(Clockwise from right) Pulled Beef Rendang Brisket and Mushroom Vol-au-Vent, the BBQ Grilled Chicken Tortilla Wrap, and Crispy Fried Prawn Dumpling.
IN Malaysia, every celebration feels more special when guests gather around the table.
And, with National Day on the horizon, a themed afternoon tea feels like the perfect way to toast to tradition, flavour and unity.
In honour of the 68th National Day, Element Kuala Lumpur in collaboration with Dilmah Tea launched its Merdeka Rasa Afternoon Tea.
The tea pairing offers a refined, heartfelt tribute to the flavours that define Malaysian cuisine.
Pandan Cranberry Scone with clotted cream and jam.
Trace Restaurant & Bar’s 40th-floor setting is ideal as it blends panoramic city views with warm sounds of patriotic music for a memorable afternoon.
Offering six savoury items and five sweet treats, the menu crafted by Element Kuala Lumpur’s culinary team, complements specific Dilmah’s tea blends.
Guests are welcomed with Dilmah’s Rosehip and Hibiscus Iced Tea, a refreshing drink made with Malaysia’s national flower mixed with citrus and mint.
A wave of nostalgic takes over when a three-tiered basket containing a delightful mix of colours and aromas is placed at the table.
Among the tasty bites are Pulled Beef Rendang Brisket with Mushroom Vol-Au-Vent served in flaky puff pastry cups for a modern interpretation of a traditional flavour.
There is also the Crispy Fried Prawn Dumpling paired with a fragrant, mild Malaysian chilli sauce dip.
From the savoury selections, the Lobster Roll with Garlic Cheese Sauce tempts with buttery meat and a rich topping that soaks into the bread.
Above: (Clockwise from right) Pulled Beef Rendang Brisket and Mushroom Vol-au-Vent, the BBQ Grilled Chicken Tortilla Wrap, and Crispy Fried Prawn Dumpling. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON/The StarLeft: (From left)Cucumber and Tuna Tataki, Lobster Roll with Garlic Cheese Sauce and Cannellini and Fava Bean Salad in Tart Shell (right).
The BBQ Grilled Chicken Tortilla Wrap is a scrumptious surprise.
It might look ordinary but its perfectly seasoned and neatly rolled chicken creates a bite-sized burst of flavour.
The refreshing Cucumber and Tuna Tataki as well as a creamy, earthy Cannellini and Fava Bean Salad in Tart Shell present fresh, satisfying flavours.
For a palate cleanser, sip Dilmah’s robust and bold Brilliant Breakfast Tea.
The sweet treats were next.
Pastry chef de partie Hafiz Iskandar presented three desserts.
“My recommendation is the Honey Chamomile Jelly, Peach Tea Cream Cheese and Pandan Cranberry Scone.
“I took two years to research and develop the perfect texture for a soft scone as they usually have a crisp crust.
“I wanted to try something special hence the Pandan Cranberry Scone.
“With the pandan flavour, clotted cream and jam to balance it out, this is a uniquely Malaysian dessert,” added Hafiz.
He said the Honey Chamomile Jelly and Peach Tea Cream Cheese are made using Dilmah teas.
The Honey Chamomile Jelly is delicate, lightly floral and filled with fresh local fruits for a soothing endnote.
A velvety blend of cream cheese and peach tea essence creates a fruity and rich taste in the Peach Tea Cream Cheese.
Other sweet items include the Passion Fruit Bavarois and Green Spirit Petit Gateau which form a vibrant duo when combined – one bursting with bright tropical notes, and the other offering smoother, herbal depth.
Guests are invited to counterbalance these sweet treats with the light and soothing flavour of Dilmah’s Jasmine Green Tea.
The Merdeka Rasa Afternoon Tea is available from 1pm to 5pm, until Sept 30.
It is priced at RM168nett for two persons and comes with two Dilmah flavoured green tea packs.
TRACE RESTAURANT & BAR,
Level 40, Element Kuala Lumpur,
Ilham Tower, 8 Jalan Binjai, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: 03 2771 3351)
Business hours: 6.30am to 10pm.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
