Showing posts with label juices. Show all posts
Showing posts with label juices. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

HENING: A SERENE MALAY FOOD OASIS


Ikan Pekasam Utara (RM15), traditional Perakian fermented ikan loma (river carp) with ground roasted rice and salt is one of the must try dishes at Hening. Sautéed with sliced chillies and onion, the slightly funky, acidic sour-salty and gritty pekasam fish isn’t for the faint-hearted. I love it precisely due to that distinct taste.
We are stoked to savour this and other Malay dishes at Hening, one of the handful of Malay cuisine outposts in the city. Housed in a repurposed old bungalow, three enterprising young men (pic above): Mohd Syariman Zulkifli (centre) and brothers Irham Shah bin Azhar (left) and Ehsanuddin Shah bin Azhar (right) strive to raise Malay cuisine beyond no-frills stall setting into classier environs aimed at locals and tourists.
Banking on their collective strengths and F&B experience coupled with guidance from Syariman’s father and former hotel chef Zulkifli Aziz, the partners aim to draw city folks, urban families and foreign visitors to Hening.
Hening which means serenity or peaceful in Malay, exudes charming old-school vibes thanks to its terrazzo floors and vintage elements. Ehsan relied on his architectural expertise to update the all-white interior with colourful artworks by local artist Rahim Ismail.
Chef Syariman who has 17 years of industry experience is responsible the restaurant’s food and kitchen whilst Irham takes care of marketing and financial matters, and Ehsan, manpower.
Menu-wise, Johor and Perak specialities take centrestage. Lunch dishes are ideal for communal sharing, served alongside Nasi Putih Daun Pisang (RM4 per portion), steamed basmathi rice wrapped in banana leaf.
Aside from pekasam, the appetising Thai-inspired Kerabu Limau Bali (RM15), is a notable spicy-tangy-salty pomelo salad. We recommend accompanying the rice with robustly flavoured mains such as Masak Lemak Daging Bakar (RM40) or Masak Lemak Siakap Goreng (RM45), smoky grilled beef slices or fried whole seabass in rich, turmeric-accented curry prepared following Negeri Sembilan style.
Subtly spicy-tangy tamarind sauce, chopped tomatoes and onion boosts the appeal of Daging Batang Pinang Bakar Air Asam (RM40), grilled tenderloin skewers. Mellower but no less tempting is Johor-style Asam Pedas Jenahak (RM45), fleshy whole snapper in piquant chilli-tamarind gravy.
To wrap up your meal, try nostalgic sweet treats of Pisang Madu Tiga (RM12), caramelised bananas with vanilla ice cream, and Sago Gula Melaka with fresh mango dices. Local tea-time treats such as Curry Puffs, Onde Onde and Bubur Cha Cha are available from 3pm onwards.
Alternatively, sample thirst-quenchers: Hening Pagi (RM12) using fresh pomegranate, Hening Senja (RM12) with crushed strawberries, soda and lemon, or Hening Malam (RM12), fresh watermelon juice with soda.
When it comes to good, comforting Malay food, Hening rules the roost.
For reservations, call Hening restaurant at tel: 017-331 6964
. Address: 56, Lorong Damai 1, Jalan Damai, Kuala Lumpur. Business hours: 8am to 6pm daily

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

A CULINARY PARADISE THAT’S SHANGRI-LA BANGKOK




Breakfast by the River of Kings at NEXT2 Café

 
Here’s an insider tip: The best seats at NEXT2 Café are along the shaded terrace perched alongside the Chao Phraya River.
With a seating capacity for 425 guests, the trendy and modern buffet restaurant of the Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok is a compelling outpost for fabulous breakfasts (6.30am to 10.30am), lavish lunches (11.30am to 2.30pm) and divine dinner spreads (6.30pm to 10.30pm). On Sundays, sumptuous brunches take place from 12noon to 3pm while a la carte menu is available from 6am to 11.30pm.

It pays to be an early bird for breakfast here. We managed to nab a table just metres away from the river edge; a nice viewing spot to see the passing parade of barges and passenger shuttle boats. There's even a designated section where guests are allowed to feed the fishes with bread provided by the hotel.

Wood, stone, slate and glass have been artfully employed by Tokyo-based Super Potato Co. Ltd to conceive the impressive yet welcoming restaurant with 168 seats nestled in air-cond comfort, 207 seats out on the riverside patio and 50 seats at the bar.
I took my own sweet time strolling around, to absorb the multitude of culinary activities and sensorial touch-points onsite. Designed as a self-service, market-style restaurant, I was beguiled by the six interactive cooking stations which serve popular Thai specialities, Japanese sushi, sashimi and appetisers, Asian noodles and homely fare, Western carvery, Indian delicacies and breads, and barbecue/grilled items.

My fave section was the plethora of healthy, delicious options catering to today’s increasingly growing group of fitness and wellness enthusiasts. I love the appealing ‘green’ presentation used to showcase the juices, assorted nuts and seeds, mixed salads, quinoa bowls and gluten-free muffins. 
Led by Executive Chef Marc Cibrowius, the battalion of 30 chefs tirelessly pull out the stops daily to rustle up the morning feast at NEXT2 Café. The luxurious brekkie even includes real honeycomb served with waffles and pancakes made on request, house-churned ice creams and oven-fresh breads – from European crusty types to cottony-soft buns and flaky pastries.

Price: THB1,000 nett per person. For reservations, call NEXT2 Café tel: 66 2 236 7777 ext 6205-6 or 66 2 236 9952. 

  * * * * * * 
An Afternoon Tea Affair at The Lobby Lounge
 
 

It was the golden bird cage on a stand that caught our imagination and lured us to savour the afternoon tea at The Lobby Lounge. Inspired by seasonal produce of the cold wintry season, the triple-decked Winter Flavours tea temptations was created by Executive Pastry Chef Claus Olsen.
We couldn’t think of a better way to spend a languid afternoon, our heartstrings plucked by the resident harpist who swept us away with her musical passion.
Revelling in the plush sofa seating, we had a field day sipping cups of artisanal tea whilst nibbling on the various savoury and sweet treats. Although some of the delicious morsels looked deceptively dainty, we soon discovered the selection was more than ample to satisfy us.

Nibbles that left an indelible impression included Bay Scallop, Arugula & Tomato on Herbed Mayo Toast, and Cheddar Cheese with Chutney on Tomato Bread. We also paused to admire the pretty cucumber and cream cheese rosette atop the granary bread before devouring it.

Hitting our sweet spot were meticulously crafted dessert treats which had unexpected bursts of flavour or interesting textural contrasts. It was fun comparing notes which delicate confection snagged our attention, teased our palate and delighted our tastebuds.
Towards the end, we found ourselves valiantly finishing the last crumbs lest the goodies went to waste. Our enjoyment of the sumptuous creations were heightened by mellifluous music and the attentive service of The Lobby Lounge’s efficient and cordial team.
 

Price: THB1,198++ per set (for two persons) inclusive coffee or tea. 

(Note: Afternoon tea theme may change according to the Hotel's prevailing promotion. Food served may differ from the set shown in this blogpost).

For reservations, call The Lobby Lounge, Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok, tel: 66 2 236 7777 ext 6205-6.  

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