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

APRIL AND PARENTS’ DAY SPECIALS FROM THE MING ROOM

Nowadays a meal at The Ming Room come with some dramatic flair. Due to the ‘camera eats first’ maxim, restaurateurs and chefs have to work much harder, to ensure the dishes not only taste good but are fanfare worthy of TikTok and Instagram.

Highlighting a combination of April specialities and choice picks from Oriental Group’s Parents Day set menus, our lunch started on delightful note with Prawn Salad Honeydew Bowl with Wasabi Cream Prawns.

One of the curtain-raisers from the upcoming Parents’ Day menu (RM1,888++ per table of 10 persons), the dish arrived trailing wisps of dry ice for ethereal effect. 

The mayo-coated prawns with fresh honeydew dices teased the tastebuds with subtle sweetness whilst the wasabi nuance dialled up zingy notches, lending extra appeal to the appetiser.

Finicky parents will find the premium Stuffed Bird’s Nest Chicken Wing and Bamboo Pith in Superior Broth (RM78++ per person) right down their alley. 

The collagen-rich broth was succour for the soul, a splendid canvas to accompany the chicken wing stuffed with luxe clumps of bird’s nest. Sublime.

 
Also igniting interest with its dramatic ‘flaming’ presence was the Fiery Cherry Duck (RM118++). Infused with a myriad of Chinese spices, the crisp skin and juicy, tender duck was a joy to eat. No sauce necessary although we did sample it with plum sauce and mustard. Personally, I find the duck delectable enough sans dip.

While steamed fish remains a tried-and-tested option at most Chinese restaurants, the flavour bomb of Braised Live Garoupa with Chef’s Special Sauce (RM298++) had us hooked at first bite.

We happily lapped up every drop of that hearty, tasty sauce; its complexity richly nuanced with shimeji and black mushroom, fuchuk (beancurd sticks), kum jum (dried lily buds), Chinese cabbage, capsicums, and garlic pips.  

Meat lovers will find ample satisfaction from picking the bones clean off Oriental Group’s scrumptious Iberico Pork Ribs in Banana Leaf. Slightly smoky and savoury with hints of sweetness, the delish ribs is another stellar inclusion for the Parents’ Day (found in the RM1,888++ per table of 10 persons menu) celebration.

 

Steamed Rice with Pork Ribs, Hong Kong Chinese Liver Sausage and Preserved Vegetable (RM88++ medium, RM178++ large) unfailingly evoked Chinese New Year vibes again when we sampled the superb dish. We like how the punch of chilli heat in the rice tempered the dish’s fatty richness.

Musang King Ice Cream and Mango Tart and Dang Ying (lamp shape) Red Bean Pumpkin Balls with Banana wrapped up our lunch preview on a light yet palate-pleasing note. Both dessert creations are featured in the Parents’ Day menu.

Although the banana dices didn’t make an impression amidst the red bean filling, the crisp yet chewy pumpkin balls scored highly.

IMO, durian die-hard fans will be more than happy to devour the former as its discernible aroma may not appeal to all and sundry.

Spacious and contemporary with a seating capacity for 500 persons and several private dining rooms, The Ming Room is event-ready for small, intimate weddings and significant celebrations.

Cheery lighting, scores of bamboo accents set against rustic backdrops and plush underfoot carpet with floral motifs dominate the interior. Lines of terracotta horses draw attention inside private dining rooms. Whether it's a casual lunch or a big do, The Ming Room is ready to roll out the red carpet for discerning lovers of excellent Chinese cuisine.

 

For reservations, please contact The Ming Room, tel: 03- 2284 8822 or WhatsApp 012 811 8812. Address: Lot T109, T111, T111a, T112, T113 & T115, 3rd Floor, Bangsar Shopping Centre, 285, Jalan Maarof, Bukit Bandaraya, Kuala Lumpur. 

SAVOUR GLAMOUR KAMPUNG AT FOUR SEASONS HOTEL KL

 

Cherished kampung fare with a touch of sophistication mingled with Balinese specialities and Middle Eastern delicacies are front and centre at Curate, Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur until 30 March.

 

Nostalgic dishes levelled up with premium ingredients and refined flair will titillate the palate. Choice picks range from Pajeri Nenas Timur, Beef Short Ribs Rendang, Braised Lamb with Spicy Acar, and Salmon Fish Head Asam Pedas to Curry Puffs, Cucur Udang, Satay, Kerabu Umbut Kelapa and Smoked Stuffed Tahu Bakar with Chicken Floss.

Reeling in landlubbers from the luxe Seafood Bar will be extravagant catches of crayfish, slipper lobsters, crabs, mussels, clams, prawns and sashimi.

 

Guest chef Surya Hadinata from Four Seasons Resort Bali shares the spotlight with his Balinese offerings: Gegecok Udang (cucumber prawn salad with toasted coconut), Sate Languan (fish satay), Ayam Betutu, Kambing Menyatnyat (lamb leg in a robust sauce of coconut, ginger, turmeric and chillies).

 

Venturing further afield, exotic Middle East offerings such as the distinctive speciality of Lamb Mansaf – a Jordanian dish of lamb cooked with dried sheep’s milk piques interest with its hearty meaty richness.

 

Aromatically spiced, the Madgout Rice pairs well with Rubyan Meshwi (Emirati grilled prawns), Chicken Shish Taouk, and Spinach Falafel. Delicious nibbles in the form of Potato Kibbeh and Cheese Sambousek also notable.

 

We love Moqueca de Camarao (Brazilian Shrimp Soup – a mildly spiced broth brimming with deep prawn accent like a dialled down tom yam). Meat lovers can look forward to Roast Beef Topside, Kerala Crab Curry, Malabar Avail Lamb Vindaloo, Hungarian Beef Goulash, and Soy Braised Beef.

  
From the live cooking ‘stalls’, we highly recommend unmissable servings of Kambing Golek Utara, Gearbox Soup, Grand Imperial Bidor Duck with pillow-soft steamed buns, Apam Balik and Nasi Ulam with Truffle.

 

A decedent sweet selection to wrap up the evening includes Apam Gula Hangus with Jackfruit, Bingka Ubi, Sparrow Nest Pistachio, Turkish Delight, Babousa, Kol Washkor Cashews, Teh Tarik Mocha Cheesecake, Serawa Durian and Rose Bandung and Pistachio Panna Cotta. Fresh seasonal fruits, stuffed dates, pralines and retro biscuits and tidbits are also available.

Available until 30 March, the Glamour Kampung buffet is priced at RM318+ per adult and RM159+ per child.

 

For reservations, contact Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, tel: 03-2382 8602 or email: diningreservations.kualalumpur@fourseasons.com