G’RAI TRX: Queen’s favourite mee rebus & crispy chicken chop with XL portions at this British-Malaya eatery

This one is a little special. I’ve passed by this striking, golden-bronze restaurant at The Exchange, TRX more times than I can count, always intrigued but never quite stepping in. It wasn’t until a thoughtful recommendation from one of our readers that I finally decided to give G’RAI a go.

Judging by the name alone, I initially assumed it was a Thai restaurant. But a closer look revealed that it actually specialises in British-Malaya cuisine. I’ve always had a soft spot for our local fare. British cuisine, on the other hand, hasn’t exactly won me over. Still, I was more than happy to give it a shot for the sake of curiosity, and of course, for our dear reader.

What I tried at G’RAI TRX

Right from the start, it’s clear that this place sits on the pricier end of the spectrum as the most affordable item hovers around RM19++. I don’t usually mind paying a little more, as long as the food lives up to it. Let’s put it to the test!

Unfamiliar with the restaurant’s reputation, I took a quick look at their Instagram and was surprised to see several visits by Malaysian royalty, most notably Her Royal Highness the Permaisuri of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah. In fact, before you even step inside, you’ll see it proudly declared that G’RAI’s Mee Rebus is the Queen’s favourite. That alone made it a must-try.

At RM21.50, the Mee Rebus arrived in a notably generous portion. If you’re not a particularly big eater, it’s definitely a dish worth sharing. It featured yellow noodles drenched in a thick, sweet potato-based gravy, topped with tauhu, fritters (kueh rojak), fucuk, a heap of fried shallots, sliced red chillies, and a wedge of lime.

The noodles were pleasantly free from that distinct alkaline aftertaste often found in mee kuning, but the gravy, while rich in texture, didn’t quite deliver in flavour. The dominant note came from the umami of dried shrimp paste, followed by a mild heat and a whisper of sweetness from the sweet potatoes.

The toppings added more to the texture than the taste. Unfortunately, the fritters had gone soggy in the gravy, and the tauhu remained bland, as the thick sauce struggled to seep in. To top it off, the dish was already fairly spicy, and the sambal on the side packed an extra fiery punch. Definitely not for the faint of heart.

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To explore the “British” side of G’RAI’s concept, we went for the British Chicken Chop (RM31.50). Like the Mee Rebus, the portion was impressively large. The plate arrived with a sizeable slab of crispy fried chicken chop, accompanied by a side of greens, coleslaw, brown sauce, and a generous serving of thick-cut fries.

The chicken had been flattened before frying and coated in a thin, crumbly batter. While the crust had a satisfying crunch, it bordered on abrasive — hard enough that it might just scratch the roof of your mouth.

Though thigh meat was obviously used, it turned out a little dry, and the sheer amount of chewing it required made the experience feel more tiring than enjoyable halfway through.

The mushroom-infused brown sauce didn’t do much to elevate the dish, as its flavour mirrored the chicken’s too closely. A sauce with a bit more contrast —  maybe something peppery, tangy, or even spicy — might have helped bring a breath of fresh air to the dish. 

As for the sides, the slaw leaned heavily on mayo rather than cabbage, which was fine but unremarkable, and the fries, while plentiful, lacked the crispness I had hoped for. Just soft, starchy potatoes without much bite.

Final thoughts

It’s never fun to end a review on a less-than-stellar note, but sometimes it’s necessary. For both myself and my dining companion, G’RAI at TRX fell short of expectations. The Mee Rebus, despite its royal endorsement, didn’t quite justify the price, while the British Chicken Chop felt more like a chore than a feast.

That said, taste is always subjective! What didn’t work for us might be just right for you. If the concept intrigues you, by all means, give it a try. Who knows? It might just be your cup of tea.

Expected damage: RM21.50 – RM31.50 per pax

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