SPRING INTO ABUNDANCE FEASTS AT DOUBLETREE BY HILTON SHAH ALAM

A DIY Yee Sang Station, a cook-to-order Giant Grouper, Grilled Seafood: oysters, scallops, prawns, squid and otak-otak, and a cornucopia of tempting Chinese-style dishes top the Spring Into Abundance buffet spread at DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam to celebrate this Chinese New Year.

Hopping with enthusiasm to bring great cheer to diners in welcoming the Year of the Water Rabbit, Makan Kitchen Chefs Lee Yew Ken (left) and Lee Keen Suaan (right) said they have specially chosen to prepare familiar Chinese New Year dishes in addition to seafood specialities and delicacies catering to the Malaysian palate.

Although the hotel only opened last August, it has become a favourite outpost with corporate clients and local residents. Having gotten first dibs at the extravagant Makan Kitchen offerings, we find the buffet highly commendable. Several distinct options even deserve special mention.

Make your way to the do-it-yourself Yee Sang station where you can rustle up the customary festive salad with fresh salmon slices, customised to your own liking.

Next, get 'souped up' with the tasty Seafood Soup with Baby Abalone. Lending a touch of luxe to the slightly thick, savoury soup with strips of fish blubber are baby abalones - a rare but welcome addition to this broth.

You can also feast on a selection of piping hot Dim Sum, and Chinese-style Roasts. Have a penchant for fish? Sample a serving of the Giant Grouper which is freshly steamed for your enjoyment.

Braised and stir-fried Chinese dishes competing for your attention and tummy space include delicious Mud Crabs with Honey Soy Sauce, Braised Bai Ling Mushroom with Sea Cucumber and Fish Maw, Fried Perch Fillet with Salted Egg Sauce, Sautéed Prawns with Ginger, Garlic and Chilli Sauce, and yummy Chicken with Marmite Gravy & Sesame Seeds among others.

Over at the Malay Kitchen, there are a plethora of Grilled Oysters, Scallops, Prawns, Squid and Otak-otak as well as Satay. Satisfy your carb cravings with Nasi Minyak Berempah accompanied by Terung Berlado, Lamb Kuzi, and Daging Salai Masak Lemak.

The Indian Kitchen beckons with a spice-laden selection of Lobster Masala, Prawn Rasam, Fish Tikka, Lamb Kebab and Bhindi Masala. 

Delicate French dessert creations with edible Chinese New Year decorations (think little gold ingots, cherry blossoms, ancient coins, etc) adorn dainty morsels of Chocolate Cake, Passionfruit Mousse, Apple Mousse, White Chocolate Raspberry Mousse, and Green Tea Cream Puffs. Most taste as good as they look so remember to leave room for these delightful treats.

On 21 January, the Chinese New Year Eve buffet dinner (6pm – 1030pm) is available at RM188 nett per person, and RM278 nett per person with free flow of red and white house wine.
 
On 22 and 23 January, CNY dinner buffet (6pm – 1030pm) is priced at RM188 nett (food only) and RM278 nett with flow red and white house wine.
 
High Tea (12.30pm – 4pm) on 21 and 22 January is priced at RM148 nett (buffet only) and RM238 nett with free flow red and white house wine.
 
For the last hurrah, enjoy Chap Goh Mei Dinner (6pm – 10.30pm) on 5 February at RM168 nett (buffet only) and RM258 nett with free flow red and white house wine.

For reservations, please call Makan Kitchen, DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam, tel: 03-5650 0200, email SZBSA_FB@hilton.com or visit eatdrinkhilton.com