KUALA LUMPUR: “Balik kampung, ho, ho, ho, balik kampung, hati girang!” Yes folks, the holy month of Ramadan is here and the usual evening bazaars are sure to pop up like mushrooms in the coming weeks.
However, should you wish to treat yourself and your loved ones to a high-end meal when breaking fast, why not reserve your seat in The Living Room at The Westin Kuala Lumpur.
From March 24 to April 19, “Citarasa Anak Kampung” will feature the unique flavours and recipes from the hometowns of seven of the restaurant’s chefs, who will present a signature dish that reflects their true “anak kampung” spirit.
Hailing from Petaling Jaya, chef Hamid Buyong will present the delectable Kambing Golek Nasi Biryani.
Inspired by chef Hamid’s circle of Indian and Arab colleagues, this outstanding dish is bursting with the spices of their cuisines, adding to the rich flavour of the rice.
The rice is slow-cooked in a large cauldron over an open fire, just as it was done in the good old days. The lamb meanwhile is marinated for 24 hours with 12 herbs and spices before being slow-cooked.
This recipe was Hamid’s late grandmother’s and needless to say, this kampung dish, served with saffron egg, salsa and tamarind sauce, is a fitting tribute to her.
And from the historical state of Melaka is chef Hafizi, who has brought his kampung’s famous Portuguese Baked Whole Salmon to the table.
This dish, with its specially-created blend of spices, was inspired by his late grandfather, who passed it on 20 years ago.
Likewise, chef Emy Fairuz from Teluk Intan, Perak, presents the Kerabu Perut Bunga Kantan that should whet your voracious appetite.
Next up, is chef Iqbal from Kuala Lipis, Pahang, who presents Ayam Opor and Daging Dendeng Berlado, two dishes rarely found in the Klang Valley. So, don’t miss your chance to savour these.
The Ayam Opor is his mother’s very own recipe and is best enjoyed with ketupat and lemang. Daging Dendeng Berlado on the hand, is a classic wedding dish influenced by the chef’s Javanese heritage.
He said this was his way of introducing his family tradition to the rest of Malaysia and suffice to say, it is certainly one to take delight in!
Chef Firdaus Atan from Shah Alam meanwhile will be cooking up a Rendang Ayam Kampung Pedas, an annual must-have at his home, he revealed.
In addition to its vibrant colour and flavour, the green-hued rendang has a delectable flavour from its bold use of spices.
From Tebrau, Johor, chef Syeriff Hafizal brings forth his signature village dish, Sup Kambing Merah Berempah, also known as Lamb Gearbox.
This aromatic soup has been a celebratory dish since his childhood days and invokes a sense of nostalgia for the man.
It is traditionally made with beef, but because of a high demand for lamb dishes this year, he has worked lamb into the recipe, resulting in a slow-braised meat which is perfectly tender.
Last but certainly not least, is chef Sheikh Muzaffar, a native of Serting Ulu, Negeri Sembilan who brings with him a serving of Daging Salai Masak Lemak Cili Padi.
Lovers of all things spice and everything nice, this spicy delicacy has a great fistful of bird’s eye chilli, quite capable of leaving your tongue in flames.
The dish is cooked over an open wood fire, endowing the already aromatic and flavourful beef with a smoky flavour.
If these Anak Kampung signature dishes aren’t enough for you, there’s always the soup counter, the noodle station, the desserts section and the bubur lambuk pot.
“Citarasa Anak Kampung”
Price: RM208 per adult; RM104 per child
Bookings and enquiries
Call 03-27738495; WhatsApp 012-3051715; or e-mail [email protected].
The Living Room @ The Westin Kuala Lumpur
199, Jalan Bukit Bintang
Bukit Bintang
55100 Kuala Lumpur