DRAGONITE FEAST AT DORSETT HARTAMAS KUALA LUMPUR

 

We had a rousing start with the ritualistic tossing of a multi-coloured Salmon Yee Sang, to kick off our sampling of the 10-course Golden Blossom set menu (RM1,188 nett per set for 6-8 persons) at Table Talk, Dorsett Hartamas Kuala Lumpur.

The refreshing curtain-raiser heralded everything auspicious for the upcoming Dragon Year, perked up by an enticing strawberry and blackcurrant sauce. For the first time ever, Dorsett Hartamas KL is offering four value-for-money set menus, featuring dishes with symbolic connotations befitting the Chinese New Year celebration.

Every spoonful of the Eight Treasure Seafood Soup yielded dried scallops and oysters, diced prawns and surimi crabstick in the thick marine-flavoured broth. It was rather tasty albeit a tad heavy on the salt.

 

Tender to the bite, the big flavours from the Kung Pao Beef with Cashew Nuts had us chomping at the bit. However, a zingier accent to the overall dish won’t be remiss but that’s strictly my personal take.

Subtly sweet with nicely charred edges, the delectably juicy Char Siu Chicken with Special Sauce garnered praises all round. A definite crowd-pleaser that hit the spot.

From sweet we traversed to the savoury spectrum with lip-smacking Butter Prawns. Cooked to on-point springy doneness, the crustaceans were thoroughly enjoyable, with a blanket of fried crispy cereal-oaty bits lending some crunch.

Fresh and fleshy, the Deep-fried Barramundi with Sweet and Sour Sauce piqued our interest with the fish’s natural sweetness shining through. Kudos to the chef for his judicious use of the bright, tantalising sauce to enhance rather than overwhelming the fish.

No surprises from the compelling serving of Stir-fried Broccoli with Mushroom and Bean Puffs. The crunchy broccoli florets integrated well with the softer, toothsomely tender textures of both the fungi and bean puffs.

Hearty and comforting bowls of Yong Chow Fried Rice with Brined Fish followed, leaving us utterly replete.

The winsome pairing of Sea Coconut with Dried Longans and Snow Fungus accompanied by piping hot Steamed Nian Gao with Freshly Grated Coconut was excellent. Both dessert treats were light enough with acceptable sweetness level.

Chef Lai Chan Meng has outdone himself with his festive parade; from Salmon, Jellyfish and Smoked Duck Breast Yee Sang (RM98 nett for ½ portion, RM178 nett for a full portion) to three other set menus available from now till 24 February 2024.

The 8-course Prosperous Beginning set menu at RM388 nett is ideal for 2-3 persons inclusive of yee sang. For a party of 4-5 persons, the 9-course Joyous Spring set menu is RM688 nett. Lastly, the Spring Fortune set menu at RM1,688 nett per table caters to 8-12 persons.

Table Talk restaurant is open daily for lunch and closes at 6pm. For dinner reservations of 3 tables and more, the Dorsett Hartamas KL team will be more than happy to cater to your needs. 

For further information and reservations, call Dorsett Hartamas KL or WhatsApp: +60 12 6883 043 or email to: fnb.hartamas@dorsetthotels.com

JOM MAKAN BUKA PUASA BUFFET AT GRAND MILLENNIUM KL

A delectable Xinjiang Roasted Whole Lamb along with fluffy spiced nang (the Chinese Muslim version of naan) emerged as the most compelling drawcard at The Mill, Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur for buka puasa this year.

Marinated with cumin, Szechuan peppercorn and chilli, the lamb speciality is a favourite with the Muslim community in Xinjiang, China. Once you taste the tender meat imbued with aromatic spices, you’d be asking for repeat helpings.

Executive Chef Rudy Junaidie and his team will prepare a combination of street food-style eats and traditional delights for The Mill’s Jom Makan buka puasa buffet throughout Ramadan.

Keep your eyes peeled for the Belanga Bakar section where claypot specialities are rustled up by the chefs on duty. With nine types of Belanga Bakar choices available, guests can select their choice of protein and have the ingredients cooked Malay, Chinese or Indian-style.

We recommend the Fish Asam Pedas with eggplant, okra and tomatoes. The tantalising spicy-tangy gravy coupled with the fresh fish went like a dream with plain rice. Other options on request include curry masala and kung pao.

In addition to the requisite Kerabu and Ulam selection, take the opportunity to relish traditional Malay delicacies such as Rendang Tok, Ayam Masak Madu, Telor Itik Masak Lemak dengan Belimbing Buluh, and Kambing Masak Hitam.

Each of the timeless dishes proved on-point and begged to be eaten with plain rice. The tart sourness of the little belimbing buluh (bamboo starfruit) lent nice acidity to the turmeric-flavoured duck egg curry; a must-try dish to whet the appetite.

Fans of Shawarma will be pleased to know the popular Middle-Eastern street food snack is served piping hot. The essential condiments are laid out for you to customise it to your liking.

Another eye-catching highlight to enhance the buffet dining experience is Jajan Pasar – the culinary team’s interpretation of an al fresco Asian market where women vendors sell snacks and sweets on raised platforms.

The international cornucopia also straddles tempting Japanese, Italian and Indian specialities; from appetisers and mains that leave diners spoiled for choice.

Top draws from this section proffered Malaysian desserts: Pulut Panggang, Steamed Ubi Kayu (tapioca) with Coconut and Sambal, Bubur Serawa Nangka (sweet jackfruit in coconut milk dessert broth), Bubur Pulut Hitam (black glutinous rice dessert broth) and Red Bean Soup with Glutinous Rice Balls.

Perennial Malay Kuih ranging from Pandan Layer Cake, Kuih Koci, Kuih Bingka Ubi and Kuih Talam among others also jostle for attention at the expansive dessert line-up.

 

The Mill’s Jom Makan Buffet (7pm to 10pm) will be available from 12 March to 9 April 2024 at RM168++ per adult and RM84++ per child (5 to 12 years old). 

Early-bird Offer: Purchase 10 vouchers at RM1,350++ (RM135++ per adult) from 4 February to 9 March 2024. Free parking (first 3 hours) applicable for dine-in guests.

For bookings and enquiries at The Mill, WhatsApp: +60 12 317 0120 or call tel: 03-2117 4163 or book online: https://bit.ly/3Saz5mk