THAI-RIFIC MEAT & SEA TEMPTATIONS

Homestyle Thai cooking by Kanchanaburi-born chef Chutikan Parnphan or fondly known as Amy rules the roost at Meat & Sea KL – a Thai restaurant which opened last month in Desa Sri Hartamas.

Besides the chef’s signature specials, the menu highlights some Isan (Thailand’s northeastern province) culinary gems such as Moo Ping (RM18) and Kor Moo Yang (RM18). In Thai, ‘moo’ means pork and ‘ping’ means barbecue. 

Suffice to say, the Barbecued Pork on Sticks Skewers are showstoppers in their own right: tender and juicy to the bite, the meat delectably slicked with a sumptuously sweet-savoury-garlicky marinade. Yums!

Ditto for the Grilled Pork Neck. Brimming with enticing charred smokiness and the on-point fat-lean ratio turned us into proverbial greedy pigs. The accompanying house dip is great for dialling up the heat- and flavour-o-meter.

Working with her own supplier to source for the necessary ingredients gives Chef Amy the freedom to serve seasonal and off-menu items. For example, although Som Tum Mamuang or Mango Salad isn’t on the restaurant menu, patrons can request for it in advance.  According to Meat & Sea KL, they will strive to fulfill customers’ requests for off-menu dishes provided the required ingredients are available.

A flavour bomb of a salad, the Som Tum Mamuang comprises crunchy slivers of green mango tossed with chopped bird’s eye chili, peanuts, dried shrimps, dried chilli flakes, lime juice, and fish sauce. Be forewarned this is a tear and sweat-inducing offering but in a palatably pleasing way.

No Thai meal is complete with the ubiquitous tom yum soup. Chef Amy’s Tom Yum Talay (RM27 – medium, RM38 – large) is chockful of prawns, squid and mussels as well as cubes of eringi mushroom for extra textural interest.

The soup’s piquant hotness boasted a nice creamy finish, underscored by the distinct grassy-citrusy accents of sawtooth herb (Eryngium foetidum) and lemongrass. Few Thai eateries in Klang Valley include the aforementioned herb in tom yum but it’s such an essential component in its preparation so we give thumbs up to the chef for being such a stickler to details.

Prepared with equal aplomb, the Khao Ka Moo [RM35 – medium, RM60 – large, RM110 – whole leg (pre-order)] is a comforting dish of braised sliced pork leg with salted vegetable, hardboiled eggs and Chinese broccoli. Best eaten with plain rice, we bet this homespun porcine classic would pass even the most finicky matriarch’s taste test.

Meat & Sea KL is also one of the rare Thai restaurants to serve Khai Jiao Cha-Om (RM12), a fluffly omelette laden with Senegalia pennata shoots. Rich in vitamins A, B and C as well as calcium and iron, this Thai herb is a good source of fiber and phosphorus. According to research, cha-om also helps to lower cholesterol, has anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties. It tastes similar to petai (stink beans) but subtler.

The chef’s inimitable touches come to the fore in Pla Kaphng Nung Manaw, Steamed Seabass with Lime and Chilli (RM45 – medium, RM60 – large) and Pad Pak Boong (RM16), Stir-fried Morning Glory with Chilli, Black Bean Paste and Garlic to differentiate them from the usual Thai versions.

Having plump slices of shiitake mushroom scattered amidst the steamed seabass, to soak up the flavourful fish jus was a masterstroke. Another simple yet ingenious trick was using black bean paste to stir-fry the greens for more rounded and controlled umami profile in place of shrimp paste (belacan).

Her delicate handiwork appeared in our Dessert of the Day known as Bua Loy (RM8). Shaped like dainty pearls in pretty pastel hues, the Glutinous Rice Balls in Coconut Milk also included pieces of young coconut flesh.  Do check with the restaurant team on what’s the dessert du jour as it changes frequently.

Some of the house specials such as Tom Yum Talay and Khao Ka Moo are available as part of the resto’s lunch sets (RM19 each). A wallet-friendly deal since some of the meal options includes rice or mee suah, and a glass of ice lemon tea.

For reservations and more information, please call Meat & Sea KL, tel: +6 012 800 4833 from 11am to 6pm Tues to Sat.  Address: 1 Plaza Prismaville, Jalan 19/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur.

MERIAH KEMBALI BUKA PUASA BUFFET AT CINNAMON COFFEE HOUSE

One of the most anticipated buka puasa buffet spreads in Selangor returns full of vibrancy at Cinnamon Coffee House, One World Hotel Petaling Jaya this year. In line with new normal SOPs, disposable gloves are provided and reminders are posted urging guests to practise social distancing.

