HALAL HOT POT AFFAIR AT DEMALA

Chinese hot pot or steamboat is increasingly popular in Malaysia hence it’s not surprising to find Demala jumping onto the bandwagon, offering a Halal version to cater to Muslim diners.

Demala Operations Manager, Muhammad Farid Hamidin says diners can opt for the restaurant’s 2-in-1 Soup Base (RM38) or a singular soup base. Choices include Szechuan Mala Soup (RM28), Chicken Collagen Bone Broth (RM28), Mushroom (RM24), Tomato (RM24) and Tomyum (RM18).

For greater value, Demala has Steamboat Set for 2 persons (RM68 and RM88 per set) and 4 persons (RM168 and RM188). These come with free flow of vegetables, fuchok (fried beancurd sheet), mushroom, noodles, eggs, fruit and dessert laid out at a counter alongside assorted condiments and sauces.

Mala which means numbing and spicy is the after-effect to hit your palate once you have a sip of the Szechuan Mala Soup. Demala offers it in three levels of mala spiciness so the mildest version left our tongues slightly numbed from its savoury spiciness.

The broth goes rather well with the tissue-thin Lamb Slices (RM38) and Premium Beef Slices (RM38), in addition to Seafood Taufoo (8 pcs RM9), and Ring Roll Beancurd (6 pcs RM12).

We also intersperse our meal with some Fresh Grower Vegetables (RM8 upwards), while various types of beancurd (RM6 upwards) and mushroom (RM8 upwards) can be ordered separately from the a la carte menu.

The lighter Chicken Collagen Bone Broth is best for dunking in a la carte items such as Handmade Ebiko Shrimp Balls (8 pcs RM38), the fish-shape Premium Ebiko Prawn Paste (RM30), and Seafood Platter (RM128) comprising toman fish slices, tiger prawns, Hokkaido scallops, snow crab stick, and mussels.

Sweet and bouncy, the shrimp balls taste delicious on their own. You can also try sampling them with different saucy concoctions – conjure from the condiment and sauce bar laid out. Thai green chilli sauce, sesame paste, Demala signature chilli, soya sauce, chopped garlic, coriander, and fried minced garlic are some of the items available.

Other notable bites to add interest to the steamboat experience include Handmade Prawn Wonton (6 pcs RM28), and Handmade Chicken Dumplings (8 pcs RM20).

While we waited for the steamboat broths to come to a boil, we shared a platter of Spicy Diced Chicken (RM28). Buried amidst a heap of crisp-fried red chillies, the delicious deep-fried chicken pieces prickling our tongues with slightly salty and peppery accents, and singeing our lips with its subtle chilli fieriness.

To draw the lunch crowd, Demala proffers 7 Sichuan Rice Sets (RM19.80-RM27.80) with free drink and dessert for lunch. If you prefer non-spicy versions, there are 4 choices from RM20.80 upwards.

For reservations, call Demala Hotpot, tel: 03-7499 3705. Address: LG603 & 603A, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

 

4 FOOD TAKEAWAY & DELIVERY OPTIONS

With the Covid19 pandemic still omnipresent, restaurateurs and hoteliers have pivoted to a new playbook – offering takeaways and food delivery to survive and keep the business going.

Restaurateurs and chefs have to raise their game, relooking at viable in-house specialities that can withstand the tricky transportation journey to the intended destination without compromising the eventual taste quality too much.

These four ‘tried and tested’ food takeaways and delivery service providers are worth considering if you are tired of the heat and wish to get out of the home kitchen:

Nasi Lemak Lah!

This nasi lemak specialist comes recommended by a foodie friend. Initially I was sceptical until I tasted the offerings myself. From there on I was won over - proof of the pudding being in the eating you know? 

The rice has nice discernible coconut milk aroma, the fried anchovies and peanuts, crispy without being burnt and the sliced cucumber, fresh and crunchy. Most importantly, the sambal hits the spot with its balanced sweet-hot nuances. If you order the fried lemongrass chicken, be sure to sprinkle on those crispy bits from the fried chook to the rice to amp up the deliciousness.

