DE.WAN 1958 INFUSES CNY SET MENUS WITH MUHIBBAH SPIRIT

Chinese New Year menus shaped by regional pride and the personal touch of Malaysia’s most recognisable culinary raconteur take the limelight at De.Wan 1958 by Chef Wan.

Three set menus priced at RM1288++, RM1588++ and RM1988++ per table of 9-10 persons are available; specially conceived for those who prefer something different from the usual Chinese fare or wish to celebrate in true Muhibbah spirit with non-Chinese friends. (Note: CNY set menus not available at TRX outlet)

De.Wan 1958 at Bangsar Shopping Centre is the epitome of style and taste, with the IG-worthy interior exuding clubby library vibes at the entrance before segueing into a spacious dining space. Vintage colonial era fans move languidly and warm lighting at strategic spots give way to a warren of tastefully furnished private dining rooms.

Most befittingly, our preview of the RM1288++ menu commenced with Golden Jade Prosperity Toss: an astute composition of vibrant hued vegetables and crisp snow pear. 

Pulled together by orange honey, sweet red chilli and nutty gado-gado sauce in addition to crushed peanuts and sesame seeds, the refreshing yee sang salad is a nod to the archipelago’s influences.

 
The same sense of joyful plurality runs through the meal. As a platform for telling Malaysia’s food story in full colour, and sweet, tangy and spice-laced flavours, each dish at De.Wan echoes those of home cooking, elevated without losing its soul.

 
Rice, always central to Malaysian meals, comes in two symbolic expressions: Nasi Bunga Telang, tinted jade-blue with butterfly pea for wisdom and fortune, and Nasi Pandan Delima, liberally studded with raisins and pomegranate, for vitality and wealth. The ideal foil to capture the lush flavours of the myriad main dishes.

Immersed in an aromatic green gravy, the braised Signature Green Lamb Opor entices with fork-tender meat redolent with the warm, hearty richness of spices and coconut milk.

Equally noteworthy is Auspicious Jumbo Sotong – succulent calamari pieces simmered in coconut milk and coastal spices – boast more delicate depth; the sublime flavours unfolding with each bite.

Fish, a perennial symbol of abundance to the Chinese, arrives as Five Blessings Steamed Siakap. Its clean, delicate flesh is enlivened with a fragrant topping of chilli padi, lemongrass, ginger and tomato. The harmonious balance is thoughtful rather than showy, allowing culinary and symbolic facets to take centrestage.

Delicious fried chicken pieces acquire extra appeal in the taste and colour spectrum with the accompaniment of glossy orange-butter sauce, creating a most winsome Golden Orange Treasure Chicken.

 
The assertive umaminess of fermented shrimp paste meets wok-fried greens, ensuring the Four Treasures Belacan King Vegetables an agreeable inclusion for the celebratory menu.

Dessert keeps things light and rooted in the tropics. Tropical Jewels of Longevity offers sun-ripened fruits, while little bowls of soft Gula Melaka Sago Pearls deliver subtly sweet indulgence without excess.

 
Toast to the Fire Horse Year with two specially concocted drinks: Jade Lychee Sparkle and Imperial Lychee Sparkle (RM15++ each). The first features refreshing lychee with watermelon and lime, infused with mint and pandan, topped with soda and finished with lychee and edible flower. The latter has lychee, grenadine, lime and mint with fresh orange pulp, adorned with dried orange slice, promegranate and edible blossom.

 
Signature Cucur Udang and Kerabu Paku Kerang round out the experience, grounding the menu in unmistakably local nuances. The huge, crispy prawn fritters are an unmissable appetiser for any visit to De.Wan. Young fiddlehead fern shoots coupled with cockles tossed in invigorating mixture of kerisik, (toasted grated coconut), shallots, torch ginger flower and lime juice is another must try option.

Dining at De.Wan 1958 is more than a mere meal. It speaks of a truly Malaysian story, told through the unmistakable voice of its owner-chef; a genial host who knows prosperity tastes best when it’s shared. 

For reservations at De.Wan 1958, visit the link below: 
https://www.tableapp.com/de-wan-1958
  

COFFEE RAVE – BREW, BEAT, BERSAMA PUTRAJAYA MARRIOTT HOTEL

Culture, creativity and community take centrestage at the launch of ‘Coffee Rave – Brew, Beat, Bersama’ event hosted by Putrajaya Marriott Hotel.

 
Held at the Lobby Lounge, the lively showcase of flavours, music, and artistry highlighted the collaboration between the Hotel and local artisan coffee brand Hétam. It’s also part of Marriott Bonvoy's ongoing efforts to deliver exclusive experiences for members and guests, creating opportunities for them to discover new flavours, local talents and unique cultural experiences.
 
Ms. Nikie Mok, General Manager of Putrajaya Marriott Hotel said: "Coffee Rave is more than an event; it's a celebration of togetherness, flavours, and artistry. We are proud to create experiences connecting people through meaningful moments; be it through food, culture, or community."

 
Hétam, an innovative homegrown coffee brand founded by passionate coffee artisan Wira, is dedicated to redefining Malaysia's coffee culture. At the Coffee Rave event, guests were treated to Wira’s specially crafted beverages embodying local heritage and inspirations.

Emas was the first coffee concoction we sampled. The name Emas pays tribute to the coffee’s golden hue courtesy of Harum Manis mango – the royal fruit of the north. We love how the fruity sweetness of fresh mango (purée and cubes) tangoed with the warm, robust richness of espresso. A delightfully bright, fizzy, creamy and fruity drink.

 
Inspired by the equatorial spirit of Malaysia, the bold and complex Khatulistiwa bore tropical citrus fruitiness amidst the invigorating acidity of coffee. Passionfruit pulp, a dried orange slice and a rosemary sprig lent the mocktail refreshing and aromatic finish.

 
Echoing our country’s lush rainforests, the earthy and robust Belantara exuded nuances of bright, green fruits layered with full-bodied roasted coffee; its creaminess touched with sea salt to round off the taste profile.

 
Rich and delightfully sweet like kuih seri muka, the Puteri coffee mocktail pays tribute to cherished tradition and treasured heritage. Its pandan green and coconut white hues coupled with the delicate pandan scent and creamy coconut taste juxtaposed against a canvas of espresso is akin to a drinkable form of the much-loved local dessert.

To complement these inventive beverages, Chef Zulkifli Asyul and his culinary team curated a special menu for the afternoon tea event. We feasted on delicious Mee Rebus Lamb Feet, dainty hand-rolled Nasi Lemak Temaki, and Macaroni Cheese in-between sips of those winsome coffee drinks.

Delectable morsels of Ayam Percik Vol Au Vent and Sardine Canapés added to the day’s merriment. Aside from classic Scones with Jam and Whipped Cream, we savoured Durian Cheese Tarts, Macaroons and Kuih Ubi Ketuk.

 
Soulful renditions by Agal Musik livened up the Coffee Rave session while Jessie Art Studio captivated us with a live art showcase. Henna artistry also imbued the proceedings with a cultural touch.

 
The live art piece by Jessie Art Studio was then presented to Ms. Nikie Mok, General Manager of Putrajaya Marriott Hotel as the wrap-up for the Coffee Rave event.