SELERA KAMPUNG AT MARRIOTT PETALING JAYA

With two decades of industry experience under his toque, Executive Chef Dennie Yudie Darmawan spearheads the Marriott Petaling Jaya team in the extravaganza of dishes for this year’s buka puasa.

Available from 23 February to 18 March at The Atrium, the Selera Kampung line-up spotlights Signature Traditional Roast Lamb as one of the mainstays. Redolent with aromatic spices, the juicy lamb meat is best accompanied by fluffy biryani rice.

Inspired by nostalgic kampung favourites, the array of breaking of fast specialities includes appetite-whetting Ekor Asam Pedas (tangy, subtly spicy oxtail stew), sublime Kambing Masak Hitam (mutton cooked in dark soy sauce and ground spices), Gulai Telur Ikan (fried fish eggs in curry), Signature Sup Tulang Berempah (spiced beef bone broth), Wok Fried Dried Flower Crabs and Ayam Percik (spice-marinated grilled chicken).

Perennial crowd-pullers such as Gulai Ayam Minang, Rendang Itik Rendang, Daging Tetel, Masak Lemak Siput Sedut, Gulai Nangka Ikan Pusu, Pucuk Ubi Lemak Kuning Tempoyak, Roti Jala Kari Ayam, Terung Sambal Tempeh, Sambal Hati Buyah and Ikan Masin Cili Api beckon invitingly.

Regional specialities are aptly represented by Kepak Ayam Goreng Berlado, Burung Puyuh Berempah, Ega Penyet, Ayam Gebrek Sambal Hijau and Sambal Belut Sukarasa.

 
The cornucopia is further augmented by an assortment of Poached Seafood on Ice, Sushi and Sashimi, Karai Aburi Takoyaki, Wagyu Karai, Beef Cubes with Black Pepper and Grilled Cajun Spice Chicken.

Dessert to conclude ranges from Malay Kuih, Fruit Cake, Chocolate Fountain with Fruit and Confection Skewers, Fresh Fruits, Tapai, Bahulu and Apam Balik.

The Selera Kampung buffet is priced at RM198 nett per adult and RM139 nett for senior citizens. Advance reservations advisable.

For reservations at The Atrium, Marriott Petaling Jaya, WhatsApp: +6016 262 2070 or email: kulpj.fnb.rsvp@marriotthotels.com
 
 
 

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/