While most restaurants during the month of Ramadan are dishing out buffets, Nobu Kuala Lumpur is serving a course-by-course Twilight Symphony dinner — and it’s simply delicious. Foodies or diners familiar with Nobu will find it intriguing how Malaysian flavours have been introduced to the signature Japanese-Peruvian style of cooking. Executive Chef Philip Leong has masterfully crafted a family style 4-course menu that’s unlike any of the other Ramadan offerings we’ve seen, straying from the norms of satay and rendang with dishes like a platter of sushi and Chicken Truffle Teriyaki.
Starting off the dinner right is a selection of ‘cold’ foods; dates, crispy shiitake wrapped around a betel leaf, a clear soup and the star of this particular course: Salmon New Style. You might expect sashimi, but what chef has prepared is surprisingly even better! Knowing that Malay cuisine and ‘raw’ don’t quite mesh, the salmon is seared with one side slightly more torched for a nice contrasting texture. The salmon slices are generously drizzled with sesame and grapeseed oil, and a splash of yuzu.
The ‘hot’ platter served next is made up of assorted sushi and two salads; one with mushrooms and yuzu dressing and the other, with baby tiger shrimps coated in a mayo-like, slightly tangy dressing. It may not sound appetising, but we promise that the shrimp is addictive and juicy in every bite.
The mains follow suit, giving diners the option of Salmon Yuzu Butter with Crispy Leaves, Chicken Truffle Teriyaki and Shiso Crusted Lamb. Served with ginger chimichurri, the latter’s shiso coating makes it slightly bitter, but cooked perfectly to the chef’s recommendation of medium. And while the salmon is tender against a bed of crispy kale, the chicken had to be our favourite with its mouthwatering aroma and strong taste of truffle.
And finally, it’s time for dessert. There’s the crispy sago with soy caramel banana and coconut mousse, with the tiniest hint of saltiness, and date cakes with cheese frosting. But the icing on the cake — or to be more accurate, pancake — is the just that, everyone’s favourite apam balik reimagined with sesame, and sweet corn tucked inside.
The Twilight Symphony dinner menu is priced at MYR280++ per person and will only be available from 6 May to 4 June 2019.