What it is

A small game bird that is mostly bound to the ground, although they are able to glide when taken by fright.

How to pronounce

GRAW(growl)-S

Famous renditions

Red Grouse is a speciality at Rules, London's oldest restaurant. At this two-centuries-old establishment, where game meat rules supreme, orders are written down on small slips of paper, which are stuffed into shotgun cartridges and launched down a copper pipe to the kitchen.

What it is

Royal chef Marie-Antoine Carême is credited with creating the modern version of this dessert. Meaning 'a thousand sheets', mille-feuille is not only recognisable by its layers, but also by its 'combed' icing pattern, although powdered sugar also makes for a popular topping.

How to pronounce

MEEL-FUH-Y

Tatler Tip

The mille-feuille at Encore Café in Taman Desa is well-loved by KL's sweet tooths.

See also: 5 Classic Pastry Doughs & Their Uses

What it is

This light-as-air dessert only billows under precise conditions, which includes beating pure egg whites until they reach stiff peaks, combining the egg whites with the yolks in three stages, and maintaining a steady oven temperature—not an easy project for amateur bakers, that's for sure.

How to pronounce

SOU-FLAY

Famous Renditions

From the Grand Marnier Soufflé at La Grenouille (1962) to Pierre Kouffmann's Pistachio Soufflé at La Tante Claire, soufflés have enjoyed celebrity status at some of the world's best fine dining restaurants.

Read also: The Top 20 Restaurants In Malaysia In 2021

What it is

Many a kitchen accident has led to happy results, which was certainly the case with this French-style apple pie; instead of placing sliced apples into her prepared pie dough, Caroline Tatin carried out the steps in reverse, but decided to take a leap of faith anyway. The result? A glorious golden apple pie that became a hit at Caroline and her sister Stéphanie's hotel in the Loire Valley. 

How to pronounce

TART-TA-TA (silent 'n')

Tatler Tip

Feeding up to six pax, Nathalie Gourmet Studio's Roasted Apple Tatin Tart (RM150) can be ordered online and delivered to your doorstep during MCO.

What it is

While cold soup might be deemed unappetising in most of Asia, this potato-based soup with leeks represented the height of luxury at The Ritz-Carlton New York in the early 1900s. 

How to pronounce

VISH-EES-WAHZ

Fun Fact

A brigade of chefs tried to change the soup's name to Crème Gauloise following the controversial events of World War II in Vichy, but to no avail.

ICYMI: Hide, A New 10-Seat Fine Dining Restaurant In KL, Turns This Sceptic Into A Supporter

What it is

Another invention by Marie-Antoine Carême (see 'mille-feuille' above), the vol-au-vent serves as a versatile case for savoury hors d'oeuvres, although it can also be blown up and served as a main.

How to pronounce

VOL-AU-VAU (silent 't')

Fun fact

Vols-au-vent are also known as "pasteitje" in the Netherlands and "patties" in Pakistan.