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Ultimate Butchers Challenge

Ultimate Butchers Challenge

Professional butchery is not just about cutting meat, it is also about the butcher’s skill in deboning, portioning, creation and display of creative and practical applications, reducing wastes and increasing yields. The Ultimate Butchers Challenge was held by the Aussie Meat Academy recently at UCSI, 

Meat cravings satisfied at Uncle Botak BBQ

Meat cravings satisfied at Uncle Botak BBQ

One of those days, I was craving bbq meat so we paid Uncle Botak BBQ a visit. A popular station for smoky barbecued meat, it comes with a host of homemade sauces too.  The Muslim-owned resto claims to be THE place for wood-fired chicken, beef 

Japanese vegan By Age 18 is a welcome addition to Klang Valley

Japanese vegan By Age 18 is a welcome addition to Klang Valley

A vegan restaurant is hard enough to come by in the Klang Valley, what more a Japanese vegan! By Age 18, located at The Five, Bukit Damansara, KL is the first branch outside Japan.

The first restaurant is in Mure, Kagawa in Japan and the brainchild of former chef Moriro Murakami who wanted to create a new option for Sanuki Udon. He came up with the concept as he was driven by the dietary challenges faced by his son who had food allergies.

Chef Moriro (left) and chef Katsumi

He works in partnership with creator French-trained chef Katsumi Kusumoto who is also Tokyo Tourism Ambassador.

By Age 18 is mostly about clean, clear flavours, boosted by the starring role of a gluten-free udon, made with rice flour so it has a chewier texture, similar to tteokbokki. 

The signature Bukkake (RM30) is a cold udon, adorned with pretty vegetables, while Kitchaku Kitsuni udon (RM32) features simple clear broth with a ‘money pouch’ made of bean curd filled with vegetables. Tempura here is not so batter-heavy, and Curry udon sans meat teases the taste buds with familiarity, yet different approach with vegetables for texture and crunch.

Bukake udon
Kitchaku Kitsuni udon

Curry udon

Tempura

Starters like Teriyaki Lions Mane mushrooms, Avocado tartare on seaweed crisps, and Pickled cherry tomatoes with umebosbi, border on fine dining nuance, and are standout appetisers.

Teriyaki Lion’s Mane mushrooms

Avocado tartare on seaweed crisps

Beancurd skin salad

Carbo fans will be glad that there are also rice bowl options.

Being dairy-free, macha lattes are laced with oatmilk while the fruit punches are quite delightful. Even better are their desserts, dainty and tantalising such as Brownies with passion fruit and Gac sorbet – deep, dark, passionate chocolate paiored with tart flavours, a fancy Matcha pudding and fragrant, nutty Pistachio gelato – enticed even a non dessert fan me as they are not as sweet. 

Brownie

Mango Matcha latte

By Age 18 is pork-free, uses only plant based meats, and no alcohol is used in the cooking or for drinks. Prices are not cheap despite being meat-free, but definitely big on flavour and innovation. You may or may not like the chewy udon, which could be a deal-breaker, but vegans will definitely find this place up their alley.

Add: A-1-01, 5th Place@KPD, 49, Jalan Dungun, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-2011 2362

Classic signatures dishes at Xin Cuisine

Classic signatures dishes at Xin Cuisine

It’s been ages since I’ve last been to Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant at Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur, oh, how I’ve missed thee! The recent media sneak preview revealed its new line-up of sumptuous classic signature dishes. Leading the kitchen is chef Foong Ah Kwai who 

Signature mooncakes from Oversea Group returns

Signature mooncakes from Oversea Group returns

Oversea Group sees the return of its signature mooncake with timeless classics such as Lotus and White Lotus, Golden Emerald, Shanghai, Assorted Fruits and Nuts, Red Bean, Golden Starlight, Royal Fairy, Noble Delight and the indulgent Musang King Durian.  Many of these are available with 

Tiger Crystal Coldpot and hotpot combo

Tiger Crystal Coldpot and hotpot combo

Hotpot has become a fast favourite among Malaysians and now there’s a refreshing new way to complement your meal. Inspired by the communal energy of hotpot culture, Tiger Crystal Coldpot – an ice bucket cleverly designed to resemble a traditional hotpot, filled with ice-cold Tiger Crystal – enhances each mouthful. 

Filtered at a crystal cold temperature of -1˚C, Tiger Crystal is a refreshingly light lager that pairs well with both light and strong  flavoured food. Well-balanced, easy to drink, with a smooth and refreshing finish, each sip complements the heat and flavour of your favourite dishes.

Media members and Tiger Crystal  fans had a chance to try out this winning combination at Shu Da xia Hotpot in Sunway, PJ and what a party it was! Brimming hot mala soup, excellent meat cuts cooking away and super cold Tiger Crystal to cool down the temperature! 

