After all, there is something naturally communal with how everyone at the table gathers around a steamboat cooker, plunging their favourite meats into a boiling broth, waiting excitedly for it to cook.
Traditionally, steamboat meals are part of Chinese culinary culture and indeed, it can trace its roots back to the Malaysian Chinese community.
However, one relatively new restaurant has put a fascinating spin on the concept; what if it was steamboat… but Peranakan?
The idea of a Peranakan steamboat is certainly unique, but somehow, RasaNya in Bukit Bintang has made it work.
Located on the eighth floor of Pavilion Elite, RasaNya is a must-visit for any foodie worth their salt, as this is Malaysia’s first premium Peranakan restaurant.
It certainly looks the part, with interiors inspired by the gorgeous Peranakan residences one can still find in Penang and Melaka.
Having just opened its doors in late 2022, the halal restaurant has already set tongues wagging with its unique offerings, gorgeous interiors and excellent service.
And this Ramadhan, the crew at RasaNya is rolling out an exclusive seasonal menu from March 15 to April 21.
For the upcoming holy month, RasaNya is working hand-in-hand with local celebrity chef Zamzani Abdul Wahab, better known as Chef Zam.
Though this special spread first debuted for the Chinese New Year season, the popular Warna-Warni RasaNya has made a return due to popular demand. FMT was present at the restaurant’s “Ramadan-reveal”.
First up was the restaurant’s unique take on the classic yee sang dish, with an array of ingredients one might rightfully think is unorthodox.
Yet, somehow, the blend of jackfruit, pomegranate, papaya, prawn, salmon, lettuce and crackers come together perfectly, especially when drenched with its sweet and tangy passion fruit sauce.
While not part of the exclusive Ramadan menu, the Warna-Warni RasaNya is still very much worth a space on your table.
The actual Ramadan buffet comes with two options. For dinner from 7.00pm-9.30pm, it’s RM118 per adult while supper from 9.30pm to midnight is priced at RM98.
For the steamboat part of the meal, diners can choose three of the five available soup bases, which range from spicy laksa to soothing herbal.
One particular soup that comes highly recommended is the RahsiaNya by Chef Zam, which as its name suggests is a personal creation of the talented chef.
The soup is a slow-cooked chicken broth, infused with fresh coconut water, chilli peppers and soybeans, with a hint of fermented broad beans and tofu.
It is quite the burst of different flavours, to put it mildly, with a certain sweetness overlaid with a savoury and spicy layer.
Other soups worth trying are the Sedap-Nya Laksa, with its rich aroma, and the refreshing Winter Melon & Herbs.
For appetisers, the Kak Nya’s Specials, served in traditional woven baskets, is an ode to the old days. Among the treats here are traditional delights like lemang with beef rendang as well as chicken and beef satay.
And for dessert, there’s wajik, a traditional sweet made with glutinous rice, sugar and coconut milk.
Every day sees a different choice of appetisers served, so a return visit is highly recommended if you wish to try everything on the menu!
Moving on from the appetisers, it’s time to focus on the main attraction – the Peranakan steamboat.
Seafood fans will want for nothing – there’s fish fillets and cuttlefish balls served with fresh tiger prawns and bamboo clams.
Don’t forget to eat your greens, with spinach and cabbage being options, as well as enoki mushrooms and black fungus.
If you are fond of red meats, you can opt for Australian lamb slices or beef slices. Feel free to cook these in your favourite soup base.
Should you wish to end your meal on a sweet note, perhaps something from RasaNya’s ala carte menu will tickle your fancy.
Befitting a Peranakan establishment, ending your meal with a Gula Melaka Cendol is certainly one way to seal the deal.
Hence, if you are looking for somewhere special to treat your family and friends this Ramadan, be sure to give RasaNya a try!
RasaNya Steamboat
Lot 8.105.00, Level 8
Pavilion Elite
Bukit Bintang
55100 Kuala Lumpur
Business hours:
11.00am-10.00pm daily (operating hours may differ during Ramadan)
Contact: 010-7730223
Website: www.rasanya.my