DESTINASI RASA AT LE MERIDIEN PUTRAJAYA

 

Dine like a king for the day during buka puasa (breaking of fast) at Le Meridien Putrajaya with its exuberant Santapan Raja Sehari theme. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant Malay wedding occasion, the hotel team has gone to town decking up the venue with glorious floral arrangements, fairy lights and an exceptional buffet line-up.

Taking centrestage are dishes drawn from signature menus of Malay wedding kenduri (feast). Think heart servings of Nasi Minyak accompanied by robustly flavoured dishes such as Ayam Masak Merah, Daging Dendeng, and Udang Masak Ros to name but a few.

In true Muhibbah spirit, the chefs also found inspiration from Chinese wedding menus, to proffer delicious Portuguese-style Ikan Bakar, Sweet and Sour Fish, Fried Beef with Ginger and Spring Onion, and Tiger Prawns with Marmite Sauce.

Cherished Indian wedding fare to delight and enhance the festive atmosphere will include Lamb Kebab Wraps, Indian Chilli Chicken, Sup Kambing Mamak, Biryani Rice, and Chicken Tandoori.

Crowd-pulling bazaar Ramadan favourites: Murtabak, Satay Chicken and Tripe, Satar and Otak-otak, Gulai Kawah, Lok-lok, Fried Chicken Wings, and Fruit Rojak also beckon invitingly.

International flavours can be sampled from the prolific Salad Bar with Continental salads, assorted kerabu and a chilled Seafood Bar laden with flower crabs, prawns, oysters, mussels and slipper lobsters.

Those who prefer something Japanese, make a beeline for the Sushi and Sashimi selection. Popular staples of Tempura and Chicken Teriyaki are also included. Remember to enjoy your fill of Ketupat and Lemang with Serunding and Kuah Kacang for a taste of early Hari Raya vibes.

Then traverse the wonderful world of dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. Nectar-sweet Dates, colourful Malay Kuih, Crème Caramel, Sago Gula Melaka, Tapai Ubi and Bubur Kacang Hijau await.

Modern variants of Blueberry Almond Tart, Mango Pudding, Red Velvet Cake, Pandan Cream Puffs and Banana Cake coupled with an Ice Cream, Cendol and Ais Kacang counter, and Chocolate Fountain with fruit and marshmallow skewers will leave you spoiled for choice.

Check out the Destinasi Rasa – Santapan Raja Sehari buffet spread from 12 March to 9 April for breaking of fast.

Early Bird Offer: Reserve before 12 March to enjoy special rate of RM158 nett per adult and RM79 per child (5-12 years old). Normal price is RM188 nett per adult and RM94 nett per child.

To celebrate Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, savour Riang Ria Raya buffet from 10 April to 10 May at RM168 nett per adult and Rm84 nett per child.

For reservations, please call Le Meridien Putrajaya, tel: 03 8689 6888/6862 or WhatsApp: +6012 4073101 or email dining.lmputrajaya@lemeridien.com

TUAN YUAN THIS DRAGON YEAR AT LE MEI, LE MERIDIEN PUTRAJAYA

 

An impressive dragon-shaped yee sang and a romantic setting heralded the Chinese New Year sneak preview at Le Mei Chinese restaurant, Le Meridien Putrajaya.

The cosy affair saw pretty lasses in qi pao greeting us at the door with tempting pineapple tarts, mandarin orange macarons and peanut tartlets along with mocktails. With Valentine’s Day four days after the first day of CNY, the hotel's novel idea seemed timely and appropriate. 

The multiple course CNY Tuan Yuan (reunion) set menus featured Chef Lim Kian Meng and team’s traditional and contemporary specialities. Available now until 25 February 2024, Yee Sang selection is priced from RM60 – RM388 depending on portion sizes. Splendour and Luxurious set menus for table of 5 are at RM1,590 nett with a complimentary bottle of wine.

Our preview got off to a rousing start with everyone stirring up the dragon-shaped yee sang laid out; a boisterous experience as we all stirred and tossed the fresh salad with joyful shouts wishing for prosperity, abundance and fortune.

Sampling the Salmon, Tosaka Nori Green and Butter Fish Yee Sang, we found the well-balanced dish teased our palate with a mélange of sweet, tangy and refreshing flavours. The various crisp, crunchy and succulent textures melded cohesively.

 

The heartwarming Double Boiled Silkie Fowl Soup with Dried Scallops, Dendrobium and American Ginseng packed a bittersweet punch at first sip. My palate was instantly awakened but perhaps some diners may find it too strong for their liking. However, the hotel team had taken note of this feedback and once the amount of American ginseng used is adjusted, we are sure the nutritious soup should hit the spot.

 

You have to be a fan of interesting smooth and slippery textures with the epicurean speciality of Braised Whole 6-head Abalone with Fish Maw and Goose Web in Premium Oyster Sauce.

 

Although some may baulk at eating goose web, try and appreciate its soft supple texture and collagen-richness. Along with the marble-smooth and succulent fish maw and the toothsome chewiness of abalone, the entire ensemble is all about textural mouthfeel. Also, the nuanced marine flavours of the lustrous, savoury sauce packed so much depth it almost induced us to lick the plate clean.

