Places to wine and dine

Glutinous rice dumpling

Glutinous rice dumplings, ‘bak chang’ or also known as ‘zongzi’ are commonthroughout South-east Asia, both the savoury and sweet versions. Thistraditional Chinese delicacy is served during the annual Dragon Boat Festival.Tuck into this all-time favourite at Xin Cuisine, Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpurfrom today until June 12. Xin Cuisine has specially prepared four types ofdumplings — savoury dumpling, supreme dumpling, chicken Nyonya dumplingand sweet dumpling. Supreme dumplings contain superior ingredients thatinclude smoked oyster, roast pork, dried shrimp, lotus seed, chestnut,mushrooms, roasted duck and salted egg yolk. Savoury dumpling contains porkbelly, chestnut meat, mei tau and salted egg yolk. For the sweet version, doenjoy refreshing chrysanthemum and lotus seed. The dumplings are availablefor lunch and dinner at RM9++ to RM26++ per piece. For orders, call 03-21442200 ext 2338 or 03-2144 8750 (direct line).

Asian stir-fries

Celebrate the myriad ofaromas and flavours thatmake Asian cuisine soenticing at Utara CoffeeHouse of Armada PetalingJaya. Executive chef ChewTeik Chye and chef AngKim Poh have introducedsix new Asian dishesexclusively for this month.Try the Basil ChickenClaypot, Canton Fried Beef,Noodles and Prawn Stir-Fry, Ojingeo Pokkum (aKorean inspired dishcooked with freshly madeKorean kimchi), Stir-friedSpaghetti (a fusion mix oftraditional ingredients in adish) and Lamb Cilantro(cilantro rice alongside abed of two grilled lambchops). With so manydishes to choose from, whynot take the family out tothe restaurant to savour anarray of dishes they will definitely enjoy. The ‘Asian Stir-Fry’ promotion isavailable throughout June. Prices range from RM25++ onwards and servings areavailable from 11am to 11pm, daily. For reservations, call 03-7954 6888 ext.4557.

Mazarin cake

Hotel Maya KualaLumpur is featuring theMazarin cake at RamahTamah this month.Discover this sinfuldessert made fromhazelnut and coffeecream, topped with alayer of chocolate. Thecake is priced at RM105per kg and RM13 perslice. It is available fordine-in at the restaurantand is also available fortakeout. To place anorder, call 03-2711 8866.

TAKTAZ RESTAURANT, B-G-3, Block B, Persiaran Serdang Perdana, Taman Serdang Perdana, Seri Kembangan, Selangor (Tel: [phone]). Business hours: Noon to midnight. Halal. A casual joint frequented by Iranians and Arabs. Tuck into rich stews such as Ghorme Sabzi Stew or Chicken Kebab, Lamb Koobide Kebab and Barberry Rice which is loaded with red berries and pistachio strips topped with saffron.

SHABU ONE STEAMBOAT BUFFET, T18-22, 3rd Floor, Lot 10 Shopping Centre, 50, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: [phone]). Business hours: 11am to 10pm. Pork free. The steamboat concept at Shabu One is modelled after the original Taiwanese-styled buffet steamboat. Unlike many steamboat restaurants elsewhere, customers here are free to have as many helpings as their appetite can choose from over 50 dishes that are regularly replenished.

HYOTAN JAPANESE RESTAURANT, No 63, Jalan SS15/5A, Subang Jaya, Selangor. (Tel: [phone]). Business hours: Noon to 2.30pm, 6pm to 10.30pm. Pork free. The restaurant is one of the few in Subang Jaya that can truly claim to provide diners an authentic Japanese experience — it is run by the Watanabe family and family head Shuzo himself manages the kitchen.

NIJI JAPANESE RESTAURANT, Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, 10 Jalan 1/70D, Off Jalan Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: [phone]). Business hours: Noon to 2.30pm, 6pm to 10pm. Food here is cooked by Japanese chef Yuji Amimoto. Diners will definitely enjoy signature dishes such as Nabeyaki Udon, Unagi Kabayaki, Wagyu Steak Teppanyaki and Sukiyaki.

CURRY LEAF RESTAURANT, No 75, Jalan SS 21/37, Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya. (Tel: [phone]). Email: [e-mail]. Business hours: 7.30am to 10.30pm. Opens daily. This restaurant has its roots in Seremban and is known for savoury banana leaf meals that feature sumptuous vegetable dishes, fish and meats. The Fish Head Curry is a must-try, prepared with lots of brinjals and okra.

