The aromatic dry rub recipe used for the Oriental
Group of Restaurants’ house speciality of Macau-style Roast Suckling Pig is
such a closely guarded secret that only Group Executive Chef Justin Hor and the
roast master chef know the actual ingredients. According to Emily Chiam who
heads the marketing division, the prized concoction has industry competitors trying
valiantly to replicate it but to no avail.
My guess is it’s a cohesive combination of Asian
spices with Continental herbs but instead of dwelling on this trade secret, I
rather focus on the deliciousness of the Roast Suckling Pig. With a week to go,
do make haste to Oriental Pavilion in PJ and savour the delectable speciality
before the piggy promotion ends on 31 July.
Available
at the promo price of RM238++ each (regular price RM350++), the Roast Suckling
Pig can be enjoyed in three distinct preparations: finest Macau style, BBQ with foie
gras sauce or BBQ with glutinous rice.
When it comes to the fine art of roasting, Chinese
chefs win hands down. It doesn’t take a genius to realise just how tricky it is
to achieve that unbelievably even and lacquer-like sheen of a whole suckling
pig. Comparable to an edible work of art, the crisp, crackling skin is such a
joy to behold and an even greater gastronomic delight to ingest.
Tucked underneath the crispy skin is a beguiling layer
of well-seasoned, juicy meat; each delicious piece can be enjoyed on its own or
wrapped up in a fresh cos lettuce leaf and cherry tomato. Chilled glasses of
fresh citrus juice are served to cleanse the palate afterwards.
The
BBQ Suckling Pig with Glutinous Rice is more substantial as it comes with a
layer of flavourful glutinous rice underneath. Taste-wise, this speciality is
subtler on the palate but proffers more textural contrasts. Again the slices of
crispy suckling pig can be eaten with the classic accompaniments of spring
onion florets and sweet bean sauce or the newer combo of fresh lettuce and
cherry tomato.
Also
hogging the limelight this July is Charcoal Grilled Iberico Pork Ribs Spanish
Style. Available at the promo price of RM138++ per rack (regular price RM198++),
the hefty slab of Iberico ribs proves on-point and ticks all the right boxes in
terms of flavour and texture.
Gnawing
on the bone to tear off strips of that tender meat, our tastebuds grasped the
full extent of the Spanish-influenced marinade – a splendid amalgamation of delicately
sweet, warm spice and fresh, grassy herb nuances reminiscent of sunny Espana.
You’d pick the bones clean off this signature dish for sure.