InterContinental Kuala Lumpur,
Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2782 6228
The InterContinental Kuala Lumpur’s latest addition to its culinary team, Mohd Zalizam Mohd Rasidi or Chef Zam, is cooking up a storm with his selection of Malay cuisine from two states in Malaysia.
Themed “A Taste of Perak and Penang”, the spread at Serena Brasserie will be showcasing some of the best dishes from the two states.
The Perak native will be preparing 30 signature dishes on rotation, including Penang specialties such as Daging Masak Hitam, Kari Kepala Ikan, Sotong Masak Kunyit and Pasembor.
Dishes from Perak will include ikan bakar, Laksa Kuala Kangsar, nasi ulam, Rendang Ayam Kampong and Rendang Tok.
The chef, who learned most of his Perak Malay cuisine from his relatives, said that many of his Penang dishes have an Indian Muslim influence.
One of the main highlights of the buffet is Rendang Tok, which is a Perak specialty.
Made from beef tenderloin, Zam’s Rendang Tok was pleasantly tender and aromatic.
According to the chef, no turmeric leaf is needed for this recipe, compared to other rendang recipes, which usually call for the ingredient.
Zam explained that in the old days, Rendang Tok was usually served to kings and royalty.
“Preparation time for the meal takes approximately two hours,” he said.
During the cooking demonstration, he explained that a large red onion was used for the recipe as it wassweeter and more fragrant. Not to be put off by the colour, the dish is darker than your average rendang but still superior in taste.
The Kerabu Mangga Muda, made using young mango, lime juice, red chilli, chilli padi, lemongrass, Thai chilli sauce, among other ingredients, is very fresh and crunchy.
The only caveat is that it is very spicy and may not be a viable option for those who cannot tolerate hot food.
A must-try is the Sup Kambing Berempah with potatoes. Made with a good combination of spices and soft potatoes, the soup was tasty and the meat was tender and easy to eat.
For the main course, we were served Nasi Beriani Berbadam, Rendang Tok, Kambing Masak Beriani, Ikan Haruan Masak Tempoyak, Ayam Goreng Berempah, Sambal Raja Udang Petai and Pajeri Nenas.
The Sambal Raja Udang Petai was lip-smacking and quickly devoured. The prawns were fresh and full of flavour. Those who are not fans of petai can easily pick it out of the dish.
To finish off the meal, we were served Pengat Durian Pulut with Kuih Ketayap. Though I didn’t quite like the dessert’s taste and texture, the remaining dishes were more than noteworthy.
A lunch menu will be served from noon to 2.30pm, and an evening dinner menu between 7pm and 10.30pm.
The promotion is available until Nov 15. Priced at RM82++ per adult and RM41++ for children (between six and 12-years-old) for lunch. For dinner, it is RM98++ per adult and RM49++ for children.
This is the writer’s personal observation and not an endorsement by StarMetro.