Hotel menu offers culinary exploration of state’s traditional food culture
THE best of Sarawak cuisine has crossed the sea to Petaling Jaya for National Month.
Patrons of PJ’s Bar and Grill in Le Meridien Petaling Jaya, Selangor, can enjoy authentic dishes offered during the “Serumpun Sarawak” limited- time promotion.
The Terong Asam Soup with Smoked Ikan Lumek is aromatic and a real treat.
The piquant soup, imbued with powdered ikan lumek, is delicately sweet.
Those who love spicy food should not miss out on the Laksa Sarawak.
The springy noodles are served with crisp beansprouts, which temper the broth’s spiciness, and tiger prawns that are cooked just right.
The stars of the menu, however, are the Chicken Pansuh and Bario Dabai Fried Rice.
Cooked in bamboo, the succulent Chicken Pansuh and hearty stock drizzled over the fried rice is a true revelation.
It is the recipe of award- winning Sarawakian chef Ramos Jalang Nyawai who is collaborating on the promotion.
Le Meridien Petaling Jaya executive chef Aris Fadilah said the “typical Borneo dish”, when cooked in bamboo, would extract maximum flavour, thus making the chicken exceptionally juicy.
The fried rice uses rice from Bario in Sarawak, with dabai (Sarawak black olives) adding flavour, he said.
For an indulgent dessert, try the Cream Caramel Gula Apong and Kek Lapis Sarawak.
Gula apong is incorporated into the caramel syrup, providing two layers of sweetness.
Meanwhile, the Kek Lapis Sarawak is soft and mildly sweet.
The menu also features Kerabu Midin (a type of fern), Sambal Terung Asam, Wagyu Beef Tepus and Crispy Sarawak Terubuk.
Prices range from RM25 to RM128.
Another traditional dish, Freshwater Prawn Umai, is available on special request.
The prawns pop with each bite and are intensified by ginger strips, chopped red chilli and coriander.
Tuak (rice wine made by the Ulu, Iban and Dayak communities) lends a nice touch to the meal.
It is sold here with a bottle priced at RM98 and a glass (150ml) at RM26.
Tuak cocktails include the Tuak Sangria, Tuak Colada and Tuak Mojito priced at RM38.
The promotion from 3pm to 10.30pm ends on Sept 16.
PJ’s BAR & GRILL
Le Meridien Petaling Jaya, Jalan SS 7/26a, Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7682 0000/010 216 3690
Business hours: 3pm to midnight daily
This is the writer’s personal observation and not an endorsement by StarMetro.
