KYOMO KOHI BREWS UP DELISH EATS

 

“Kyomo” in Japanese means today or daily, the essence behind Kyomo Kohi, the minimalist Japanese-inspired café at New Ocean Fine Food City. Channelling Japanese artisan café vibes, Kyomo Kohi takes pride in serving artisanal coffee drinks, creative beverages, and artfully prepared East meets West dishes as well as tempting cakes and pastries as its drawcards.

We felt at ease instantly within the bright, cheery and clean-lined interior. Coupled with friendly service and the stellar selection of good eats, we were charmed by this trendy outpost.

Finger-thick, lightly battered Japanese Sweet Potato (RM18) stirred our interest prior to our mains’ arrival. Drizzled with Thai brown sugar syrup, the yummy sweet potato fingerlings severely tested our restraint from gobbling up the whole lot in one go.

Slaking our thirst with chilled Cantaloupe Yuzu (RM17) and the newer Matcha Strawberry Latte and Tiramisu Latte, we found fresh appeal from the first drink’s citrusy yuzu accent while the other beverages’ fruity and creamy coffee appeal kept our animated conversation flowing.

Gyukatsu Don (RM65), headlined by a panko-crusted, 110-g Aussie wagyu cutlet emerged as the day’s favourite ‘must try’ dish. Done medium rare, the slab of tender beef accompanied by Japanese rice, miso soup, fresh mixed salad, house-made curry sauce and potato salad was not only great value but also delectable to boot.

Coming in a close second was the soulful Salmon Ochazuke Yuzu Spice (RM30). We love relishing the comforting succour of the hot seasoned dashi, poured over grilled salmon fillet and Japanese rice. Ikura (salmon roe) and bonito furikake (flavoured rice puffs and seaweed flakes) bestowed bursts of briny and savoury flavours.

 
Thick, rich and lightly spiced Japanese curry with well-balanced savoury-sweet accents complemented crispy fried chicken to create a most delicious Chicken Karaage Curry Rice (RM28). Along with a runny soft-boiled egg and sweet corn kernels, it was one of the better versions we had sampled. Even though I’m not a fan of Japanese curry, I found this likeable.

Go for breakfast (7am to 3pm) and you’d find a notable start to the day with spongy-light Buttermilk Pancakes (RM20). Served with seasonal fruits, berry coulis, Chantilly cream and maple syrup, the pancakes were deftly made and went like a dream with the various accompaniments.

 
Playful sweet-savoury nuances teased our tastebuds when we dug into the Brioche Blossom French Toast (RM26). Topped with supple slices of smoked salmon, fresh rocket salad, a medley of fresh fruits, grated cheese and maple syrup, the thick-cut toast came up to mark.

We left no scone unturned and succumbed to the delightful Lemon Scone (RM9). Buttery with just the right amount of crumbly and airy lightness, we enjoyed smearing it with clotted cream and lemon curd.

Kyomo Kohi is definitely a noteworthy outpost for coffee and good food in our books.

For reservations at Kyomo Kohi, please call tel: 03-8408 8021. Address: L1 - 01, Level 1, New Ocean World Fine Food City, 15, Jalan 19/1, Seksyen 19, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am to 8pm; Sat, Sun & public holidays 7am to 8pm
 

DESTINASI RASA AT LE MERIDIEN PUTRAJAYA

 

Dine like a king for the day during buka puasa (breaking of fast) at Le Meridien Putrajaya with its exuberant Santapan Raja Sehari theme. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant Malay wedding occasion, the hotel team has gone to town decking up the venue with glorious floral arrangements, fairy lights and an exceptional buffet line-up.

Taking centrestage are dishes drawn from signature menus of Malay wedding kenduri (feast). Think heart servings of Nasi Minyak accompanied by robustly flavoured dishes such as Ayam Masak Merah, Daging Dendeng, and Udang Masak Ros to name but a few.

In true Muhibbah spirit, the chefs also found inspiration from Chinese wedding menus, to proffer delicious Portuguese-style Ikan Bakar, Sweet and Sour Fish, Fried Beef with Ginger and Spring Onion, and Tiger Prawns with Marmite Sauce.

Cherished Indian wedding fare to delight and enhance the festive atmosphere will include Lamb Kebab Wraps, Indian Chilli Chicken, Sup Kambing Mamak, Biryani Rice, and Chicken Tandoori.

Crowd-pulling bazaar Ramadan favourites: Murtabak, Satay Chicken and Tripe, Satar and Otak-otak, Gulai Kawah, Lok-lok, Fried Chicken Wings, and Fruit Rojak also beckon invitingly.

International flavours can be sampled from the prolific Salad Bar with Continental salads, assorted kerabu and a chilled Seafood Bar laden with flower crabs, prawns, oysters, mussels and slipper lobsters.

Those who prefer something Japanese, make a beeline for the Sushi and Sashimi selection. Popular staples of Tempura and Chicken Teriyaki are also included. Remember to enjoy your fill of Ketupat and Lemang with Serunding and Kuah Kacang for a taste of early Hari Raya vibes.

