Its Truly Asia Malaysia At Marine Plaza Mumbai

Achal Dhruva - Mumbai

Pandering to the current interest in Oriental cuisine, Hotel Marine Plaza in Mumbai organised a ten-day Malaysian Food Festival at Bayview, their 24-hour outlet, last month.

Chef’s Aliasip Bin Sanip and Alan Chin, who were specially flown down from Nexus Resort, Malaysia created a unique dining experience with a plethora of signature dishes like Nasi Goreng (rice dish with either prawns or squids mixed with vegetables), Kari Daging Dengan Ubi Kentang (beef curry with potatoes), Kurma Kambing (stewed lamb in local spices) and Pajeri Nenas (pineapple in spicy chilly sauce).

“Malaysian cooking is a mix of Chinese and Oriental, quite similar to the peninsular food of India. Malaysian cuisine is most non-vegetarian, predominantly comprising of sea-food though beef preparation especially ox tail and chicken dishes are also popular,” informed chef Aliasip Bin Sanip.

According to chef Alan Chin, Malaysian cuisine is based on extensive use of coconut milk and curry powder and chillies hence sure to appeal to the Indian palette. The lavish buffet menu which also included a wide array of salads, soups and desserts was changed every day. Waiters in traditional attire accompanied by live Malaysian folk music ensured that the patrons had a truly Malaysian experience.

“We wanted to do a fusion cuisine festival hence we decided on Malaysia, as its a fusion of Chinese and Indian peninsular food. We try and organise such food festivals every two months. Food festivals are important as they not only promote the restaurant but also help augment normal business by 25 to 30 per cent,” stated Aakash Khatri, assistant manager, F&B, Hotel Marine Plaza.