Since our last visit for Ramadan Buffet, Sajian Warisan Bonda Ala Kampung, at ibis KLCC, Kampung Kitchen @ ibis KLCC has been continuously introducing a series of distinctive Kampung-style delicacies, all centered around Malaysian Delights as their theme! This month, the spotlight is on Heritage Melaka – which translates to Malacca – the Authentic Straits Flavors!
Kampung Kitchen
Kampung Kitchen @ ibis KLCC, despite being located in the city center, remains committed to preserving Malaysia’s traditional culture – the nostalgic Kampung flavors. In the hustle and bustle of the city, many still cherish memories of “gotong-royong” (community work) and “kenduri” (feast) from their childhood in the kampung. Remembering the camaraderie and interactions that took place during those times. Kampung Kitchen strives to recreate the ambiance of an urban kampung, aiming for guests to feel as if they are returning to their hometown community – warm, welcoming, and reconnecting with the flavors of their childhood…
Malaysia Delights: Heritage of Melaka
In July 2023, the theme “Heritage of Malaysia” is featured in the Malaysia Delights series at Kampung Kitchen @ ibis KLCC. But that’s not all! The restaurant plans to introduce a variety of other exciting themes in the upcoming months. Stay tuned and be prepared to indulge in more delightful culinary experiences!
Malacca being one of the earliest port towns in Malaysia, boasts a rich culinary heritage shaped by its diverse history. Over the centuries, it has been influenced by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, resulting in a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. The main ethnic groups in Malacca include Malays, Chinese, Indians, Chitty, Baba Nyonya, and Kristang/Serani, each contributing their unique flavors to the vibrant culinary landscape. From savory Nyonya dishes to spicy Indian curries and delectable Portuguese Eurasian fare, the food scene in Malacca is truly a delightful fusion of tastes and traditions.
Nasi Hujan Panas / Rainbow Rice
Nasi Hujan Panas, which translates to “Rainbow Rice,” is a dish that lives up to its name with its vibrant colors and delightful flavors. Symbolizing the rainbow that appears after a hot and rainy day, this rice dish is a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. Cooked with ghee, the rice becomes fragrant and rich, making it a perfect accompaniment to the dishes we will introduce next. Get ready to indulge in a colorful and delicious culinary experience!
Chicken Kapitan
Chicken Kapitan is undoubtedly one of the most iconic dishes in the Nyonya cuisine of Malacca. This flavorful dish shares some similarities with traditional curry chicken but stands out with its unique blend of spices. To prepare Chicken Kapitan, the chicken is marinated overnight with desiccated coconut and tamarind juice. During cooking, ingredients like belacan (shrimp paste) and lengkuas (galangal) are used, and then a rich coconut milk is added just before serving. The resulting dish is a symphony of flavors, with hints of tanginess from the tamarind and the delightful aroma of coconut.
Legend has it that a chef who worked on a ship prepared this curry chicken for the captain. When asked the name of the dish, he simply replied, “Captain Curry.” The captain, being addressed as “Captain” in English, was known as “Kapitan” in the local language. Over time, this culinary creation became known as “Kapitan Curry” or “Chicken Kapitan,” gaining popularity and becoming an integral part of Malacca’s culinary heritage.
Pimental Lamb Curry
Pimental Curry, also known as Pimentão Curry, is a traditional Portuguese-style curry dish known for its rich flavors and diverse array of spices. The term “Pimentos” refers to small, round red chili peppers, but this dish offers much more than just heat – it’s all about the aromatic spices! The thick curry sauce contains aromatic spice seeds, and occasionally, you’ll experience delightful bursts of flavor in your mouth. The richness of the curry sauce is complemented by the natural oils from the lamb, which helps release the fragrance of the spices. It offers a subtle spiciness that adds to the overall flavor profile, making it a dish well worth trying.
Portuguese Debal Curry Beef
Debal Curry, not to be confused with Devil Curry, is a delightful dish that indeed includes vinegar, giving it a tangy and appetizing flavor! The name “Debal Curry” is the correct one. Today, at Kampung Kitchen, the beef in this curry is perfectly stewed to achieve a tender and succulent texture, making it easy to savor without the need for excessive chewing. The taste is truly satisfying, and the curry’s tanginess adds a refreshing twist to the overall experience.
Sambal Sotong
This spicy Sambal Squid dish is actually infused with plenty of “petai” or stink beans, making it one of the signature dishes of Malacca’s Baba Nyonya cuisine. The rehydrated squid is delightfully tender and chewy, while the vibrant red sambal sauce may appear fiery but is actually not overwhelmingly spicy. The abundant stink beans add a delightful crunch and freshness to every bite, showcasing the unique flavors of this traditional Baba Nyonya delicacy.
