If you want to dine  like royalty and experience the  feeling of being  in a Moghul tent, head  for The Sultani, writes Zalina Mohd Som.

At a glance,  it  looks  like any other meatball. But  just one bite and you’d know these are not exactly what you get anywhere else.

Double meat kofta  is a signature dish of Moghul restaurant The Sultani.

These meatballs comprise two  layers of meat. cut one  into half and you’d see the outer ring of minced chicken with a minced  lamb ball  inside. both minced meats are dequately
flavoured with spices and herbs.

The meatballs are then cooked with a thick spicy gravy. The most  interesting or perhaps the most delicious part  is that both meats are equally tender and  juicy.

The flavour and sweetness of the chicken and  lamb stand out  individually and  in balance. Even the gravy does not drown their taste. The meatballs can be eaten on their own or with the thick spicy gravy.

This dish, one of The Sultani’s many house specialties, was created by resident chef Ahmad Javed from Pakistan. Ahmad is the  fourth generation  in a  family of cooks who used to work  in the royal kitchens.

Other specialties  include paneer pakora(deep-fried cheese), honey-buttered prawn and  fish kasoori as well as desserts  like date halwa and gajrela (carrot halwa).

Fit For Royalty
The Sultani menu  lists authentic Moghul dishes  that are usually served to Moghul kings and queens. The food  is rich with spices and herbs and  is traditionally presented without garnishing.

The thick menu has almost everything for everyone, from hearty daily dishes to special
festive dishes and vegetarian items too.

All dishes are neatly categorised under lamb, chicken, seafood, beef and tandoori, with a huge selection  in each category.

"our guests are important to us. The food is prepared according to the customers," says owner Sultan Ali Shah who has been staying  in Malaysia  for almost 15 years.

"If it´s for the  locals, the  food will be prepared with less spices to suit Malaysian tastebuds. but for Pakistanis or  Indians, the  food will be prepared exactly the way we do  it back home," he adds.

Dining  In Royal Tent
Living up to  its Moghul concept, The Sultani has created the ambience of a  luxurious Moghul tent with wine-coloured satin-organza.

The ceiling is covered with rolling drapes of rich  fabrics and at strategic spots, the drapes fall to the  floor and serve as partition  for a more private dining area. Adding more value to the plush setting  is the view of Petronas Twin Towers and part of Kuala Lumpur skyline.

For those who prefer to dine outdoors and enjoy the  fresh air, tables are set on the terrace.

How To get There
The Sultani  is  located on the  fifth  floor of the newly renovated Flamingo by The Lake Kuala Lumpur. The hotel  is  located at the  fringe of Kuala Lumpur, at the busy  Jalan Hulu Kelang or MRR2, opposite Ampang Point.

Details, call 03-4251 7360.

By Zalina Mohd Som, , 14 Oct 2008