“Need a taste
of the ‘Straits’ and narrow? Take a voyage up the
straits from Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia to Thailand
for savoury bites from this Southeast Asian region. From
unusual and exotic names such as Hor Mok, Gado Gado and
Wan-tan Hor Fun a medley of unique flavour and texture combinations
make for an intriguing journey into culinary delights.
The Beachside wing of the Millennium Resort is home to
Straits Dining. Situated in front of Jungceylon, this six-storey
hotel boasts a modern and minimalist design with a colour
scheme of green and white. A lounge with rattan style chairs
and tables including a long, sweeping and winding couch
with large cushions provide an enticing and relaxing spot
in the reception area. This theme is complemented with the
décor of Straits Dining where a similar design prevails
with ornately folded napkins in the shape of an orchid rising
atop an open seating area of clothed wooden tables.
The appetizers of Gado Gado, a classic Indonesian salad
made with cabbage, bean spouts, long beans, hard-boiled
eggs, bean curd and prawn crackers tossed in spicy peanut
gravy and the Assorted Satay with peanut sauce of freshly
made beef and chicken satay, slow-grilled and served with
a crunchy peanut sauce were superlative starts to the meal.
An ever popular subtly spiced grilled meat on a skewer accompanied
with an Indonesian style salad served with flavourful dipping
sauces was an ideal partner to the salad.
Although seafood is a specialty in this region, a fare
of meat was opted for the main course. Beef Rendang, a Malay
style beef slowly simmered with spices and herbs and served
with jasmine rice and condiments was a tender and tasty
dish. A favourite that originated in India and is now popular
in the southern region of southeast Asia, the Lamb Madras,
was also a notable addition. This spicy stew of lamb, tomatoes
and potatoes served with basmati rice, mango chutney and
papadum – a thin Indian wafer or flat bread that is
roasted – was an interesting combination of ingredients
that produced delights of sights and sounds.
For a taste of fine food from the tip of Southeast Asia,
try Straits Dining. The wealth of food available from the
region IS straight and not to disappoint!
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