. Despite the fleshy name, The Meat Experts has an inclusive menu, with plenty of veggie items to balance out the animal proteins.
The Summer Corn Salad (RM 21) consisted of an abundance of mixed salad greens sourced from Agroz Vertical Farms, which employs innovative methods that use 95% less water and zero pesticides. Paired with roasted corn kernels, sliced tomatoes, slivered red onion, pickled Japanese cucumber, and lime coriander vinaigrette, this salad was a vibrant medley of flavours, colours, and textures.
The Charred Broccoli (RM 18) provided a crunchy counterbalance, with generously sliced florets seasoned with almond flakes and garlic butter. Their soft texture and light seasoning made them a welcome addition to meatier mains in our meal.
The Chargrilled Glazed Eggplant (RM 25) was served with crispy anchovies, croutons, sliced cucumber and peppers adorning a delightful spread of grilled eggplant, proving the versatility of this humble vegetable and fanning the flames of my (not-so-secret, and far less humble) eggplant obsession. Prepared in a similar fashion was the Cauliflower Steak (RM 32), with thick cuts of cauliflower resting on a bed of walnut caper butter sauce and drizzled with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
We washed all this down with a chilled glass of Minuty Prestige from Côtes de Provence (RM 152.50), with a crisp and clean flavour reminiscent of berries and grapefruit. It was fab for the warm afternoon and a versatile drop, proving a fine partner for our veggie dishes and the diversity of condiments that seasoned them.
Mains
Served sunny side up, the Pork Burger (RM 38) gave testament to the comfort found in the classics. A juicy pork patty topped with cheddar cheese, a pineapple slice, a sunny-side-up egg, tomato slices, and crisp lettuce sandwiched between soft and buttery brioche buns felt like an instant antidote to whatever troubles we faced during the day. Meanwhile, the Fiery Lime Pork Belly (RM 11 per 100 grams) served with a side of coleslaw (RM 6) kept us on our toes, with every bite bursting with equal amounts of tenderness and tanginess.
We stayed cool with a glass of Wente Riva Ranch Pinot Noir (RM 160.80), bursting with black cherry, tea, and apple notes. Monterey County, California, the home of this pinot, is known for its cool climate, which encourages slow ripening of the grapes allowing them to develop complex flavours while maintaining balanced acidity.
The Grass-fed Tomahawk (RM 20 per 100 grams) with Spicy Asian Chimichurri (RM 6) cut a striking picture. It was fanned elegantly on a wooden platter accentuated with entire bulbs of roasted garlic and slices of pickles and radish arranged in a dainty flower. Each slice of meat was tender but still had a good bite and flavour, and the chimichurri’s robust garlic and ginger flavours supplemented it well (so good!).
We simultaneously enjoyed a selection of assorted Niman Ranch bratwurst and bacon. Niman Ranch represents a network of farmers and ranchers who pride themselves on humanely preparing meat free of hormones and antibiotics and adhering to strict animal welfare protocols. We sampled the Apple Gouda, Andouille and Sweet Italian Sausages, all at RM 8 per piece. The Apple Gouda was sweet and tangy, the Andouille had a slightly peppery kick, and the Sweet Italian tickled our tastebuds like fine pepperoni.
We bookended our meaty mains with a glass of Ministry of Clouds McLaren Vale Tempranillo Grenache (RM 140), which is robust, smooth, and comforting in its straightforward profile with hints of cherry and orange.
Dessert
We got our just desserts at The Meat Experts with the Signature BMBB (RM 28), salted brownies heaped with homemade maple and butter ice cream and butterscotch. The rich brownies melded together with the buttery and creamy ice cream in one smooth motion, scooping us along for the ride. We were very happy to oblige! To top things off, we swilled their selection of pink grapefruit and pineapple and turmeric kombucha, handcrafted for just RM 12.90.
Review
In addition to serving excellent meat and wine at reasonable retail prices, The Meat Experts serve a dining experience as well-curated and refined as the products they select. Come learn about their extensive history and dedication to meat importing and distribution, and stay on to let them lovingly prepare their products for you as part of a well-balanced dining experience. Too soon, it was time to wind down, and while basking in the afterglow of good food and great company, I felt grateful to TME for reminding us that carefully sourced ingredients, attention to detail, and fair pricing remain the meat and potatoes of any great meal.
Reasons to visit The Meat Experts: quality food at retail prices—you can pick your items—food and wine—from the shelves of TME Mart and have them cooked and served at no extra cost and no corkage! A wide selection of responsibly sourced meat, extensive wine and spirits selection, cosy neighbourhood feel, and lovely al fresco seating.
The Meat Experts (TME) Damansara
9, Lorong Setiabistari 2, Bukit Damansara
50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Link to The Meat Experts (TME) on Google Maps
@themeatexperts
[email protected]
+03 2095 2916
Ample street parking is available.
The Meat Experts (TME) Damansara Hours
Daily: 11 am – 10 pm
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