WHEN in Kuala Lumpur, dining at a restaurant that serves traditional dishes is a truly special experience.
Malay-inspired Budaya Restaurant in the city centre offers Malaysian favourites such as Ayam Masak Lemak Cili Api, Ayam Asam Pedas, Tenggiri Masak Sambal, Tenggiri Asam Pedas and Mee Goreng Mamak.
Lunch is peak time, while there has been an uptick in dinner guests, said general manager Mohamed Shahril Nourni.
“Besides the regular menu, we also have a special lunch from noon to 3pm on weekdays to cater for the working crowd,” he said.
It includes Chicken Chop, Ayam Masak Merah with Rice, Chilli Pan Mee, Aglio Olio Pasta and Chinese Butter Chicken Rice.
Prices range from RM15 to RM22 and include drinks like Chrysanthemum Tea, Iced Lemon Tea and Sirap Bandung Ais.
During our visit, we tried some dishes from the a la carte menu, starting with a sizzling plate of Butter Chicken (RM35).
The tender meat was slow-cooked in a luscious, buttery tomato gravy.
Rich and aromatic, the sauce clung to the meat, delivering comforting warmth in every bite.
Next came the Nasi Lemak (RM28) elevated by fragrant, fluffy and creamy coconut rice.
The crispy ikan bilis, fried peanuts, spicy sambal served with golden fried chicken made a delightful mix of flavour and texture.
The showstopper, however, was the Flying Sea Bass (RM65) which was fried to perfection.
The trio of sauces – Berlado, Butter, and Sweet and Sour – catered to every taste with its pungence, creaminess and tang.
The fish was crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, and a perfect size for sharing.
To wash it all down, the Sparkling Lemon Lychee delivered a fizzy citrus punch with a floral twist.
The drink refreshed the palate in between bites of food.
In contrast, the Sparkling Ribena Lychee was more playful and had a bubbly, modern edge.
BUDAYA RESTAURANT
21, Jalan Kamunting off Jalan Dang Wangi, Kuala Lumpur
WhatsApp: 012-943 0017 Business hours: noon to 9.30pm daily, closed on Tuesday.
This is the writer’s personal observation and not an endorsement by StarMetro
