Latest news with #Malay-style
The Star
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Where Malay flair meets Nyonya elegance
BOLD new Malay flavours amid Baba-Nyonya heritage are what awaits guests at a serene dining enclave in Putrajaya. With new additions to its menu, Madam Lee Nyonya Private Dining promises a unique dining experience. Located in Palm Garden Hotel, the restaurant is set in a three-storey standalone building adjacent to the hotel's Rafflesia Ballroom. The new menu continues to honour classic Nyonya favourites while introducing five new Malay-style cooking methods. These are masak lemak Minangkabau, masak kicap, bakar bakar, sambal cili api and goreng berempah. (Clockwise from top) Udang Goreng Berempah, Daging Masak Kicap, Oxtail Sambal Cili Api and Bakar Bakar Seabass. New creations to try include the Siput Sedut Masak Lemak Minangkabau, Paru Sambal Cili Api, Oxtail Masak Kicap and Bakar-Bakar Udang Harimau. These dishes complement existing signature dishes like Ayam Kapitan, Tamarind Prawn, Peranakan Beef Rendang and Nyonya Chap Chye. There are also new Nyonya items to choose from such as Chilled Otak-otak, Inchi Kabin (Nyonya-style fried chicken) and asam laksa. Chef de cuisine Muhammad Shaharizal Ahmad Sobry, known as Rizal, leads the restaurant's culinary team. He is known for his passion for authentic traditional Malaysian cuisine. With past experience in prestigious five-star hotel kitchens, Rizal ensures that all pastes are prepared in-house using fresh local ingredients. Diners can also indulge in reimagined Nyonya fusion desserts. Highlights include Sago Cha Cha with Taro Ice-Cream, Pineapple Pulut Hitam Creme Brulee, Onde-Onde Cake with Vanilla Ice-Cream, Coconut Cendol Cheesecake and Pulut Tai Tai with Caramelised Banana. The eatery's semi-fine dining concept is paired with cultural charm. From the elegant reception area adorned with Nyonya antiques to the airy middle-floor dining hall and the al fresco Baba Bar, every detail has been curated to celebrate Peranakan elegance. The restaurant features private rooms while the entire venue is available for weddings, anniversaries or family celebrations. Madam Lee Nyonya Private Dining is open daily from 10am to midnight. For reservations or event bookings, call 03-8943 2233 or 012-871 4101 or email
The Advertiser
12-05-2025
- The Advertiser
Perks of a points splurge: it takes perseverance, but is it worth it?
We're on the first leg of a trip to Rome, scheduled to depart at 12pm and arrive at 5.30pm Singapore time. With lots of perseverance and a bit of luck, I've managed to score two premium economy award tickets using Virgin points. A few weeks previously, I'd taken a Singapore Airlines flight in economy, so I'm keen to compare the two classes. CHECKING IN: We've checked in online which, it turns out, is pretty pointless. We still need to have our seats allocated and boarding cards issued, as we weren't able to choose seats on either the Virgin or Singapore Airlines' sites, presumably because we are on points tickets. We're early, and there's no queue for the dedicated check-in desk. Premium economy passengers have a 35kg allowance, and surprisingly, staff offer to book our luggage through to Rome, despite being on a different ticket and airline. Twenty minutes later, thanks to my husband's platinum status with Virgin, a Star Alliance partner, we're sitting in the Singapore Airlines' SilverKris lounge enjoying a late breakfast. THE FLIGHT: We board after the business-class passengers. On the lower deck of the A380, premium economy is full, but there's still plenty of room in the overhead lockers. We take off right on midday. I'm happy to be taking a day flight so I can take full advantage of the premium economy benefits rather than just being focused on getting some sleep. THE CLASS: There are 44 seats in a 2-4-2 configuration. We are in a two, the row behind the emergency exit. I'm in the window seat, 32C. The seat pitch is 97cm compared to economy's 81.3cm, with a width of 49.5cm, while economy is 45.7cm. I'm surprised by the difference those extra centimetres and the pull-down leg rest make to my comfort. FOOD AND DRINKS: Lunch is served 90 minutes after take-off. There's an appetiser of rare smoked duck breast on a spicy noodle salad, then a choice of pan-fried gnocchi with mushroom cream sauce and pancetta, or Malay-style chicken curry with rice. Both are exceptional, the servings generous. The drinks list offers non-vintage champagne, a New Zealand sauvignon blanc, and an Australian shiraz, plus the option of the famous Singapore Sling, a nice local touch. Afternoon tea, served a couple of hours later, is a toastie, either chicken (a bit meh) or sweet potato and cheese. ENTERTAINMENT: I put on my noise-cancelling headphones and browse the extensive seat-back entertainment choices. About 1800 options include music, games, TV series, and new-release movies. I watch Demi Moore in The