A MELTING POT OF 'SEMARAK RASA'

The simplest things in life are best. This holds true the minute we tried pucuk manis & keledek. Also known as cekur manis (souropus androgynous), the humble green cooked in coconut milk with sweet potatoes turned out to be a delicious showstopper at the Concorde KL’s ‘Semarak Rasa’ buka puasa buffet preview.

Most of the kampong-style dishes showcased are perennial crowd-pullers; unsurprising as nobody ever tire of eating comfort food. The nostalgic setting, from the rows of oversized glass jars filled with fried crackers and old-fashioned decorative fans to the traditionally attired service team, the Concorde KL is on-point for the impending breaking of fast season.

Available between May 17 and June 14, 2018 at Melting Pot Café, a staple temptation added to the line-up is a la minute seafood. Those with a penchant for deep-sea denizens won’t want to miss out on delectable ketam goreng berempah, udang galah goreng berempah, lala goreng tiga rasa and lala kam heong style.

While most diners will make a beeline for the ubiquitous whole roast lamb, I urge you to sample the sublime ikan bakar percik. Doused in aromatically spiced coconut milk-based sauce, the fish’s natural sweetness comes through nicely.

Udang sambal tempoyak, siput sedut lemak cili api, asam pedas ekor lembu bunga kantan, murtabak ayam, ikan patin masak tempoyak and ayam lemak pucuk ubi are some of the surefire winners we can vouch for. Depending on the day of your visit, remember Melting Pot will feature three rotational buffet menus throughout the month.

Mainstays that remain in demand include fish head curry, sup gearbox, sup tulang rawan or sup ekor; made to order so the broth is served hot. A selection of kerabu, ulam, chilled seafood and international dishes (think dim sum, salads, mutton curry, etc) forms part and parcel of the lavish spread.

 

To complete the vast parade of savoury mains, assorted sweet kuih, fruits, dainty cakes and dessert broth beckon. Throwback tidbits and snacks: banana fritters, glutinous rice with coconut milk and old-school Malay kuih make their presence felt.

 

Concorde KL’s Semarak Rasa buffet is priced as follows:

May 17 – 20 & June 11 – 14 :     15% Discount off RM148 nett per person

May 21 – June 10                :     RM148 nett per person

‘Sahur’ Supper Buffet (Sun – Thurs, 3am – 5.30am; RM55 nett per person)

A special ‘sahur’ (pre-dawn meal) will be served buffet-style with choice options like bubur lambuk, mee mamak, nasi lemak, teochew porridge, assorted sandwiches and more.

For reservations, call Melting Pot Cafe, direct line: 2717 223. Address: Concorde Hotel KL, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.