Indian Restaurant KL – Le Mirch New Menu Review
Words: Joanna Florento
Photos: Monica Tindall
Exclamations of awe and wonder are not uncommon in the shadow of the Petronas Twin Towers, but Le Mirch narrows the aperture to a slightly different subject: contemporary Indian cuisine with stunning alfresco dining and a penchant for seamlessly melding taste and tradition. We are welcomed back to Le Mirch by Chef Anil Kami and marketing executive Imran Hossain, who share that our visit is timed with the release of their revised menu. As we settle into our perch on the top floor of Avenue K and watch the sun angle invitingly through the Towers, we exhale with gratitude and prepare to be delighted by Chef Anil’s fresh takes on Indian staples.
Indian Restaurant KL – Le Mirch New Menu
Le Mirch’s extensive Indian menu with excellent vegetarian options is just as enticing as the views. We’ve been fans of their recipes since inception and are excited to return to discover their latest introductions alongside some long-standing treasures.
Appetisers
We let the good times roll with the Chaat Trolley (RM 60 for two diners and RM 120 for four), journeying through bite-sized elevated street food favourites prepared right in front of us. We rehydrate easily with the Mango Panna, a delightful concoction of mango, mint and cumin that sets the stage with its pleasantly tart flavour. Next, we munch our way through a selection of golgappa with pomegranate or jaljeera juice. The pomegranate is sweet and fruity, while the jaljeera strikes a perfect balance between salty and tangy from liberal amounts of cumin, black pepper, and mint. Each piece of golgappa gives way with a satisfying crunch, while the chickpeas, potatoes, and chopped onion filling adds depth to every bite. It is an exercise in restraint to eat just one.
Next, we savour the Palak Patta Chaat, or spinach leaves coated in batter and topped with chutney and juicy pomegranate seeds. Each bite is incredibly crispy and robust in flavour, with the tangy chutney tempered with some yoghurt for balance and the pomegranate seeds adding little bursts of fruitiness. The Indori Bhutte Ki Kees adds an element of richness with fragrant grated corn layered with spices and topped with crispy bay leaves. We (very) reluctantly tear ourselves away to save room for our beautifully plated mains.
Mains
The Darjeeling Vegetarian Momo (RM 60) brings the heat straightaway, with authentic Darjeeling-style momos plated around a small bowl of preserved chilli chutney. Although it’s spicy on impact, we don’t let it deter us from reaching for piece after piece, as these crescent-shaped creations are filled with a tantalising mix of spiced cabbage, red onions, and carrots. The chutney is pleasantly spicy and is garnished with fresh herbs and edible flower petals to temper the heat.
We then reach for the Burra Lamb Chop (RM 90), which proves surprisingly difficult as the lamb is so tender that it falls neatly off the bone. The garlic raita expertly supplements the lamb’s seasoning, and the rocket side salad brings an element of freshness that balances the meat’s strong profile. Each bite is well-balanced, both in terms of texture and taste combinations.
Meanwhile, the Lobster Mussallam (RM 200) gently beckons with its assortment of warm buttered naan and whole lobster wrapped delicately in foil to preserve the flavour. It’s served with seafood bisque drizzled with truffle oil, adding an earthy taste to balance the slightly salty profile of the lobster. Each bite is incredibly flavourful, and the chewiness of the naan reminds us to slow down and savour the experience.
The Sikandari Raan (RM 160) is a master class in meticulous preparation, with raan (lamb) carefully marinated and roasted over an entire day to coax out its complex taste profile. The lahori aloo adds a layer of richness from tomatoes and coconut milk, while the bone marrow curry brings a familiar curry taste that expertly accompanies the tender lamb. It’s presented with a creamy dipping sauce studded with pomegranate seeds for a hint of sweetness.
Dessert
After enjoying varying degrees of spice with our mains, it’s time to cool off with some heat-tempering sweets. We sink our forks into the Sinful Kunafeh (RM 45), a traditional Arab dessert featuring layered kadayif with cream cheese and sugar syrup. The shredded strands of kadayif add excellent crunch to every bite, while the pistachios sprinkled on top lend a nutty element that grounds the dish well. Watermelon balls and sweet syrup are plated with sliced mango artfully arranged in a flower, making this dessert as much a feast for the eyes as it is for our collective sweet tooth.
Drinks
Ever a mainstay of Indian cuisine, the Mango Lassi (RM 20) provides a pop of sweet creaminess that tempers the slow build-up of heat from our main courses. It’s refreshing in its familiarity, and its thick texture demonstrates a generous serving of mangoes.
If you prefer something boozier, Le Mirch’s menu provides some excellent craft cocktails, perfectly paired with food and the views. The Chai Monk (RM 39) is an inventive take on the ubiquitous Masala chai by infusing it with Old Monk rum. Star anise winks at me from my cup’s depths, and it feels like a positive sign for the rest of the afternoon. The Calcutta Coup (RM 45) stands off to the side, but not for long. Beautifully presented in a cocktail glass garnished with fresh coconut shavings, this tour de force of coconut water with white-washed clear rum marinated in citric acid sugar and garnished with mint and lime is refreshing, inventive, and all-encompassing.
Le Mirch Indian Restaurant KL’s New Menu Review
With the sun finally sinking lower, we set our sights for home (with maybe one more look of longing directed towards the Chaat Trolley). While all the dishes packed a punch, the modern touches and classic tastes came together seamlessly thanks to the careful cooking and balance of ingredients. The next time you’re in downtown KL, set your sights on the Towers, kick back and let Le Mirch’s reimagining of the classics draw you a new horizon.
Reasons to visit Le Mirch: Inventive takes on classic Indian cuisine; delightfully designed cocktails; excellent range of vegetarian options; stunning alfresco dining; must order the Chaat Trolley.
Le Mirch
Level 4, Avenue K Rooftop, 156 Jalan Ampang
Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Link to Le Mirch on Google Maps
@lemirch.asia
+6019 668 4528
Le Mirch’s Opening Hours
Daily: 12 pm to 1 am
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