Mexican Fiesta, InterContinental Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

 Words: Polly Szantor

Attention all Mexican food lovers: you don’t want to miss this unique opportunity to sample authentic Mexican cuisine at the Intercontinental Hotel. Two outstanding chefs have travelled all the way from the Intercontinental in Mexico City, to share their extensive repertoire of exciting recipes with KL diners. Here’s a chance to enjoy fantastic food from one of the most vibrant cultures in the world.

Fish Veracruz

Chef Salvador Vasquez is responsible for the savoury creations. Along with favourite appetizers such as Tortilla Chips with Guacamole, there are less well-known combinations such as Zucchini and Bean Salad, Marinated Scallops with Serrano Chillies and Cilantro and the most unusual Cactus Salad, which is cool and refreshing. Everyone at our table particularly liked the Avocado Salad, avocado mixed with chunky, raw vegetables, a nice change from Guacamole.

Cactus Salad

For the main course, there are several well-known dishes, such as Mexican Rice and Quesadillas with a variety of fillings – be sure to sample those filled with Black Beans, Corn and Huitlacoche, a fungus that grows on corn, which is gaining popularity with chefs around the world. The meat dishes were delicious: Beef Fillet served with Peanut and Chipotle Sauce, Meatballs in a Mild Chilli Sauce, Chicken in a Chocolate Chilli Ancho Pepper Sauce and Lamb wrapped in Banana Leaves. There’s plenty for seafood lovers too – Shrimp in a Chilli Guava Sauce, Fish Veracruz Style and a lovely selection of fresh prawns, crab, scallops and oysters.

Chicken with Mole Sauce

Shrimp in Chilli Guava Sauce

Pasty Chef Tania Gonzalez has brought along her own creations to entice diners, especially those with a sweet tooth. There’s Crème Brulée, Corn Tarts and a creamy rich Rice Pudding. Candy lovers can try Peanut Brittle, a Puffed Millet concoction and a Brown Caramel, which will delight fudge lovers. There are Churros too, deep-fried pastries reminiscent of doughnuts, but crisper and lighter. They’re highly addictive – try dipping one in the chocolate fountain for a taste of heaven; I bet you can’t eat just one!

Cajeta – caramel fudge made from goats milk

Churros

I’ve mentioned most of the Mexican dishes, but there’s also a good choice of Malaysian and International food, a selection of cheeses with freshly baked rolls and bread and a fresh fruit section.

A Mexican Fiesta will run until April 15 and is priced at RM82++ per person for lunch and RM98++ for dinner.

Reason to Visit: To revel in the fantastic flavours of Mexico, which offers 100 types of chillies to delight the tongue. (Just for the record, I didn’t sample anything that was unusually hot, so this buffet should appeal to everyone.)