Enak KL, Starhill, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Enak KL, Starhill, Kuala Lumpur, Malay fine dining
Enak KL

Enak, Elegant Malay Dining, Starhill Gallery

Photos by The Yum List (Monica Tindall)
Words by Kirsten Durward
‘A taste of Enak KL is a lasting impression of great Malay cuisine.’  

Deep in the basement of Starhill Gallery, lies one of KL’s most exciting food secrets. If you’ve never been to Feast, then you need to treat yourself to a visit. From the moment you step on the red escalator or descend in the bubble lift, you’ll be transported into a world of elegance and creativity. And just a hint, don’t miss the absolutely charming washrooms!

Tonight it’s a discovery of true Malay Cuisine at Enak with dual mottos of ‘Unfailing Hospitality’ and ‘Delight in Every Bite.’ The atmosphere is calm and rich with an exotic red and cream décor, and a corner option of lounging cushions. Although we’re seated at a table for our tasting, I imagine myself returning to relax on those tempting cushions at the low table in the corner, where a display of traditional artefacts give more than a touch of authenticity.
Enak KL, Starhill, Kuala Lumpur, Malay fine dining
Not Your Ordinary Presentation of Greens
Host, owner and visionary Sherena Razaly, bubbles over with enthusiasm for her cuisine and the food scene in KL. She stresses the importance of motivating her team, and credits her success both to her great grandmother’s recipes and her knowledge of corporate structure. Well something’s working, as the team appears to stay on, unusually for KL both chefs having been on board from the start, eight years ago.  

Great Grandma’s recipes stem from Johor where she faithfully prepared favourite dishes for her family and guests. The recipes and methods have been passed down from generation to generation with a great degree of particularity. Sherena tells us that the secret of the food is the flavour that stems from the classic Malay philosophy of cooking – simplicity and creativity with refinement and authenticity. ‘We pick only the most aromatic and freshest spices, herbs and ingredients. Then it’s all about how much effort you want to put into your cooking

Food

During the delightful conversation, Monica has started photographing and already delicious smells are wafting my way. First for our delight is the Enak appetizer tasting (RM32++), which forms part of their mini degustation menu. It’s a sea influenced starter with Cumi Cumi Garing (deep fried squid), Udang Bakar (grilled prawns) and Pergedel (potato patties). The prawns are delicious, with a tart fruit concoction and fresh peanut and chili sauce, while the potato patties are delicately flavoured with nutmeg. Monica’s lucky to make it back in time to taste!
Enak KL, Starhill, Kuala Lumpur, Malay fine dining
Enak Appetizer Tasting Platter
Tender asparagus tossed in fresh red chilli and lime juice laced with freshly roasted grated coconut is Kerabu Asparagus (V, RM18++). It’s a stunning plating and we all agree that we’ve never seen such fine dining Malay style. I can taste the freshness and the texture of the roasted coconut, surprisingly successful with the young asparagus and just a hint of chili spice. Apparently popular with international guests.
Enak KL, Starhill, Kuala Lumpur, Malay fine dining
Kerabu Asparagus
Ikan Assam Pedas (RM 34++) is butter fish, which arrives glistening and gleaming garnished with ladies finger. Moist, meaty and buttery without being too rich, with a very well balanced spice in the glistening sauce, the delightful creamy flavour goes well with the sensuous chili, black pepper and laksa leaf sauce. We all pronounce this fish dish a favourite, as Sherena proudly recounts; ‘My mum actually personally approves the samples of seafood and fish we use, in fact she approves all our suppliers.’ 
Enak KL, Starhill, Kuala Lumpur, Malay fine dining
Ikan Assam Pedas
Udang Lemak Merah (RM 32 ++ for 6 medium prawns) is a prawn dish that this time derives from dad’s side of the family. The succulent dish leaves a satisfying tinge of spice on my lips and tongue from lemongrass and a spike of fresh chili. All is simmered in a candlenut sauce, which gives the creaminess of coconut without the cholesterol and calories. Yippee! 
Enak KL, Starhill, Kuala Lumpur, Malay fine dining
Udang Lemak Merah 
A chicken dish so insinuating and soft in the style of a roulade, surprises us all by being Ayam Percik (RM25 ++). Monica and I both make the same comment; ‘Like no Ayam Percik you have ever tasted before!’ This traditional Malay chicken dish has been lightly grilled in a marinade of galangal lemon grass and coconut milk. I’m not exaggerating to say it’s a revelation and if you’ve not been impressed by this dish before I promise you that you will love Enak’s interpretation.
Enak KL, Starhill, Kuala Lumpur, Malay fine dining
Ayam Percik
Daging Kurma (RM29++)is NZ Topside simmered with Enak’s signature blend of spices in coconut milk over a low fire for a few hours. The texture of the beef is delightful and flakes off the fork beautifully. The flavour is reminiscent of a very light korma, so for people who don’t like spiced food, this is a good option. Sherena contributes, ‘My mother taught me that Malay cuisine is actually very complex, and the order in which the ingredients go in is very important. You need to be patient and wait for the aroma and the flavour to come out.’ We’re so glad she did!
Enak KL, Starhill, Kuala Lumpur, Malay fine dining
Daging Kurma
Accompanying rice is served from the basket, so you can have as much or as little as you want to complement your dishes.
On to dessert and Pisang Caramel (RM18++) is recommended as a good light end to the meal. It comes with Ais Krim. I do love the Malaysianisation of certain English words! The lightly sautéed bananas are a contemporary version of an old classic. Almond flakes add a nice crunch to ripe bananas, which are naturally caramelised with a quick dip in hot oil. Enak’s signature cardamom caramel sauce gives a fragrance and richness, which is made even more decadent with the addition of creamy vanilla ice cream. 
Enak KL, Starhill, Kuala Lumpur, Malay fine dining
Pisang Caramel 
I shamefacedly admit that I didn’t want to taste Sago Gula Melaka Sur (RM12++), a most traditional Malay dessert that I have never enjoyed. I take the teeniest portion for the sake of tasting and then had to go back for more. Sherena says she takes that as a huge compliment. Fresh white sago pearls fading into a soft green where they have been tinged with light pandan are surrounded by the most delectable mix of a coconut milk and melted palm sugar. Teensy chopped slightly sour mangos are an inspired touch that totally makes the dish.
Enak KL, Starhill, Kuala Lumpur, Malay fine dining
Sago Gula Melaka Sur 
Our last treat is Manisan Kelapa Muda Enak (RM18++), a recipe that mum still won’t hand over because she reckons chef still doesn’t quite have the lightness of hand that is needed to make the custard!  Sherena laughs, ‘In my family we love food, it’s all about the food. My sister’s the cook I’m the baker, but my mum is an all rounder, she can know whether a recipe will work or not just by looking at it!’ Well this one works for us! A spoonful of exquisitely textured young coconut strips in rich velvety custard is simply luscious. Add an impossibly feather-light cloud of fresh meringue and we’re all in total ecstasy. It’s an extremely delicate dish. Is it possible to be delicately decadent?  Hmm… I think it is!
Enak KL, Starhill, Kuala Lumpur, Malay fine dining
Manisan Kelapa Muda Enak
If you would like to try more than one sweet dish, Enak also offers a dessert tasting plate. I love this idea.

