SYOK, SELERA, TIMUR AT MOXY PUTRAJAYA’S LEPAK BAZAAR

 

Bold East Coast flavours take centrestage this Ramadan as Moxy infuses its signature playful spirit into the Hotel’s Lepak Bazaar. With headliners such as Nasi Kerabu Lemak Bakar, fluffy blue-hued rice, fragrant with herbs with trad condiments of kerisik (toasted coconut flakes), salted egg, stuffed chilli, sambal, crunchy papadum and lime, it's a match made in heaven paired with the smoky richness of Kambing Golek (East Coast style grilled lamb).

Channelling the laid-back, lively ‘lepak’ vibes of Ramadan bazaars, Moxy reimagines the bazaar experience through contemporary lens in celebration of local flavours, crowd favourites and nostalgic moments. It’s all about lepak, makan and enjoying good company after a day of fasting.

 
From 18 February to 19 March, the Syok Selera Timur Lepak Bazaar invites diners to berbuka puasa with a feast inspired by the beloved tastes of Malaysia’s East Coast, served nightly from 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm.

The concept is to reconnect diners with the soulful, comforting flavours of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang – East Coast states where most of Moxy’s culinary team hails from. Many of the chefs grew up roaming pasar pagi, learning family recipes from their nenek, and embarking on balik kampung drives in anticipation of savouring coconut-rich gravies and smoky charcoal grills. Hence the rotational menus capture the joy (syok), flavours (selera) and spirit of the East Coast (timur).

Start with Aneka Colek Pantai Timur, tempting East Coast street snacks such as crispy Cucur Udang (prawn fritters), chewy Keropok Lekor (fish crackers) and savoury Paru Goreng (fried beef lungs) to whet the appetite.

Move on to heartier fare by sampling comforting Sup Tulang coupled with vibrant Nasi Hujan Panas, colourful rendered rice delicately perfumed with cinnamon, star anise, cloves and nutmeg. 

Compelling East Coast classics to go with it includes Patin Tempoyak (river fish with yellow fermented durian curry), Daging Sambal Hitam Belimbing Buluh (beef in dark sambal and bilimbi), Gulai Kambing Darat (dry goatmeat curry), Sayur Lemak Putih (vegetables in coconut milk) and the fiery Gulai Ayam Kak Wok (chicken curry). Each dish captures the tastebuds with distinctly bold and deeply satisfying accents.

An array of kerabu (local herb salad) including Kerabu Maggi Sotong (instant noodle salad with squid), Kerabu Soohun (glass noodles salad), Kerabu Kaki Ayam (chicken feet salad) and Kerabu Jantung Pisang (banana flower salad) serves as a pleasant counterpoint with punches of acidity and spice.

Familiar Hari Raya favourites also make an appearance. Think Satay, Rendang Short Ribs paired with Ketupat (boiled rice in coconut leaf casings), or fragrant Lemang (glutinous rice cooked in bamboo tubes) served with aromatic Serunding (spiced beef and chicken floss).

Stalls dishing up popular bazaar fare such as Viral French Fries, made-to-order Pasta, Shawarma, Cendol Durian and Aneka Gorengan (assorted fritters) beckon invitingly. 

Sweet endings are equally enticing, with crowd-pleasers such as Goreng Pisang dan Cempedak (banana and chempedak fritters), indulgent Serawa Pulut Durian (glutinous rice with thick durian broth), colourful Kek Lapis Sarawak (colourful layered cake) and a variety of Malay kuih completing the generous Ramadan spread.

 
At Moxy’s Syok Selera Timur Lepak Bazaar, every dish is a harbinger of heritage, memories and the joy of berbuka puasa together.

 
Early bird rates from 17 – 26 Feb is RM99 nett per adult and RM49 nett per child. Regular rates will be RM148 nett per adult and RM74 per child. Marriott Bonvoy members will enjoy 10% off from 27 Feb onwards.

 
For reservations, call Moxy Putrajaya Hotel, tel: 03-832 8111.

