Pampas Reserve Bukit Ceylon Steakhouse

Pampas Reserve Bukit Ceylon

Words: Monica Tindall Photos: Rich Callahan

You might recognize Pampas from their trendy location in Old Malaya. A hip setting for drinks and dining with friends shows a stylish atmosphere and is often filled with a social crowd. Its sister restaurant, Pampas Reserve in Bukit Ceylon, is more of a discreet location, ideal for date nights, business lunches and an intimate dining experience. Pampas Reserve has more premium cuts of meat such as wagyu and tomahawk, and it’s here where we dine today. 

The Argentinian steakhouse features glass walls, a full-length bar and white-clothed tables. Giant murals of Eva Perón and Lionel Messi are striking characters in the small restaurant. Additionally, there’s an alfresco patio with revitalizing views of lush greenery. 

Pampas Reserve Signature Cocktails

The perfect spot to start off is at the bar with a cocktail. Pampas Gin 47 (RM 30), one of Pampas Reserve’s signature cocktails, is a pretty pale salmon. Tanqueray gin, Campari, herbs and spices are topped up with tonic making a refreshing beginning with a hint of bitterness, ideal for opening the appetite. Bartender Adnan gives the beverage a local twist, with a garnish of blue pea flower, a pappadum made with cucumber paste (original) and dried orange.

An off-menu special, Forbidden Fruit, was Adnan’s entry for the 2017 Opihr Gin Global Cocktail Competition. He makes a Cameron Highlands apple tea and layers it with rhubarb and ginger syrup. Egg white makes a thick foamy crown that holds mango pearls, dried lemon and “bitters with love” (three drops in a heart shape). Lastly, it’s sprayed with lavender cocktail perfume, which provides an attractive aroma right before sipping.

Starters

Moving to a table, we begin the meal with something light, knowing full well we need to save space for the tomahawk to later come. Soup of the Day (RM 25) and Charred Caesar Salad (RM 28) seem sensible options. 

Seafood Chowder is on the cards today, and it’s such a delicious recipe that we hope they’ll keep it on the regular menu. Seafood is finely chopped amongst a creamy, gently sweet broth. 

I didn’t think I’d like the trend of charring lettuce, but it turns out it’s something I look forward to now every time I see it on a menu. Romaine lettuce gets the treatment here in the Caesar salad with blackened ridges. Seasoned with a house-made dressing, tomato confit and a 63-degree egg, it makes a tasty entrant.

Pampas Reserve Mains

Of course, Pampas Reserve is known for its steak. However, there are several tempting options for those who’d prefer something other than red meat. 

Chicken Leg Confit (RM 48) sounds enticing not only for the poultry but also for its plant companions. Corn, cannellini bean and barley risotto sounds like something I’d enjoy as a main on its own. The beans are al dente, contributing good texture to the mix. Salsa verde adds a Latin American touch. 

I’m impressed with how well-balanced the mains are, and the Pan-seared Barramundi Fish Fillet (RM 48) is no different. It’s a lovely moist piece of flesh with sweet potato puree, spinach, bunga kantan salsa and butter emulsion. Both the chicken and the fish would make satisfying meals all on their own.

Steaks

The climax of today’s tasting is the Black Angus Tomahawk (RM 499, approximately 1.3kg). The price for the grilled cut also includes salad, roasted potato and sauces. This superb cut of meat takes advantage of the tenderness of the rib-eye with the bonus of the char from the bone. We take it medium as per the chef’s recommendation. Four sauces (mustard, blue cheese, black pepper and mushroom) attend the steak. Still, I think the simple salt and pepper seasoning is all that is needed to appreciate the flavours.

Again, we’re happy to balance the protein with several Sides (RM 20). From a handful on the menu, we select sauteed spinach and mushrooms. The portions are deserving of their price tag and easily shared. All are tasty, and garlic is a key component.

Argentinian Wine

An Argentinian steakhouse must have wines from the same, right? And, they do indeed have a decent list of uncomplicated and reasonably-priced choices. Familia Zuccardi, Poligonos, Malbec, San Pablo (RM 320) is our choice with the meat. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate rates it a high 93 points, and James Suckling gives a generous 95. It’s a moody deep red in the glass, with dark berries, floral and herbal notes on the nose. It continues to a medium body with polished tannins and a lengthy finish. With no oak, it maintains freshness and cuts through the full-flavours of the tomahawk.

Reasons to visit Pampas Reserve: stylish and private setting; a quiet green neighbourhood that feels an escape even though right in the city centre; premium cuts of steak; mains with a good balance of meat and veg; highly recommend the Familia Zuccardi, Poligonos, Malbec, San Pablo to accompany a steak.

Pampas Reserve
G01, Suasana Bukit Ceylon, 2
Persiaran Raja Chulan, Bukit Ceylon
50200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+6017 695 7104
+603 2070 5548
[email protected]
www.facebook.com/pampasreservebukitceylon

Pampas Reserve Operating Hours
Monday to Friday: 12 pm – 10 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 4 pm – 10 pm

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