Brinjal Sambal
This spicy Sambal Eggplant is a perfect choice for eggplant lovers! The eggplant retains its light purple skin during cooking, providing a soft and tender texture, while the rich sambal sauce adds delightful aroma. Despite its oily appearance, it is not greasy when you actually taste it, making it an absolute must-try.
Terung Berlada / Sambal Bunga Kantan / Sambal Hijau / Sambal Merah
The food in Peninsular Malaysia offers a wide variety of delicious dipping sauces, commonly used to mix with rice or enjoy with fresh raw vegetables. Among them, Terung Berlada is somewhat similar to oil-blended eggplant. The diced eggplant is sautéed until soft and fragrant without being too spicy, making it a delightful complement to rice. On the other hand, Sambal Bunga Kantan, enhanced with torch ginger flower, provides a burst of delightful flavor that leaves a refreshing sensation on the palate.
Nyonya Kuih-Muih
Baba Nyonya is renowned for its delicious Nyonya Kuih, a unique fusion of various ethnicities’ culinary influences, combined with their own creations, making it stand out in the world of pastries. One of the most famous Nyonya Kuih is Onde-Onde, a must-have delicacy during Nyonya weddings.
Onde-Onde is made from glutinous rice flour, filled with coconut palm sugar, rolled into round shapes, and then boiled in water before being coated with grated coconut. The green outer layer is infused with the aroma of pandan leaves, and when you take a bite, the melted coconut palm sugar creates a delightful “explosion” of flavor.
Kuih Kemboja is another delightful Nyonya Kuih, baked to perfection. It features a delicious egg custard that is both creamy and flavorful, with a crispy surface that adds a delightful roasted taste to the kuih.
Delightful Variety: Main Courses, Rice & Noodles, and Sweet Treats!
For whom prefer non-spicy flavors, you may discover a wide array of mild options here.
Mee Bandung
Mee Bandung in Malaysia is completely different from the city of Bandung in Indonesia. In Malaysia, Mee Bandung is a unique dish that combines noodles and eggs, served with a broth made from sautéed chili, onions, Belacan, and dried shrimps, among other flavorful ingredients.
Boiled Chicken & Rice
Delicious boiled chicken and fragrant Oil Rice are served here. While the rice might not be molded into the classic Malacca Chicken Rice balls, the flavors are truly delightful.
In addition, there are many other dishes available to cater to different preferences! One of the must-try dishes is the Asam Pedas Fish, which features a signature Malay-style cooking method from Malacca. This tangy and spicy delicacy pairs wonderfully with stingray, offering a delightful culinary experience.
Vegetable with Oyster Sauce
Udang Masak Lemak – Highly recommended! This dish with its red and yellow curry sauce may not be spicy, but it’s delightfully sweet! The combination of coconut milk’s aroma and pineapple’s tanginess balances out the spiciness, leaving behind a perfect harmony of curry spices.
Roasted Chicken – With condiments BBQ Sauce and Black Pepper Sauce
Roasted Lamb
Roasted Potato
Spaghetti Chicken Ball – This sweet & sour dish is a favorite among kids
Chicken Cheese
Beef Cooked with Black Pepper – A must-try recommendation! It has a delightful peppery aroma without any spiciness! Usually, dishes with a strong peppery flavor can be overwhelming, but not this one! It’s simply delicious!
Soups
Cream of Chicken Soup
Fish Ball Soup
Assorted Snacks and Fritters
Deep Fried Wantan / Corn on cob / Fried Vietnam Rolls
Three Varieties of Buns
Steamed Dumplings
Desserts / Fruits / Salad / Side Dishes
Corn Cheese
Bubur Pulut Hitam – Melt-in-your-mouth black glutinous rice
Fruit Rojak with Shrimp Paste – Create your own combination and mix it with flavorful shrimp paste and crushed peanuts.
ABC & Ice Cream
Popcorn
Assorted Keropok
Local and Western Pastries
Salads & Side Dishes
Jeruk & Cencalok – Melaka’s Specialty
Cencalok is a traditional sauce from Melaka, made from small shrimps caught in specific seasons along the coast of Pantai Klebang, Limbongan, Tanjung Kling, and other areas. Fresh shrimps are mixed with salt and rice and left to ferment for a period of time to produce Cencalok. It is commonly served as a condiment to accompany rice, and some people enjoy it with petai (stink beans).
There are simple and enjoyable live performances on site.
On that day, Tourism Malaysia also attended the Adabi new product launch event together.
Buffet Information
The ibis KLCC Malaysia Delights: Heritage of Melaka event will be ongoing until July 31, 2023. For buffet reservations, you can visit the official website of ibis KLCC or contact their customer service.
As usual, feel free to WhatsApp Foodveler whenever you have any question!