Then traverse the wonderful world of dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. Nectar-sweet Dates, colourful Malay Kuih, Crème Caramel, Sago Gula Melaka, Tapai Ubi and Bubur Kacang Hijau await.

Modern variants of Blueberry Almond Tart, Mango Pudding, Red Velvet Cake, Pandan Cream Puffs and Banana Cake coupled with an Ice Cream, Cendol and Ais Kacang counter, and Chocolate Fountain with fruit and marshmallow skewers will leave you spoiled for choice.

Check out the Destinasi Rasa – Santapan Raja Sehari buffet spread from 12 March to 9 April for breaking of fast.

Early Bird Offer: Reserve before 12 March to enjoy special rate of RM158 nett per adult and RM79 per child (5-12 years old). Normal price is RM188 nett per adult and RM94 nett per child.

To celebrate Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, savour Riang Ria Raya buffet from 10 April to 10 May at RM168 nett per adult and Rm84 nett per child.

For reservations, please call Le Meridien Putrajaya, tel: 03 8689 6888/6862 or WhatsApp: +6012 4073101 or email dining.lmputrajaya@lemeridien.com

FESTIVE FEASTS AND TREATS FROM EQ KUALA LUMPUR

 

Christmas cookies, chocolates, baked goods and festive hampers will be available at EQ’s Festive Bake Shop starting 15 November 2023. Customisation service is available too, to make the gift selection more personalised for the year-end celebration.

 

Having tried the Roast Cajun Turkey, we reckon it's perfect for Thanksgiving and the Yuletide holidays. It'd be a splendid attention-grabbing centerpiece. Order it from the Bake Shop from 15 November 2023 onwards.

 

Hassle-free options to consider include the hearty Beef Tenderloin Wellington and Baked Lamb Leg; they’re ideal food gifts or a celebratory main minus the arduous prep work.

Much to our surprise, the King Crab Hot Pot from Kampachi proved to be a non-traditional contender for the celebratory table during our preview. The heartwarming broth was delicately sweet thanks to the chunks of Japanese crab in it.

 

A sumptuous seven-course Christmas Eve dinner beckons at Sabayon, EQ’s celebrated fine dining restaurant. At RM888+ per person, nab the window seats with view of the glittering city skyline or at RM788+ per person for regular seats. The price includes a bottle of 375ml champagne per person.

The signature raclette and its accompaniments will add a touch of luxe on Christmas day; replicating the Chalet’s famed Christmas Day buffet lunch at RM308+ per person, and RM154+ per child under 12. Top up RM288+ per person for a free flow of sparkling, white and red wines, the creative gin trolley, juices, soft drinks and mocktails.

New Year’s Eve can be heralded at Sabayon with an eight-course Countdown degustation (RM2,688+ per couple for window seats and RM2,388+ per couple for regular seats; inclusive of a bottle of 375ml champagne per person). New Year’s Day lunch is priced at RM308+ per person, and RM154+ per child under 12. Add RM288+ per head for free flow of drinks.

Make a beeline to Etoile bistro for delectable dine-in options including Grilled Wagyu Tomahawk and tempting Christmas platters comprising a choice of meat and seafood: Ribeye, Roast Turkey, Lamb Rack, and Boston Lobster.

Delicately crafted sweet and savoury bites take centrestage at Bottega Lounge for the festive holiday Afternoon Tea. Available daily from 1 December 2023, the festive Afternoon Tea is RM99+ per person or RM198+ for two. Each set comes with a choice of premium JING tea or coffee. Bottega’s range of wines will also be available by glass or bottle.

Decorated cold Roasted Chicken, Fish Terrine in Smoked Capsicum, Seafood Cocktail with Berry Compote, and Capellini Crayfish with Spicy Tomato Basil Pesto are some dishes from the lavish Christmas Eve buffet dinner at Nipah.

Priced at RM238+ per person and RM119+ per child inclusive of unlimited chilled juices and soft drinks, succumb to the deliciousness of Roasted Cajun Turkey, Baked Herb-crusted New Zealand Lamb Leg and Baked Dill-salt Crusted Barramundi.

On Christmas Day, Nipah’s lunch buffet (RM218+ per person) will be merry and bright with a seafood selection on ice featuring oysters, mussels and prawns, festive cheese platters and a Christmas Roast selection: whole roasted Cajun turkey and leg of lamb with gravy, mushroom sauce, cranberry sauce, mint sauce, roasted Russet potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, and roasted mixed highland vegetables.

Save room for pasta and EQ’s famed chicken rice alongside a grill serving stingray, prawns, squid, chicken, and scallops accompanied by piquant sambals and tamarind dipping sauce. Finish on a sweet high by indulging on Mini Cakes, Christmas cookies, warm Stollen and Panettone, and Mince Pies.

SKY51 will host its Party In The Sky (RM168+ per person inclusive of one drink) on New Year’s Eve. Revel and ring in the New Year with resident DJs, live music and grazing platters.

Finally, make your way to the front of Bottega Lounge for the New Year’s Eve balloon drop on 31 December 2023.

For full information and details of EQ's festive catalogue and on-property events, please visit: www.eqkualalumpur.equatorial.com