“At Tiger, we’re always exploring refreshing new ways to bring Malaysians together – because here, mealtimes are more than just eating. They’re vibrant social rituals filled with flavour and connection. With the Tiger Crystal Coldpot, we’re introducing a bold new dine-out experience inspired by the warmth of hotpot culture and the crisp refreshment of Tiger Crystal. It’s designed to pair with flavour-packed dishes and good company – our way of elevating shared moments with a cool, crisp pairing,” said Julie Kuan, Marketing Manager of Tiger Beer Malaysia.

Try this hot cold combo for yourself. Tiger Crystal has partnered with Thai In Mookata for an exclusive promotion. From Aug 30 to Sept 16, groups who book a session at selected outlets may redeem a complimentary meal set with a Tiger Crystal Coldpot (5 pint bottles), courtesy of Tiger. Reservations must be made via the Thai In Mookata booking platform and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

For deets and location updates on Tiger Crystal Coldpot, visit: https://www.facebook.com/TigerBeerMY 

Omakase at FooTori

Omakase at FooTori

A first for me as I didn’t even know there was such a thing as Japanese yakitori omakase. FooTori did a good job as every skewer had its own distinct flavour and texture. Hidden away on the ground floor of Plaza Kelana Jaya near the 

Mid-Autumn Festival with Four Seasons KL

Mid-Autumn Festival with Four Seasons KL

For this coming Mid-Autumn Festival, Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur offers a selection of artisanal creations by chef Ng Meng Loong, dim sum and dessert maestro at Yun House, the Hotel’s Michelin-selected Cantonese restaurant. This year’s mooncake gift box features a specially commissioned design by 

Chalet at EQ KL returns

Chalet at EQ KL returns

Revisiting a cherished chapter in Malaysia’s fine dining history, EQ brings back Chalet, once regarded the pinnacle of fine dining during the early days of Malaysia’s culinary history.

Returning as a limited edition dining experience hosted at The Conservatory, Level 3, a visit to Chalet is a walk down memory lane for those who remember, and a celebration of European culinary refinement.

First established at the original Hotel Equatorial Kuala Lumpur, Chalet was the mainstay of elegant dining from the 1970s through the early 2000s, you can expect signature favourites like raclette, flambé dishes, and the unforgettable ritual of Canard à la Presse.

The pop-up brings back Chalet’s classic menu, guided by the rich culinary heritage of Switzerland and the regional dishes that define it. At the heart of the experience are ingredients that evoke taste memories of the Alps — cheese, cream, game, and brandy.

Among the signatures is the Raclette Valaisanne, a staple of Swiss alpine kitchens where molten raclette cheese is served tableside over new potatoes and cornichon pickles. Fondue au Fromage — Chalet’s classic cheese fondue — is offered with truffle and served for two, convivial centrepiece perfect for sharing.

Raclette
Fondue

Main courses reflect the culinary traditions of Geneva, Zurich with dishes like Émincé de Veau à la Zurichoise, a Zurich-style sliced veal with mushroom cream and rösti potatoes, Filet de Boeuf Wagyu crowned with foie gras and shaved black truffle, accompanied by pommes dauphine and seasonal vegetables. Seafood lovers will appreciate the Homard Thermidor, a Maine lobster dish that balances richness with freshness. The famed Canard à la Presse — whole roasted duck presented on a gleaming silver press — returns as Chalet’s centrepiece. The rare art of pressing the bird tableside, then finishing it with a rich sauce made from its juices, is performed with ceremony and precision, creating a meal as much about experience as flavour. This signature dish is available by pre-order and is best enjoyed by two diners.

Roast lamb

Starters include delicacies such as Viande des Grisons (Swiss air-dried beef), steak tartare, and foie gras de canard. Chalet’s wild mushroom soup, served in a hollowed bread roll.

Foie gras de canard
Mushroom soup

Desserts are a nod to old-world charm, where liqueur, fire, and indulgence meet in gentle harmony. The Crêpes Suzette, flambéed at the table, and the Hot Strawberry Soufflé are both nostalgic and satisfying. For a theatrical finish, there’s Chalet’s specialty coffees — laced with brandy or liqueur and topped with whipped cream.

Crepe suzette
Dessert trolley

While the setting may be different, the spirit remains unchanged. The Chalet Pop-Up runs from 14 – 30 August, available for dinner only.

For enquiries, contact dineateqkl@kul.equatorial.com or call +60 3 2789 7839

Or WhatsApp +60 12 583 5319.

Ayam Brand reinvents baked beans Malaysian style

Ayam Brand reinvents baked beans Malaysian style

Ayam Brand is giving baked beans a bold new image in Malaysian kitchens, and rediscovering how local flavours and creativity can transform a humble pantry staple into a brand new dish. Long associated with Western cuisine, baked beans are now being reinterpreted with distinctly local