Nuffnang Tastebuddies @ Kelantan Delights

Not too long ago, I wrote a post on the countdown for the Top 3 millie crepe cakes I have tasted. That was actually in conjunction with Nuffnang's membership recruitment to join a new group in the likes of their Shutterbug (photography) or Fashionista's (fashion) groups.

Needless to say, I am happy to announce that I have been chosen to join the new Nuffnang Tastebuddies foodie group. Basically we are a group of bloggers that share the same habit of always snapping pictures of the food in various angles and lightings for a good ten minutes before allowing you to even inhale it.

Kelantan Delights

Our first ever Tastebuddies gathering was held at the Kelantan Delights restaurant in Sooka Sentral on the quiet Sunday afternoon of Easter. When asked why Kelantan Delights as opposed to other well known eateries, Laura from Nuffnang explained that it was because not everyone has tried Kelantanese food before and it would be a good food experience to try together. I couldn't agree more.

TomYam Kelapa Muda

Did you know that Kelantan, being neighbours with Thailand, is heavily influenced by their Thai cuisine? This was why when our appetizers bore a similar resemblance to the traditional Thai food, Tom Yam soup and Mieng Kham but with a local twist. The Tom Yam Kelapa Muda was served in shot glasses with a fresh prawn and coconut flesh to accompany it. I enjoyed the blend of spiciness and coconut creaminess in the soup, knocking back two shots one after the other like vodka.

Sirih Daun Kadok

The Sirih Daun Kadok was basically the Thai Mieng Kam with more or less the same condiments of peanuts, ginger, lime zest, dried shrimp, onions, dried coconut and a sweetish sauce. I usually DIY my sirih leaf with ample sauce and peanut for an extra crunch but then again, to each their own.

Nasi Dagang Ikan Gulai

For the main dishes, we had to select two dishes out of four mains and after much debate, I opted for the Nasi Dagang Ikan Gulai and Laksam. While the Nasi Dagang Ikan Gulai wasn't too bad, I prefered the Nasi Kerabu Ayam Percik my friend ordered due to the rich santan-filled curry that accompanied the soft blue rice. Otherwise, the fish was fresh and meaty and soaked in its own curry wonderfully. The rice and pulut came all the way from Kelantan as did most of Kelantan Delights' ingredients to ensure the authenticness of the dishes.

Nasi Kerabu Ayam Percik

It was my first time trying Laksam and I found myself loving the fish gravy it came in. Instead of the meehoon, Laksam is served with rolled up flat noodles, loads of vege and shredded bits of serai for a kick. On the side, it also come with diced chilli.

Laksam

To wrap up the main course, Nasi Tumpang was served. Back in the days, it was sort of like an eco-friendly tiffin carrier for farmers to pack their meals for the entire day in one simple green leaf. It comes with various layers of rice and ingredients. The top layer is eaten in the morning before work begins while the second layer is eaten for lunch and the finally layer is taken before leaving the fields to provide energy for the trip home.

Nasi Tumpang

The Nasi Tumpang at Kelantan Delights is bigger than other Kelantan eateries in Kuala Lumpur and comes with ample of tightly-packed rice, sambal, fish curry and chicken floss. I believe it would go splendidly with the coconut curry from the Nasi Kerabu.

Lompat Tikam & Ketupat Sotong

Finally, despite our full bellies, there is always room for dessert and especially a dessert called Lompat Tikam. Sharing the plate with the sweet green and pink Lompat Tikam is the unusual Ketupat Sotong. The sotong seemed to have been marinated in Gula Melaka and its texture was chewy. There is nothing savoury about this dish as it is all sweet but the ketupat stuffed inside the sotong helps to balance out the sweetness. I swept up the Lompat Tikam last using the soft green kuih and the harder pulut rice to soak up the coconut and Gula Melaka sauce for a sweet finish.

Thank you Nuffnang & Kelantan Delights!

As we were all recovering from overindulging, Laura held a history and geography quiz and several bloggers won prizes courtsey of Kelantan Delights and Nuffnang. We wrapped up our first Tastebuddies gathering with a quick mingling and phototaking session. With that, meeting adjourned.

Kelantan Delights
Kelantan Delights has successfully combined tradition with class for a comfortable dining experience. It's definitely a place you would bring your boss or clients to impress. However the Sooka outlet opens only on weekdays while the Subang outlet opens daily. For more information, drop by their website: http://www.kelantandelight.com

Sooka Sentral Branch
1-5, Level 1
Sooka Sentral
Jalan Stesen Sentral
50470, Kuala Lumpur
tel: 03-27851945
Hours: 11am-10pm
(Closed on Saturdays and Sundays)

Subang Jaya Branch
Ground Floor East Wing
Wisma Consplant 1
No 2 Jalan SS16/4
47500 Subang Jaya
tel: 03-56117845
hours: 11am-11pm