The tender Ayam Betutu.- Courtesy photos
Balinese delights are taking centre stage at a buffet in the heart of Kuala Lumpur until the end of next month.
The kitchen team from Trace Restaurant and Bar had the chance to learn a range of recipes from Element Bali Ubud chef Dewa Suardiyasa.
“We invited him to train our staff to prepare authentic Balinese dishes earlier this month,” said Element Kuala Lumpur digital marketing and communications manager Christopher Wong.
In a statement, Dewa said, “This collaboration not only celebrates our shared commitment to culinary excellence, but also highlights the diversity and richness of South-East Asian countries,” he said.
Guests can whet their appetite with Balinese cucumber salad, called beberuk – a spicy raw vegetable mix consisting of pickled cucumber strips and tomato slices.
For those who prefer to start with something more conventional, the salad bar offers a healthy selection of vegetables – from broccoli to cherry tomatoes – and an array of condiments.
Also available is the classic Caesar salad with Romaine lettuce, herb croutons, shaved Parmesan, anchovies and crispy beef brisket.
Element Kuala Lumpur executive chef Taib Ridhwan (left) and Dewa firing up the live station at Trace Restaurant and Bar.
Among the must-try dishes that spice lovers will enjoy are Ayam Betutu featuring tender Balinese roasted chicken stuffed with cassava leaf, and Ayam Pelalah made with shredded chicken with chilli paste and lemongrass.
Ayam Bumbu Gede or grilled barbecue chicken is another winner, with its subtle lemongrass flavour coming through from the bumbu (seasoning) mix.
The seafood selection is also not to be missed with Grage Palem (fish and shrimp rolls) and Udang Sune Cekuh (grilled tiger prawn) among the highlights.
The aroma of garlic sauce is bound to draw diners in before their first bite of the tiger prawn that is packed with a tantalising blend of spices.
Other savoury seafood options here are Fish Satay Lilit and Balinese grilled tuna with shallot salsa or Tuna Sambel Matah.
All the grilled dishes are prepared on the spot at a live station, along with grilled barbecue lamb and Ikan Bakar Jimbaran.
Those looking for something less spicy will appreciate Sayur Goreng Puteri, which comprises baby corn, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and black fungus enveloped in flavourful gravy.
Also popular is the Serombotan, which is assorted steamed vegetables cooked in coconut spice.
For diners who are keen to have local flavours as part of their meal, chicken and beef satay are available.
The Malaysian-style roasted lamb leg is served with a variety of sauces, including chilli soy sauce, percik, and air assam.
Salad Beberuk (in green) and Kerabu Mangga (in yellow).
Diners can also choose to customise their own bowls at the noodle station, which has a selection of soups, noodles and condiments.
Among the available soup bases are chicken, prawn mee and beef, and guests are welcome to top their dish with fried shallot, garlic oil, and soy sauce.
The buffet also features Western items such as pasta and charcuterie with pickled vegetables.
To end the meal on a sweet note, diners can indulge in Balinese desserts such as Lempog Cassava Cake, Kue Lapis and Kue Wingko.
The fine cassava cake is served with coconut flakes, adding an extra layer of texture and aroma, while the Kue Lapis is melt-in-your-mouth and fragrant.
Other desserts available include a wide range of tarts, cakes, ice-cream and fresh fruits.
The buffet is served every Friday and Saturday, from 6pm to 10pm, and priced at RM178 for adult and RM89 for child aged 12 or younger.
Trace Restaurant and Bar, Element Kuala Lumpur, IB Tower, No.8, Lorong Binjai, Menara Ilham, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: 03-2771 3351). Business hours: 6:30am to 10pm, daily.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
