Borrowing from the familiar sight at family gatherings of fearless dads getting down and dirty as they brave the fires of the grill, Trace Restaurant and Bar in Element Kuala Lumpur has centred its Ramadan dinner buffet around the theme “Ayahku Tukang Masak”.
Replicating this nostalgic “kampung” scene, Executive Chef Man and his culinary team will keep the fires burning at the “Bapa KU” grill station as your favourite cuts of meat and a selection of seafood get the grilling of their lives.
Be prepared to find yourself drooling a little as the Barbecue Beef Brisket with roasted vegetables and grilled pineapple, is gently rolled past you as it makes its grand entrance on a mobile trolley.
It is quite a show, watching as the slab of brisket is expertly torched, caramelising the sweetness of the marinade and the meat before being sliced into generous portions. Expect the same for the slab for perfectly grilled lamb that is tender, tasty and yes, rather tantalising.
Once satiated with the grilled meats, it’s probably best to give your tummy a breather as you take in the breathtaking views from the 40th Level that you’re on. But don’t take to long as there are other “kampung” classics to savour.
Besides a variety of colourful salads or kerabu – Fresh Papaya, Smoked Meat, and Chicken and Mushroom, the beef and chicken satay paired with Trace’s unique “satay kuah” is to die for.
Also a must-try is their Asam Laksa from the noodle station – a spicy and sour broth flavoured with fish stock and local herbs to be enjoyed with rice noodles.
Highly recommended by Chef Man himself is the Ayam Masak Ross, Rendang Daging Minang (beef), Udang Goreng Jintan Berempah (deep-fried cumin prawns) and Ikan Masin Masak Lemak Pisang (salt fish in coconut milk). This last dish in particular is mind-bogglingly delicious with plain white rice.
There’s something for everyone
There is something to represent every culture here. Besides a glorious spread of Malay classics, there is Dim Sum, Char Koay Teow and Garlic Fried Rice for lovers of Chinese food, and Chicken Tandoori and Lamb Kheema for those with a preference for spicy Indian fare.
Fancy something Western? There is pizza and pasta and lasagna to indulge in, and even a respectable sushi spread to satisfy your cravings for something Japanese.
Ending the meal on a sweet note is a visually fascinating spread of delectable desserts that will send your tastebuds to heaven and back.
Besides the Malay kuih-muih that we have all come to love, there is cheesecake, red velvet cake, strawberry lychee mousse, creme brûlée and for something extra special, Serawa Durian with Arabic bread. Absolutely lip-smacking.
The dishes for the Ramadan dinner buffet will vary each day throughout the month of Ramadan to ensure you enjoy a wholesome selection.
At the end of the buffet, you can even bring home a package of meat spices as a bespoke giveaway for those free and easy Sundays when you want to replicate Chef Man’s signature dishes at home.
The Trace Restaurant and Bar is on Level 40 of Element Kuala Lumpur, the only hotel brand to pursue LEED certification for high-performance buildings. Stylish and sustainable throughout, Element is architecturally breathtaking and offers magnificent views of the cityscape below.
Ramadan Promotion: May 7 to June 2
Price: RM148 nett (per adult); RM78 nett (per child)
Time: 6.00pm to 10.30pm
Early Bird Offer: March 15 to May 1
Price: RM98 nett per person
TRACE Restaurant and Bar
Element Kuala Lumpur, Level 40, Ilham Tower, No 8, Jln Binjai, 50450 Kuala Lumpur