TOP CATCH SELECTION AT NELAYANKU

Pure fish broth, derived from boiling 100% sea fish bones for 8 hours, forms the base for most of the specialities served at NelayanKU restaurant which opened in December 2021, a stone’s throw away from the Pavilion Bukit Jalil.

NelayanKU is part of DTS Group, a self-sufficient seafood supply group with diversified businesses and interests in the aquaculture industry: from hatching, nursery, farming, and aquafeed R&D supply, to the processing and distribution of fresh and frozen seafood, and production of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook seafood.

Founder Raymond Tea who hails from three generations of fisherfolk and farm-fishing family, aims to replicate the cherished taste of freshly caught fish and seafood he grew up with through the house specialities at NelayanKU.

Rich in vitamins and nutrients such as Omega-3, 6, 9 fatty acids, iodine, calcium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, collagen, and protein, the restaurant's signature fishbone soup takes pride of place here. This nutritious stock is the secret formula to many of NelayanKU's key dishes. 

Wading into the appetiser selection, we find Live Irish Oysters (RM4.80 per 50-70g pc, RM7.90 per 90-110g pc, RM10.80 per 125-150g pc) making a rare appearance. Served au naturel with wedges of fresh lemon, it's easy to appreciate the mollusks' fresh, unadulterated taste of the briny sea.

True to the 'waste not, want not' culture of humble fisherfolks, even parts of fish like barramundi wing (pectoral fin) are turned into tempting nibbles known as Myfisherman Wing (RM18.90). The crisp-fried fins yield delicately sweet and surprisingly fleshy meat when you bite into them.

Another stellar 'by-product' is Golden Right Leg (RM8.90) using shrimp feet. Lightly dusted in seasoned flour with salt and pepper, the delicious morsels are fried until they turn golden brown and crispy. 

Lemongrass, turmeric, and Korean-inspired hot & spicy marinades suffused tender chunks of barramundi for the Fish Skewer Set (RM26.90) with plenty of enticing flavours, making this a noteworthy curtain-raiser. Those fish skewers are delectable enough to savour on their own even without the house green chilli dip served alongside them.

Seafood congee at NelayanKU

Moving on the main meals, each Fisherman Set comes with a bowl of NelayanKU speciality soup with a choice of carbs, and a drink. A blend of spices and fish stock based on the founder's grandmother's recipe, results in a mildly spicy yet aromatic Fisherman Curry Soup (RM28.90) that's reminiscent of simple, downhome curries of yesteryears. 

 

Although it lacks the heavy richness of most curries, this humble version may appeal to those who enjoy its spicy-savoury taste. Plain rice serves as the main canvas to capture the curry’s nuances alongside the inherent sweetness of fish slices, la la clams, prawns, and squid rings. A topping of dried mini shrimps lends some crunch to the ensemble.

A blend of pumpkin purée and pure fish stock goes into the making NelayanKU’s Fish Bone Golden Soup (RM32.90). The thick, hearty broth brimming with the delicate sweetness of pumpkin makes it a splendid match with ramen. Again, the noodles are accompanied by fish slices, la la clams, prawns, squid rings and a topping of dried mini shrimps.

The Fisherman SSS or Asam Pedas Nelayan (RM28.90) is the restaurant’s take on Vietnamese-style hot and sour soup. Sliced onion and fresh lime wedges are the garnishes to perk up the broth. Sweetened by a slew of seafood, the mildly tangy broth exudes some heat to tickle your tastebuds.

You can also customise your own bowl of noodles: select original Fish Bone Soup (RM2.50), Fisherman Curry Soup (RM4.50), Fish Bone Golden Soup (RM5.50), Fish Bone Sour and Spicy Soup (RM3) or Soy Sauce (RM2.50), then combine it with your carb of choice: meehoon, crystal rice noodles (kuey teow), wantan noodles, ramen or rice. Depending on the choice and portion size, prices range between RM1.80 – RM4.50.

Enhance your customise bowl with a choice of sliced fish: barramundi, silver pompano, golden snapper, giant tiger garoupa or giant tiger garoupa fish head (RM7.90 – RM16.50 ranging between 60g-100g). Other varieties of seafood available include sea prawns (RM5.50-RM9.90), crab & cuttlefish balls (RM10.90), Alaskan scallops (RM6.90), clam meat (RM2.50), barramundi fish maw (RM10.90) and squid ring (RM2.90).

 

Fans of Curry Fish Head (RM69.90) will find ample succour in the chunks of giant tiger garoupa fish head, eggplant, long beans and tomatoes used to prepare the house speciality.

 

Dessert promises to be a unique affair with Myfisherman Collagen (RM9.90 each) puddings. The collagen is culled from the boiling of fish scales before selected ingredients such as red dates, soursop, passion fruit, steamed egg and chrysanthemum are added as flavourings.

Once refrigerated into jelly-like collagen, the chilled puddings become wholesome, nutritious dessert. The red date and chrysanthemum versions are pleasant for their delicate sweetness while the passion fruit’s mild tartness is a nice palate-cleanser.

The brightly lit, sleekly designed restaurant also incorporates DTS Home Mart – a one-stop retail shop for patrons to buy DTS group’s Ready-to-Cook (RTC) and Ready-To-Eat (RTE) seafood products, imported frozen seafood and fresh seafood such as oysters and lobsters from Europe, Asia and South America.

 

For more information, please call NelayanKu & DTS Home Mart, tel: +60 12-987 7855. Address: B-13-01, Pusat Perdagangan Bandar Bukit Jalil, Persiaran Jalil 7, KL. Business Hours：10 am – 10 pm. Website: http://www.nelayanku.com.my/  &  http://www.dtshomemart.com/ 

 

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