TRISHNA AUTHENTIC NORTH INDIAN CUISINE, Hotel Istana Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: [phone]) Business hours: 10.30am to 3pm, 5.30pm to midnight. With over 100 dishes to choose from, feast on Authentic Northern Indian components prepared by culinarians from India ranging from Murgh Malai Tikka to Hara Bhara Kebabs, Butter Chicken, Mutton Tikka Tawa, Mutton Rogan Josh, Amritsari Fish, Nooraini Kebab, Aloo Tandoori, Palak Paneer and lots more. For vegetarians, the Vegetarian Seekh Kebab is a lovely choice.

SPASSO MILANO, Lot 6.44&6.45, Level 6, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: [phone]) Business hours: Noon to 10pm. Non-halal. Sit back, relax and enjoy sumptuous Italian favourites including Al Pesto, Smoked Duck Breast, Risotto Alla Monzese and Pork Valdostana.

CASTELL GRILL AND BAR, 17 & 19 Lorong Universiti C, Petaling Jaya (Tel: [phone]). Business hours: Noon to 2.30pm, 6pm to 10.30pm. No pork served. Dine in a cosy medieval-like setting while enjoying a hearty Western meal comprising meat or fish dishes.

RONNIE Q’S PUB AND RESTAURANT, 32 Jalan Telawi Dua, Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur (Tel: [phone]). Business hours: Mon to Thurs (4pm to 1am); Fri, Sat, Sun and public holidays (noon to 1am). Non-halal. A popular hangout for expatriates and local pub-goers who are also cricket, football and rugby fans. Has a good selection of British pub specialities.

MOJO @ ASIAN HERITAGE ROW, 42 Jalan Doraisamy, Kuala Lumpur (Tel: [phone]). Business hours: Mon to Sat (Noon to 1am). Closed on Sunday. Pork free. Mojo offers delectable Western and fusion delights hugely popular with regulars and expatriates such as barbeque ribs, Linguini Duck Aglio OIio, Salted Egg Fried Rice and a wide selection of wine.

PANTAI SEAFOOD RESTAURANT, Lot 13575, Jalan Cempaka PJU 6A, Kampung Sungai Kayu Ara, Petaling Jaya (Tel: [phone]). Business hours: Noon to 2.30pm, 6pm to 11pm, every day. Non-halal. Savour seafood such as geoduck, Japanese snails, Alaskan king crabs and Boston lobster in a rustic setting.

FITOU BRASSERIE, Lot GF 2, The Waterfront @ Park City, 5, Persiaran Residen, Desa Park City, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: [phone]). Business hours: Noon to 1am, every day. It is open for set brunch (9am to 2.30pm). Non-halal. Fitou is a small town nestled between France and Spain hence you will find a selection of tapas and even traditional French favourites.

CHINA TREASURES, Sime Darby Convention Centre, 1A Jalan Bukit Kiara 1, Kuala Lumpur (Tel: [phone]). Business hours: 11.30am to 2.30pm, 6.30pm to 10.30pm, every day. Halal. The restaurant has a seating capacity of 106 persons with three private rooms, which can accommodate eight to 12 persons per room. THE WOK RESTAURANT, G-3, Jalan Puteri 4/6, Bandar Puteri Puchong, Puchong. (Tel: [phone]). Business hours: 11am to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm (Tues to Sun). Closed on Mon. Non-halal. On the menu are authentic Peranakan culinary treats such as Gulai Tumis Snapper, Asam Big Prawns, Tau U Bak and Inche Kabin.

GRAND IMPERIAL RESTAURANT, Lot T5, 3rd Floor, Bangsar Shopping Centre, No 285, Jalan Maarof, Bukit Bandaraya, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: [phone] — Bangsar, 03-6201 3777 — Hartamas, 03-8024 8777 — USJ). Business hours: 11.30am to 4pm (dim sum till 3.30pm, lunch ends at 2.30pm), 6pm to 10.30pm. Non-halal. Timeless dishes such as Crispy Roasted Pork and Deep Fried Yam Roll are popular here. There’s also a variety of delightful dim sum.

PENANG VILLAGE, Lot G-8-B Ground Floor, Hartamas Shopping Centre, Kuala Lumpur (Tel: [phone]). Business hours: 11am to 10pm. The Nyonya flavours here lean toward its Penang heritage. Food is rich with influences of the North with predominantly sour accents to its taste merged with a pleasant blend of sweetness and spice.

D’EMPIRE BRASSERIE, 22, Ground Floor, Solaris Mont Kiara, Jalan Solaris 4, Off Jalan Duta Kiara, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: [phone]). Business hours: 11am to 11pm. Pork-free. Serving as a precursor to the restaurant’s classy taste are starter dishes of escargots prepared with garlic, unsalted butter and Pinot Noir as well as the by-request-only foie gras. The main course lists dishes like seafood, pasta, risotto and pizza. The rib eye is highly recommended.

To submit food listings and food-related queries, please email to [e-mail] or call 03-79671388 ext 1322.