Substance, which has had even the mildest of curses dubbed over. Premium economy also has unlimited Wi-Fi for KrisFlyer members, so it's worth signing up for. THE SERVICE: Courteous and attentive with staff checking several times to see if we needed anything and frequently bringing us water. IN A NUTSHELL: Singapore Airlines' Premium Economy far outperformed my expectations. Apart from the lack of lie-flat seats, it felt not too far removed from a traditional business-class product. The writer travelled at her own expense We're on the first leg of a trip to Rome, scheduled to depart at 12pm and arrive at 5.30pm Singapore time. With lots of perseverance and a bit of luck, I've managed to score two premium economy award tickets using Virgin points. A few weeks previously, I'd taken a Singapore Airlines flight in economy, so I'm keen to compare the two classes. CHECKING IN: We've checked in online which, it turns out, is pretty pointless. We still need to have our seats allocated and boarding cards issued, as we weren't able to choose seats on either the Virgin or Singapore Airlines' sites, presumably because we are on points tickets. We're early, and there's no queue for the dedicated check-in desk. Premium economy passengers have a 35kg allowance, and surprisingly, staff offer to book our luggage through to Rome, despite being on a different ticket and airline. Twenty minutes later, thanks to my husband's platinum status with Virgin, a Star Alliance partner, we're sitting in the Singapore Airlines' SilverKris lounge enjoying a late breakfast. THE FLIGHT: We board after the business-class passengers. On the lower deck of the A380, premium economy is full, but there's still plenty of room in the overhead lockers. We take off right on midday. I'm happy to be taking a day flight so I can take full advantage of the premium economy benefits rather than just being focused on getting some sleep. THE CLASS: There are 44 seats in a 2-4-2 configuration. We are in a two, the row behind the emergency exit. I'm in the window seat, 32C. The seat pitch is 97cm compared to economy's 81.3cm, with a width of 49.5cm, while economy is 45.7cm. I'm surprised by the difference those extra centimetres and the pull-down leg rest make to my comfort. FOOD AND DRINKS: Lunch is served 90 minutes after take-off. There's an appetiser of rare smoked duck breast on a spicy noodle salad, then a choice of pan-fried gnocchi with mushroom cream sauce and pancetta, or Malay-style chicken curry with rice. Both are exceptional, the servings generous. The drinks list offers non-vintage champagne, a New Zealand sauvignon blanc, and an Australian shiraz, plus the option of the famous Singapore Sling, a nice local touch. Afternoon tea, served a couple of hours later, is a toastie, either chicken (a bit meh) or sweet potato and cheese. ENTERTAINMENT: I put on my noise-cancelling headphones and browse the extensive seat-back entertainment choices. About 1800 options include music, games, TV series, and new-release movies. I watch Demi Moore in The Substance, which has had even the mildest of curses dubbed over. Premium economy also has unlimited Wi-Fi for KrisFlyer members, so it's worth signing up for. THE SERVICE: Courteous and attentive with staff checking several times to see if we needed anything and frequently bringing us water. IN A NUTSHELL: Singapore Airlines' Premium Economy far outperformed my expectations. Apart from the lack of lie-flat seats, it felt not too far removed from a traditional business-class product. The writer travelled at her own expense We're on the first leg of a trip to Rome, scheduled to depart at 12pm and arrive at 5.30pm Singapore time. With lots of perseverance and a bit of luck, I've managed to score two premium economy award tickets using Virgin points. A few weeks previously, I'd taken a Singapore Airlines flight in economy, so I'm keen to compare the two classes. CHECKING IN: We've checked in online which, it turns out, is pretty pointless. We still need to have our seats allocated and boarding cards issued, as we weren't able to choose seats on either the Virgin or Singapore Airlines' sites, presumably because we are on points tickets. We're early, and there's no queue for the dedicated check-in desk. Premium economy passengers have a 35kg allowance, and surprisingly, staff offer to book our luggage through to Rome, despite being on a different ticket and airline. Twenty minutes later, thanks to my husband's platinum status with Virgin, a Star Alliance partner, we're sitting in the Singapore Airlines' SilverKris lounge enjoying a late breakfast. THE FLIGHT: We board after the business-class passengers. On the lower deck of the A380, premium economy is full, but there's still plenty of room in the overhead lockers. We take off right on midday. I'm happy to be taking a day flight so I can take full advantage of the premium economy benefits rather than just being focused on getting