When it comes to celebrating Christmas traditions, The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur sure knows how to light up the season with its festive menus. This year, these include a four-course lunch, a five-course dinner, a turkey brunch and an afternoon tea. So join Robb Report Malaysia as we embark on a Michelin-selected gastronomic journey with Executive Chef Keith Hooker at The Brasserie, The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur.
The festivities during the four-course lunch kick off with a delectable selection of appetizers. Smoked Duck and Chicken Liver Terrine are served with spiced orange chutney, local rocket and toasted brioche, all of which are a delightful harmony of textures. The Scottish Smoked Salmon, served alongside wasabi cream cheese, soy-cured salmon roe and heritage radish, is another joyous Christmas starter. Then, the refreshing Highland Beetroot, sourced from Cameron Highlands, is paired with watercress, toasted sesame, and goat’s cheese ice cream, and is nothing short of divine.
The next dish is inspired by Executive Chef Hooker’s London roots: Celeriac and Apple Soup, with chestnut and parmesan gougères and apple jelly. It was creamy, comforting and incredibly soothing, especially considering that the day I visited The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur resembled London somewhat—grey, wet and a bit too cold for comfort.
Moving on to the main course, the Red Snapper is served with white beam and squid ragout, braised gem lettuce and dashi velouté—a favourite among guests. The Fregola Risotto, on the other hand, is a contemporary twist to a traditional dish, and is complemented by roasted root vegetables, cashew nut butter and local kale. However, the next dish doesn’t veer too far away from tradition: the Norfolk Turkey, drizzled with cranberry jus, encapsulating the very essence of Christmas on a plate. Each tender bite is reminiscent of the warmth and nostalgia of the festive holidays. It may be a conventional dish but every forkful is a delight to remember throughout the season.
Desserts feature charming Christmas classics such as the Spiced Pavlova Meringue, paired with bergamot sorbet, cranberry compote and seasonal berries, then finished with edible gold that adds a touch of elegance to the already stunning dessert. The Bitter Chocolate Tart, served with hazelnut praline and crème fraîche ice cream, is another all-timer that you can never go wrong with. Lastly, Cave Aged Roquefort, served with mulled wine chutney, honeycomb, and seeded lavash crackers, boasts a bold, savoury profile. Paired with the warm spices of chutney and sweet indulgences of honeycomb, it features a symphony of flavours that concludes the dining experience on a truly impressive note.
The festive four-course lunch and five-course dinner are available from 8 November 2023 to 4 January 2024. The festive turkey brunch is set on 26 November, 3 December, 10 December and 17 December 2023. For those looking to indulge in afternoon tea, The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur‘s festive afternoon tea starts from 8 November 2023 to 4 January 2024.
