Roasted turkey at Latest Recipe, Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur. — Photos: SIA HONG KIAU/The Star
Local turkey gets chef’s approval for festive buffet in KL hotel
A GRAND Christmas feast will usually feature turkey.
For executive chef Antoine Rodriguez of Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur, the size of the bird is paramount.
“Imported turkeys tend to be a little overweight.
“But this year, we managed to secure about 50 birds from a halal supplier in Negri Sembilan who could supply us with the right sizes.
“Moreover, the meat from the local farm is not as gamey as the imported ones, making it tastier,” said the chef.
Diners at the hotel’s Latest Recipe restaurant can savour this turkey during its La Fete Christmas buffet.
The roasted bird was beautifully charred, proof of the “no colour, no flavour” saying.
Rodriguez explained that the bird was first brined for moisture and flavour before being rubbed with a spice mix that included cinnamon, ginger, garlic and onion powder.
It is served with classic trimmings such as apple, mixed nuts, stuffing, Yorkshire pudding, a rich giblet gravy and tangy cranberry sauce.
The skin was deliciously flavourful, while the meat was wonderfully succulent.
Rodriguez with traditional Christmas desserts served at the buffet.
The buffet also offers exceptional roasted beef and lamb.
The Beef Wellington, for instance, was a delight.
Flaky puff pastry enveloped a tender beef fillet, complemented by a rich morel jus.
“The pastry helps keep the meat moist,” said Rodriguez.
Guests should also seek out the oven-baked duo of fish, mousse and dill filo parcel served with an invigorating capers-pepper coulis.
Another star at the carving station was the roasted Provencal French-cut lamb leg seasoned with exotic Moroccan spices.
The meat is roasted for two hours, a key technique to maximise flavour.
Provencal sauce, mint sauce and onion chutney further enhanced the dish.
The Japanese Teppanyaki counter was a notable highlight, where buttered prawns, beef and chicken were cooked to order.
Their buttery richness and impeccable seasoning will have you returning for a second helping.
No Christmas meal is complete without dessert and the crowning glory this year, the magnificent Tiramisu Yule Log had a touch of coffee.
Classic Christmas Forest Blueberry Cake, Chestnut and Blackcurrant Cheesecake, traditional Christmas puddings and a chocolate fountain are among other sweet highlights.
The Christmas Eve buffet dinner is priced at RM288nett per adult while the Christmas Day buffet brunch is RM238nett per adult.
The festive buffet dinner −available from Dec 25 to 30, and on Jan 1 of 2026 − is priced at RM228nett per adult.
The New Year’s Eve buffet dinner is RM308nett per adult while the New Year’s Day buffet brunch is RM218nett per adult.
Children get to dine at half the price.
LATEST RECIPE, Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: 03-2263 7434). Business hours: 6.30am-11pm.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