A mutedly zingy black pepper sauce amped up the appeal of Wok Fried Australian Lamb Rack with Black Truffle. We like how the wedge of caramelised onion's crisp sweetness lent a subtle counterpoint to the meaty richness.

Lending a healthy spin to the festive menu was Fried Organic Brown Rice with Quinoa, Seafood and Sakura Shrimps. Slightly nutty with abundant savoury-sweetness coming from the seafood inclusion, this creation was a shoo-in palate-pleaser.

Old-school dessert of Double Boiled Almond Tea with Honey Locust Fruit, Snow Fungus and Black Sesame Dumplings brought the curtains down. The dessert broth's distinctly nutty accent could be a tad strong for non-almond fans but I personally enjoyed the interplay of different textures amidst the delicate creaminess.

 

For elevating good luck and prosperity, don’t pass up the chance to sample Deep-fried Golden Spring Roll of Glutinous Rice Cake, Yam and Sweet Potato. Crisp on the outside, the roll proved enticing with its filling of gooey- and powdery-soft textures.

For tables of 10 persons, Le Mei offers four set menus priced at RM1,988 nett, RM2,688 nett, RM3,688 nett and RM3,888 nett. Instrumental music performed live during weekends for dinner whilst a lion dance will be held from 12 noon onwards on the first day of Chinese New Year at Le Meridien Putrajaya porte cochere.

For reservations at Le Mei, call tel: 03 8689 6888 x 6868 or email: dining.lmputrajaya@lemeridien.com. More information at this link: https://lnk.bio/hDlm

 

'PENTAS CITARASA' TAKES CENTRESTAGE FOR BUKA PUASA AT PUTRAJAYA MARRIOTT

Over a hundred Malay and Southeast Asian delicacies will form a stellar culinary cast for Putrajaya Marriott’s buka puasa buffet this Ramadan month.

Aptly named “Pentas Citarasa”, the cornucopia of dishes for breaking of fast featuring over 15 sections will leave diners spoiled for choice. Whether you’re craving for street food staples or exotic delicacies from Thailand or Japan, the Marriott chefs have left no woks unturned at Zest.

Mutton gristle with Mee Rebus deserves special mention – a rare delectable find amidst the more familiar Mamak Mee and Mee Siam from the Warung Mee stall. It takes a bit of effort and patience to work through the gristly bits but that’s the fun in giving your jaw a good workout.

Huge woks of assorted curries beckon invitingly from the 7 Kawah Waklan: from fiery red to creamy rich, robustly spiced versions, the delicious curries are best doused onto plain rice complemented by Ulam-ulaman and Sambal Belacan. Tempoyak Ikan Tenggiri, Chicken Rendang, Udang Sambal Petai, Daging Kuzi, Gulai Kambing, and Daging Singgang are a fraction of what's available at the buffet.

Soup is up with a wide range beckoning: Sup Tulang Rawan to Tom Yum. From the Land of Smiles come aromatic offerings of Hor Mok (Thai spiced fish mousse), Som Tham (papaya salad), Gai Hor Bai Toey (fried chicken wrapped in pandan), and Thai-style Fish Cakes.

Venture further to the Japanese section for delightful servings of Takoyaki, Vegetable Tempura and Maki Rolls. Nearby Stir-fried Cockles and Clams, Fried Rice, Assorted Dim Sum and Stir-fried Radish Cake beckon from the Shanghai-Nanjing Road counter.

Fish lovers should find plenty of grilled fish and seafood to sample at Medan Bakar-bakar. Chefs will be on hand to cook up Lidah Bakar (grilled beef tongue), Seafood Kava (a medley of prawns, mussels, crabs, squid and bamboo clams cooked on a griddle), and Assorted Ikan Bakar (selection of grilled fish in various spice marinades).

Tastes of the Indian continent come in the guises of Naan, Tandoori Chicken, Idli and Vadai, Apom and Roti Canai with the ubiquitous condiments.

Over at the Raja Segala Rojak counter, a choice of Rojak Buah, Rojak Singapura, Gado-Gado and Pasembur is rustled up for you on request.

Leave with Sweet Memories by sampling Assorted Biscuits of yesteryears or succumb to the allure of colourful Cakes, Bread & Butter Pudding, Malay Kuih, Dodol, Dates, and thick dessert broths of Serawa Durian, and Pengat Pisang. Out by the patio is a counter specially dispensing durians for fans of the King of Fruits.

Pentas Citarasa buka puasa buffet (6.30pm – 10pm) at Zest Lifestyle Restaurant is available at RM198 nett per adult and RM99 nett per child. Early Bird Offer price available from now until 23 March at RM148 nett per adult and RM74 per child.

For reservations, please call Putrajaya Marriott Ramadan Hotline, tel: 03-8949 8888 x 1014/1028/ 1029/1053 or WhatsApp +6011 5685 5608 or visit marriottputrajaya.com