An Iftar meal at Nipah has been a long-standing tradition for many during the month of Ramadan. The breaking of fast provides the perfect opportunity for families, friends and work associates to gather to enjoy the authentic Malay delights which Nipah is famed for.
This year, EQ Kuala Lumpur will be raising the bar on the break-of-fast experience by presenting two different and exciting ways to enjoy the good food and convivial relationship-building for which Ramadan is associated with through Citarasa Nipah and EQ Bazaar. Citarasa Nipah will offer the classic Iftar experience, with a superlative buffet spread encompassing the best of Malay flavours. Held daily at Nipah on the ground floor of the award-winning hotel, Citarasa Nipah will present a sumptuous spread of food which draws upon the rich tradition of Malay cuisine. While EQ Bazaar will be held at Level 1, allowing guests to browse between different food stations like they are walking through a bazaar market, and enjoy food in air -conditioned comfort.
Citarasa Nipah, Nipah EQ All-Day-Dining Restaurant
Chef Zaini, who drew on his decades long experience in Malay cuisine will design the daily offerings. “A good Malay meal is like a good story. There needs to be a variety of elements to make everything work. The sour components need a sweet opposite, rich tastes will need some sharp flavours to offset it. My goal this year is to present a complete experience of Malay food for all to enjoy,” says Chef Zaini.
To this end the buffet will include a daily rotation of a variety of traditional salads ranging from Kerabu Betik Muda, Kerabu Limau Bali, Kerabu Mangga, Urap Pucuk Manis, Kerabu Jantung Pisang, Terung Bakar, Nyonya Kerabu Pucuk Paku, to fresh raw crudites (ulam-ulaman) like Daun selom, ulam raja, daun pegaga, pucuk gajus, kacang botol, peria petai, jering, timun, terung lalap , tomato, bendi, tempe goreng, tauhu goreng, kobis bulat, kacang panjang, and their accompanying dips such as Sambal belacan, sambal mangga, sambal hijau, sambal tempoyak, sambal kicap, budu, cencaluk, air asam Chilli shrimp paste, mango paste, green chilli paste, fermented durian paste, sliced chilli in soy sauce, preserved fish sauce, preserved shrimp paste, tamarind sauce, coconut and krill fermented dressing.
The highlight of every Iftar buffet, the whole roast lamb, will be the biggest draw at Nipah. Grilled to perfection, the kambing golek is best savoured with fluffy beriani rice – also another must-try in EQ buffet.
Enjoy Briyani Special specially prepared by the chefs – Nasi Beriani Batu Pahat (Fragrance Basmathi cooked with Briyani Johor Spices), Ayam Masak Beriani (Chicken cooked in Briyani Spices), Kambing Masak Beriani (Mutton cooked in Briyani Spices).
Other classic dishes on the buffet include Itik Salai Cili Padi, Sambal Tumis Udang, Ketam Masak Cili, Gulai Nangka Muda, Daging Dendeng Berlada, Kuah Lontong Sayur Lodeh, Rendang Ayam, Ayam Panggang, Sate Ayam, Sate Daging, Kari Kepala Ikan, Ikan Pari Bakar, Bawal Bakar, Udang Bakar, Kepak Ayam Madu accompanied by Sambal Kicap, Air Asam, Black Pepper Sauce, Mint Sauce; Goreng-gorengan like Pisang Goreng, Cucur Udang, Popia Goreng, Keropok Lekor, Samosa, Keledek Goreng. Also, Salted Egg Fried Chicken with Spring Onion, Wok-Fried Black Pepper Beef with Capsicum, Stir-Fry Hong Kong Kailan with Garlic, Fish Head Curry with Okra, Vegetables Sambar, Lamb Varuval from Muhibbah Corner.
For an extra-special experience, the break-of-fast meal will also feature the Nipah Shell Out (hamparan makanan laut) as a highlight. This will be the first time in Nipah’s history that this popular communal seafood experience is served during Ramadan. The Shell Out will feature a delectable assortment of fresh seafood, perfectly marinated and lightly cooked to ensure the retention of flavours. Featured in the mix will be prawns, lala, mussels, bamboo clams and crabs in three signature flavours: kam heong (spicy dried shrimp paste), sweet and sour, and salted egg.
Seafood on ice that put together Tiger prawn, black mussel, oyster and white clams.
Save room for dessert! Get ready to be spoiled with choices such as Durian Choux, Passion fruit, mango Pavlova, Cempedak financière, Ciku cheese cakes, Sago Gula Melaka, Pandan Panna Cotta with gula Melaka, Pulut Mangga, Thai mango, coconut and glutinous rice, Bubur Pengat Pisang, Serawa Durian, Seri muka, tepung pelita, ketayap , onde onde, keria,akok, koci, kasturi, lapis, talam, bingka ubi, Bubur Pulut Hitam, Chocolate banana caramel cakes, Pandan palm sugar cremeux layer, Dates and walnut cake, Classic tiramisu.
Citarasa Nipah will run from 12 March to 9 April 2024 from 6.30PM to 10.30PM daily, priced at RM238+ per adult and RM114+ per child from the age of six to 12. An Early Bird promotion will run from 12 to 17 March 2024, and 7 to 9 April 2024 priced at RM198+ per adult.
EQ Bazaar, Level 1
A brand new experience premiering this Ramadan is the EQ Bazaar. This festive event seeks to recreate the thrill of the Ramadan bazaars which are a yearly fixture in neighbourhoods and communities. The EQ culinary team will be presenting Malay street food of the sort usually offered at these food markets, including rotisserie chicken (ayam golek), stuffed, grilled sandwiches (roti John), and an exciting variety of sweet treats, finger food and small bites.
EQ Bazaar will be held at Level 1, allowing guests to browse between different food stations, and enjoy food in air -conditioned comfort. This novel Ramadan happening will take place from 12 March to 9 April 2024 from 6.30PM to 10.30PM daily. As an incentive to experience EQ Bazaar early, the meal will be priced at RM148+ per adult and RM74+ per child from theage of six to 12 from 12 to 17 March 2024. From 18 March to 9 April 2024 the charge will be RM168+ per adult, and RM84+ per child from the age of six to 12. Group dining is priced at RM148+ for adults, with a minimum of 10 diners per reservation.
General Manager, Gerard Walker, who has lived in Malaysia for over a decade, takes great pleasure in the property’s Ramadan offerings. “Ramadan is a beautiful time of the year characterised by an emphasis on community and relationship-building. EQ is honoured to host many gatherings of fraternity and good-will, and will always ensure our guests enjoy food that transports them back to the old days, even as they work on building future relations.”
Both Citarasa Nipah and EQ Bazaar are already open for reservations. Guests can email dineateqkl@kul.equatorial.com, or WhatsApp +60122789239 or book through TableApp at https://www.tableapp.com/partner/nipah-eq-kuala-lumpur
