Fresh flavours at Frangipani Restaurant & Bar

Situated along the bustling and busy street of Changkat Bukit Bintang, Frangipani Restaurant and Bar is easily distinguishable on its exterior, thanks to the tall frangipani tree that stands right in front of the restaurant and bar. The bar’s snazzy atmosphere that begins at the entrance gradually eases into a mood of elegance as you walk through the double doors that lead into the dining area. A pool of still water, surrounded by white pillars and situated at the centre of the space, projects an aura of tranquillity and classiness.

Frangipani on Changkat Bukit Bintang

Last year, Frangipani welcomed a new executive chef into its kitchen. Hailing from Malaga, Spain, Chef Manuel Quinones is equipped with decades of diverse culinary experience, including stints at two-star Michelin restaurants ‘La Broche’ in Madrid and ‘Arola’ at the Hotel d Arts in Barcelona. Under his direction and guidance, Frangipani is now drawing even more diners into its space with his flavourful cuisine that melds textures and colours to entice the eye as well as the palate. Also, the team of waiters and sommeliers at Frangipani are unquestionably some of the best brigade in town; service is impeccable without being intrusive. Most of the hosts or hostesses attending to you are helpful and eager to cater to your wishes, so do not be afraid to engage them if you are unsure about your food or wine choices.

Within minutes after your orders are sent off to the kitchen, bread and butter is served with prompt efficiency. Boasting a fluffy texture in the inside, the French bread with raisin is a delightful precedent that sets the tone for the meal ahead. Do indulge on the truffle and mushroom butter, trust us on this. While you are at it, why not savour a few cocktails as you wait for your food? For a fruity selection, go for Cruise, which tastes dominantly of passion fruit and vanilla. If decadence is on the agenda for your visit at Frangipani, go for the truffle martini, made with Belvedere vodka, honey, truffle and truffle juice.

Do remember not to overindulge as Chef Manuel’s creations certainly deserve plenty of attention, not to mention space in your stomach. Start off with a starter that opens up the appetite, such as the black anchovies from the Cantabrico sea served with tomatoes three ways and extra virgin olive oil.

The anchovies here are not your typical ikan bilis variety; it is longer in body, fleshier in texture and saltier in flavours. You can balance the spiking salty flavours of the anchovies with the tomato jelly, tomato foam or sun-dried tomato cubes that come with the dish. Otherwise, turn to a choice of wine that will tone down the high-acidity of the anchovies.

Fresh Irish oysters with Mirin sauce, ginger, lemongrass vinaigrette and lemon 'air'

Another palatable starter is the three fresh Irish oysters served with Mirin sauce, ginger, lemongrass vinaigrette and lemon ‘air’. The ‘air’ foam topping the oysters emit a fizzling noise as you pop an oyster in the mouth, and gives a burst of refreshing flavours as you bite further into it. Yet, the taste of the oyster remains – fresh and slick on the tongue.

Foie gras with sautéed apples quiche membrane with vanilla

Alternatively if you like your starter to be richer in flavour, the foie gras with sautéed apples quiche membrane with vanilla is an excellent choice.

For mains, go for the confit fillet of black cod. Succulent and juicy without being too oily, the black cod is tender on the inside while remaining crispy on the outside. The micro salad and creamed organic corn served alongside the fish is sweet and has a crisp, fresh earthy taste that will certainly fortify the health-conscious.

Left: confit fillet of black cod; Right: banana roll with ice cream

All good things must come to an end but if it comes in the form of banana roll with ice cream, then it is a sweet conclusion indeed. Sweet banana pieces are fried lightly in batter until crispy, accompanied with a sizable scoop of ice cream. There’s always more wine or cocktails to order if you wish to prolong the evening; rest assured that as long as you are under their skylight roof, the dedicated service team at Frangipani will see that your every need is met.

Frangipani: 25, Changkat Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03 2144 3001