If you’re hankering for both local and exotic dishes, how about embarking on a culinary adventure with Vasco’s “Kembara Asia” buffet dinner at Hilton Kuala Lumpur?
Featuring signature dishes from Asian countries including India, China, Thailand, Korea, Japan, and Indonesia, the buffet is part of the nationwide “Jelajah Selera Bersama Hilton” campaign by the hotel group in Malaysia.
“Since travelling was limited during the pandemic, we wanted to bring these signature dishes to our guests,” Hilton KL outlet operations manager Annuar Ahmad tells FMT.
“We had brainstorming sessions for almost six months, studying the specialties from 13 countries in the region.”
So what’s on the menu? The Ikan Patin Asam Tempoyak Sungai Pahang – patin fish braised in spicy fermented durian – is part of the lineup of signature dishes from Malaysia.
The patin, a type of catfish, is tender and juicy, best savoured with a generous serving of the accompanying gravy, which is rich and flavoursome.
Although tempoyak – a condiment made from fermented durian – is an acquired taste, do give it a try as it complements the milder flavour of the freshwater fish beautifully.
The Nai You Har, a tribute to China, is a delectable dish of stir-fried prawns in butter and milk, topped with golden egg floss.
The taste of the generously sized crustaceans does not disappoint as each is sweet and fresh. The butter is light and subtle so as to not steal attention away from the prawns, while the egg floss adds a nice crispy touch to each delicious bite.
When one thinks of Japan, sushi surely comes to mind. The salmon sushi here is delightful – the rice is sticky and firm, the flesh fresh with no pungent aroma.
Other varieties available include inari, tamago, ebi, soft-shell crab rolls, and California rolls. While it’s tempting to partake of a generous number of these bite-sized delights, leave some room for the other goodies in the buffet!
On to the desserts, starting with Zalabia. This is an absolutely sinful treat – deep-fried dough with crispy skin with a chewy centre, served in sugary syrup. For those with a sweet tooth, one heavenly ball will certainly not be enough!
Then there’s the Mahalabia, a type of Middle-Eastern milk pudding. Made from evaporated and fresh milk as well as cornflour and sugar, among others, the texture of the pudding is creamy and silky, with just the right amount of sweetness. It will leave you wanting more.
Other signature dishes to expect are the Malabar braised prawns in Indian masala spice; chicken gojuchang (Korea); Pad Thai (Thailand); Pho Bo soup, a dish of flat rice noodles with sliced beef, chilli, beansprouts and coriander (Vietnam); and Manok Adobo, braised chicken with potatoes in vinegar, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce (the Philippines).
So what are you waiting for? Book your table now, and also stand a chance to win great prizes by scanning a QR code in a designated area at Vasco’s.
Vasco’s ‘Kembara Asia’ buffet runs from April 2 to May 1, 6.30pm-10.30pm.
Price: RM208 nett per adult and RM108 nett per child (age 5-11).
For group bookings and private functions, prices are RM198 nett per adult and RM98 per child.
Reservations are required. For more information, visit Vasco’s website, call 03-22642264 or email [email protected].
Selected festive items such as Ramadan dining vouchers are also available for purchase here.