From East to West — a culinary ride
It’s East Coast meets West Coast in a culinary journey to remember in this year’s Ramadan showcase at Knowhere Bangsar, writes Intan Maizura Ahmad Kamal
ONE of the nicest things about living in Malaysia is the sheer magnitude of our culinary canvas. Due to historical migrations, colonisation by foreign powers as well as its geographical position, Malaysia’s culinary style today is primarily a melange of traditions from the people who make up its landscape.
With the pandemic still blanketing us with its web of gloom and fear, one of the things I’ve missed most is starting the car, hitting the highway and cruising to various parts of the country to savour local delights.
If my memory serves me right, the last road trip I made was to the East Coast, undeniably a part of the country with amazing culinary offerings.
I recall tucking into an early breakfast of Nasi Dagang (rice steamed in coconut milk and eaten with fish curry and other ingredients like pickled cucumber and carrots) by a roadside stall. I also recall getting excited over the blue-tinged spread of Nasi Kerabu, another East Coast specialty, eaten with dried fish or fried chicken, crackers, pickles and salads.
The West Coast too is no poor cousin when it comes to delectable delights. Who doesn’t think of food when the mind wanders to Penang, Perak, Negri Sembilan and Kuala Lumpur? Suffice it to say, our beautiful country is blessed with cuisines that are not only complex and diverse, but also bursting with flavours.
But how are we going to get to all this food when interstate travel is completely out of the question? Well, fret no more because there IS one restaurant in the Klang Valley that’s offering to bring the best of East and West Coast cuisines right to your doorstep this Ramadan!
HEAVENLY SPREAD
When Ramadan rolls in, you can be sure that hotels and restaurants around the country will commence their flurry of Ramadan buffet promotions.
A popular theme will always be Balik Kampung, where diners are lured to relive the culinary nostalgia of good ol’ kampung food.
But Knowhere Bangsar, a contemporary fusion restaurant located in bustling Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur has gone one better.
Forget about ONE kampung; it’s bringing a diverse spread from many kampung around the country to your table this year.
Ramadan is a time when families traditionally gather to share a meal. Some will make the journey outstation in a balik kampung exodus to break fast with their loved ones. But thanks to the pandemic, many have to resign themselves to staying put in the city.
Themed Berbuka di Kota (breaking fast in the city), Knowhere Bangsar’s Ramadan promotion, which comprises two takeaway sets of traditional must-try Malay food from the East and West Coast, is a nod to this.
Featuring specialty dishes from all around the country, the aim is to give diners missing their hometown flavours a sense of “home”.
In addition to familiar favourites, the exciting menu, conceptualised and created by the restaurant’s talented team of chefs, also features some lesser known, traditional dishes which probably hark back to our grandparents’ time — and maybe even further. There are items which aren’t so easily found in the big city.
The two menus are distinctive in their preparations and make-up. For instance, the East Coast menu features the classic and ever-popular Ayam Percik in addition to the restaurant’s house special, Sirloin Steak served with a tamarind ginger chilli sauce.
Meanwhile, the West Coast menu offers a tantalising Spicy Mutton Curry, comprising slow cooked tender mutton and potatoes drowned in a flavourful, thick gravy. This is complemented with a serving of northern-style Nasi Minyak.
According to the management: “We wanted to bring favourite kampung flavours to our customers’ doorsteps by paying tribute to the classic dishes using key ingredients in Malay cooking whilst observing halal dietary laws and elevating them with our own twist.”
So, as you mull over which of the many Ramadan promotions around town to go for, why not consider Knowhere Bangsar’s unique spread?
Nothing beats taking a slow, leisurely “journey” down the East or West Coast (or why not both — like I did!) and feasting on specially curated meals from the various states — in the comfort and security of your own home.
Knowhere Bangsar is at 50, Jalan Maarof, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. The Berbuka di Kota menu is available for takeaway and delivery until May 12. Last day to order is May 7. Delivery available up to areas such as Putrajaya, Shah Alam and Rawang, with delivery fees applicable. Reservations can be made via WhatsApp at 010-220 2358