Gourmet market for foodies

WATCHING cooking shows on television can prompt many to recreate the gourmet delights at home.

However enthusiastic chefs at home find it difficult to recreate the same flavours due to lack of various exotic ingredients.

The newly-opened Jasons Food Hall in Bangsar Shopping Centre, Kuala Lumpur is the answer to food dilemmas faced by aspiring cooks.

Jasons is inspired by urbanites and their shopping concepts.

Wholly-owned by GCH Retail (M) Sdn Bhd, marketing director Ho Mun Hao said it serves as a shop within a shop, catering for various food segments that relate to shopping tastes of the modern and urban crowd.

“We got feedback from our customers to learn what they like, so they do not get bored,” he said.

Ho believes the food hall was ideal for working mothers and gourmet food lovers.

Almost 60% of the items sold in the store are imported, including many that are exclusive such as air-dried and smoked meats like Parma, Serrano and Iberico.

Jasons also carries Pierre Ledent, a luxury chocolate brand; Di Marlino, Italy’s best selling pasta brand; and Tourmalet cheese from France.

The teams at Jasons strive to provide the best even if it means watching cooking shows on food channels to learn about new ingredients.

“We have a dedicated team looking at recipes from food channels like AFC and a team here looking at the requests from customers.

“Whenever we hear about something new or customers ask for something we do not have, we source it and bring it over,” said Ho in an interview during the store’s recent launch.

He added they worked closely with consolidators from around the world including the United Kingdom, the US and Australia to bring in imported products from the various countries.

There are products from mroe than 40 different countries around the globe and GCH’s group operations director Ian Cruddas believes there were still products from many European countries that could be brought in as well.

In fact, shopping in Jasons is almost a personalised experience with interesting sections such as the butchery, a cheese room and a wine corner.

At the butchery, one can find various meats, some that are 80% cooked complete with recipe cards for customers while the cheese room has over 100 types of cheese with a maître fromager (cheese expert) to help you out.

The wine section also offers the services of a sommelier.

There are also porters who are eager to assist shoppers and carry their purchases to their cars.

Apart from that, there one can find Vom Fass Oil and Vinegar section, Artisan Bread and a spice and herb section.

“We are always looking to improve the Asian market and will look at ways to expand Korean as well as Japanese food items,” added Ho.

Jasons Food Hall is located at the ground floor of Bangsar Shopping Centre.

For details, visit www.jasonsfoodhall.com.my