For starters, seafood lovers will find King Neptune’s treasure trove of fresh Oysters and poached Crabs, Mussels and Prawns on ice to satisfy them. Hankering for Japanese fare for buka puasa? Let the resident chefs bring you to the Land of the Rising Sun with assorted Sushi, Tempura and appetisers.

Those yearning for a taste of their kampung and old-school favourites such as Gulai Kawah, Sup Gearbox, Daging Opor Daun Salam, Nasi Rampai Sari, Kambing Hiris Gulai Daun Limau, Kerabu Telur Goreng or  Kerabu Tempeh, these nostalgic dishes are given pride of place at the buffet line-up. Redolent with local herbs, ground spices, and the richness of coconut milk, you’d find ample satisfaction from the plethora of offerings served.

Also jostling for attention and your tummy space are Malaysia’s multi-cultural specialities that should leave you spoiled for choice: Whole Roast Lamb, Beef Teriyaki, Tandoori Lamb Leg, Goan Seafood Biryani, Lamb Garlic & Tomato, Fish Kebab Cumin, Japanese Tofu with Vegetable & Crabmeat Sauce, Satay, Grilled Fish and Popiah.

Bringing the curtains down is the wide range of dessert, from local Kuih and hawker-style Apam Balik to airy-light Chiffon Cakes and fresh Fruits. Hot and Cold Beverages to wash everything down in addition to Dates are also served.

Available now until 12 May, the Meriah Kembali extravaganza available from 6.30pm to 10.30pm nightly, is priced at RM158 nett per adult and RM79 nett per child (6 – 12 years old).

Reservations are highly encouraged. For further enquiries, please call Cinnamon Coffee House, tel: 03 – 7681 1157 or email: cinnamon@oneworldhotel.com.my

MUHIBBAH MALAYSIA BUFFET AT PAVILION HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR

Rendang Tok Perak, Kambing Panggang (Malay-style whole roast lamb), Grilled Seafood and Meat, Satay and Durian - the King of Fruits, are some of the top drawcards at The Courtyard, Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur when it’s time to buka puasa (break fast) this year.

Chef de Cuisine Zaharullail Ashari or affectionately known as Chef Awie has worked tirelessly with his team to ensure a cornucopia of Muhibbah Malaysia favourites is showcased nightly. Not to worry, new norm SOPs such as disposable gloves are provided and all the stringent measures are implemented to ensure you dine with peace and comfort.

In addition to the expansive parade of local ulam and kerabu salads, wide array of hot dishes (curries, stir-fries and stews), several live-action cooking stations outside the semi-al fresco patio proffers Laksa, Rendang and Serunding with Ketupat Palas and Lemang, Char Kway Teow and Mee Goreng, Chicken Shawarma and Roti Canai among others further enliven the festive dining atmosphere. 

Durian lovers are encouraged to eat their fill at the breezy Durian Station area, where ample seating is provided. Assorted fresh fruits such as pitaya, mangoes, pineapple, watermelon and honeydew will also be served on request. 

Back at the lavish buffet area, more tempting dessert beckons. Assorted Malay Kuih, Apam Balik, Cendol, mini shot glasses of Sago Gula Melaka, Baklava, Popcorn. Coffee Choux, Chocolate Passionfruit Mousse Slice, Spiced Banana Cake...the extravagant spread will leave you spoiled for choice.

Available from April 16 until May 12, 2021, from 6:30pm to 10pm, the Muhibbah Malaysia Buffet costs RM148 per adult and RM74 per child (below 12 years old) or senior citizen (above 60 years old). Book from now until April 14, 2021 for the Early Bird offer of RM108 per adult and RM54 per child or senior citizen.

Muhibbah Feast At Home – Delivery by The Courtyard

Buka puasa with your family in the comfort of home with fuss-free Muhibbah Feast At Home sets delivered right to your doorstep by Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur. 

Priced from RM180 upwards per Feast Set (ample for 4 persons), there’s a choice of Malay Feast, Arabian Feast, Chinese Feast or Western Feast available. With menu highlights such as Kerabu Manga Muda, Sotong Kering, Daging Masak Hitam, Mandi Rice with Lamb, Steamed Hainanese Chicken, and Roasted Beef Striploin, the Muhibbah Feast at Home Sets are anticipated to be surefire crowd-pleasers for those who prefer to savour hotel quality meals at home. 

For reservations or delivery orders, call The Courtyard, Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur, tel: 03-2117 2821, WhatsApp +6017 206 8805 or email: thecourtyard-pavilionhotel@banyantree.com