SAJIAN DARUL EHSAN FOR BUKA PUASA AT MERCURE KL GLENMARIE

 

Heritage food from the nine districts of Selangor steal the limelight at "Sajian Darul Ehsan" buffet by Mercure Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie come Ramadan this year. Crafted by Executive Chef Zaharullail Ashari or Chef Awie, the spread pays tribute to the land and the people of Selangor at Warna, the All-Day Dining restaurant, from 14 March to 7 April 2024.

Chef Awie says “Sajian Darul Ehsan is inspired by the rich culinary diversity of Selangor. Darul Ehsan, meaning 'Abode of Sincerity' pays tribute to the land and its people. From the resilience of Sambal Taun, symbolising the ability to thrive against the odds, to Nasi Ambeng, a dish echoing togetherness and authenticity, each item reflects a chapter of my culinary journey and resonating the true essence of family."

The chef’s favourite signature dishes to sample include:

Nasi Ambeng

One of Selangor's heritage foods, this communal dining offering consists of white rice surrounded by fried noodles, soy or turmeric and lemongrass braised chicken, serunding ayam (coconut and chicken floss), pergedil (potato and herb patties), Javanese stir-fried beans, mixed beancurd with glass noodles, fried tempeh, and salted fish.

Punten
A Selangor Javanese snack of quenelle-shaped soft mashed cooked rice eaten with Sambal Hijau Ikan Bilis (spicy anchovies and green chili dip). The rice quenelles are formed using a plastic spoon due to the rice stickiness. For the spicy-hot green sambal, little anchovies are used for  its savouriness with a paste of green chillies and bird's eye chillies, and coconut milk to make it. 

Sambal Taun

Also known as Sambal Tahun, this Javanese heritage dish, prevalent in the Sabak Bernam district, is similar to masak lemak cili api. Pounded galangal, kampung chilli padi and coconut milk are cooked with beef skin, beef tripe, cockles or anchovies. Tempe and black eye beans are also included to add greater substance. This dish is meant to last as traditionally matriarchs will just add more coconut milk and chillies to it.

Kambing Salai and Ayam Bakar Perchik

Most diners will be drawn to sample the whole roasted lamb and  aromatic spice-infused roasted chicken. Chef Awie explains the spices in the rub and marinade used transcend local boundaries to elevate its aroma and taste.

Ikan Purbakala

This dish captures the chef’s personal journey in overcoming life's challenges and celebrating his triumphs. Sourcing the freshest seabass from the fishing villages of Selangor like Sekinchan and Klang, the fish is accentuated with 27 local herbs and spices, stuffed then deep-fried with beaten eggs.

Wadai Kipeng

A sweet embodiment of Chef Awie's Banjarese heritage in Sabak Bernam, this hot dessert of glutinous rice flour dumplings with sweet pandan-flavoured broth of coconut milk and palm sugar is simple yet heartwarming.

Other tempting specialities for buka puasa include Dates, Seafood on Ice, Rojak Kelang, Assorted Kerabu, Gulai Kawah, Ikan Bakar (grilled fish), Rendang with Ketupat and Serunding, Shawarma, Roti John and Satay among others. 

In addition, Ayam Goreng Rempah, Fried Kway Teow, Ayam Masak Merah, Murtabak and Assorted Fried Fritters await.

Sweet succour in the form of Bubur Cha Cha, Apam Balik, Assorted Kuih, Cendol, Fresh Fruits, and Chilled Beverages wrap up the meal on a high.

Early birds can enjoy an exclusive rate of RM118+ per adult for Mercure’s "Sajian Darul Ehsan" Ramadan Buffet (6.30 pm-10.30 pm). Voucher purchases must be made before 14 March 2024.

Regular Sajian Darul Ehsan buffet is priced at RM138+ per adult, RM69+ per child (7-11 years old) and RM98+ per senior citizen (60 years old and above).

For reservation and Early Bird Voucher, please contact or WhatsApp Mercure KL Glemarie’s Warna All-Day Dining team at hp:+6011 3148 2889.

  

CHALET POP-UP AT EQ KUALA LUMPUR

During its halcyon days from 1973 until the original Hotel was closed for redevelopment, Chalet at the old Equatorial Kuala Lumpur was the arbiter of fine-dining in Kuala Lumpur. A rustic haven with white linen-topped tables, gleaming silverware, and impeccable service, it was an outpost to see and be seen; a rendezvous for Malaysia’s royalty, movers and shakers, the glitterati and jet-setters.

 

I learned to enjoy classic Swiss-Continental specialities such as fondue and raclette among others here. The signature sabayon and crêpes suzette were delivered with such panache, few diners could resist the table-side theatrics.

Chalet loyalists and new customers will have a chance to relive those glorious days through the Chalet pop-up at Sabayon, Level 51 from 24 July to 12 August. Former Chalet Restaurant Manager Azlan Alias and Amerjit Singh Lakha Singh will be at hand to further evoke the nostalgic feel.

During the recent media preview, Raclette Valaisanne (RM118++) was the quintessential curtain-raiser. A Swiss tradition from the Valais canton, half a round of raclette is melted in a specially designed contraption. The melted cheese is then scraped off and served with new potatoes and cornichon pickles.

Strong with rich savouriness, the briny cheese came accompanied by boiled baby potatoes to offset its salty profile, whilst tart pickles tempered its rich creaminess.

Another beloved classic, Fondue Au Fromage (RM288++ for 2 persons) or Swiss cheese fondue with truffle also teased our tastebuds. When you order this speciality, be prepared for an interactive dining experience in which you use long skewers to dip bread cubes into a heated pot of melted cheese mixed with wine and cornstarch. Cheese enthusiasts will enjoy this.

We were also treated to popular appetisers of Salade De L’Empire Romain (RM68++), romaine lettuce salad flecked with shaved Parmesan cheese; Steak Tartare (RM108++), raw minced grain-fed beef steak with red wine vinegar, capers and mustard; and Saumon Fumé Norvégien (RM108++), smoked salmon loin with traditional condiments.

Those tasting portions did the trick to whet our appetite, priming us for Crème De Champignons Sauvage (RM68++), Chalet’s signature creamy wild mushroom soup. Served in a crusty bread bowl, the generous portion of subtly woody-earthy broth enticed us to lap every drop up.

Deliciously lush, Émincé de Veau à la Zurichoise (RM208++) – sliced veal in mushroom cream sauce complemented by crusty rosti potatoes – was as delectable as I remember it.

Other much-anticipated specialities making a comeback will include Lobster Thermidor, Roasted Mustard Crusted Rack of Lamb, and Canard à la Presse (pre-order required).

The preview concluded with a dramatic flair when Amerjit deftly prepared Crêpes Suzette (RM58++), pancakes artfully flambéed with Grand Marnier liqueur and orange juice. Served with vanilla ice cream, the tissue-thin pancakes enhanced with the slightly bittersweet boozy-citrusy sauce left us on a nice high.

Reservations are now open for the special pop-up event. For reservations and enquiries at the Chalet pop-up, email: dineateqkl@kul.equatorial.com, WhatsApp +60 12 278 9239 or call tel:03 2789 7722.