KANTEEN
By Hiranmayii Awli Mohanan
Kanteen, burrowed in the exclusive neighbourhood of Mont Kiara is not your average cafeteria, rather, it is a contemporary restaurant that doles out comforting Asian and Western delights that hit all the right spots. Gleaming with freshness and finesse, is an all-black, sleek interior embellished with neon lights, a cool 1950’s-inspired bar and a display of bulbs and mirrors that become the restaurant.
Seeking refuge from the sultry weather, we first quench our thirst with the refreshing Matcha Latte and Butterfly Pea Lemon Mint Cooler which changes colour upon mixing lemon in. Then, a flow of Kanteen Mont Kiara’s bestselling dishes begin to pour in, commencing with the Chicken Satay and Penang Chicken Lobak. The former, features fresh, plump and tender chicken meat aligned neatly on skewers, paired with homemade ‘kuah kacang’. Eat it while it’s still hot to appreciate the satay. On the other hand, the Penang Chicken Lobak follows the flavours of authentic lobak, the kind made by your mother or grandmother — utterly addictive.
Palates now whet, we are ready for the mains. The adventure starts with the Fish and Chips. With an Australian perch fillet as the star of the show, it becomes clear this is not your average fish and chips. A side of tartar sauce, salad and fries are served to bolster the flavour of the sea and supplement the lightly-flavoured fish.
Next is the Nasi Lemak Ayam Rempah, a Malaysian staple and favourite. Replacing the nasi lemak for brown rice, one can also expect flavours of sweet and spicy to form the full-bodied sambal, only complemented by perfectly seasoned chicken, infusing a richness and indulgence into this dish.
If you’re a creature of comfort who love familiar flavours, you would appreciate the Ginger Seabass — a lusciously savoury punch best appreciated with rice. Brimming with Chinese influence, the sea bass is steamed till tender, then bathed in soy-sauce-based broth and layered with garlic, bird’s eye chilli and finally, coriander for garnish. This sea bass is pure pleasure.
After-meal dessert is always a delight, so we dug into the must-try Strawberry Cream Waffle. Like a magnificent mammoth it arrives, giving a peak at the strawberries, whipped cream and vanilla ice cream inside. The waffle is crispy on the outside and oh so tender inside, interplaying beautifully with the cream and maple syrup. Alternatively, the Pandan Cheesecake hits all the right spots, every mouthful creamy yet light at the same time.
Address: Kanteen Mont Kiara *Asian-Western cuisine *Casual dining (pork-free)
28, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-6206 2017