Deliciously hearty Fish Head Curry by Executive Chef Rossham Rusli of Sunway Putra Hotel KL
heads the ‘must eat’ list when you visit the hotel. Served at the Coffee House daily from 11am to 1030pm, the house speciality
is priced from RM39.90 nett per portion (ample to feed 2 persons, the price may vary according to size of
the fish head).
Served piping hot in a claypot, the fish head curry redolent with the enticing,
heady scent of Indian spices is enough to make the mouth water. Marinated overnight in turmeric powder, salt and pepper, the red snapper fish head is then cooked with onion, shallots, garlic, curry powder and fresh tomatoes before tamarind, yoghurt, green cardamoms, cumin, green chillies, coriander seeds and mace are added.
The thick, bright orange and deeply flavourful curry runneth over with
such complex spice nuances that you'd be asking for more after the first taste. Sweet and fleshy, the fish is substantiated further by chunks of
eggplant, okra and fish eggs.Two
plates of white rice with cucumber raita, mango chutney and papadum crisps are
included, making it a complete meal. The Coffee House even accords a
complimentary bib with every fish head curry order. For every five portions
purchased, diners will get the sixth serving free.
Angel Hair Golden Pasta with Soft Shell Crab from the Coffee House a la carte menu is a surefire
crowd-pleaser. I dread creamy pasta sauces but in this case, the zingy, punchy
flavours rendered by bits of bird’s eye chilli, curry leaves and garlic in the
lightly creamy sauce hit the spot. The al dente pasta won extra points as did
the deep-fried hunk of soft shell crab and sliced garlic bread.
Indian
cuisine fans will find ample succour from Murg
Butter Chicken, a delectable chicken dish cooked with tomatoes, spices,
butter and cream. According to Bon Appétit magazine, this Delhi speciality was
reputedly made using leftover tandoori chicken in the early 20th
century. We love the lush creaminess with subtle fruity-tangy hints of
tomatoes. So scrumptious when doused over white rice.
From now
until 31 December 2018, the Coffee House has a new A La Carte Deal going for
only RM25 nett. One of the notable mains we’d recommend is Grilled Chicken Chop with Mashed Potato. Tender and juicy, the
chicken fillet has an appetising charred smokiness to it; some veges and sauce complete the equation. Giving you more bang
for your ringgit, a cup of coffee or tea and a slice of cake-of-the-day are
included the superbly good value meal.
Curry Noodles is another worthy contender. Spicy fare seems to be
the forte of the Coffee House team and this piquant offering confirms that.
Although the cockles were a tad tiny during our visit, the overall dish still
had big appeal, thanks to its sublime gravy.
Those who
prefer Asian fare will find viable choices such as Indonesian Fried Rice with
Melinjo Crackers, Fish Tikka with Naan Bread and Vegetable Curry
Tauhu with
Jeera Pulou Rice up to their expectations. Parents with little ones in
tow can enjoy their meal in peace as the Coffee House has a playroom to
keep the youngsters occupied.
Over at Gen
Japanese Restaurant, Chef de Cuisine Mazwadie Mohamad holds court with a
plethora of a la carte, teppanyaki and buffet temptations reflective of the
Land of the Rising Sun.
Prices
are surprisingly affordable when it comes to the restaurant set meals. Our
advice? Go for the superb value Teppanyaki
Matsu (RM50 per person) comprising Zensai (special appetiser of the day),
chef’s house salad, miso soup, a choice of teppan-cooked chicken or beef steak,
fried rice, stir-fried Oriental vegetables and dessert (fresh fruits or green
tea ice cream). Remember to inform the Gen team how you prefer your beef done…that
delicious steak coupled with the panoramic city skyline view proves dining at
Gen can be a romantic and enjoyable experience.
Fish
lovers may prefer the box set of Grilled
Salmon Bento (RM55). It’s literally a taste of Japan in one sitting as the
different compartments proffer appetiser of the day, miso soup, three types of
sashimi: tuna, salmon and squid, tempura seafood and vegetables, grilled salmon
with teriyaki sauce, deep-fried eggplant, steamed white rice and green tea ice
cream. Based on our experience, the entire meal passed muster.
Sushi and
hand rolls are equally popular at Gen. Personally I’d prefer less mayo topping
for the Dragon Maki (RM39) but
overall, the Salmon & Unagi Sushi should hit the spot for sushi fans in
general.
Crispy
deep-fried Soft Shell Crab & Avocado slices combine to create the
hand-rolled House Special California
Temaki (RM28). Resultant flavours appear subtler in this offering but the
lashing of mayo and sweetish sauce atop the sushi roll should stand you in good
stead.
Girly
chit-chat sessions are ideally spent over light savoury and sweet nibbles. Set at the heart of Sunway Putra Hotel KL under its lovely glass dome atrium, guests can sit
down to a choice of English or Malaysian Afternoon
Tea (RM55 nett per set) at
the Atrium Lounge.
Lest you
presume the lightweight selection too little, be assured the Malaysian
Afternoon Tea platter shown here is plenty for two persons. Pastry Chef Rukedi Yajid's creations include Chicken Rendang French Puffs, Sardine Tortilla Wrap, Pandan Layer Cake, Potato Curry Puffs, Egg Tarts, Chicken Satay, Breaded Sesame Balls, Lime Macarons and Fresh Fruits.
While tea is the
beverage of choice to complement the dainty morsels, coffee drinkers need not
fret as the hotel team will readily serve cappuccino and latte should that be
of preference. It's relaxing to sit and fritter time away in the comfy lounge settees; a splendid setting to catch up with friends or loved ones.
Italian style ciabatta forms the basis for the Classic Steak Sandwich (RM28.60), another viable
option to consider when you feel peckish. The moist, juicy filling comprises grilled scotch beef fillet with beef strips
complemented by sliced tomato, rocket, caramelised onion, aioli and gherkins.
Non-beef eaters can take comfort in the
Jerk Spiced Chicken, Avocado & Mozzarella Roll (RM20). Lean chicken breast meat tossed in creamy
chipotle (Mexican-style spicy dressing) sauce and coriander. 