some sleep. THE CLASS: There are 44 seats in a 2-4-2 configuration. We are in a two, the row behind the emergency exit. I'm in the window seat, 32C. The seat pitch is 97cm compared to economy's 81.3cm, with a width of 49.5cm, while economy is 45.7cm. I'm surprised by the difference those extra centimetres and the pull-down leg rest make to my comfort. FOOD AND DRINKS: Lunch is served 90 minutes after take-off. There's an appetiser of rare smoked duck breast on a spicy noodle salad, then a choice of pan-fried gnocchi with mushroom cream sauce and pancetta, or Malay-style chicken curry with rice. Both are exceptional, the servings generous. The drinks list offers non-vintage champagne, a New Zealand sauvignon blanc, and an Australian shiraz, plus the option of the famous Singapore Sling, a nice local touch. Afternoon tea, served a couple of hours later, is a toastie, either chicken (a bit meh) or sweet potato and cheese. ENTERTAINMENT: I put on my noise-cancelling headphones and browse the extensive seat-back entertainment choices. About 1800 options include music, games, TV series, and new-release movies. I watch Demi Moore in The Substance, which has had even the mildest of curses dubbed over. Premium economy also has unlimited Wi-Fi for KrisFlyer members, so it's worth signing up for. THE SERVICE: Courteous and attentive with staff checking several times to see if we needed anything and frequently bringing us water. IN A NUTSHELL: Singapore Airlines' Premium Economy far outperformed my expectations. Apart from the lack of lie-flat seats, it felt not too far removed from a traditional business-class product. The writer travelled at her own expense We're on the first leg of a trip to Rome, scheduled to depart at 12pm and arrive at 5.30pm Singapore time. With lots of perseverance and a bit of luck, I've managed to score two premium economy award tickets using Virgin points. A few weeks previously, I'd taken a Singapore Airlines flight in economy, so I'm keen to compare the two classes. CHECKING IN: We've checked in online which, it turns out, is pretty pointless. We still need to have our seats allocated and boarding cards issued, as we weren't able to choose seats on either the Virgin or Singapore Airlines' sites, presumably because we are on points tickets. We're early, and there's no queue for the dedicated check-in desk. Premium economy passengers have a 35kg allowance, and surprisingly, staff offer to book our luggage through to Rome, despite being on a different ticket and airline. Twenty minutes later, thanks to my husband's platinum status with Virgin, a Star Alliance partner, we're sitting in the Singapore Airlines' SilverKris lounge enjoying a late breakfast. THE FLIGHT: We board after the business-class passengers. On the lower deck of the A380, premium economy is full, but there's still plenty of room in the overhead lockers. We take off right on midday. I'm happy to be taking a day flight so I can take full advantage of the premium economy benefits rather than just being focused on getting some sleep. THE CLASS: There are 44 seats in a 2-4-2 configuration. We are in a two, the row behind the emergency exit. I'm in the window seat, 32C. The seat pitch is 97cm compared to economy's 81.3cm, with a width of 49.5cm, while economy is 45.7cm. I'm surprised by the difference those extra centimetres and the pull-down leg rest make to my comfort. FOOD AND DRINKS: Lunch is served 90 minutes after take-off. There's an appetiser of rare smoked duck breast on a spicy noodle salad, then a choice of pan-fried gnocchi with mushroom cream sauce and pancetta, or Malay-style chicken curry with rice. Both are exceptional, the servings generous. The drinks list offers non-vintage champagne, a New Zealand sauvignon blanc, and an Australian shiraz, plus the option of the famous Singapore Sling, a nice local touch. Afternoon tea, served a couple of hours later, is a toastie, either chicken (a bit meh) or sweet potato and cheese. ENTERTAINMENT: I put on my noise-cancelling headphones and browse the extensive seat-back entertainment choices. About 1800 options include music, games, TV series, and new-release movies. I watch Demi Moore in The Substance, which has had even the mildest of curses dubbed over. Premium economy also has unlimited Wi-Fi for KrisFlyer members, so it's worth signing up for. THE SERVICE: Courteous and attentive with staff checking several times to see if we needed anything and frequently bringing us water. IN A NUTSHELL: Singapore Airlines' Premium Economy far outperformed my expectations. Apart from the lack of lie-flat seats, it felt not too far removed from a traditional business-class product. The writer travelled at her own expense
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Yahoo
Restoran Sambal Hijau: Popular mixed rice spot with almost 6K reviews, serves over 80 types of lauk
