Chinese hot pot or steamboat is increasingly
popular in Malaysia hence it’s not surprising to find Demala jumping onto the
bandwagon, offering a Halal version to cater to Muslim diners.
Demala Operations Manager, Muhammad Farid Hamidin
says diners can opt for the restaurant’s 2-in-1 Soup Base (RM38) or a singular
soup base. Choices include Szechuan Mala Soup (RM28), Chicken Collagen Bone
Broth (RM28), Mushroom (RM24), Tomato (RM24) and Tomyum (RM18).
For greater value, Demala has Steamboat Set for 2
persons (RM68 and RM88 per set) and 4 persons (RM168 and RM188). These come
with free flow of vegetables, fuchok (fried beancurd sheet), mushroom,
noodles, eggs, fruit and dessert laid out at a counter alongside assorted
condiments and sauces.
Mala which means numbing and spicy is the after-effect to hit your palate once you have a sip of the Szechuan Mala Soup. Demala offers it in three levels of mala spiciness so the mildest version left our tongues slightly numbed from its savoury spiciness.
The broth goes rather well with the tissue-thin Lamb
Slices (RM38) and Premium Beef Slices (RM38), in addition to Seafood Taufoo (8 pcs RM9), and Ring Roll Beancurd (6 pcs
RM12).
We also intersperse our meal with some Fresh
Grower Vegetables (RM8 upwards), while various types of beancurd (RM6 upwards)
and mushroom (RM8 upwards) can be ordered separately from the a la carte menu.
The lighter Chicken Collagen Bone Broth is best
for dunking in a la carte items such as Handmade Ebiko Shrimp Balls (8 pcs
RM38), the fish-shape Premium Ebiko Prawn Paste (RM30), and Seafood Platter
(RM128) comprising toman fish slices, tiger prawns, Hokkaido scallops, snow
crab stick, and mussels.
Sweet and bouncy, the
shrimp balls taste delicious on their own. You can also try sampling them with different
saucy concoctions – conjure from the condiment and sauce bar laid out. Thai
green chilli sauce, sesame paste, Demala signature chilli, soya sauce, chopped
garlic, coriander, and fried minced garlic are some of the items available.
Other notable bites to add interest to the
steamboat experience include Handmade Prawn Wonton (6 pcs RM28), and Handmade Chicken
Dumplings (8 pcs RM20).
While we waited for the steamboat broths to come
to a boil, we shared a platter of Spicy Diced Chicken (RM28). Buried amidst a
heap of crisp-fried red chillies, the delicious deep-fried chicken pieces prickling
our tongues with slightly salty and peppery accents, and singeing our lips with
its subtle chilli fieriness.
To draw the lunch crowd, Demala proffers 7 Sichuan
Rice Sets (RM19.80-RM27.80) with free drink and dessert for lunch. If you
prefer non-spicy versions, there are 4 choices from RM20.80 upwards.
For reservations, call Demala Hotpot, tel: 03-7499 3705. Address: LG603 & 603A, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
