KOPITIAM staples we enjoy almost daily – from nasi lemak to curry laksa – are transforming into premium culinary experiences.
At the Lobby Lounge of Shangri‑La Kuala Lumpur, these familiar favourites have been elevated through its “Rediscover the Taste of Home” menu, created in collaboration with local Nanyang cuisine and kopitiam chain Oriental Kopi.
Among the standout dishes is the Signature Nasi Lemak with Ayam Berempah (RM37), where the fragrance of fresh coconut milk is unmistakable in the rice.
The dish is enhanced with sweet‑spicy sambal and a soft poached egg, while peanuts and crispy anchovies add crunch.
The ayam berempah is tender and aromatic, its bold lemongrass notes leading a blend of spices including coriander, cumin, curry leaves, onion and garlic.
Oriental Kopi founder Datuk Calvin Chan said the sambal, made with chillies, tamarind, onion and garlic, takes around eight hours to prepare while the rice is steamed with fresh coconut milk in a process that takes about 90 minutes.
Another highlight is the Signature Mee Siam (RM37), a Nyonya‑style stir‑fried vermicelli dish known for its balance of sweet and sour flavours.
It comes with dried shrimps and sambal, and served with a piece of ayam berempah.
For something classic, the Butter Kaya Toast (RM14) delivers crisp toasted bread layered with rich homemade kaya.
A slab of butter adds balance, tempering the kaya’s sweetness.
Chan noted that kaya is often a new discovery for foreign guests.
“Many tourists are used to butter and jam so the Butter Kaya Toast is definitely something special for them,” he said.
The most indulgent main dish here is Signature Curry Laksa Noodle with Lobster (RM64).
Similar to the curry laksa noodle, both dishes are built on a broth featuring a blend of eight spices including galangal, chillies, lemongrass and candlenut.
However, the elevated version comes with pieces of lobster and this creation is only available for this partnership.
Each of these dishes is served with a cup of hot Oriental Kopi Coffee, made from a thick blend of Arabica, Liberica and Robusta coffee beans.
An a la carte cup of the drink is also available at RM7.
Also on the menu are Oriental Kopi’s signature Egg Tarts (RM8 per piece), boasting 128 layers of flaky pastry and a caramelised egg custard with a milky finish.
Chan said the collaboration is as much about emotion as it is about flavour.
“Some Malaysians may think these delicacies belong only on the streets or in hawker centres, but they deserve global recognition and can certainly be served in five‑star hotels.
“I hope this collaboration makes Malaysians proud of our food,” added Chan.
The menu is available until June 17, from noon to 3pm.
LOBBY LOUNGE, Shangri‑La Kuala Lumpur, 11, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: 03‑2786 2378) Business hours: 7am–midnight, daily.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
