PALATE-PLEASERS APLENTY AT WARUNG PADANG

Possibly West Sumatra’s most popular export, Nasi Padang (rice from the town called Padang) is a specialty of the Minangkabau community. The cuisine encompasses assorted dishes: ranging from hot, spicy curries and milder, flavourful stews to deep-fried delicacies and vegetables cooked in sambal, to complement white rice.

With three decades of experience in Padang food, Chef Pak Isan Santibi now rules the roost at the newly opened Warung Padang by The Majapahit group.

The eatery is pragmatically designed, with a prominent display counter and a glass showcase laden with a mind-boggling array of Padang specialities to leave diners spoiled for choice. Everything looks so tempting, it’s easy to go overboard when you start picking various dishes for your Nasi Padang meal.

Aside from white rice, Warung Padang offers Nasi Padang Plate (RM6.80) – a dish of white rice with blanched cassava leaves, gulai vegetable (veges in spiced gravy), various types of sambal and half a hardboiled egg.

If you are partial to ‘spare parts’, the Gulai Tendon (beef tendon in spiced gravy, RM17.50) and Paru Goreng Balado (fried cow’s lungs with chilli, RM10.10) proffer delightfully toothsome textures amidst varying levels of robust spiciness.

Show-stoppers we’d gladly vouch for include Rendang Daging (RM13.30), sumptuously rich and aromatic Minang-style beef rendang and distinctive Dendeng Daging Balado (RM14.30), Padang-style beef jerky in piquant fried sambal.

Creamy and spicy nuances make the Ayam Goreng Balado (RM13.30) tantalising choices to sample. For extra ‘fire power’ to set your tastebuds alight, the Ayam Goreng Lado Hijau (chicken with fiery hot green chilli, RM13.30) will accomplish that admirably well.

The Ikan Tilapia Goreng (RM15.40) is great for sharing; the fish’s inherent sweetness shining through the sprinkling of crispy fried garlic bits on top of it. Try amping up the taste quotient with dollops of Sambal Hijau Padang (RM3.70) or Sambal Balado Padang (RM3.70).

Balancing the protein selection are the green chilli sambal-laden Terung Sambal Hijau (RM5.90) and Sayur Daun Singkong (a mildly creamy turmeric-flavoured curry with cassava leaves, RM5.90).

 

Jering (Archidendron pauciflorum), otherwise known as blackbead or dog fruit, consists of edible seeds from the woody, globous and deep purple pods. This local herb is sometimes eaten raw as ulam whilst Padang folks adeptly cook the seeds to make Jering Sambal Hijau (RM3.70). The resultant dish tastes rather nice with the seeds’ sulphuric smell undetectable.

For some crunch, Sambal Kering Teri Kacang (RM5.90) –crumbled tempeh (fermented and compressed soy bean cakes) fried with peanuts and pounded chilli make an appetising addition.

Notable options of Perkedel Kentang (fried potato fritters, RM3.10), Telur Dadar Goreng (fluffy fried omelette, RM4.20) and Telur Balado (fried hardboiled egg with red chilli sambal, RM3.10) are also available.

 

Currently, Warung Padang is offering a ‘buy 2 free 1’ deal (subject to terms & conditions) to entice more diners to the new restaurant. Go with a group of friends and you’d have some wallet-friendly savings for your nasi Padang feast.

For reservations, call WARUNG PADANG BY THE MAJAPAHIT, tel: 03 7625 2570. Address: Lot G74, The Street, The Curve, Mutiara Damansara.

SKY-HIGH SOIRÉE EATS AT VOGUE LOUNGE KL

Come for the venue. Stay for the view. Event hosts with lofty ambitions may want to consider Vogue Lounge KL as the haute spot for their next soirée - those 360° views of the city’s skyline alone are bound to take invitees' breath away.

Opened in September 2019, Vogue Lounge is part of the Condé Nast group, with sister Vogue Cafes in Bangkok, Beijing, Shanghai, Istanbul, Porto, and Riyadh. This Kuala Lumpur outpost is the embodiment of the Vogue lifestyle, with the aim of delivering an ultra-chic and sophisticated dining experience through a fashionable, luxe lounge and rooftop bar.

Located on the 38th floor of Menara SUEZCAP, Vogue magazine covers and framed portrait shots flank the walkway leading to its entrance. The dramatically designed interior flaunts a soaring high ceiling, adorned with contemporary teardrop-shaped lightning fixtures.

Wraparound picture windows accord expansive panoramic vistas, while within the main dining area a raised screen platform doubles up as a runway underfoot. Plush banquette seats interspersed with strategic clusters of linen-covered dining tables, creating Insta-worthy nooks and corners.

Besides a sleekly designed cocktail bar and a modern well-stocked wine cellar, there's also a private dining room tucked discreetly away behind the latter that seats up to 12 persons. Even the washrooms ooze glitz and glamour with black & white marble floors and Hollywood vanity mirrors with lights.

At the Rooftop Bar, bartenders perform their mixology magic to enliven the evening. For special events such as weddings, birthday parties, launch events, etc, the Rooftop Garden boasts its own dedicated cocktail bar and seating area. Its top-selling point is the spectacular cityscape especially at dusk once the lights come on.

To complement the informal Rooftop Garden setting, Executive Chef Steve Ariffin is tasked with interpreting modern European and Asian specialities for the Rooftop Sharing Menu.

Among his culinary creations we sampled are Crab Tacos (RM42) featuring Soft Shell Crabs with Kyuri, Tobiko and Spicy Avacado. Beautifully presented, the dainty appetisers are designed for casual dining – meaning you can pick them up without creating a mess. We like the co-mingling of soft and crunchy textures and of bold, vivid flavours.

The main course we tried was Roasted Whole Seabass (RM98) stuffed with Lemon & Dill. Complemented with Garlic Aioli, the fish’s natural sweetness is amplified by the tart and herbal accents. The smoky overtone was more discernible once we anointed it with some garlic aioli.

Moreish wedge-cut Truffle Fries (RM28) makes a compatible pairing with your fave tipples. Adorned with a sprinkling of grated cheese and truffle oil, the danger lies in their addictiveness so be forewarned.

 

Simple yet endearing, the rustic Mushroom Risotto (RM32) beguiled us with its no-nonsense ‘less is more’ approach reminiscent of hearth and home. We relished the fungi’s plumpness and rich umami flavour juxtaposed against the soft tender grains, on our palate.

A 'pretty-as-a-picture' Chocolate Pavlova with Passionfruit Sauce was served as the grand finale. Shaped like a mini clump of wispy cloud, we found its delicate sweetness tempered by slivers 0f strawberry tucked within the confection.

Ours was but one of several Rooftop Sharing Menus available. The venue is eminently ideal for weddings, birthdays, special events and corporate functions designed to impress.

 

In addition to a specially curated drinks list with signature cocktails, champagne selection and fine wines, premium spirits and distinctive beers, the Vogue Lounge team can assist with music and whatever arrangements necessary.

For reservations and more information, call Vogue Lounge Kuala Lumpur, tel: +6 016 8466 552 or +6 03 2771 1530/1531. Address: Level 38, Menara SuezCap 1, KL Gateway, Jalan Kerinchi, Bangsar South, Kuala Lumpur. Website: www.voguelounge.my