Special thanks to Black Kettle for extending this food review invitation.
Black Kettle revised its food menu this month. Responding to customers’ feedback over the years, the new menu retains signature dishes that regulars have come to know and love. Meanwhile, the menu also introduces several newly crafted dishes that have not been served before. Although Black Kettle brands itself as a French café, its menu covers a wide range of cuisines from around the world.
Restored from a historic building, the premises of Black Kettle is huge indeed. The spacious dining area is divided into pâtisserie, café and bistro sections. A lightwell in the middle allows sunlight to illuminate the restaurant interior.
Creamy Mushroom (RM18.00) is a classic Spanish starter. The stew combines the goodness of shiitake, abalone and button mushrooms, making it the perfect choice for mushroom lovers. Creamy Mushroom is also cooked with tarragon butter, cream and smoked paprika for a hint of peppery taste.
Bread & Curry (RM22.00) is another interesting appetizer. The curry is prepared from lentil and Indian spices, much to the pleasure of my taste buds. The vegetarian stew contains potatoes and carrots too.
Bread & Curry comes with a basket of toasted sourdough bread, which is baked in Black Kettle’s in-house bakery. The bread’s chewy texture complements the curry very well. I cannot recommend this dish highly enough.
The Lamb Shank (RM49.00) is sous-vide cooked for 18 hours until the meat becomes delightfully soft. Complementing the Australian lamb is flavorful cardamom sauce. Side items include mashed potatoes, lotus root chips and green peas.
“Peri peri” is the Swahili name for bird’s eye chili. Hailing from Eastern Africa, this chili is notorious for its extreme pungency. Indeed, Black Kettle’s Peri Peri Chicken (RM24.00) produces a burning sensation on the tongue. You have been warned!
As for seafood lovers, Mahi-Mahi (RM26.00) is a popular choice among regulars. The fish is known for its firm texture. The grilled fillet is flavored with Chinese-style pesto, whose herbal aroma helps to suppress the fish’s earthy flavor. Mahi-Mahi comes with mashed potatoes and refreshing mango salsa.
Baby Octopus & Angel Hair Pasta (RM30.00) employs a novel idea in terms of food presentation. Al dente spaghetti (or capellini if customers prefer) is served with a creamy broth infused with coconut and lemongrass. The broth is truly satisfying to the last drop. Freshly blended sambal (chili paste) is prepared as the condiment.
Dessert-wise, Dutch Apple Pie (RM14.00) remains the crowd favorite. The pie has a sugary crust that virtually melts in the mouth. The pastry is filled with soft apples, sultana raisins and cinnamon. The dessert comes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
If you have an affinity for peanut butter, the Peanut Butter Shake (RM12.00) should appeal to your palate. The shake is quite filling despite the small serving size.
Black Kettle serves Dimattina Coffee from Melbourne, the coffee capital of Australia. The medium-dark roast, Gusto Oro, is a blend of Brazilian, Nicaraguan, Indian and Papua New Guinean beans. The cup of Cappuccino (RM10.00) has a smooth consistency and is satisfying as the espresso-based drink trickles down my throat.
Black Kettle is renowned for its handmade breads. Having developed its own levain culture, the in-house bakery specializes in sourdough breads. In addition to artisan bread, Black Kettle also sells various cakes by the slice.
Freshness is key in Black Kettle. This is why the restaurant brings in fresh produce every morning. In addition, the kitchen prepares all sauces from scratch. Last but not least, the food in Black Kettle is entirely pork-free.
Name: Black Kettle
Address: 105, Lebuh Pantai, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-251-9270
Business hours: 9:00am-11:30pm (Sunday-Thursday), 9:00am-12:00am (Friday-Saturday)
Website: http://www.blackkettle.com.my
Coordinates: 5.41539 N, 100.33977 E
Directions: Black Kettle is located at the intersection of Beach Street (Lebuh Pantai) and Chulia Street Ghaut (Gat Lebuh Chulia). Street parking is available along both streets.
