TONKA Bean Cafe serves up a sample of what´s cooking this fasting month that leaves SIDNEY KAN wanting more.

BEING ushered into the dining room was truly an exciting experience as it was a showcasing of the Ramadan feast by the chefs of Tonka Bean Cafe in Impiana KLCC Hotel. We were seated and the spread of dishes prepared truly caught my eyes. The aroma in the room was very appealing indeed.

The huge platter of grilled seafood accompanied by a variety of sambal caught my attention.

The fish, prawns and squids were well marinated with freshly-pounded curry spices and grilled to perfection. The seafood was fresh. The flavours were truly encapsulated in the seafood and the spices burst forth in my mouth.

Next to that was another beautifully presented platter of Lamb Briyani. The soft and tender lamb was perfectly sliced, and pieces laid on a bed of bright yellow tasty briyani rice.

The main dishes served were simply scrumptuous. For example, the Daging Kurma Johor was perfectly cooked with beef and kurma spice till tender.

The presence of Five-Spice Powder in the next dish was so noticeable. The prawns were wok-fried and coated with the Five-Spice Powder. I ended up licking my fingers with every mouthful, it was that delicious. Same goes for the sweet hot Chilli Crab.

The combination of the sauce and the soft, tender texture of the crab was to die for. By now I was in a mess. My fingers were all covered with sauce.

The quick wok-fried sliced venison with spring onion and thinly-sliced ginger was mouthwatering, too. I also sampled the Bayam Masak Bening - spinach soup cooked with local herbs - and it was truly simple and tasty. So was the sensational Sambal Udang Bersalut.

Yet another dish that had me mesmerised was the Bubur Lambok (porridge). This simple dish was transformed with the addition of deep-fried beef lung and deep fried shallots. It was just fantastic. Having another bowl was not a problem for me.

There were a variety of dishes served - like the delicious Tauhu Bakar, a host of ulam, kerabu, local fruit and desserts. Executive Chef Tawfeeq Seow says more dishes will be showcased during the Ramadan period, such as Japanese, Western, Malay and Chinese Muslim cuisine.

He adds there will be a Ramadan Food Bazaar located at the al fresco area serving a variety of delicious food from 3pm to 10pm. Five stalls will be set up for this.

Treat yourself this Ramadan at Tonka Bean Café, from Aug 11 to Sept 9 at RM88++ per person and RM44++ per child (six-12 years old). Children below six get in for free.

By SIDNEY KAN, New Straits Times , 09 Aug 2010