DELHI DELIGHTS AT DILLI 6

Delicious Northern Indian specialities prepared with aplomb by Delhi-born chef Ankita Aggarwal take centrestage at Dilli 6 restaurant. Also known as the Tandoori Temptress, Ankita started as a caterer in 2009, cementing her reputation in rustling up hearty, family-style offerings. Her maiden poolside Waves Café in Mont Kiara opened in 2020.

Last October she levelled up with Dilli 6, referencing an old Delhi postcode where bustling shops and street food scene abound in the district. Hence the resto menu integrates street food fare alongside keto-friendly, vegan and meat-based Northern Indian fare with some fusion touches.

Stepping into the whitewashed interior, we took instantly to the austere space, decked with framed colourful pictures.

 

An eye-catching wall mural of a lady in a tuk tuk adorns the spacious, air-conditioned private dining area. Sturdy wooden armchairs, a three seater divan and a low coffee table are complemented by a long dining table. Potted plants and a book shelf exude homely vibes to the overall space.

Our palate-pleasing openers of Dahi Puri (RM25) and Gobi 65 (RM22) proved on-point from the get-go. Yogurt-filled with sev (chickpea noodle crisps) and spiced potatoes, the crispy balls unleashed tons of bright, invigorating flavours and varied textures.

We also gushed over the spiced batter-coated fried cauliflower florets. They were superbly yummy with the coriander chutney.

Fish tikka, kebab and tandoor-cooked chicken made up the shareable Mini Tandoori Platter (RM50). Portions were ample enough to satisfy whilst leaving us eagerly anticipating the mains to come.

Heeding the chef’s advice, we paired Jeera Rice (cumin-flecked basmathi rice RM12), triangles of Garlic Naan (RM9) and poufy Poori (RM8, 2 pcs) to savour and mop up the spice-rich Achari Chicken (RM28) and Fish Curry (RM28).

The achari chicken was deliciously creamy and fragrant with multitude of exotic spices whilst the chunky fish curry in turmeric yellow gravy proved equally appetising. Dark verdant green Palak Paneer (RM32), testifying to the substantial amount of spinach used, was a nice contrast to the plethora of meaty dishes.

Our sweet treat for the day was Kulfi (RM16), a chilly luscious treat with almond flakes. I lapped up every spoonful with gusto, washed down with a rather mild Masala Tea (RM8). My friends shared a sunshiny yellow Mango Lassi (RM16) which got the thumbs up.

For reservations, please call Dilli 6, Tel: 017-260 8693. Address: 42A, Persiaran Zaaba, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am-10pm

HIGH NOON LUNCH CHOICES AT NOBU KL

Nobody would expect a simple dish of Cauliflower Steak with Corn Salsa (RM58++) to steal the limelight at lunch. Especially at Nobu Kuala Lumpur atop Petronas Tower 3. It’s one of the unexpected gems we glean from Nobu’s Set Lunch – the subtly smoky ‘steak’ captures Nobu’s trademark philosophy of infusing Japanese and Peruvian influences into the freshest ingredients perfectly.

Depending on what catches your fancy, the Set Lunch list Grilled Chicken with Nobu Sauces (RM60++), Sushi & Sashimi (RM95++), Beef Tenderloin (RM130++), Dry Age Prime Rib Eye (RM130++) and Lobster Wasabi Pepper (RM145++) as the main course.

 

Each choice of main is accompanied by miso soup, salad, tempura, housemade Nobu biscuits and complimentary green tea – a complete meal to leave you happily replete.

Ladies and gentlemen who lunch have more than the abovementioned set lunches to look forward to with Executive Chef Philip Leong’s latest drive to elevate the ‘Noon at Nobu’ experience. The expanded midday dining selection now includes pre-fixe menus, bento boxes, cold & hot dishes in addition to soups, noodles and dessert.

Priced at RM168++, the Pre-Fixe parade inclusive of miso soup and green tea features a choice of appetiser, a main course and dessert. Among the five appetisers, the plain-looking Butter Lettuce Salad Dry Miso stands out for its palate-pleasing umami appeal.

 

Coming in a close second in the popularity stake is Seafood Ceviche, a healthy yet delicious mixture of quinoa, prawns, fish and squid with baby greens, tomato and cucumber. The Umami Chicken Kara-age is underwhelming by comparison. Both the Salmon New Style Sashimi and Yellowtail Jalapeno are distillation of Nobu’s signature dishes so no surprises there. 

Shrimp with Spicy Garlic (its zingy heat makes it a hot favourite), Snapper with Black Bean Sauce (notable), Beef Tenderloin with Wasabi Pepper, Mushroom Toban Yaki and Grilled Chicken with Truffle Teriyaki beckon in the main course options.

All the dessert choices are exceptional. I’m partial to the sublime Japanese Whisky Cappuccino which packs a nice flavour punch that left me hankering for more. Pure white and foamy, the former proves to be a revelation as the heavenly creation constitutes coffee creme brulee with cocoa crumble, vanilla ice cream and Japanese whisky foam.

The Yogurt Sub Zero pairs scoops of tangy yogurt ice cream with fresh berries, raspberry sauce and sesame crisp. A perfect pick-me-upper to cleanse the palate post-lunch.

Playful textures and delicate flavours meld wonderfully in the Chocolate Sata Andagi – dark chocolate filled Japanese doughnut with caramelised pistachios is complemented by pandan ice cream on coconut sablé.

Completing the tempting line-up are Green Tea Fiji Shave Ice – Fiji water and organic soy milk shaved ice soused with green tea syrup, red bean paste, green tea mochi and green tea tuile, and Banana Harumaki – crispy banana spring roll with dulce de leche, white sesame ice cream and passionfruit sauce.

For those who want a little of everything, the substantial Bento Box (RM175++) will tickle the tastebuds with Sashimi Salad with Matsuhisa Dressing, Assorted Sushi, Rock Shrimp Tempura with Butter Ponzu, Nobu’s signature Black Cod Miso and Vegetable Spicy Garlic with Rice. A serving of miso soup is included.

Also available is Donburi, served with miso soup and salad. Of the four options listed, the Wagyu Short Rib Teriyaki Donburi (RM120++) is a heartily satisfying choice worth considering. Poached egg and assorted mushroom add to the dish’s comforting appeal.

 

Nobu Kuala Lumpur is open for lunch Monday to Friday, 12.00pm to 2.00pm.

 

For enquiries or reservations, please call NOBU KL, tel: 03-2164 5084 or WhatsApp: 019-389 5085.