Real kampung flavours

Citi Cafe,
Cititel Mid Valley,
Mid Valley City,
Lingkaran Syed Putra,
Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 603-2296 1188
Business hours: 24 hours, daily

RAMADAN is the time when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and breaking fast is something they look forward to.

Some Muslims may not have the time to prepare a home-cooked meal to enjoy with their family.

If you happen to be one of them, fret not as Cititel Mid Valley’s Citi Cafe offers a spread similar to home-cooked meals.

Patrons to Citi Cafe can break fast at the terrace section or be seated close to the variety of food offered inside the cafe.

No matter where you are seated, you will be assured of a sumptuous yet value-for-money meal served by the restaurant’s friendly staff.

A buffet of over 60 dishes, made from the freshest of ingredients, are available at the cafe.

Proud chef: Chef Mat Noor presenting 10 of his best dishes to savour this Ramadan.

“We offer a mix of international and Malaysian food as we have guests not only from Malaysia but from other countries,” said Citi Cafe sous chef, chef Mat Noor.

“Muslims do not just love their kampung-style food, they have also grown to love international flavours so we have incorporated a selection of Asian delights from our neighbouring country, Thailand,” he added.

Those who dine at Citi Cafe can pick their favourites among the wide variety of dishes ranging from traditional Malay meals to international flavour such as Thai Papaya Salad, Thai Prawn Salad and Western meals like Chicken Cordon Bleu and beef steak .

Ayam Percik: Though spicy, the dish is a must-try item at Citi Cafe.

“Our Ayam Percik is usually reddish yellow, cooked with santan,” he said, adding that the Oxtail Asam Pedas, cooked Malaccan style, was a sought-after dish at their hotel during the festive season.

For starters at Citi Cafe, guests can enjoy the selection like ulam, Kerabu Nangka Muda, Kerabu Pucuk Paku, Kerabu Jantung Pisang and Acar Nyonya.

Their main hot selection features Daging Kerutub, Udang Masak Lemak Kacang Panjang, Rendang Tok, Kari Kepala Ikan, Ayam Kuzi, Lala Goreng Tauchu, Kambing Masala, Mussel Thermidor and Rendang Paru, among others.

At the restaurant, I was served 10 of chef Mat Noor’s must-try dishes this Ramadan.

Looking good: The well-decorated Kerabu Pucuk Paku.

I had the pleasure of savouring their Siakap Ikan Tiga Rasa, chicken cutlets, serunding daging, Sambal Prawns, Chili Crabs, Ayam Percik, Oxtail Soup, Kerabu Nangka Muda, Kerabu Pucuk Paku and desserts like kuih lapis.

Out of the 10, I could not get enough of the Siakap Tiga Rasa, chicken cutlets, Sambal Prawns, Ayam Percik and serunding daging.

I was warned that the Ayam Percik would be fiery but with my love for spicy food, I took up the challenge and had two servings of this dish.

The Ikan Tiga Rasa, on the other hand, was cooked to perfection, soft and fresh fish meat with a little crunch on the side.

What I thought was missing was a glass of cold air sirap, which would complete the wholesome Malay-style meal at Citi Cafe.

Unique: Kerabu Nangka Muda.

Until Aug 6, Citi Cafe will have a special Kampung Corner set up to present more meals. At this corner, diners can sample Grilled Ikan Keli Goreng Berlada, Labu Masak Lemak, Assam Pedas Ekor, nasi kerabu, Ikan Patin Masak Tempoyak, Pucuk Paku Masak Lemak and Perut Masak Lemak Rebung.

A noodle station and a carving section will also be available.

At the noodle station, sample their prawn noodles, Penang assam laksa and curry noodles while the carving section features Western delights such as Roasted Lamb Leg with different condiments and sauces.

The Ramadan buffet dinner served is 100% halal and is held from 7pm to 10pm.

The buffet is priced at RM70++ per adult while children get to enjoy the buffet at RM35++.

If you dine between Aug 1 and 6, the buffet will be offered at a special price of RM60++ for adults and RM30++ for children.

This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.