DE.WAN 1958 INFUSES CNY SET MENUS WITH MUHIBBAH SPIRIT

Chinese New Year menus shaped by regional pride and the personal touch of Malaysia’s most recognisable culinary raconteur take the limelight at De.Wan 1958 by Chef Wan.

Three set menus priced at RM1288++, RM1588++ and RM1988++ per table of 9-10 persons are available; specially conceived for those who prefer something different from the usual Chinese fare or wish to celebrate in true Muhibbah spirit with non-Chinese friends. (Note: CNY set menus not available at TRX outlet)

De.Wan 1958 at Bangsar Shopping Centre is the epitome of style and taste, with the IG-worthy interior exuding clubby library vibes at the entrance before segueing into a spacious dining space. Vintage colonial era fans move languidly and warm lighting at strategic spots give way to a warren of tastefully furnished private dining rooms.

Most befittingly, our preview of the RM1288++ menu commenced with Golden Jade Prosperity Toss: an astute composition of vibrant hued vegetables and crisp snow pear. 

Pulled together by orange honey, sweet red chilli and nutty gado-gado sauce in addition to crushed peanuts and sesame seeds, the refreshing yee sang salad is a nod to the archipelago’s influences.

 
The same sense of joyful plurality runs through the meal. As a platform for telling Malaysia’s food story in full colour, and sweet, tangy and spice-laced flavours, each dish at De.Wan echoes those of home cooking, elevated without losing its soul.

 
Rice, always central to Malaysian meals, comes in two symbolic expressions: Nasi Bunga Telang, tinted jade-blue with butterfly pea for wisdom and fortune, and Nasi Pandan Delima, liberally studded with raisins and pomegranate, for vitality and wealth. The ideal foil to capture the lush flavours of the myriad main dishes.

Immersed in an aromatic green gravy, the braised Signature Green Lamb Opor entices with fork-tender meat redolent with the warm, hearty richness of spices and coconut milk.

Equally noteworthy is Auspicious Jumbo Sotong – succulent calamari pieces simmered in coconut milk and coastal spices – boast more delicate depth; the sublime flavours unfolding with each bite.

Fish, a perennial symbol of abundance to the Chinese, arrives as Five Blessings Steamed Siakap. Its clean, delicate flesh is enlivened with a fragrant topping of chilli padi, lemongrass, ginger and tomato. The harmonious balance is thoughtful rather than showy, allowing culinary and symbolic facets to take centrestage.

Delicious fried chicken pieces acquire extra appeal in the taste and colour spectrum with the accompaniment of glossy orange-butter sauce, creating a most winsome Golden Orange Treasure Chicken.

 
The assertive umaminess of fermented shrimp paste meets wok-fried greens, ensuring the Four Treasures Belacan King Vegetables an agreeable inclusion for the celebratory menu.

Dessert keeps things light and rooted in the tropics. Tropical Jewels of Longevity offers sun-ripened fruits, while little bowls of soft Gula Melaka Sago Pearls deliver subtly sweet indulgence without excess.

 
Toast to the Fire Horse Year with two specially concocted drinks: Jade Lychee Sparkle and Imperial Lychee Sparkle (RM15++ each). The first features refreshing lychee with watermelon and lime, infused with mint and pandan, topped with soda and finished with lychee and edible flower. The latter has lychee, grenadine, lime and mint with fresh orange pulp, adorned with dried orange slice, promegranate and edible blossom.

 
Signature Cucur Udang and Kerabu Paku Kerang round out the experience, grounding the menu in unmistakably local nuances. The huge, crispy prawn fritters are an unmissable appetiser for any visit to De.Wan. Young fiddlehead fern shoots coupled with cockles tossed in invigorating mixture of kerisik, (toasted grated coconut), shallots, torch ginger flower and lime juice is another must try option.

Dining at De.Wan 1958 is more than a mere meal. It speaks of a truly Malaysian story, told through the unmistakable voice of its owner-chef; a genial host who knows prosperity tastes best when it’s shared. 

For reservations at De.Wan 1958, visit the link below: 
https://www.tableapp.com/de-wan-1958
  

FESTIVE CNY FEAST AT SUMMER PALACE

Three festive set menus designed to usher in prosperity, happiness, and good fortune for Chinese New Year celebrants beckon at Summer Palace, Putrajaya Marriott Hotel this year.

At a recent media review, we savoured the indulgent Good Fortune Set (RM2,688 nett per table of 10 persons with a complimentary bottle of wine).

 Everyone participated in the tossing of the house made Tuna Yee Sang with Crispy Fish Skin and Mixed Pickles. The colourful array of shredded vegetables and pickles also had pumpkin crisps and deep-fried fish skin for additional crunch.

 

A treasure trove of King Neptune’s best: sea cucumber, dried scallops, abalone and fish maw ensured the sublime Buddha Jumps Over The Wall Soup with Morel Mushrooms superbly memorable. We love the complexity and savoury depth of each spoonful of the soup.

 

Subtle herb accent was discernible when we tried the Roasted Duck Marinated with Tong Kwai, Star Anise and Cinnamon in Truffle Sauce. Tender and juicy to the bite, the distinct truffle sauce amplified the dish’s tasty appeal.

Another luxe serving of Fried Lobster with Premium Golden Pumpkin Sauce and Sea Prawns with XO Sauce left us smiling from ear to ear. The delicate flavour of pumpkin sauce complemented the naturally sweet lobster meat whilst the more piquant XO sauce bestowed zingy heat to the prawns.

Crispy Bean Crumbs and Japanese Kikkoman Soya Sauce lent textural interest and subtle flavour to the Steamed Tiger Garoupa. It was a creative and welcoming touch, differentiating the steamed fish from the usual tried-and-tested soya sauce, minced ginger and spring onion version.

The Stewed 5-head Abalones with Black Pearl Sea Cucumber, Sea Moss and Dried Oysters tasted a tad underwhelming. Not sure if the earlier dishes had overwhelmed our tastebuds. Still, the varied textures proffered hit the spot so it wasn’t a complete loss. 

My favourite dish was snagged by the soul-satisfying Steamed Rice with Smoked Duck in Claypot. It’s less greasy than the customary waxed meat version yet chockful of appetising flavours, inducing repeat helpings.

 

A generous bowl of fuschia hued Chilled Dragon Fruit Cream with Sago and Bird’s Nest brought dinner to a sweet conclusion. We like the dessert broth’s mild sweetness; it made a nice pairing with the Fancy Double Combination of mochi-type balls and another of deep-fried balls studded with puffed rice pearls.

 

Diners can also opt for the Prosperity Set at RM1,888 nett per table of 10 persons with a complimentary bottle of wine, or the Happiness Set at RM2,188 nett per table (10 persons).

For reservations at Summer Palace, Putrajaya Marriott Hotel, please contact tel: 03-8949 8888 ext. 1333 or WhatsApp: +6011 56855608.