The pastry section at the Melting Pot Cafe in Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
THAILAND’s cuisine is popular in Malaysia but the chance of having a luxurious meal cooked by a chef from Thailand is prized.
This opportunity can be found at the Melting Pot Cafe in Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur, which is offering the flavours of South-East Asia this Ramadan.
Diners can add as much coconut milk as they want to their Tub Tim Krob (Rubies In Coconut Milk with Jackfruit) dessert.
Among the Thai dishes presented during a media preview was Yum Woon Sen (Thai Glass Noodle Salad with Seafood) which savoury taste I enjoyed very much along with the clams and thin glass noodles.
Melting Pot Cafe chef de cuisine Hafiz Suhaimi said the dish was inspired by food found in Patong, Thailand.
“I mooted the idea to Thai cuisine chef Nopporn Nutto to integrate Patong’s cooking methods, and the outcome was so delicious that we included it in the buffet.”
A top draw at the buffet was Kari Kepala Ikan (Fish Head Curry).
The Gearbox Soup (Bone Marrow Soup) is a crowd favourite.
Although patrons cannot serve themselves, the chef behind the counter will generously flood a third of your plate with the gravy along with a large fish head.
Hafiz said, “Demand is high for fish head curry so we prepare it fresh daily.”
My Minangkabau blood did not allow me to bypass the delicious Ikan Tenggiri Berlado and I refilled my plate with it three times.
Among the traditional Malay dishes available are Sup Gearbox, Rib Bone Soup, Oxtail Soup, Laksa Johor, Ayam Masak Merah, Ayam Percik Kelantan, Kambing Masak Hitam Manis, Daging Rendang Minang and Masak Lemak Udang Harimau with Rebung.
The Fish Head Curry is prepared fresh daily.
Malay cuisine chef Mohd Yusoff, who has over 30 years of experience, said the buffet had allowed him to be more creative while using high-quality ingredients.
There is also a station that cooks your selection of meat to your preference.
At the Thai section, specially curated by Bangkok-born Nopporn, were soups and salads such as Red Tom Yam Chicken Soup, Clear Tom Yam Chicken Soup, Grilled Thai Beef Salad, Spicy Minced Chicken Salad and Thai Mango Salad with Peanuts.
The Thai main courses are Thai Noodle Soup, Massaman Beef with Potatoes, Deep-fried Squid with garlic and pepper, Sauteed Shrimp with Basil, Thai Style Steamed Red Snapper with Lime and Garlic, Chicken Panang with Lime Leaves and Peanuts as well as Vegetable Hot and Sour Curry.
Kluay Nam Waa Chuem (Boiled Banana in Syrup).
At the Thai dessert table, guests could serve themselves and add the desired amount of coconut milk for their Tab Tim Krob (Red Ruby) dessert.
Aside from that very popular choice, there are other Thai specialities that you may want to try.
Among the signature items at the cafe are Bubur Lambuk, Aneka Ikan Bakar, Satay, Otak-Otak, Murtabak Ayam and Vietnamese Beef Bowl.
The Kampung and Thai Fusion Nightly Buffet will have two different menus on daily rotation.
Chef Yusoff’s Briyani and Roasted Lamb is a new addition to the buffet.
The buffet is available until April 21 and priced at RM178nett (adults), with a 50% discount for children under 12 years old.
There is a special rate of RM142nett per person on April 20 and 21 with a 50% discount for children aged below 12.
MELTING POT CAFE, Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Sultan Ismail.(Tel: 03-2717 2233). Business hours from 6.30am to midnight daily.
This is the writer’s personal observation and not an endorsement by StarMetro.
