Cover The red Off Menu Kuala L:umpur 2021 passport that granted guests access to 12 amazing unique dishes
The red Off Menu Kuala L:umpur 2021 passport that granted guests access to 12 amazing unique dishes
1 / 1
Highlights from Off Menu Kuala Lumpur, which kicked off with a bang last year
A dining experience like no other, Tatler Dining’s Off Menu Kuala Lumpur brought together 12 top chefs in Malaysia, each tasked with creating an entirely new dish exclusively for the festival. Held at the courtyard of Pavilion Hotel Managed by Banyan Tree, the two-day festival aptly showcased the immense creativity of our nation's culinary masters.
To tease the 2022 edition in November 2022, here's a little throwback of what went down at last year's event.
See also: Off Menu Kuala Lumpur 2021: Highlights From the Gastronomical Extravaganza
Up close with top chefs
The incredible line-up of chefs at Off Menu Kuala Lumpur 2021
1 / 2
Last year's Off Menu featured a stellar cast of chefs including Chai Chun Boon, Jeff Ramsey, Jun Wong, Diego Reali, Johnny Au Yong, David Daulhaus, Kenny Lee, Mandy Goh, Junious Dickerson, Azli Ahmad, Raymond Tham, and Otto Tay.
The platform provided a rare opportunity to interact closely with the chefs, often hidden from public view behind a multitude of tasks in the kitchens. They were cooking, serving, and answering questions from attendees. Some even took the chance to get selfies. The close interaction allowed for a better appreciation of the culinary offerings, making the whole experience a whole lot more personable and enlightening.
See also: Clare Smyth and Hublot Take Craftsmanship to the Next Level Together
One-of-a-kind dishes
Stories of the Sea by Chef Mandy Goh
1 / 4
The one-off dishes range from wholesome Pesto Porridge with fresh seafood from Pulau Ketam by Chai Chun Boon to Barbecued Assam Beef by Azli Ahmad of OpenHouse, highlighting the richness and beauty of local ingredients. A veritable symphony of flavours, desserts were among the attractions too, with award-winning pastry chef Otto Tay wowing us with his pretty and seemingly simple Citrus morsels.
Drinks galore
Above Moët & Chandon cart was a hit at Off Menu Kuala Lumpur 2021
Above A Belvedere Citrus Spritz cocktail, a minty and citrusy combination of Belvedere Vodka with Vermouth Blanco, crafted just for Off Menu Kuala Lumpur 2021
Moët & Chandon cart was a hit at Off Menu Kuala Lumpur 2021
1 / 2
You gotta have something to wash down all those delicious food. Helping to achieve this was Moët Hennessy Diageo Malaysia who supplied free-flowing Terrazas red and white wines, refreshing Belvedere vodka cocktails curated by mixologist Henry Tan, and Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial champagne.
Beer lovers were treated to frosty bottles of Edelweiss, Heineken 0.0, and Tiger Crystal, as well as foamy Guinness on tap. Renowned bartender and co-owner of speakeasy Three X Co, David Hans, concocted amazing cocktails.
On the non-alcoholic front, ChaCha and La Juiceria respectively served healthy kombucha and juices.
A great vibe
Off Menu opened for lunch and dinner services
1 / 4
Although the food was cooked by some of the best chefs attached to top fine dining establishments in Malaysia, the vibe was decidedly laidback and chill. And it was designed to be just that; making gourmet food accessible and, dare we say, 'friendlier'. It was a special occasion where chefs and gourmands come together in a casual setting to enjoy good food and even better company.
Credits
Photography: Khairul Imran
Amanda is a KL-born and raised third culture kid, who lives to eat. If not found reading, writing for Tatler Dining, or snacking, she is most likely playing with her dog, Katsu, sourcing new Birkenstocks, or looking for a new restaurant to venture to.
Follow her on Instagram at @feedingamanda.