My favourites are Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng Serai (RM13.90), Nasi Lemak Chicken Curry (RM14.90) and Nasi Lemak Sambal Sotong (RM14.90) but seriously, my family members who had tried the sambal sotong and mutton curry can vouch they ain't too shabby either.

I have included the menu here for reference. Order yours now via Grabfood or direct through Nasi Lemak Lah! WhatsApp: Simon +6017 779 0115 and make your payment via transfer to:
KASI NASI SDN BHD
PUBLIC BANK
Account no: 321-5577-624

The Oriental Group

While dine-in is now permitted with compulsory SOPs in place, the house specialities of this established Chinese restaurant group can be savoured in the comfort of home.

We tried the excellent Mother’s Day Set (RM398 nett for 6 persons) from Oriental Landmark: Boston Lobster Guangdong Style, Braised Soon Hock with Yam, Smoked Farm Chicken, Fried Rice with Teochew Spicy Sauce and Stir-fried Seasonal Vegetables with Garlic.

Portions were generous and most importantly, the food is packed with care to ensure the taste quality stays close to that of dining-in at the restaurant. Kudos to the culinary team for stepping up their game under such trying circumstances.

 

Also available for takeaway and delivery include the trademark Oriental Group’s Chargrilled Iberico Pork Ribs (RM18/100g), four different preparations of Boston Lobster (RM220, 1.2-1.4kg each) Dim Sum (easy heat and eat) and Premium Japanese Dried Scallop Dumpling (RM48) among others. To enhance noodles or fried rice, served as a complementing dip for seafood and other dishes, you’d find the Teochew Spicy Sauce (RM28) a great condiment for the pantry.

Enjoy 20% takeaway discount when you place your orders now till the end of MCO! https://www.facebook.com/orientalgroupmy/

Xiao Long Kan

It was such a novelty experience, having Xiao Long Kan HotPot at home. This was enhanced by the loan of Xiao Long Kan's signature dual-section brass Hotpot + Induction Cooker (shown in pix below).

We opted for the resto's famous Tomato broth and the Mushroom broth - both are distinctive in their own way when eaten with the various assortment of ingredients: meat slices, chewy noodle strips, lobster and meat balls, greens, etc.

 

 

️All the choice of ingredients comes nicely packed in reusable containers with 20% OFF for all Xiao Long Kan Hotpot Takeaway items (except soup base)

Xiao Long Kan Hotpot is available on Hungry App for delivery within 20km. Alternatively, delivery can be arranged by calling the outlets:

Fahrenheit88☎️: 0124671381/0102209618 (KL outlet)

Penang☎️: 0124789982

Hotel Maya Kuala Lumpur

Perennial Malaysian treats, salads, soup, Western, Japanese, vegan-friendly, gluten-free, dessert and beverage can be enjoyed in the comfort of home thanks to the culinary team of Hotel Maya Kuala Lumpur.

We give thumbs up to the hearty and filling portions of Nasi Tomato and Ayam Masak Merah with Jelatah (RM18) as well as Nasi Kerabu with Ayam Goreng Rempah, Telur Masin, Kelapa Parut Ikan & Keropok (RM18) featured in Hotel Maya Kuala Lumpur's Takeaway Menu.

Each set comes in compartmentalised containers so there’s no mess and the different specialities remain distinctly delicious. The Salmon Teriyaki set with Japanese rice, mesclun salad and miso soup (RM28) also scores well since it is a complete, balanced meal by itself. The huge jarred Chickpeas and Corn Kernels with Feta Cheese & Green Salad (RM23) is substantial enough to feed a family of 2-3 depending on the voraciousness of your appetite. 

Available now until 23 May from 11am to 6pm, Chef Hasbullah and his team will be bringing these comforting eats to your home via Hotel Maya Kuala Lumpur's special #takeaway menu through Beep Delivery: www.hotelmayakl.beepit.com or call 012-282 8187 for enquiries. Free delivery for a minimum spend of RM60 (within 5km radius of the hotel) and RM80 (within 10km radius).