Hardeep presenting a delectable platter of Ikan Pari Asam Pedas. — Photos: IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
Month-long celebratory buffet features signature dishes of various states
THIS National Day and Malaysia Day, embark on a culinary adventure that honours the nation’s rich food heritage.
Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur’s all-day dining restaurant, The Mill Cafe, will host a month-long celebration of Malaysian flavours, aptly named ‘Jelajah Selera Malaysia’.
Diners can embark on a taste journey through all the states within Peninsular Malaysia in this buffet that highlights recipes from different regions of the country.
The restaurant’s sous chef Hardeep Singh and his team have chosen a sumptuous repertoire of popular culinary favourites.
“The kaleidoscope of Malaysian cuisine largely reflects the country’s mix of many influences and races.
Treats from various states at the dessert counter.
“Our offerings throughout ‘Jelajah Selera Malaysia’ are aimed at providing both local and international guests a taste into the rich gastronomic legacy Malaysia has to offer.
“We curated the buffet dishes via social media votes on what is popular and asked our staff about the signature dishes of their respective states,” he said.
There are live-action stalls featuring state favourites like lok-lok with condiments from Penang, and Ipoh-style yong tau fu, as well as chicken rice and roti canai.
Among the noteworthy dishes at the buffet are those from the northern states like char kuey teow and pasembor, a visually striking salad combining crispy fritters, vegetable julienne smothered in a savoury-sweet, tangy sauce.
From Perak, there is Rendang Tok, a staple dish enjoyed by the state’s royal family since the 1950s.
Rendang Tok is a Perak royal household favourite.
Daging Gulai Kawah from Perlis, features tender beef simmered in a creamy coconut milk-based gravy and seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices and curry powder.
Journeying into the southern states like Johor, diners can expect Laksa Johor.
Legend has it that the dish was concocted after a Johor ruler visited Italy in 1885 and upon his return, requested for a meal featuring spaghetti.
The result was an East-West fusion dish flavoured by a rich, thick and spicy laksa gravy made from herring.
Patin Masak Tempoyak is synonymous with Pahang.
There is also Sayur Goreng Jawa, a stir-fried medley of vegetables, tempe and tofu that is coated in a spicy, sambal sauce.
From Negri Sembilan, there is the Telor Itik Masak Lemak as well as Rendang Ayam Minang.
From Melaka, the buffet highlights the iconic Ayam Pongteh and Ikan Pari Asam Pedas. The sharp acidity of the tamarind and intense spice of the gravy create a burst of flavours.
The east coast states also present an interesting selection of dishes like Pahang’s Patin Masak Tempoyak, where the fish is cooked with a durian paste.
Kelantan is represented by Kambing Kuzi, a lamb dish braised in rich spices, as well as Sotong Sumbat, which is squid stuffed with glutinous rice and cooked in coconut milk.
Terengganu’s Nasi Dagang with Gulai Ikan Tongkol features fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk, served with an aromatic fish curry made with skipjack tuna.
Nasi Dagang with Gulai Ikan Tongkol represents Terengganu.
Our nation’s iconic dish – the nasi lemak – paired with Ayam Goreng Berempah is also available.
Diners can also expect seafood on ice replete with fresh prawns, black mussels, and slipper lobsters.
The carving station features Siakap with Assam Pedas, Roasted Chicken Galantine Percik Style, Roast Beef Striploin with Rendang, as well as Roasted Chicken with Couscous on rotation.
As for desserts, there are traditional and modern selections from various states, including Sarawak, to satisfy any dessert lover.
The ‘Jelajah Selera Malaysia’ buffet promotion runs from Saturday to Sept 30 with four menus rotating on a weekly basis from 6.30pm to 10pm priced at RM145++ per adult, and RM74++ per child from ages five to 12.
Free parking is available for the first three hours for dine-in guests.
THE MILL CAFE, Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur Hotel, 160 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: 03-2117 4163). Business hours: 6am to 10.30am, noon to 2.30pm (weekdays); 6am to 11am, noon to 3pm (weekends and public holidays) and 7pm to 10pm, daily.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
