Makan Kitchen Joins Malaysia International Gourmet Festival (MIGF): A Truly Malaysian Dinner Experience

Makan Kitchen Joins Malaysia International Gourmet Festival (MIGF): A Truly Malaysian Dinner Experience

It’s month of October and it is the MIGF (Malaysia International Gourmet Festival) season again. This year, I was invited to review the signature restaurant of the newly opened Doubletree by Hilton, Kuala Lumpur, Makan Kitchen. This is Makan Kitchen very first time joining the MIGF.

Located at the 11th floor of the 34 storey property, this locally inspired restaurant is headed by a team of specialty chefs. Altogether they put together a seven course Full Festival menu available until end of the month (31st October 2010). This is my first time reviewing a showcase of Malaysian dining.

The first impression of the restaurant is the rich Malaysian flavor in it. With theme based interior, guests can experience the feeling of Malaysian dining of Peranakan, Iban, Chinese, Malay and also Kristang.

The dinner started off with the Sarawak’s “Umai Umai” Sea Scallops with “Midin” Salad and Salted “Terubok” Egg Dressing.

I loved how the chef prepared the salad and also the sea scallops. The salted egg dressing was clever and I loved how refreshing having the salad with the sea scallops.

Then, dinner continues with the Nyonya Peranakan Classical “Nyonya Otak Otak” and Braised Turnip Filled in “Nyonya” Top Hat Pastry (Pai Tee) complemented with “Rafflesia” Blossom.

The “Rafflesia” Blossom is a special mix drink using the special Sarawak concoction consisting of the famous “Tuak”. “Tuak” is quite rare in Kuala Lumpur so having one there was quite surprising.

Next, it is the Chinese Double Boiled Abalone Dumpling in Chinese Superior Broth.

The dumpling comes with a generous slice of abalone and together with the superior broth, it makes a great combination.

The Malaysian food journey continues with the Malacca Portuguese Grilled Marinated Stuffed Baby Quail on Deviled Curry Sauce with Braised Eggplant and complemented with a Glass of Doubletree Wine Sommelier’s Selected International White Wine.

The star of the night is the Malay influenced Slow Cooked Wagyu Beef Cheek “Rendang” accompanied with “Ketupat” and a Pickled Cucumber complemented with a Glass of Doubletree Wine Sommelier’s Selected International Red Wine.

I am a huge fan of Kobe, Wagyu and Argentine beef. The wagyu beef melts in the mouth and not forgetting the flavourful “rendang” sauce. This is highly recommended.

For dessert, it is the Indian influenced Warm Carrot and Ginger “Halwa” Topped with “Kulfi” Ice Cream.

As Halwa is popular for its sweetness, Makan Kitchen’s version is not as sweet as I thought and it perfected with the “Kulfi” ice cream.

Lastly, Makan Kitchen ends the dinner with a truly Malaysian “Teh Tarik” and I had a lengthy chat with Chef Ahmad Nurul Azri who has 11 year of culinary experience. The humble chef believes cooking with passion and heart brings out the best of his creations. He built up his passion in cooking from his parents and he gets his inspirations from the Internet.

Overall, the dinner was good and the portion is just nice. I was in loved with the Wagyu beef and also how Makan Kitchen incorporated the Malaysian food menu for MIGF. Even though they are newcomer but I can see there will many great years ahead of them. Thank you Makan Kitchen and Double Tree for the invitation, I enjoyed the dinner.

Full Festival Menu RM175++ per person with wine
RM120++ per person without wine
Festival Diners will also receive:
-Complimentary confectionary
-Group booking of six diners and above will enjoy a 10% discount
-15% discount on all mocktail and cocktail drinks
-10% discount on selected wine and champagne
-20% discount on the Full Makan Kitchen Experience for up to five diners for return visit during the Festival month
-A complimentary birthday cake (advance reservation required) should your birthday fall within the MIGF Festival month

For more information on Doubletree by Hilton, Kuala Lumpur, please call 03 2172 7272 or visit the hotel website www.kl.doubletreebyhilton.com
About Doubletree by Hilton, Kuala Lumpur
Doubletree by Hilton, Kuala Lumpur is strategically located at the intersection of Jalan Ampang and Jalan Tun Razak crossing in the renowned Embassy Row. The upscale hotel offers 540 contemporary designed rooms and suites fitted superb amenities, five vibrant F&B dining outlets and 20,000 sq feet of flexible meeting space with one grand ballroom and nine meeting rooms. Doubletree by Hilton, Kuala Lumpur will form part of a world class mixed use property called The Intermark, which includes a retail podium, a fully refurbished grade A office tower and a new sustainable design office building that is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2012.

About Doubletree by Hilton Hotels
With a growing collection of contemporary, upscale accommodations in more than 230 gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations worldwide, Doubletree by Hilton hotels and resorts are distinctively designed properties that provide true comfort to today’s business and leisure travellers. From the millions of delighted hotel guests who are welcomed with the brand’s legendary, warm chocolate chip cookies at check-in to the advantages of the award-winning Hilton HHonors guest reward programme, each Doubletree guest receives a satisfying stay wherever their travels take them. For more information on Doubletree by Hilton, please visit www.doubletree.com

About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 91 years, Hilton Worldwide has been offering business and leisure travellers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,600 hotels and 599,000 rooms in 81 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. For more information about the company, visit www.hiltonworldwide.com

Wilson Ng