SAJIAN ISTIMEWA AT SHANGRI-LA KUALA LUMPUR

Five chefs proffering five distinct specialities are front and centre at this year’s buka puasa dinner at Lemon Garden, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur. Showcasing regional culinary delights and an outdoor bazaar with warung (stall) stations, the breaking of fast ritual promises to be a vibrant affair.

 

Leading the charge is Chef Muhammad Safril Abdur Rahman whose Kambing Bakar Meletup will be one of the key drawcards. 

Marinated for 24 hours with fragrant spices for that explosion of flavours (hence the term meletup), the roast lamb is finished with turmeric and coconut gravy. Savour the tender slices with biryani rice for an incomparable treat.

 

From down south comes Laksa Johor by Chef Rasyafiq Sabri. Once enjoyed only by royalty, this noodle dish uses spaghetti in place of local yellow noodles smothered in a deliciously thick mackerel-based gravy.

Topped with shredded cucumber, fresh herbs and sambal belacan, we couldn’t get enough of the punchy and savoury gravy with the spaghetti soaking up the rich, hearty flavours.

 

Another compelling must try dish is Rendang Tok Daging Tulang Rusuk by Perak-born Chef Nahar Shabuddin Ahmad. A multitude of ground spices simmered in coconut milk and toasted grated coconut ensures the meaty beef short ribs fully imbued with sublime spicy-creamy accents. We recommend pairing the rendang with chunks of ketupat palas or lemang for early pre-Raya vibes.

I was stoked to find Ikan Patin Masak Tempoyak by Chef Muhammad Hafiz Hassan. This Pahang speciality consisting of silver catfish cooked in fermented durian gravy with spices and coconut milk is not for the faint-hearted. 

If you are partial to tempoyak then this dish of firm yet tender chunks of catfish immersed in a tasty gravy with uniquely tangy and rounded sweetness will entice you back for repeat helpings.  

 

Completing the fab five line-up is Chef Fazriza Che Zainuldin’s Penang recipe of Kuih Bakar Dangai Gula Melaka. A rare, almost extinct family secret, the little oblong pieces of baked glutinous rice flour with coconut hit the spot instantly. Crispy outside yielding to soft chewy inside, the mild caramel sweetness of palm sugar makes it a winsome dessert.

 

The expansive spread also proffers a myriad of cherished Malay options such as Nasi Dagang and Nasi Kerabu, Murtabak, Roti Jala, Gulai Ayam Kampung, Manok Pansuh, Kerabu Labu, Kerabu Udang Kara Jantung Pisang and Fruit Rojak.

 

A lavish Seafood Bar with lobsters, prawns, mussels, crabs and scallops along with sashimi slices, made-to-order maki rolls, Italian pasta and pizza, Indian curries and tandoori offerings, duck confit, French cheeses, and Shangri-La’s wellness delicacies bring international appeal to the dinner affair.

Finish on a sweet high with towers of Dates, Macarons and Cream Puffs. In addition, sample tempting Kek Batik, Kek Ondeh-ondeh, Berry Pie, Kunafa, Malay Kuih, Ice Cream, Mini Entremets, Chocolate Fountain with skewers of fruits and marshmallows, and Pineapple Cake too.

Early bird bookings made until 9 March will be entitled to 15% off Lemon Garden’s Sajian Istimewa Dinner Buffet. Price: RM260 per person (Mon-Thurs, 7pm-10pm) and RM308 per person (Fri-Sun, 7pm-10pm).

For reservations, call Shangri-La’s Restaurant Reservations Centre at tel: 03-2786 2378 or email: dining.KL@shangri-la.com

MERENTASI TRADISI@PENTAS CITARASA MARRIOTT PUTRAJAYA

Local, global and fusion fare will take centerstage throughout the Ramadan month at Zest Lifestyle Restaurant’s Merentasi Tradisi di Pentas Citarasa, from 2 – 30 March.

Welcoming and festive vibes abound as you step into the spacious, warmly lit interior. crafting memorable meals while embracing the spirit of the holy month. Executive Chef Zulkifli Asyul wants to ensure guests enjoy the best possible iftar meals hence his team will pull out the stops in serving up an expansive feast come buka puasa time.

BoomGrow, an innovative AgriTech startup dedicated to sustainable food production, has also partnered with Putrajaya Marriott Hotel; bringing a health-conscious twist to the dining experience. Give BoomGrow’s healthy shot — an energizing blend of electrolytes, Vitamin C, and protein, enhanced with sustainably sourced wheatgrass a go. The specially crafted shot is designed to support hydration, ideal for Iftar.

 

A tantalising array of Malay and Thai Kerabu (think Som Tam, Pomelo Salad) beckon invitingly alongside Continental salads and appetisers such as Smoked Salmon, Chicken and Duck, Cold Roast Beef, Beef Pastrami, and Poached Salmon.

More exotic offerings spanning Middle Eastern Mezze and Breads, Japanese Kushiyaki and Tempura, Thai Steamed Fish with Coconut Cream and Fried Fish Cake, to Italian Pizza and Pasta options add international allure to the line-up.

 

Definite crowd-pullers featuring deliciously rich, well-spiced dishes in large woks billed as Nostalgia 7 Kawah should be worth savouring. You’d find chunks of chicken, duck, beef ribs, and oxtail painstakingly cooked until tender and flavourful; superb with rice and vegetables.

 

Equally compelling will be familiar dishes of Ikan Bakar, Seafood with Spicy Sauce, Ayam Panggang, Kambing Masak Hitam, Pucuk Ubi Masak Lemak Ikan Masin, Siput Sedut Lemak Cili Api, Kambing Semur Kicap, Ayam Masak Merah, Mee Rebus with Mutton Shin Bones, Ayam Penyet, Fish Asam Pedas and Nasi Biryani.

 

True to Malaysia’s multi-racial spirit, a multitude of Indian curries, and snacks as well as Chinese wok specialities: Fried Dim Sum and Radish Cake have been included.

The sweet parade is unrivalled too: take your pick from freshly opened durians (look out for the stall by the open patio area) to stalls dispensing freshly made Apam Balik and Ais Kacang should leave sweet-toothed guests on a sublime sugary high.

 

If fruits and cakes are your preference, make a beeline for the jaw-dropping dessert section laden with sweet Bubur Kacang, Serawa Durian, Date Flan, Red Velvet Cake, Fruity Puddings, French Pastries and Fresh Tropical Fruits among lots of other luscious creations. A sweet ending is inevitable.

 

Early bird booking between now and 28 February will enjoy a special rate of RM168 nett per adult and RM84 nett per child. The normal price will be RM218 nett per adult and RM109 nett per child respectively.

For reservations at Putrajaya Marriott Hotel, call tel: 03-8949 8888 x 1888 or WhatsApp: +6011 5685 5608 or email
dining.putrajaya@marriotthotels.com