Restoran Sambal Hijau, located in Kampung Sungai Penchala, is a renowned mixed rice haven, serving over 80 varieties of mouthwatering Malay-style Padang dishes. It's the quintessential go-to spot for locals craving a hearty, classic meal. With an impressive 4.1-star rating from over 5.9K Google reviews (at time of writing), its reputation speaks for itself. Word on the street? Even chefs in Kuala Lumpur bring their visiting foodie friends here for a taste of this spot. While I expected the restaurant to be packed the moment I arrived, it wasn't as crowded as I had expected — at least not yet. By 12pm, though, be prepared to battle for a seat! I didn't count the exact number of dishes on the counters, but there was, indeed, a lot. Each lauk looked both presentable and irresistibly inviting, ranging from indulgent options like whole crabs to simpler classics like chicken, fish, and squid. Designated tables showcased an array of ulam-ulaman and several types of sambal, paired with 'special' vegetable-based side dishes like mango salad and kerabu. Another section was dedicated solely to regular vegetables, such as humble sayur tumis. With so many choices, it's impossible not to spend a long time choosing. Unlike most mixed rice spots, Restoran Sambal Hijau has a very specific pricing labelled on each dish per portion. You won't have to worry about being overcharged or dealing with prices that fluctuate based on the mood of the nasi campur auntie or uncle! To see if Restoran Sambal Hijau lives up to its name, I opted for their Ayam Sambal Hijau (RM5.50 per piece) as my protein of choice. To round out the meal, I added Kangkung Tumis (RM3 per scoop) and a half portion of rice (RM2.50), generously doused with the gravy from Sotong Sambal Berapi — thankfully, free of charge. My mixed-rice meal totalled RM11. The sambal hijau, however, fell short of expectations. It was merely coarse bits of green chilli padi with a hint of garlic, sauteed in minimal oil with kaffir lime leaves. I had hoped for a finer blend of chillies and aromatics, slowly cooked in oil, as is customary with most sambals. This approach would have elevated the dish, making it far more enjoyable to pair with rice. Taste-wise, the sambal hijau was decent! For someone with a high spice tolerance like me, it delivered just enough of a kick to get me sniffling — but nothing more. Its flavour leaned towards tangy, thanks to the kaffir lime leaves, and it was well-seasoned overall. Anjung Hijau Lin Swandee: RM4 fluffy nasi lemak halba that tastes like home, thick laksa lidi & comforting soto However, the coarse consistency meant the flavours didn't cling well to the chicken. While the chicken itself was nicely seasoned with salt and turmeric, I wish it had been cooked a bit longer — it was still stringy and tough. As for the kangkung, it was cooked too long for it to remain crunchy. The flavours were dominated by anchovies, which, unfortunately, didn't do much to win me over. It wasn't exactly the highlight of the meal. The unexpected star of my plate was the Sambal Sotong Berapi's gravy. Finely ground green and red chilli padi combined with onions and garlic, cooked to perfection in just the right amount of oil, created a silky, spicy sauce that paired beautifully with the fluffy rice. And let me tell you — it packed a serious punch! My dining companion's plate featured a full scoop of rice (RM3), Asam Rebus Mabong (RM7 per piece), and Bayam Tumis (RM3 per scoop), topped off with a generous drizzle of kuah Asam Pedas. The mabong (a type of mackerel) was impressively fresh, with a large, plump fillet that surprised us both. Its quality and preparation were exceptional, a rare feat for a mixed rice spot. When cooked fresh, mabong offers a flavour that can almost rival terubuk (toli shad), which typically costs around RM60 per kg. The bayam, on the other hand, was fairly unremarkable, but the Asam Pedas delivered a spicy kick that elevated the rice. For spice lovers, it's a treat, but if your heat tolerance is low, proceed with caution! While the consistently long, snaking queues at Restoran Sambal Hijau made sense, I found the prices slightly higher than those at typical mixed rice spots. It's not a place I'd frequent regularly if I lived in the area. Ironically, I wasn't a fan of their sambal hijau — despite the restaurant's namesake — but there's no denying the freshness and quality of their ingredients, which justifies the price tag. I also got the Ayam Percik (RM7) for takeaway, and it was delicious. The quarter piece of white meat (breast and wing) was exceptionally juicy and packed with flavour. If you're looking to experience the best of what Restoran Sambal Hijau has to offer, I'd highly recommend trying their 'high-end' lauk options! Expected damage: RM6 – RM13 per pax NALE The Nasi Lemak Company: Is this spot's 'best nasi lemak in the world' worth the price? The post Restoran Sambal Hijau: Popular mixed rice spot with almost 6K reviews, serves over 80 types of lauk appeared first on
