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#/ 

A TASTE OF CULTURE FOR BUKA PUASA AT CURATE

Sajian Tradisi Kita – a flavourful Malaysian sojourn by Chef Dato’ Fazley Yaakob – together with the Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur team awaits buka puasa diners at Curate this year.

General Manager Alex Porteous (right) says “the fasting month is a special time to renew connections with family and friends, and sharing a meal together is one of the most meaningful ways to do so.

“Chef Dato’ Fazley (right) has once again joined forces with Executive Chef Junious Dickerson (left) and the Four Seasons Hotel KL team, to make each dining experience even more memorable.”

Indeed, the culinary team rolled out the red carpet for recent sneak preview with a plethora of traditional and distinctive delicacies from different parts of Malaysia. 

The curtain-raiser of Sarawak-inspired Umai Umai Seafood Salad alone was mind-blowing. A prettily plated mound of chopped baby squid, prawns and lobster scented with daun kemangi, coconut oil, and native pickles left us eagerly chomping at the bit for more.

Sup Campur was Chef Dato’ Fazley’s more refined version of the popular ‘sup gearbox’ (beef bone marrow soup). Again nicely presented, the chunk of smoked bone marrow was richly flavoured with local spices and kampung herbs.

We also sampled Chef Dato’ Fazley’s Traditional Platters featuring Nasi Dagang with Gulai Ikan Tongkol, and Nasi Kerabu with Ayam Golek Pekan. Each rice platters came accompanied by various condiments customary to the said speciality: fresh ulam (herbs), sambal, crackers, cooked vegetable, and/or pickles.

The dishes’ piquancy and robust flavours were uncompromising; a testament to the chef’s staying true to the theme. Purists will have plenty to cheer about and relish the true tastes of home.

Ingenious combinations of spices and herbs were employed to create more signature offerings to tantalise our tastebuds including Tempoyak Daun Kayu (a show-stopper for die-hard durian fans), Daging Dendeng, Ketam Salai Masak Lemak, Lontong Dengan Sayur, Rendang Rembau, and Lamb Shank Curry among others.

Dessert was no less intriguing. Lovers of the thorny King of Fruits will embrace the luscious Pengat Durian Goreng – a rich and creamy coconut milk-based broth with grilled durian in it.

Rare, uniquely traditional sweet treats such as Ubi Telampong (steamed tapioca in banana leaf served with palm syrup), Puding Di Raj and Lepat Loi (glutinous rice wrapped in banana leaf, a staple of the Bugis community) proved to be memorable discoveries. Seasonal delicacies of Tapai Ubi and Tapai Pulut (fermented glutinous rice and tapioca) were also served.

The Sajian Tradisi Kita dinner buffet (6 pm-10.30 pm) is available from:

April 3 to April 9: RM198 per adult, RM99 per child

April 10 to April 25: RM238 per adult, RM119 per child

April 26 to May 2: RM198 per adult, RM99 per child

For reservations, contact Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, tel: 03-2382-8888.

BUKA PUASA AT THE WESTIN BAZAAR IN KUALA LUMPUR

Local favourites at bazaar Ramadan will rule the roost at The Living Room, The Westin Kuala Lumpur come fasting month this year, accompanied by some international offerings in the line-up.

Conceived with diners’ well-being in mind, Chief Executive Chef Halim Chek Lah and the Westin team have gone to town, cooking up a lavish buffet for the recent media preview.

Pushing the boat out literally, the salad and appetisers range from Kerabu Mangga Perut Lembu and Kerabu Smoked Salmon Buah Delima to glistening slices of Sashimi and DIY Caesar Salad.

Meat lovers will be in for a protein feast as tempting choices such as Kambing Golek Berempah Kuzi, Beef Shin Rendang, Daging Salai, Ikan Kembung & Cencaru Bakar, Satay and Murtabak Ayam beckon invitingly.

 

Typical Malaysian favourites: Chicken Rice, Chilli Crabs, Fried Salted Egg Buns, Nangka Masak Lemak, Biryani Chicken Rice, and Assorted Indian Curries form part and parcel of the attractions.

 

Those hankering for Hari Raya fare like Rendang, Ketupat, Lemang and Serunding will be overjoyed to find them at the buffet too. Dodol and nostalgic kiddies’ snack items are laid out over at the Go Local corner.

 

Remember to leave ample tummy space for the extensive dessert parade. Whether your penchant is for Malay Kuih, Tapai Ubi and Cendol Jelly or Crepe with Gula Melaka Ice Cream, Assorted Petit Gateaux or Chocolate Bread Pudding, rest assured the chefs have got you covered.

Early Bird Promotion! The Westin Bazaar is available at RM128 nett per adult for bookings made between now and 5 April 2022.

From 6 – 30 April, the normal price of The Westin Bazaar buffet will be RM188 per adult and RM94 per child (7 – 12 years old). Selected bank cardholders will enjoy a 20% discount off the normal price for the said promotion.

Reservations are highly recommended. Call Westin Dining, tel: 03-2773 8495, WhatsApp +6012 305 1715 or email: westindining@westin.com or visit: www.thewestinkualalumpur.com