CITARASA NIPAH AT EQ KUALA LUMPUR FOR BUKA PUASA

This year when you buka puasa (break fast) at EQ Kuala Lumpur during Ramadan, be sure to sample Nasi Beriani Kambing Batu Pahat at Nipah Restaurant.

The deliciously flavourful show-stealing dish, prepared by Malay Chef Muhammad Hajral Lisarni, is one of the many signature specialities at the Citarasa Nipah promotion come the Ramadan month.

Mr. Gerard Walker, General Manager of EQ Kuala Lumpur, believes Citarasa Nipah fulfils diners’ desire for simpler, nostalgic times. "People's priorities change over time, but they'll always appreciate a good outing and an opportunity to catch up with friends.”

Staying true to the traditional methods of Malay food preparation, Chef Hajral and his team aim to revive fond memories of passionate slow-cooking and the familial and communal pleasure of meal-sharing at Nipah.

Choice picks from the extensive menu include Gulai Lemak Cili Padi Daging Salai (the beef is smoked in-house before it’s cooked with a robust yellow curry); Sambal Tumis Udang Harimau (tiger prawns in zingy, fiery-hot sambal); Tulang Rawan Gulai Kawah; Gulai Nangka Muda (young jackfruit curry); Kari Kambing (mutton curry) and assorted Kerabu (local salads) by Chef de Partie Saadiah.

Crowd-pleasers such as Kambing Golek (whole roast lamb), EQ's emblematic Satay, Rendang with Ketupat and Lemang, Rojak Buah and the ubiquitous Seafood Bar proffering freshly shucked oysters in addition to blanched mussels, tiger prawns, and baby scallops on ice are part of the splendid feast.

Tradition meets modernity come dessert time with classic treats of Lompat Tikam, Dodol, Pengat Nangka, Sago and Som Som Gula Melaka beckon invitingly alongside inventive, contemporary temptations: Strawberry Mousse Entremets, Pistachio Dates, Chocolate Mousse Banana Cake, Coconut Lime Mousse Cake, Kek Batik Coklat and Layered Cake.

Citarasa Nipah is available at Nipah from 23 March - 21 April 2023 from 6.30pm – 10.30pm at RM228+ per adult and RM114+ per child, 6-12 years old).

Early Bird Vouchers available at RM188+ per adult, redeemable between 23-26 March and 19-21 April 2023.

Reservations at Nipah are recommended. To book, kindly email: dineateqkl@kul.equatorial.com or WhatsApp +60122789239 or book through TableApp: https://www.tableapp.com/partner/nipah-eq-kuala-lumpur

SPRING INTO ABUNDANCE FEASTS AT DOUBLETREE BY HILTON SHAH ALAM

A DIY Yee Sang Station, a cook-to-order Giant Grouper, Grilled Seafood: oysters, scallops, prawns, squid and otak-otak, and a cornucopia of tempting Chinese-style dishes top the Spring Into Abundance buffet spread at DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam to celebrate this Chinese New Year.

Hopping with enthusiasm to bring great cheer to diners in welcoming the Year of the Water Rabbit, Makan Kitchen Chefs Lee Yew Ken (left) and Lee Keen Suaan (right) said they have specially chosen to prepare familiar Chinese New Year dishes in addition to seafood specialities and delicacies catering to the Malaysian palate.

Although the hotel only opened last August, it has become a favourite outpost with corporate clients and local residents. Having gotten first dibs at the extravagant Makan Kitchen offerings, we find the buffet highly commendable. Several distinct options even deserve special mention.

Make your way to the do-it-yourself Yee Sang station where you can rustle up the customary festive salad with fresh salmon slices, customised to your own liking.

Next, get 'souped up' with the tasty Seafood Soup with Baby Abalone. Lending a touch of luxe to the slightly thick, savoury soup with strips of fish blubber are baby abalones - a rare but welcome addition to this broth.

You can also feast on a selection of piping hot Dim Sum, and Chinese-style Roasts. Have a penchant for fish? Sample a serving of the Giant Grouper which is freshly steamed for your enjoyment.

Braised and stir-fried Chinese dishes competing for your attention and tummy space include delicious Mud Crabs with Honey Soy Sauce, Braised Bai Ling Mushroom with Sea Cucumber and Fish Maw, Fried Perch Fillet with Salted Egg Sauce, Sautéed Prawns with Ginger, Garlic and Chilli Sauce, and yummy Chicken with Marmite Gravy & Sesame Seeds among others.

Over at the Malay Kitchen, there are a plethora of Grilled Oysters, Scallops, Prawns, Squid and Otak-otak as well as Satay. Satisfy your carb cravings with Nasi Minyak Berempah accompanied by Terung Berlado, Lamb Kuzi, and Daging Salai Masak Lemak.

The Indian Kitchen beckons with a spice-laden selection of Lobster Masala, Prawn Rasam, Fish Tikka, Lamb Kebab and Bhindi Masala. 

Delicate French dessert creations with edible Chinese New Year decorations (think little gold ingots, cherry blossoms, ancient coins, etc) adorn dainty morsels of Chocolate Cake, Passionfruit Mousse, Apple Mousse, White Chocolate Raspberry Mousse, and Green Tea Cream Puffs. Most taste as good as they look so remember to leave room for these delightful treats.

On 21 January, the Chinese New Year Eve buffet dinner (6pm – 1030pm) is available at RM188 nett per person, and RM278 nett per person with free flow of red and white house wine.
 
On 22 and 23 January, CNY dinner buffet (6pm – 1030pm) is priced at RM188 nett (food only) and RM278 nett with flow red and white house wine.
 
High Tea (12.30pm – 4pm) on 21 and 22 January is priced at RM148 nett (buffet only) and RM238 nett with free flow red and white house wine.
 
For the last hurrah, enjoy Chap Goh Mei Dinner (6pm – 10.30pm) on 5 February at RM168 nett (buffet only) and RM258 nett with free flow red and white house wine.

For reservations, please call Makan Kitchen, DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam, tel: 03-5650 0200, email SZBSA_FB@hilton.com or visit eatdrinkhilton.com