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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MERCHANTS ALL DAY DINING AT CROWNE PLAZA KLCC

 

Specialities from four corners of the world beckon from Merchants All-Day Dining restaurant at the new Crowne Plaza Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC).

Located on Level 13, this modern and inviting outpost serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and even brunch to both hotel guests and the public daily. Neutral tones reign within: pristine white tiled walls with contemporary light fixtures, rustic communal tables, open kitchens and eye-catching décor evocative of a bustling marketplace form an inviting backdrop for dining, entertaining and relaxing purposes.

Open 6.30am to 10.30 pm (operational time applicable for various meal sessions), Merchants also has a tastefully furnished private dining room, available for reservations.

Pix courtesy of Crowne Plaza KLCC

Currently, the Selera Kampungku Buffet Dinner (RM188+ per adult) is served for ‘buka puasa’ (6.30pm-10.30pm) until 7 April.

On our maiden visit recently, lunch can be had from Merchants’ a la carte menu offerings of local classics and international fusion options. We opted for Gambas Al Ajillo (RM50), Grilled Australian Angus Beef Burger (RM55) and River Shrimp Curry Noodles (RM60) as there was only two of us.

Lunch started on a positive note with toasted baguette slices as the perfect accompaniment for the delicious tiger prawns. Cooked in olive oil, garlic and chilli flakes, the crustaceans were yummy and tasted even better when paired with the crusty bread soaking up the robustly flavoured oil.

That appetiser paved the way for the scrumptious burger. Sandwiched between a sesame seed bun, the juicy mince Angus beef patty was enhanced by caramelised onion, melted Cheddar cheese, smoked beef slices, sliced tomato, lettuce and gherkins.

For different taste variations, we tried sampling the burger with mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard and sweet chilli sauces in miniature bottles on the side. Chopped onion and jalapeno also provided sharp albeit welcome flavour accents. These condiments worked well with the burger. Our only complaint was the rather dry thick-cut fries.

If you choose to have the curry noodles, you can pick either wantan noodles, yellow noodles or rice vermicelli. We preferred rice vermicelli and it was a good choice to absorb the aromatic spiced broth.

The river shrimp imbued the soup with its rich, natural sweetness; its meaty texture adding textural appeal to the equation. Varied textural interest was drawn from the inclusion of chicken, beancurd puffs, long beans and beansprouts.

We completed our meal with Sago Gula Melaka (RM25), a pretty creation of moulded large sago pearls complemented by mildly creamy coconut milk with palm sugar syrup. As desserts go, it passed muster as we personally prefer the smaller sago pearls for nicer mouthfeel.

To work off our lunch a little, we went on a quick tour of the hotel, starting from the rainforest-inspired RhymBa Lobby Lounge & Bar where huddle spots and solo pods accord guests a nice respite or double up as functional work spaces.

The different room categories were pleasantly modern and versatile, designed to blend work/life travel needs for productivity and relaxation. Furnished in neutral tones to suit today’s business and leisure traveller expectations, each room come with spacious and well-appointed bathroom, comfy sofa couches, and tactile rainforest element décor.

Up of level 32 we were shown to Le Midi, a modern brasserie cum bar with expansive views of the city skyline and a speciality menu of French fusion fare.

Relaxation reaches new heights with the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool and cutting-edge gym. Also available is a spacious ballroom and five well-equipped function rooms with all the essential mod-cons.

For more information and reservations, call Crowne Plaza Kuala Lumpur City Centre, tel: 03-27828888. Address: No 22, Menara 8 Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, Kuala Lumpur.