Food + Drink

5 Special Merdeka-inspired menus in KL to check out for 2020

05.08.2020

By Ronn Tan

5 Special Merdeka-inspired menus in KL to check out for 2020

With food being such a major part of the Malaysian DNA, there’s no better way to pay tribute and honour the illustrious month of August than with food. You will find culinary specials in Kuala Lumpur throughout August—with many available for patriotic indulgence until Malaysia Day on 16 September.

1. The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur

Celebrating Merdeka and Malaysia Day, the hotel has unveiled a new six-course menu inspired by Malaysia’s folklore and fairytales—the return of the signature Malaysiaku: A Reimagined Malay Heritage Menu. Showcasing the gastronomic heritage of Malaysian cuisine, the menu is curated by Executive Sous Chef Norazizi bin Taslim, Banquet Chef de Cuisine Mohd. Ridwan bin Mohamed Rasit, and Pastry Sous Chef Azizul bin Bistaman.

Dishes include Malaysiaku Signature Otak-Otak; Cured and Pickled Chilean Seabass; and Roasted Beef with Spicy Coconut Gravy. In addition to dine-in, takeaway and delivery are also available.

Availability: 7 August 2020 – 16 September 2020

Price: RM322+ per person

Contact: 03 2727 6666

Website

2. Nobu Kuala Lumpur

Celebrating Merdeka, Nobu KL is adding a Malaysian twist to their latest menu—14 Flavours by Nobu Omakase. Curated by Executive Chef Philip Leong, the menu is inspired by the 14 stripes on the Jalur Gemilang; representing the number of dishes on the menu which are spread over eight courses.

Dishes include Seared Hokkaido Scallops with Wasabi Salsa; Nobu-style Chilli Crab with Spicy Sour Egg Sauce; Short Ribs topped with Cacao Truffle Miso made from locally-produced chocolate sourced from Alor Gajah; as well as Unagi Chimaki served in traditional bamboo leaf. Designed to cleanse your palate and prepare you for the upcoming dishes is the refreshing Tomato Sorbet.

Availability: 1 August 2020 – 31 August 2020

Price: RM398++ per person

Contact: 03 2164 5084

Website

3. Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Photo by Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Celebrating the month of Merdeka, the hotel has curated a special Malaysian Afternoon Tea menu at Lobby Lounge—featuring iconic local dishes with a modern touch. Available for dine-in from 3pm to 6pm, the menu consists of savoury treats such as Nasi Lemak Maki Roll, Curry Puff Ayam Percik, and Salmon Otak-Otak.

As for sweet delights, you’ll get Musang King Mochi, Brown Butter Cookie, Pandan Layer Cake, Sago Gula Melaka Panna Cotta, and more. In addition to a tea or coffee selection, the afternoon tea set also comes with Gula Melaka Scone and an array of Nyonya kuih.

Availability: 1 August 2020 – 30 September 2020

Price: RM62 nett per person; RM135 nett per person with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne

Contact: 03 2032 2388

Website

4. Beta KL

Photo by Beta KL

Curated by Chef Raymond Tham, the Tour of Malaysia menu redefines the Malaysia gastronomic journey with traditional and contemporary concoctions. The menu, designed to take you on a trip throughout the country, is packed with one-of-a-kind dishes.

They include Winged Beans with Budu and Anchovies; Clams with Ambarella, Ulam Raja, and White Radish; Crab with Custard and Chilli Crab Foam; Lamb Rack with Koji-Shio and Roasted Garlic; Wagyu Striploin with Fermented Black Beans; as well as Musang King with Pahang Single Origin Chocolate.

Price: RM300+

Contact: 019 2121 240

Website

5. Botanica+Co

Curated by Chef Chuan Lim, the Taste of the Kampung menu honours the diverse cultures in Malaysia through homely and nostalgic flavours. The set menu—which serves up to four—features traditional Malay dishes such as Beef Rendang (Fork-tender slow-cooked beef with spiced paste and coconut milk); Bo+Co Chicken Curry (Nenek’s recipe of chicken curry with potato); Asam Pedak Ikan (Local spiced curry with tilapia fish, lady’s finger, and tomato); Terung Sambal (Stir-fried eggplant with house-made sambal); and Basmati Rice.

The Taste of the Kampung menu includes a carafe of house-infused rose pomegranate lemonade and dessert of the day. There is also the Hibiscus Flower dessert (Organic hibiscus tea infused three-way: curd, macaron, and glaze, as well as chocolate sponge and “soil”). The new seasonal dessert is inspired by the Bunga Raya, Malaysia’s national flower. These offerings are available for delivery and dine-in.

Price: RM198 nett for Taste of the Kampung set; RM25 nett for Hibiscus Flower dessert

Website

Where will you be celebrating Merdeka this year? From heritage-inspired afternoon tea to unique menus reflective of the nation’s identity, you have a plethora of options to choose from. Selamat Hari Merdeka!

For more food guides, click here.

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