Chatz Brasserie, PARKROYAL Kuala Lumpur: Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Affair

Egyptian Guest Chef Ayman Ibrahim Presents a Menu of Sumptuous Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Favorites!

A sumptuous Egyptian, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern menu is now available at all F&B outlets in PARKROYAL Kuala Lumpur till 31 October, 2016. Proudly presenting Egyptian Guest Chef Ayman Ibrahim, diners are in for an exotic treat at Chatz Brasserie, Hot Gossip, Klix Lounge, Pool Bar and even room service.

With a list of over 37 dishes available daily from 12 noon to 12 am daily, diners should not miss this opportunity to savor appetizers, main course and desserts whipped up by Chef Ibrahim right in the middle of our bustling city.

Born in Egypt, Chef Ibrahim has over 25 years of culinary experience in the food industry. Chef Ibrahim has garnered numerous awards internationally as well as locally through his culinary career. He has also appeared in various television programme shows as well as hosting workshops on Middle Eastern cuisine.

Members of the media and bloggers were treated to a sneak preview of what the sumptuous menu by Chef Ibrahim has to offer during these few months at PARKROYAL Kuala Lumpur recently. The evening kicked off with Anab, a Middle Eastern beverage that showcases Hibiscus. Sweet with a subtle tang, it was refreshing and fruity.

For appetizers, there are few classic must-haves when it comes to Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. The Falafel (RM20) or chickpea croquettes are simply delicious! Great for vegetarians too, these crispy fritters with a creamy and nutty inside are so good when snacking or tuck them into soft warm pita bread for a lovely sandwich.

Chickpeas are used a lot in the Middle Eastern cuisine and the most famous dish that comes to mind would have to be the Hommous (RM16). This creamy, garlicky and nutty dip has such an enticing flavour that it’s quite hard to stop mopping up the dip with warm bread. Chef Ibrahim’s version is superb and delicious.

One should love the freshness and vibrant herb flavours of the Tabouleh (RM20). The dish is one of my favorite as there’s plenty of robust citrusy and herb flavours that really lifts up all the other heavy dips and appetizers in such a cuisine.

Warq Einab (RM22) may not be familiar to many here but this is a classic appetizer that is much beloved in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Brined grape leaves is filled with minced meat and rice and cooked till tender with a lovely lemony tang. It is also similar to the Greek dish of Dolmades.

For soups, we tried a vegetarian and non-vegetarian version of lentil soup. The Shorbah Harirah (RM30) has bits of lamb, chickpeas, assorted lentils and pasta all cooked till very soft and creamy with an earthy nutty note. The Shorbah Adas (RM26) is a vegetarian version and is lighted and has a clean and lighter note of creamy nuttiness.

For mains, there’s certainly plenty of options to choose from.

Lamb is a favorite meat option and so there’s plenty of lamb dishes available on the menu. Savor Lamb Kabsah (RM48), succulent pieces of roasted lamb to be savored with bukhari rice or go for the meaty balls of Lamb Kofta. Both very well cooked, there is really not any gamey aroma but just mouthwatering ones.

If lamb is not your choice, there’s also chicken. Enjoy juicy and well-marinated chooks in Shish Tawook (RM30) or Dajaj Ala Elhaham (RM36). Shish Tawook, skewered chicken cubes are bitey and tasty but it was the Dajaj Ala Elhaham or Grilled Spring Chicken that turned out to be a crowd pleaser. The spices on the spring chicken was moreish and succulent while the meat was tender. Such a great comfort food…

If you prefer seafood, there is also a choice of Samak Mashwi (RM46) or Pan Fried Salmon Fillet with Tahinah or Jambary Mashwi (RM55) which is Grilled Prawns with Saffron Sauce. The crisp fish skin on the salmon is very yummy while the fish was a tad on the dryer side. Nevertheless, the fish is still very tasty. The prawns are superb. Grilled with shells on to retain the juiciness and sweetness of the oceanic note, the prawns are simply a must order here.

All main courses are served with a choice of rice, bread or potatoes.

Stews are quite the popular option in these cuisines and so we also sampled Bamiah Bil Lahm Ejal (RM50) which is Stewed Okra with Beef and Tomato. The stew is not overly heavy and has a nice tang of tomatoey notes. The beef pieces are just as tender as the okra. The dish is great with rice.

Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine does feature lots of lentils and pulses in their cooked and the next dish of Fooll Akhdar (RM28) or Broad Beans stew is a great example. The beans are braised till tender in what looks to be a thin tomato sauce.

To go with all the heavy dishes, there’s choices of Roz Boukhary (RM25) which is Bukhari Rice or Roz Saladiah (RM18) or Fried Onion Rice. There is also Roz Mandy or Smoked Saffron Rice.

One should not end the meal without something sweet. For desserts, there’s the sensational Almond Pudding or Kashul (RM25), the classic and popular Baklava (RM25) or a Semolina Cake called Basbosah (RM18).

Besides a la carte, there is also Middle East Specialities Set Menu which includes one appetizer one soup, a choice of Mandy (RM88nett), Dajaj Kabsah (RM85nett) or Samak Saiadiah (RM85nett) and one dessert. It is available from 12.00pm to 12.000am daily.

*Promotion is valid from 22 July to 31 October 2016 only

The Middle Eastern menu is also available for banquet events and Chef Ayaman’s Whole Lamb Briyani is a must try from the menu. For reservations or enquiries, please call 03 2782 8389 or email agnes.kok@parkyoralhotels.com.

For reservations or enquiries for the a la carte and set menus, please call 03 2147 0088 or email chatz.prkul@parkroyalhotels.com.

CHATZ BRASSERIE

PARKROYAL KUALA LUMPUR

Jalan Sultan Ismail,

50250 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 03-2782 8301

Email: chatz.prkul@parkroyalhotels.com

Website: www.parkroyalhotels.com/en/hotels-resorts/malaysia/kuala-lumpur

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Parkroyalkualalumpur