A STABLE OF CNY SPECIALS BY THE ORIENTAL GROUP

A playful yet auspicious centrepiece – a horse head-shaped ceramic pot by Color King – cradling the Takeaway Poon Choi steals the limelight at The Oriental Group’s recent Chinese New Year preview.

 
Priced at RM688 inclusive of the charming keepsake pot, this festive indulgence requires a minimum three-hour pre-order. Lift the lid and you’ll find a layered bounty to level up your family reunion meal.

 
Whole five-head abalone, sea cucumber, fish maw and dried scallops anchor the poon choi with deep umami accents. Dig deeper to uncover delectable chunks of free-range chicken, roast duck, roast pork, prawn balls and squid.

 
Rustic and comforting treasures: dried oysters, fatt choi (black sea moss), lingzhi mushrooms, yam, Chinese cabbage and gluten complete the picture — each ingredient chosen not just for symbolism, but for how it absorbs and enriches the broth. Collectively, the poon choi emerges as a tasty communal dish.

 
No CNY table is complete without loh hei, and diners are spoilt for choice with seven variations of Yee Sang. From Crispy Fish Skin (Medium RM118, Large RM158) and Soft Shell Crab (M RM138, L RM178) to Salmon & Anchovies or Grilled Iberico Pork Neck (both M RM138, L RM178), each version leans into palate-pleasing textures and flavours.

At the preview, a surf-and-turf pairing of soft shell crab and grilled Iberico pork neck stood out. Crisp, succulent and meaty elements intertwined seamlessly, unified by a house-made,  sweet and tangy plum sauce.

In homage to the Year of the Horse, culinary craftsmanship results in Roast Treasure Duck (RM78 half, RM148 whole), deftly carved and creatively reassembled into a galloping steed. Beyond its visual flourish, the duck impresses with crisp, lacquered skin and juicy flesh. A delicate stuffing of lotus seeds and chestnuts adds soft, nutty contrasts to temper the richness.

 
Equally impressive is the ‘Prancing Year of the Horse’ Farm Chicken (RM168 each). Smoked over fragrant pu-er tea leaves, the free-range chicken is tender and aromatic with the muted tea smoke lending a refined bitterness that showcases chef’s restraint and understanding of balance.

 
My personal favourite has to be the stellar Iberico Golden Pork Cheek (RM88 per portion). Pan-fried until meltingly tender, the pork cheek is coated in subtly sweet, glossy chef’s special sauce (industry speak for house-made saucy recipes). Cubes of Californian honeydew provide a refreshing counterpoint, cutting through the richness with its natural juicy sweetness.

 
Designed to spark joy around the table, the Abundance Claypot Rice (RM188 for four persons) came crowned with sizeable freshwater prawns, fried garlic mince and spring onions. Each grain of rice exudes enticing prawny sweetness and heady aromatics, making the whole pot of rice irresistibly moreish.

 
Traditionalists will appreciate the Evergreen Blooming Cabbage (RM118), a dish symbolising continuous growth and prosperity. Those tender braised pork tendons, soft beancurd sheets and dried scallops wrapped within tender cabbage leaves are deeply satisfying, elevating a humble vegetable dish into an epicurean delight.

 
The Steamed Nian Nian You Yu Soon Hock (seasonal price) also left a lasting impression with its notable garnishing of chopped Chinese black olives, three types of aged radish and preserved vegetables. 

Mildly salty and umami-laden, edged with subtle hints of aged mandarin peel, the condiments enhance the fish’s natural sweetness — a mark of confident Cantonese cooking.

 
To end on a sweet note, the customary Deep-fried Nian Gao with Yam & Sweet Potato makes its appearance. Crisp on the outside while remaining soft and chewy within, the festive treat carries heartfelt wishes for progress and success, appealing equally to the young and the young at heart.

 
The Oriental Group’s Chinese New Year set menus range from RM1,888 to RM9,888 per table of ten. Smaller families and intimate gatherings can opt for Individual Set Menus priced between RM198 and RM598 per person (minimum two persons). Thoughtfully crafted and rich in symbolism, this is a celebratory feast honouring tradition while showcasing culinary finesse.

For reservations and further information, please contact The Oriental Group of Restaurants through the official website: https://www.orientalrestaurants.com.my/