Food Explorer & Home Chef
For Ramadan this year, EQ’s famed Malay Chef Muhammad Hajral Lisarni has prepared a gastronomic splendour at Nipah. A lavish spread of evergreen flavours that are true to the traditional methods of Malay food preparation, Citarasa Nipah’s buffet features both traditional and innovative takes on …
Omakase restaurants have been growing in popularity and mushrooming all over the Klang Valley. Sushi Mew, having established itself in Hong Kong and Singapore as a purveyor of Japanese cuisine, has opened its doors at The Westin Kuala Lumpur. Just about three months old, it …
Kalamata Cafe may be housed in an ordinary upstairs shoplot in Desa Sri Hartamas, but once inside, one is transported to the Mediterranean, with warm terracotta contrasted against turquoise hues, abstract designed Egyptian carpets on the walls and exotic hanging lamps, providing the ideal ambience. What’s interesting is how the menu offers a fusion of Egyptian and Greek food – strange combination you think at first, but then again, when you go through the menu and ingredients, you learn there are so many similarities between the two cuisines.
To start, we picked the Hummus (RM15) from the menu’s mezze section – smooth and creamy chickpeas went well with the housemade pita bread that came with it, replenishable. The Alexandrian sausages (RM28) – sliced and fried with green chillies and tomato – was juicy and flavourful and another great appetiser.
Mains were vegetarian Moussaka Clay Pot (RM39) – Greek influence – made with eggplant, potato, tomato and bell peppers, layered in between tomato and creamy béchamel sauce on top, sort of like lasagna but using eggplant instead of pasta sheets. There’s also a beef version if you prefer. A bit light on salt but this allowed the natural sweetness of the eggplant to shine.
We also enjoyed the Moroccan Lamb Tangine (RM43) that came with basmati rice. Basically lamb stew with potatoes and carrots, it was not as concentrated as I expected and the fluid gravy was excellent accompaniment with both rice and pita bread. Didn’t seem like much food for the three of us, but we were stuffed.
We had peach juice made from actual peach fruit flown in directly, so it tasted naturally sweet, none of that artificial flavours or sweeteners (RM8). Prices were very decent, in fact, lower than some cafes I’ve come across which don’t even offer half as complex flavours. Kalamata serves wine as well which goes perfectly with their food.
A hidden gem, this place is worth exploring, especially if you have a penchant for the exotic. Authentic flavours, unique ambience and cozy dining space, Kalamata Cafe checks all the boxes.
Add: 5 – 1, Jalan 26a/70a, Prima Ville, Kuala Lumpur. Hp: 017-665 9102
Continuing his French love affair, Chef Andy Choy has opened Doux Doux, his latest foray into desserts. Located inconspicuously above a Chinese medicine shop, who knew a lovely French-inspired pattiserie serving excellent canelé existed? Like most cafes these days, Doux Doux by Chateau Dionne employs …
Guinness Malaysia is back with a month-long celebration to celebrate the good times this St Patrick’s Day. Guinness Malaysia’s 2023 St. Patrick’s celebration, “Our Day to Remember”, is all about bringing fans together to celebrate their loved ones – their true lucky charms – as …
Opened since January 2021, Jade Pavilion managed by Banyan Tree serves pork-free Cantonese cuisine and has become a popular dining destination for both tourists and locals alike. Helmed by Chef Kenny Lee and Chef Dino Lee, the resto honours the classic traditions of dim sum and the art of cooking Cantonese cuisine.
It recently celebrated its 2nd anniversary with vibrant performances inspired by China’s old world charm, as well as an ‘Imperial banquet’ feast for the senses. Guests were treated to vibrant live performances including a vintage Chinese jazz showcase by The Shang Sisters, an exuberant and effervescent Silk Fan Dance as well as an auspicious Lion Dance blessing.
Officiating the event were Rudy Oretti, General Manager, Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur managed by Banyan Tree; Datuk Lee Whay Hoong, director, Lumayan Indah Sdn Bhd; and Adrian Ee, Director of Pavilion Hospitality, Kuala Lumpur Pavilion.