Mocktails

We accompany our meal with a selection of original mocktails. I’ll leave you to guess which classics the amusing names are based on.
Enak KL, Starhill, Kuala Lumpur, Malay fine dining
Mocktails
Caipiminto is very light and fruity with a minor cherry undertone. It’s a summery drink, reminiscent of a Pimms and lemonade, though too many of these on a hot day are not going to make your head spin!
‘Rose-Teani’ is made with cold black tea, so I find it surprisingly sweet with more than a hint of rich Turkish delight, cherry and rose undertones. I’d recommend it for those with a sweeter tooth.  
Sunrise Sunset appeals to us as kiwi, mango, pineapple and ginger are some of our favourite flavours. I expected it to be more peppery and again it’s on the sweeter side.

The lemongrass notes of ‘Cool Green’ appeal to me, with an intruiging blend of, lime, kiwi and chamomile tea.

Citrusy slide is a delicious mix of mint, lemon and orange with just a tinge of honey. All of us vote it our favourite, the natural honey is a special something.

All Mocktails are RM17++ so I’d pop in for one if you’re shopping and get thirsty.
Enak KL, Starhill, Kuala Lumpur, Malay fine dining
Mocktails
Drinks wise there is also a range of classic and original cocktails. Even if I don’t drink, my guests do.  The wine list features 35 labels of red and white wine, many from Australia. Every month Sherena offers a different gourmet menu consisting of five courses with wine pairing for RM175++. That’s a steal for KL!

Jemputlah Makan
’  (Come dine with us) declares the flyer. I can only recommend that you do.  

Reason to visit:
You won’t find this experience anywhere else in the city. Traditional Malay food, with a fine dining twist, and total quality ingredients. Unmissable if you have overseas guests.

Enak
LG2
Feast Floor
Starhill Gallery
181 Jalan Bukit Bintang
Kuala Lumpur
Tel +603 2141 8973
Hotline 1700 819773


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3 Comments

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  2. LOVE the red decor! And those Mocktails!? nice!

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