CLASSIC CITARASA NIPAH FOR BUKA PUASA AT EQ

In a constantly changing world, the Citarasa Nipah buka puasa buffet proves some things never change at EQ Kuala Lumpur. Available from 3 April to 1 May 2022, Chef De Cuisine Ali bin Tuwin and the Nipah team will cook up a storm, serving up a cornucopia of timeless kampung delights interspersed with popular Malaysian mainstays throughout Ramadan.

The welcoming enclave that’s Nipah sets the stage for a veritable array of East meets West appetisers: from healthy local salads such as Kerabu Limau Bali and Urap Pucuk Manis to the ubiquitous crowd-pulling seafood bar of fresh oysters, poached prawns and clams.

Expect local thirst-quenchers: Sirap Selasih, Cincau, Soya Bean and Air Jagung among others to be available at the self-service drinks station.

Walking out to the patio area, we found it decked with several stalls to showcase hawker-style specialities cooked a la minute. A whole Kambing Golek, spit-roasted and slice to order, took centrestage. We sampled some of the roast lamb with mint sauce and gravy, and were instantly smitten by the meat’s juicy tenderness.

Another notable pick was Kambing Nasi Beriani Gam Johor – succulent cuts of lamb and rice cooked in a medley of spices. It was satisfying with the spices fully imbued into the rice. As for the Signature EQ Satay – touted by Travel + Leisure as Top Ten Malaysian Dishes You Need To Try - the meaty skewers proved on-point and worth making a beeline for.

Chef Ali and his team also conjured up a varied plethora of hot dishes infused with different combinations of spices and herbs. The buffet will leave diners spoiled for choice, with tempting specialities such as Ayam Goreng Mamu, Daging Rusuk Gulai Kawah, Udang Gulai Nyonya, Ikan Siakap Tiga Rasa, and Gulai Lemak Cili Padi Daging Salai among a bewildering selection of curries and well-spiced dishes.

Having worked our way selectively through the robustly flavoured offerings, we were left replete. After cleansing our palate with sliced fresh fruits, it was time to succumb to the myriad of Pastry Chef Azizul Bin Bistaman’s sweet creations.

Local fruits were the chef's core inspiration, resulting in captivating tastebud-teasers of Durian Choux, Passionfruit and Mango Pavlova, Chempedak Financier, Ciku Cheesecake, and Pineapple Tart Tatin. Those with a penchant for teh tarik will find the Teh Tarik Roulade simply 'tea-rrific'. 

The rich Serawa Durian should appeal to die-hard fans of the thorny fruit while the Middle Eastern-inspired Umm Ali added an exotic touch.

A stalwart in the local hotel F&B scene, Nipah is a hot spot come Ramadan so it’s advisable to make reservations prior to visiting. EQ is offering some attractive deals too as below:

Early Bird Vouchers • RM168+ per adult 

Redemption Period: 3 - 7 April 2022 and 29 April - 1 May 2022 

Available for sale from now until 2 April 2022

 

Group Vouchers • RM188+ per adult

Minimum of 20 vouchers required

Redemption Period: 3 April – 1 May 2022

Available for sale from now until 2 April 2022

Buffet Dinner • 3 April – 1 May 2022 

RM208+ per adult, RM68+ per child age 6-12

Reservations are recommended. Email: dineateqkl@kul.equatorial.com OR WhatsApp: +6012 2789239 OR book via TableApp: https://www.tableapp.com/restaurant/nipah-eq-kuala-lumpur#/ 

SAJIAN MERENTASI ZAMAN AT CURATE FOR RAMADAN

It will be a culinary trip down memory lane with Chef Dato’ Fazley Yaakob at Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur (FSHKL) come Ramadan, where the month-long Sajian Merentasi Zaman (Food Across Generations) familial feast will take place at Curate from April 13 to May 12, 2021.

FSHKL General Manager Alex Porteous (pix above, right) says “With our thoughtfully curated dining experiences and caring service, families can once again share meaningful moments and build new memories together. This year, it is time to reconnect with loved ones and cherish them.”

In line with new norm SOPs, the assisted buffet spread will highlight beloved recipes from Chef Dato’ Fazley’s childhood, cherished dishes handed down from generations, and delicacies evoking feelings of nostalgia in parents and grandparents.

FSHKL Executive Chef Junious Dickerson with Chef Dato' Fazley

According to Chef Dato’ Fazley “cooking is an act of love and healing. My grandmother was the heart of our home and her cooking brought us together. I want to create that same feeling for other families with Sajian Merentasi Zaman.”

Top of the ‘must eat’ list is Nasi Nyiru Ayam Baka Pasu (pandan-scented rice with charcoal-grilled chicken in claypot served on traditional coconut leaf woven platter; the rice platter can be complemented by your choice of assorted curries and condiments from the buffet spread). Another favourite of ours is Nasi Tumpang (cone-shape packs of flavoured rice with coconut sambal, egg and curry) which can be enjoyed on its own or perked up by the wide array of curries as shown here. 

Rare local fruits and herbs such as cermai (Malay gooseberry) and pegaga (Asiatic pennywort) also find their way into Chef Dato’ Fazley’s culinary repertoire, appearing in his speciality of Ikan Sepat Masin Masak Lemak Cili Api Buah Cermai & Pucuk Pegaga (fermented freshwater fish in turmeric cream with cermai & pegaga) to pique diners’ interest. He also urges us to sample the traditional delight of Puyuh Salai & Kulit Mangga Muda Bakar (smoked quail with grilled unripe mangoes).

A refreshing and healthy selection of local salads to whet the appetite also beckons invitingly. Tempting choices include Urap Jantung Pisang Udang Geragau, Kerabu Pucuk Paku Daging Salai, Kerabu Kulit Tembikai & Kacang Tanah Panggang, Kerabu Telur Ikan, Kerabu Udang Tomato Hijau, and Rojak Buah among others.

For bursts of heat and palate-pleasers rustled up by the Curate team, stop by for chicken, beef or crabs doused in fiery hot, creamy-rich coconut milk gravy from the Lemak Cili Api Station or try Asam Pedas Pari Bakar Telur Masin. A fearsome Tenggiri with Gremolata takes pride of place at the grill station.

 

Over at the Middle Eastern section, a whole Roast Lamb awaits atop aromatic spice-scented rice, accompanied by Beetroot Labneh, Warak Enab and Babaganoush.

Equal attention has been devoted to the beverage and dessert selection. Thirst-quenchers ranging from syrup to teh tarik and local coffee, complement the chef’s notable sweets. From the wide tableau available, our preferred finds are: Lempeng Kelapa (coconut pancakes with palm syrup), Kuih Gertas (chewy fried glutinous rice flour cakes crusted with sugar), Sira Labu (caramelised pumpkin wedges), Kelamai Buluh (little cones of fudgy glutinous rice, brown sugar and coconut milk wrapped in banana leaf), Puteri Mandi (colourful glutinous rice discs in coconut milk) and Kuih Ubi (steamed tapioca, sweet potato with condiments).

Sajian Merentasi Zaman at Curate will be available at the following prices:

April 13 to 18 and May 7 to 12

RM189 per adult; RM94.50 per child (age 6-12)

April 19 to May 6

RM228 per adult; RM109 per child (age 6-12)

For bookings or queries, call Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, tel: 03-2382 8888.