Hugo’s KL revives the tradition of tiffin-set meals this Iftar

Throwback to the good old days when food on-the-go was stored in tiffin-sets ready to be taken to school or the office.

It’s that time of year again when eating establishments splash out with fancy promotions and even fancier meals to entice hungry Muslims to break fast with them.

At only RM45 per set, Hugo’s KL has slammed the competition, offering guests a delicious full-course authentic Iftar dinner that’s a throwback to the traditional fare eaten in kampungs or at home during the holy month of Ramadan.

What’s even more novel is the way dinner is presented – in a tiffin set placed on a banana leaf, with the added surprise of taking a three-levelled tiffin set home as a gift.

According to restaurant and bar manager, Mohd Shukri Jeffri, this year’s Iftar spread is a play on modern versus traditional.

Restaurant and bar manager, Mohd Shukri Jeffri (fourth from left) with his team of chefs.

“Though the concept for Hugo’s KL restaurant and bar is modern, we have chosen to highlight authentic Malay dishes to break fast. And as an added surprise, guests will be gifted with a tiffin set to take home,” he told FMT.

“This tiffin set is a reminder of how authentic Malay cuisine was traditionally stored to be shared later with family and friends during Ramadan.”

He explained that the tiffin set was the original “plastic containers” of today, as it was portable and provided an easy way to eat on the go. The biggest plus is that the tiffin set is made of material that doesn’t harm the environment.

Chef Bahar Abdullah, the man behind the delicious Iftar spread, has 20 years of experience under his belt.

For Ramadan, Chef Bahar Abdullah and his team are showcasing four menus from different states in the country, from the North to the East Coast.

“Everyone has different tastes when it comes to food. So, we are giving guests four choices from different states in Malaysia.

“Each menu will be complemented with dates, traditional Malay desserts and a drink whether syrup, cincau or soya,” he explained.

The Nasi Kerabu and Ayam Percik from the East Coast is absolutely to-die-for.

Menu 1

Nasi Kerabu with Ayam Percik: This meal consists of Nasi Kerabu, salad ulam, coconut sambal, salted duck egg, budu, sambal belacan, crackers and ayam percik with sauce.

Ayam Percik Panggang is another crowd-pleaser.

Menu 2

Ayam Percik Panggang: This is essentially chicken grilled with a traditional marinade of herbs and spices. It is served with rice and vegetables.

The lip-smacking Nasi Tomato with Ayam Merah and Chicken Biryani are absolute musts at the dinner table.

Menu 3

Nasi Tomato with Ayam Merah: This meal consists of rice cooked in tomato puree and chicken cooked with tomato paste. It is complemented with a serving of vegetable Dalca, pickles, and papadum.

Menu 4