CHIT CHATZ OVER 'SELERA KAMPUNG'

For most Muslims who observe the day-long fast during the holy month of Ramadhan, the best eats during buka puasa centre on nostalgic kampung dishes harking back to mother’s cooking. The chefs at Chatz Brasserie, ParkRoyal KL aim to bring those beloved flavours alive through the Selera Kampung themed dinner starting 18 June.

This year, 18 types of savoury and sweet porridge will take centrestage at the main buffet. The mainstay is Bubur Lambuk Sayuran - Malay rice porridge with vegetables, mixed local herbs and spices but we found equally tempting variations to savour. You'd do well to go with Lobster Porridge, Bubur Menguh Bali, Bubur Isi Ketam, Bubur Kacang Hijau Durian and Pengat Pisang.

Few diners can resist the lure of a whole Barbecued Lamb...but who can blame them as this speciality is hardly prepared at home. That's the best part of a buka puasa buffet - you can easily eat your fill of the tender, mildly gamey meat with black pepper, mushroom and barbecue sauces. Even better, complement the juicy slices with aromatically spiced briyani rice.

Chatz serves up splendid briyani generously scattered with crisp fried shallot, coriander and chunks of spice-marinated chicken to boot alongside fruit pickles, dalcha and papadom. Also try it with heartwarming curries and rich gravy-based dishes from the daily line-up: Ikan Masin Lemak Nenas, Kari Telur Ikan Sentul, Rendang Paru dan Hati, Ayam Kuzi, Daging Kerutub, Udang Lemak Belimbing, Ketam Borlado Nogeri and Sayur Manis Masak Lemak Putih Keledek among others.

 

Local herbs help to balance protein and carbo overload so remember to get your fair share of Nasi Kerabu and also the plethora of healthy, piquant Ulam such as Daun Selom Pucuk Ubi, Nangka Muda, Pucuk Pegaga and Ulam Raja - staple greens during meal times in most kampungs. 

We like the wide range of mixed local salads, pickles and condiments such as Ikan Sepat Masin, Paru Goreng Sambal, Hati Goreng Kicap, Sambal Tempe Berkentang, Pasembor Berlauk with Peanut Gravy, Kerabu Pucuk Paku, Kerabu Ayam Daun Kesom and Kerabu Jantung Pisang.

 

Marinated a day earlier to ensure the chicken is thoroughly suffused with its flavourful marinade makes the Ayam Percik Iftar a noteworthy dish to partake. Again you can enjoy the moist chook with some briyani rice if desired. 

 

Have a penchant for fried food? Two notable recommendations come to the fore: Ikan Goreng Belanda and Udang Goreng Mamak which tickles your tastebuds with punchy spice accents whilst retaining the inherent sweetness of both the fish and prawns.

A small selection of Western delights such as Hungarian paprika chicken and baked oysters is included to give the expansive parade of buka puasa goodies an international slant. Action stalls dishing up Mee Rebus, Asam Laksa, Prawn Mee and Laksa Johor as well as grilled fish with home-made sauces: asam, kicap pedas and Thai chilli should leave you amply satisfied.

The nostalgic factor is further enhanced with perennial sweet treats nobody tires of eating: Kuih Cara Berlauk, Kuih Seri Muka, Tepung Pelita, Badak Berendam and Kuih Bakar - the perfect conclusion to a typically rustic feast.

 

‘Ramadhan Selera Kampung’ is available from 18 June to 16 July, from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. Priced at RM128 nett per person from Sunday to Thursday, and RM138 nett per person on Friday and Saturday with unlimited flow of juices and soft drinks. Early birds enjoy a 20% saving with advance payment made before 12 June.

Prior reservation is required. For reservations or enquiries, please call CHATZ BRASSERIE, PARKROYAL KL, tel: 03 2147 0088 or email chatz.prkul@parkroyalhotels.com.