Only U Restaurant — Restaurant in Shah Alam

An outlet that opened in 2011 with just one intermediate shop lot selling their popular prawn noodle for RM4.50 that basically serves the working class folks coming here for breakfast and lunch as it closes at 2.30pm. Its price for a bowl of their many variety of noodles has since risen to RM5.00 in 2014 to RM6.50 in mid 2017, that's 30% increase for the average wage earner over a period of 3 years while the shrimps they serve have gone to the size of tiny krills over the same period of time! As usual, the increase was justified on the grounds of the usual suspects of GST, lack of subsiady in cooking oil and the increase in price of petrol. It's interesting to see if the operator will adjust downward their prices in light of the impending abolition of GST, the reintroduction of cooking and petrol subsiady etc by the new PH government soon as these are measures aimed at reducing business operating cost.

The problem lies in the fact that there are little decent alternatives to "Only You" as a "quick-bite" type Chinese or non-halal eatery in this Glenmarie industrial area. Hence, the restaurant's operator of family members, feels strongly that their price at RM6.50 is inelastic to the demand of their clientele in the same area as the place is normally jam packed from about 12.15 noon right till 2pm, with this semi-open, fan-ventilated restaurant located in two adjoining intermediate shop lots since 2016. It seems it has recently joined the rank of being a "pet-friendly" restaurant.

In terms of texture, you get a mouthful of superfluous chilli, pan-fried onions and oil, with a few pieces of pork with macroscopic krills (not sure if one can label these as "prawn"). Their noodles often overcooked to the point of being too soft. Personally, I have found this "harmien" to just about average in savoury terms.

However, I do consider the Siam Laksa to be their "signature bowl" and this is decently worthy of you consideration. It has special, non-overwhelming aromatic but light pinkish spicy soup in typical Siam texture of onion, garlic, herbal garnish served with pork slices. You can choose your favorite yellow noodle or glass noodle to go with it. In addition to this, their Ipoh "Horfun" (rice noodle) in clear delicious soup, served with Ipoh bean sprout and bite-size "youngtaufu" (fish paste stuffed beancurd). Other offerings here include pork intestine soup that is served with white rice and the usual...

I have heard so many good things about this place that I finally decided to make a trip to come to Glenmarie to taste for myself what it's all about. Located at the back row of some shophouses featuring some other famous eats like Meng Kee, Only U could have been easily missed, if not for the help of Waze.

Parking was relatively easy, but today being a public holiday, it's difficult to gauge what the weekday traffic pattern would be like. Nonetheless, lots of parking was available.

From the outside, the shop looks like any other coffee shop, with a stall on the right side selling different kinds of noodles. What struck me was that the stalls were all joined together - then it dawned on me that the whole place was operated probably by a single owner!

I ordered the Mee Yoke (or Hokkien mee to the Penangites). A hearty bowl with a rich prawn base soup arrived. As I dug in, I realised that it was pretty good. Just the right amount of spice and everything else, with a generous helping of fried shallots to boot.

Looking around, I also noticed that they had shrunk from the previous 2 shoplots down to only one now.

It was a satisfying bowl, but alas, I realised lated why, as the thirst hit me after I left the shop. But, all in all, it was a good bowl. Must come back again and try the other noodle...

1️⃣ Pork Stomach Soup – 4/10 The broth was mild, lacking the deep, peppery warmth that makes this dish comforting. The pork stomach itself was tender but didn’t absorb much flavor, making it rather plain.

2️⃣ Thai Laksa – 2/10 Originally ordered Asam Laksa, and they acknowledged my order. However, upon pickup, I was given Thai Laksa instead. When I asked, they simply said Asam Laksa was unavailable and only Thai Laksa was being prepared.

Taste-wise, it was quite disappointing. The broth lacked depth, missing the balance of spiciness, tanginess, and creaminess that a good Thai Laksa should have. The coconut milk flavor was weak, the seasoning felt off, and the noodles were slightly overcooked, making the texture less enjoyable. Overall, it tasted flat and uninspiring.

💬 Service/Response – 3/10 They should have informed me in advance about the menu change instead of just swapping the dish without notice.

💰 Total Cost: RM20.50

❌ Would I return? Tried once—no second time for me.

📌 Disclaimer: This is just my personal experience. Taste and service expectations vary, so others may have a different opinion. Feel free to share your thoughts if...