MALAY FLAVOURS LEND SHINE AT MADAM LEE

Chef de Cuisine Rizal Sobry has joined hands with Executive Chef Irwan Sutan Chairul to extend the Peranakan palette at Madam Lee Nyonya Private Dining — incorporating timeless Malay recipes with depth, fire and fragrance intact.

The introduction of Malay culinary classics feels more like a homecoming, bringing quiet comfort to the menu. Nestled amidst the grounds of Palm Garden Hotel Putrajaya, the restaurant's recessed shelves decked with Peranakan ceramics segue to a soaring high ceiling space and a grand staircase leading to an airy dining space.

Warm and welcoming, we dip and sip on Singgang Seafood Soup (RM30), a coconut milk-based broth cradling prawns, squid, clams, fish and tender vegetables. Modest in appearance but rich in spirit, the creamy and subtly tangy soup leans in with whispers of lemongrass and sweet brine of the sea.

 

Pie Tie (RM28), those crisp little top hats of jicama, mushroom, egg and prawn; Loh Bak (RM25), deep-fried beancurd sheet rolls of meat, vegetables and spices; and Otak-otak (RM25), spiced fish mousse served chilled are ubiquitous mainstays to tickle the tastebuds.

Soft and yielding smoked beef in a golden pool of turmeric and coconut milk—thick, perfumed and almost pastoral in its richness makes the Daging Salai Masak Lemak (RM48) notable. You taste the smokiness first, then the heat of chilli and spices followed by the grassy-citrusy scent of turmeric leaf. It clings to the beef, then lingers long after you’ve set your spoon down.

If that was a murmur, the Paru Sambal Cili Api (RM45) was a roar. Slightly chewy beef lung slices, swimming in a biting-hot bird’s eye chilli sambal, is not a dish for the faint-hearted. But die-hard fans will love it for its fierce honesty.

Take the edge off with Ikan Masak Kicap (RM58), trad fried red snapper doused in a bewitchingly dark sweet-savoury soy glaze. You’d delight in the mellow, gently spiced sauce; sweet at the edges—perfect to go with plain white rice.

 
More amicable options, easy on the tastebuds include golden-skinned Ayam Goreng Berempah (RM32), its spice coating adding appeal to the chook; Chap Chye (RM28), the homey mixed vegetable milieu that tastes like something your Nyonya grandmother might dish up; and a robust, deeply comforting Nyonya Fried Rice.

 
Dessert is whimsical and tropical—Sago Cha Cha with Taro Ice Cream (RM18), creamy and cool on the tongue; and rich yet sticky Pineapple Pulut Hitam Crème Brûlée (RM26), with just the right crackle of burnt sugar on top.

 

At Madam Lee, the spices may flare, the sauces may cling, but there’s always grace in the telling and old flavours bloom anew.
 
For reservations, call Madam Lee Nyonya Private Dining, tel:03-8943 2233 or visit https://www.madamleenyonya.com/
Address: Palm Garden Hotel, Putrajaya, IOI Resort City, Putrajaya

BERGEMA SEPANJANG MALAM AT CONCORDE HOTEL KL

 

Fanning the balik kampung spirit at Melting Pot, Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur, guests will find lots to cherish and savour at the hotel’s Bergema Sepanjang Malam nightly buffet come Ramadan.

 

Available 2-30 March from 630pm - 1030pm, the buka puasa session will integrate the essence of home-cooked meals to the buffet spread, highlighting a cornucopia of cherished kampung favourites, classic Malay and Thai dishes, international specialities and hawker-style offerings.

 

Malay Kitchen Chef Arif Ibrahim and his team will prepare time-honoured recipes such as Asam Pedas Daging Tetel, Rendang Tok, Gulai Tunjang, Nangka Masak Lemak Ikan Bilis, Ayam Bawang, Siput Sedut Masak Lemak, and Sambal Tumis Udang Petai among others.

We recommend sampling unmissable culinary gems such as Telur Itik Masak Lemak Cili Padi, Gulai Ketam Nipah, Ikan Keli Berlada, Sup Gearbox and the inventive Asam Pedas Kepala Ikan Salmon too.

 

From our northern neighbour comes inspired offerings of Thai Sour & Spicy Fish, Thai Red Curry Prawns, Beef Pad Kra Pao (Minced Beef with Basil), and Seafood Tom Yum. 

 

Typical crowd-pleasing Chinese dishes: Kam Heong Lala, Beef with Ginger and Spring Onion, Kung Pao Chicken and Steamed Seabass Fish with Ginger Sauce along with live cooking stations serving Kambing Panggang with Biryani Rice, Murtabak Ayam, Roti Canai Sarang Burung and BBQ Teppan Theatre add further variety to the expansive selection.

 

Appetising Seafood on Ice station proffering oysters, mussels, prawns and bamboo clams clamour for attention in addition to Japanese Sushi Maki Rolls and slices of Salmon, Tuna and Octopus Sashimi. Noodle fans will find satisfaction in Laksa Johor and Creamy Cheese Wheel Pasta, served on the spot.

 

Before calling it a night, indulge in the plethora of dessert: Serawa Durian made using D24 and Musang King durians, Ais Kacang, Kek Batik, Cendol Pudding, Macarons, Assorted Malay Kuih, Durian Cream Cake, Sago Gula Melaka and Chocolate Walnut Dates.

On 2-4 March and 28-30 March, the Bergema Sepanjang Malam nightly buffet dinner is priced at RM178 nett per person. Normal price at RM198 nett per person; 50% off for children 6-11 years old.

 

Guests will be serenaded throughout the evening by the hotel’s Begema 5 Batak Band, creating a festive atmosphere in the spirit of Ramadan.

For bookings or inquiries, please call Concorde Hotel KL, tel: 03-2717 2233 and 012-399 0734.