The concept of Jade Pavilion was inspired by the Chinese Imperial Gardens, namely the Summer Palace in Beijing, and features Cantonese delicacies with premium ingredients. Its main highlights are Crispy Duck Skin topped with Caviar, Steamed Sea Treasure Dumpling in Supreme Bird’s Nest Soup, Golden Fried Abalone Mushroom with Sweet and Sour Sauce, and Traditional Beijing Duck, among others. Also available are dim sum varieties such as Steamed Crystal Prawn Dumpling with Sun-dried Seaweed and Coriander, Steamed Glutinous Rice with Chicken and Foie Gras wrapped in Lotus Leaf, and Crispy Pan-Fried Shanghai Buns with Spicy Crabmeat Sauce.
Boasting 8 rooms in total, 2 of which can host up to 20 guests each, the main dining room seats approximately 40 guests – making Jade Pavilion the ideal destination for private events.
Add: 170, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. tel: 03-2117 2888
From press release
The latest upscale restaurant in town serving authentic Chinese cuisine, EMP KL invites food connoisseurs to step back in time and feast like an emperor in ancient times. Located at The Westin KL, EMP KL adds that touch of grandeur reminiscent of imperial China with …
Savour a wide array of enticing Chinese New Year Delicacies at The Oriental Group of Restaurants including Shunde Style Poon Choi; Triple Wealth, Health and Happiness Gift Set; and together with Chinese New Year Specialties and Gourmet Celebration Sets, the CNY delicacies are available at …
Fans of authentic Thai cuisine are in for a treat as Niyom 26 opens at Tropicana Gardens Mall. Located on the concourse floor of the mall, Niyom 26 is a spin-off of the established Thai restaurant Baan 26 at Changkat Bukit Bintang, KL.
“Our menu serves all authentic Thai dishes, and we truly believe that classic is the best,” says the founder Chai Kah Fei, better known as Fei. “After 16 years, Baan 26 is ready to expand its family and give diners an elevated experience.”
The word ‘niyom’ means popular and famous in Thai, and what sets Niyom 26 apart from others is the delicious Lobster Tomyam. For our review, this stood out from the rest of the dishes and there was plenty of other luscious seafood in the pot as well. The piquant soup was everything tomyum should be – sweet, spicy, sour and savoury – and you can up the spice level if you prefer a spicier rendition. I felt RM180 for this was a very good deal as a full lobster don’t come cheap.
Another signature dish is the Lime & Chili Steamed Sea Bass, tangy medley of spicy and sour gravy over fresh sea bass, using freshly squeezed lime juice and balanced portion of bird chili.
Rest of Niyom 26’s menu consists of a choice of “best of” what Baan 26″. The other dishes we tried were some – fish cake, raw shrimp in spicy fish sauce, pineapple fried rice, som tom (papaya salad), stir-fried brinjal and pandan chicken. In particular, the raw shrimp, akin to cerviche, was new to me with hidden ‘bombs’ so this should be approached with caution. Loved this unusual pairing with bitter gourd!
Quite a lot of effort has been put to achieve an authentic Thai ambience at Niyom 26. To achieve a vibrant and sophisticated aesthetic, Fei worked closely with renowned designer Orson Liyu who infused the three sections with a different colour theme. The red main dining area plays on ‘East meets West’, with classic chandelier and ancient wood craft, highlighting while the purple private dining area features elephant pop art, Fei’s favourite animal. The orange-themed peacock corner is centered around the bar, promising delicious drinks to complement the palate.
Prices are decent for a resto in a mall setting and this is certainly a great Thai option for folks from this part of town.
Add: Niyom 26, Lot CC-40, Concourse Floor, Tropicana Gardens Mall, 2A, Persiaran Surian, Tropicana Indah, Petaling Jaya. call 019 204 9926
Tiger Beer roars into the Chinese New Year with a renewed spirit with its ‘Cheers to Bold Beginnings’ campaign. The notion is all about celebrating moments of reflection, as we recognize our past courage while gearing up for a bolder tomorrow. Tiger wants its fans …