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

CITARASA NIPAH AT EQ KUALA LUMPUR

Food harking from the simple days of yore has evolved into compelling Ramadan must-haves at Citarasa Nipah, an annual Ramadan tradition at EQ Kuala Lumpur.

 

The hotel’s chefs take pride to recreate a splendid dinner buffet for the breaking of fast, ranging from fresh crudites and local salads to surefire crowd-pleasing dessert.

 

Notable curtain-raisers include savoury Bubur Lambuk, Kerabu Betik Muda, Pomelo Salad, Urap Pucuk Manis, Kerabu Jantung Pisang, and Kerabu Nangka among others.

Venturing to the mains, a dedicated salai counter serving Malay smoked meats: catfish, beef, duck and even udang galah (fresh water prawns) cooked in rich and spicy masak lemak chili api gravy beckons. Spice lovers should make a beeline for hearty Rendang Tulang Rusuk and Biryani Batu Pahat with Ayam Masak Merah.

 

Other drawcards to sample include Lamb Varuval, Indian Fish Curry, Ketam Goreng Berempah, Gulai Nangka Muda, Ayam Kuzi, Rendang Ayam, and Sayur Lodeh.

 

Enticing treats to wrap up the meal ranges from Malay Kuih, Cendol, Ais Kacang, Durian Crème Brulee, Kek Batik and Agar-agar to cite but a few examples.

Whether you aim to impress corporate guests, or gather friends and family over the Ramadan season, Citarasa Nipah dinner buffet is served from 6 to 28 March (6.30pm-10.30pm). Price: RM238+ per adult, and RM114+ per child (6 – 12 years old).

Early bird promo price of RM198+ per adult available 2 to 5 March and 29 to 30 March. Group bookings of minimum 10 persons can also enjoy the special price of RM198+ per adult.

EQ BAZAAR

Following last year’s successful debut of EQ Bazaar, the immersive concept allowing guests to browse and sample an array of street food stalls in the plush comfort of the hotel’s function rooms has returned.

Street food favourites such as Ayam Golek (Malay rotisserie chicken), Kambing Bakar, Satay, Ikan Bakar Garam, Grilled Lamb, Roti John, Murtabak, and Bakso (Indonesian meatballs in soup) await.

 

Also temptations of Daging Sambal Getuk (deep-fried beef in chilli), Ketam Masak Lemak (flower crabs in coconut milk), Chicken Rice, Fish Head Curry, and Prawn Fritters will add further variety to the spread.

 

The ever-popular air balang - beverages served in large drink containers: Sirap Bandung, Kalamansi Lime, Sweetcorn Juice, Soy Bean and Sugar Cane will quench your thirst.

Before calling it a night, feast on Malay desserts ranging from Bubur Pulut Hitam, Bubur Kacang Hijau), Ais Krim Potong, Cendol and Ais Kacang.

 

Early bird bookings from 3 to 5 March for EQ Bazaar will enjoy the special price of RM158+ per adult. Normal price (6 to 28 March) at RM178+ per adult, and RM89+ per child from 6 – 12 years old. Group bookings of a minimum of 20 persons will enjoy the special rate of RM158+ per adult.

For more information and reservations, contact EQ Kuala Lumpur:

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