On my previous trip to the Mainland China, I didn’t get the chance to try Beijing’s signature dish “Peking Roasted Duck” as I was feeling sceptical about how they prepared the food. There’s a few halal restaurant around Beijing that serves the dish but still I wasn’t feeling it. Last weekend I had an absolute tropical dining experience at Taman Sari Homestay, Hulu Langat, and my eyes were glazing on what’s in the menu, the Peking Roasted Duck.
Dining In The Jungle is a new event host at Taman Sari Homestay, to enjoy a meal together where everyone can share the social dining experience. Conducted every last Saturday of the month, they will come up with a new menu every month themed from Asian cooking. For the month of February, they hosted 4-course dinner with the Chinese-themed.
The Food
Starts with canapé, the Vietnamese Spring Roll made an entry along with the choice of refreshing Pandan Aloe Vera or Pineapples Mint cooler. These traditional Vietnamese dish consist with of chicken, rice vermicelli and vegetables, wrapped in a rice paper. They were served before seating.
The savoury, crispy thin fried shell Nyonya Kuih Pie Tee (Top Hat) came onto the dining table as an appetiser. Filled with stir-fry carrot and jicama, these classic finger food served with crab meat and prawn together with grounded nuts and chilli dip.
Before they prepare the “Main Star Of The Night”, they invite me to the kitchen to check out how would they serve the roast duck and carefully sliced the skin out. To get the beautiful glazing mahogany skin, the preparation were intensely complex. #iCameOnlyToEat
The Peking Roasted Duck with Fragrant Jasmine Rice Ball was amazingly delicious – juicy on the inside with a crispy, flavourful skin on the outside. Served along with steam bean sprouts, Japanese cucumber, with ginger and chilli condiment, it blends well inside the mouth.
One full course meal won’t be complete without a dessert. The rustic Plum Tart made with almond meal and shortcrust pastry base, served with mandarin sorbet dollop of fresh cream. Surprisingly, all these phenomenal 4-course dinner costs only MYR 150!
The Host
One step into the Taman Sari, you could sense the Balinese vibes around. The open air concept at Taman Sari offers you and your family privacy and a chance to enjoy nature. Only 45 mins drive, you will be in an oasis of calm from the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur. The fresh air and tropical greenery will recharge your mind, body and soul.
If you want to spend a night there in Taman Sari, they offered two unique retreat experience for those who loves open air, gardens and a natural environment with breathtaking views.
You can choose either The Bothy (MYR 350 per night) or The Cottage (MYR 400 per night). Between the two, I’d prefer The Bothy, as the verandah only has three walls; the fourth side is open to take in the view of the sunrise. Imagine waking up to the sunrise from your own bed! *drools*
