Before stepping into La Cocina, I had never tasted genuine Spanish food other than a few tapas (that weren’t very good) during a wine session somewhere in Bangsar, hence I was delighted when the owner, Mr. Jeganathan invited me for dinner at his restaurant in USJ. After all, I am always a keen experimenter in food and never shun away from tasting new cuisine.

La Cocina, authentic spanish food at Subang Jaya USJ
paella negres – seafood in Spanish rice cooked with squid ink

After giving us a brief tour of the 2-storey restaurant (wine club and cellar upstairs, dining on ground level), we were served a host of tapas as appetizers and a glass of sangria that was very fresh and undiluted. The main dish was the very interesting paella negres (seafood with Spanish rice in squid ink), and we rounded off the night with a couple desserts.

Throughout the night, Mr Jega played a very warm and inviting host, never lack in enthusiasm explaining each dishes as they are served as well as telling us his passion for Spanish food.

La Cocina, authentic spanish food at Subang Jaya USJ
wonderful host, manager, and owner – Mr. Jeganathan

Appetizers:

  • calamares a la romana – squid with home made garlic mayonnaise. I just can’t get enough of the myannaise mayonnaise, and the squid fried perfectly too.
  • gambas al pil pil – garlic shrimps, pan fried with fresh garlic, olive oil & dried chili.
  • champignones al ajillo – button mushroom, fresh button mushroom with garlic, onion, herbs & olive oil. This goes really well with the bread.
  • tigres– mussel and shrimp croquette, breaded and deep fried, with garlic mayonnaise. The mussel and shrimp is mashed up and served on the shell, perfect for those who does not like the texture of shell fish.
  • we also had meat balls and some very nice bread to go with all these.

La Cocina, authentic spanish food at Subang Jaya USJ
five different tapas – squid, mussel, mushroom, meatball, shrimp

The main dish, paella negres, is a mixture of large prawns, shrimps, razor clams, fish fillet, squid, clams, and vegetables with Spanish rice in squid ink. I would have been hesitant looking at the completely black rice, but after tasting some of the best appetizers I have no doubt that the main dish wouldn’t disappoint. Furthermore, the TV show Iron Chef has had squid ink dishes as well. The ink actually provides a very subtle seafood taste, and with all the fresh seafood ingredients, it proved to be a delight to any seafood lover. You just had to try this at least once.

La Cocina, authentic spanish food at Subang Jaya USJ
sangria and desserts

By dessert time, I was already pretty full. The crema catalana, spanish custard with caramelized sugar on top was very refreshing, while the tarta de santiago, almond tart with vanilla custard can be a little rich especially with a full stomach. It was a very good meal overall, and there is no doubt I will be there again.

Map to La Cocina in USJ Taipan

Price wise, La Cocina is very reasonable, the tapas averages about RM7-10, the Spanish rice dish is RM58, but you can feed 2-3 person. Dessert is another RM 7 or so. The restaurant also offers set meals for 2 that are priced below RM 100. There are also more familiar dishes available, such as steak, lamb shank, pastas, and even fish and chips.

Address:
38 USJ9/5P,
Subang Jaya, Selangor

GPS: 3.046711, 101.587143
Tel: 03-8023 2395

KY eats – La Cocina at USJ, authentic Spanish cuisine
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17 thoughts on “KY eats – La Cocina at USJ, authentic Spanish cuisine

  • October 4, 2007 at 4:30 pm
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    Paul Tan,

    Thanks, spell checker!

    Reply
  • October 5, 2007 at 5:23 pm
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    errr if mention your name got discount ah?

    Reply
  • October 5, 2007 at 10:01 pm
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    daniel,

    I’m not so sure, you can always try. 😛

    Reply
  • January 16, 2008 at 11:47 pm
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    Are you guys aware that there is a Reading Room operating on the 1st floor of La Cocina? Mon – Sat it’s open from 11am-4pm and on Sundays it’s open from 11am to about 9am. You can lepak there to read fantastic books and play board games and order food from La Cocina itself! The Set Lunch prices are awesome!!! Check it out!

    Reply
  • January 16, 2008 at 11:48 pm
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    oops i meant 9pm (operating hours on Sunday)..sorry!!

    Reply
  • August 20, 2009 at 11:23 pm
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    Gostei muito dos pratos.

    Reply
  • August 21, 2009 at 9:58 am
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    Cleber Dorneles Cohen,
    obrigado 😀

    Reply
  • Pingback:MissyCheerio » Blog Archive » Papa’s at La Cocina.

    • February 1, 2012 at 11:29 am
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      yazid: i had to use google translate for that :/

      Reply
  • February 9, 2015 at 10:18 am
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    “muy buena” (very good), myself and my family enjoy the food very much from the starter to main and dessert. Environment and the Spanish songs very good.

    Reply
    • February 9, 2015 at 2:04 pm
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      Ann: glad to hear you like it!

      Reply
  • March 18, 2022 at 11:53 pm
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    Damn almost all of my uncle’s made it too google💀jeez

    Reply

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